Metal Detecting Made Easy: Our Top Detector Recommendations for 2023

Well, I see your confusion – how to choose the best metal detector among those thousands models of already existing ones? How much it is ok to pay for it – 20, 100, 1000 or 5000 dollars? So, if you’ve decided to buy a metal detector but the problem is which one to choose – here you’ll get the answers to all your questions about metal detecting. This article will surely provide you with the most popular metal detector reviews both for beginners, amateurs and professionals. Here you’ll find out about downsides and advantages, technical characteristics, detecting features and peculiarities of modern metal detector models.

It is difficult to choose the best detector among the number of high quality ones. However, I feel that there is an optimal model (as for price-quality ratio) within each price bracket.

Best metal detectors by class

All metal detectors can be nominally divided into three classes: for beginners, semi-pro devices and those designed for professionals.

We’ll overview the most popular models. Starting from the simplest and moving to more complicated ones.

Best metal detectors for the beginners

So, you need an entry-level device if you speculate as follows:

I consider treasure hunting as insignificant, but interesting hobby to spend my weekend. It involves taking a nature hike, communication with fellow-thinkers and getting some positive emotions. Possibly I will go treasure hunting for about 5-6 times a season or seldom look for nickels, dimes and pennies in the fields around. The main task of my metal detector is just to to perform properly and find targets. I don’t want to make any complicated adjustments; I just want to get maximum of user-friendliness and simplicity from the device.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV – best cheap metal detector

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV review

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV — is a perfect device for those who know how to get the biggest bang for their buck. I’ve been rather leery of the device till I tested it. It’s best cheap metal detector with proven effectiveness. Is simple, but effective.

Yes, it is very simple, though it has quite a lot of fans for whom this metal detector became the first one in their practice. Yet I keep recommending another metal detector model made by the same company, but if its price exceeds your budget, you can get Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV without any doubts.

The device is cheap and at that it really works and can detect something – it’s not just another useless toy.

This metal detector is quite user-friendly; it has 3 operation modes (discrimination mode, tone discrimination and All-Metal mode), several settings and a screen with a needle indicator.

The device has automatic ground balance that allows working at highly mineralized soils. It is a multi-purpose metal detector which is suitable for any kind of soil and can be used on the beach since its 8″ concentric coil is water-resistant.

Tracker IV is light weighted and easy-to-use, so it won’t be a burden during a long journey. You can go treasure hunting with it and you won’t get tired.

The device has ¼” plug connection for headphones. It is powered by 2 batteries. Full charge is enough for 35 hours of continuous work.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV decidedly deserves attention. It is cheap, but at that it is capable of detecting something. It is an interesting option for beginners, though provided with a bit larger budget you can get much better metal detectors. Of course, this device won’t be considered as the one worth buying by experienced amateurs and professional diggers due to its minimal number of settings and characteristics.

Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Model	Bounty Hunter Tracker IV
Weight	2,98 lbs (1,35 kg)
Batteries	9v (2)
Headphones	No
Warranty	5 year
Operating Principle	VLF
Standard Searchcoil	8” weather resistant coil
Operating Frequencies (kHz)	6.6
Water resistance	Waterproof coil
Submersion Depth	No
Discrimination	2 discrimination levels
Ground Balance	Preset
Search Modes	3
Audio Threshold	No
Sensitivity/Depth Adjustments	No
Electronic Pinpointing	No
VDI (0 to 99 scale)	No
Build-in flashlight	No

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Minelab Vanquish – 4 models for everyone

Minelab Vanquish review

This device is a 2020 novelty in the world of metal detectors designed by Minelab. I’d recommend considering this product line.

Why?

First of all, I think so because this is the first metal detector in the world that uses a multi-frequency technology Multi-IQ and, at the same time, belongs to budgetary and medium price brackets. The technology ensures stable signal detection on any kind of soil (complex soils, sea beaches), and the target is detected through several frequencies at the same time.

Before Vanquish was designed, Multi-IQ was used only for expensive metal detectors.

Secondly, Vanquish belongs to a category of metal detectors that don’t require any special skills to use them (‘turn on the device and go’). They are easy to use, small-sized, and convenient.

Thirdly, there are four models in the product line. They vary from the inexpensive and simple one to the Pro version of the device that has two search coils.

Fourthly, Minelab is a renowned company that has a technical support department, offers warranty for its devices, and ensures high product quality.

In a word, if you are a beginner detectorist, I do advise you to take a closer look at this product line. The quality meets the price almost completely in case of this metal detector. Besides, you can select the device model that fits your budget. Just don’t buy the first model, since its functionality is significantly lower while the price isn’t that low. However, you are welcome to read about this in our detailed review.

Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Model	Minelab Vanquish 540
Weight	2.9lbs (1.3kg)
Length (Adjustable)	760 mm (30″) – 1450 mm (57″)
Batteries	Included, 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable
Headphones	Wired 3.5mm (1/8″)
Warranty	3 years
Operating Principle	VLF
Standard Searchcoil	V12 12″x9″ Double-D
Operating Frequencies (kHz)	Multi-IQ
Water resistance	Coil to 1m/3-feet
Submersion Depth	No
Search Modes	Coin, Relic, Jewellery, Custom, All Metal
Ground Balance	Auto
Audio Threshold	No
Sensitivity	10 levels
Electronic Pinpointing	Yes
VDI (0 to 99 scale)	Yes
Build-in flashlight	Monochrome LCD with red backlight

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Nokta Makro Simplex – best metal detector for the money

Nokta Makro Simplex review

This is another metal detector made in 2020, and this device is a good alternative to the Vanquish product line.

Nokta has been on the market not that long, but it designs metal detectors that can compete with the leading devices on the market, as well as they offer better functionality.

For example, you can compare the functions of this metal detector with those of all other devices given below. Or you can just trust me when I say that metal detector models designed about 3-5 years ago can’t compete with this device at all.

This is Nokta, who dramatically changes the metal detectors market, and even Minelab has to consider this.

Nokta Simplex is an easy-to-use device that will definitely be appreciated by beginner diggers. The metal detector has four pre-set search modes: All metal, Beach, Field, Park.

The device search coil is 11 inches large, and it provides a good response on any kind of soil due to the frequency shift function.

This device model is equipped with a 2300 mAh battery accumulator that provides continuous operation of the metal detector. Due to this, you don’t have to get any extra batteries.

The device package set also foresees and unit by means of which you can connect wireless headset to the metal detector.

The main difference between this device and Vanquish product line is that you can use this metal detector not only for beach hunting but for underwater one as well. The device is designed to have a waterproof shell that is submergible up to 10 feet (3 meters) deep.

The metal detector handle vibrates when the device detects a valuable target in the ground. Such a feature allows underwater treasure hunting without using a display and headphones.

To cut a long story short – are you a fan of beach hunting? This is a device for you. It won’t be a perfect one, but many metal detectors fail during beach hunting, especially on black sand. However, you won’t find anything better for this price.

Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Model	Nokta Simplex
Weight	2.9 lbs (1.3 kg)
Length (Adjustable)	25″ – 52″ (63 cm – 132 cm)
Batteries	2300mAh Lithium Polymer
Headphones	Wireless
Warranty	2 Years
Operating Principle	VLF
Standard Searchcoil	11″ (28cm) DD Waterproof
Operating Frequencies (kHz)	12
Water resistance	up to 10 feet (3 meters)
Search Modes	4 (All Metal / Field / Park /Beach)
Ground Balance	Auto, manual
Frequency Shift	Yes
Sensitivity	6 Levels
Electronic Pinpointing	Yes
VDI (0 to 99 scale)	Yes
Build-in flashlight	Yes

Beginner’s metal detectors comparison table

Model	Bounty Hunter Tracker	Minelab Vanquish 540	Nokta Simplex
Weight	2,98 lbs (1,35 kg)	2.9lbs (1.3kg)	2.9lbs (1.3 kg)
Length	Adjustable	760 mm (30″) – 1450 mm (57″)	25″ – 52″ (63 cm – 132 cm)
Batteries	9v (2)	Included, 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable	2300mAh Lithium Polymer
Headphones	No	Wired 3.5mm (1/8″)	Wireless
Warranty	5 year	3 years	2 Years
Operating Principle	VLF	VLF	VLF
Standard Searchcoil	8” weather resistant coil	V12 12″x9″ Double-D	11″ (28cm) DD Waterproof
Operating Frequencies	6.6	Multi-IQ	12
Water resistance	Waterproof coil	Coil to 1m/3-feet	up to 10 feet (3 meters)
Search Modes	3	Coin, Relic, Jewellery, Custom, All Metal	4 (All Metal / Field / Park / Beach)
Discrimination	2 discrimination levels	up to 25 discrimination segments	Yes, Notch Discrimination
Ground Balance	Preset	Auto	Auto, manual
Sensitivity	No	10 levels	6 Levels
Electronic Pinpointing	No	Yes	Yes
VDI (0 to 99 scale)	No	Yes	Yes
Build-in flashlight	No	Yes, Monochrome LCD	Yes

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Best amateur metal detectors

You require an MD of middle level if you speculate as follows:

I take seriously everything I do and I’ve got used to work with quality equipment. I’m a demanding user. At that I’m aware of the fact that this is a very exciting hobby, so I have free time and money for it. I’ll go treasure hunting quite often. However, I’m not completely keen on all this stuff, I’m just an ordinary man that likes good metal detectors and appreciates combination of reasonable price and corresponding properties of the goods I buy. Therefore, I’m buying a metal detector and expect I won’t have to buy another one soon if I want a more powerful device.

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Nokta Makro The Legend

Nokta Makro The Legend review

This is a modern metal detector (manufactured in 2022) that combines all search types in it, including underwater treasure hunting up to 3 meters deep. This device will do for beginners since the pre-set search modes (Park, Field, Beach, Goldfield) are quite well-adjusted, and they don’t require any deep knowledge of metal detecting basics.

A significant advantage of this metal detector is its ability to operate both using multi-frequency when all the frequencies work simultaneously and using a single frequency.

• 5 kHz
• 10 kHz
• 15 kHz
• 20 kHz
• 40 kHz
• Multifrequency (3 modes)

Also, we should mention that the device has wireless headphones included in its package set. They use Bluetooth technology.

Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Model	Nokta Makro The Legend
Operating Frequencies	Multi(3), 4kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 40kHz
Audio Frequencies	100Hz – 1200Hz Adjustable
Search Modes	4 (Park / Field / Beach / Gold Field)
Custom User Profiles	4
Audio Tones	60
Tone Volume	Yes
Tone Break	Yes
Tone Frequency	Yes
Adjustable Threshold	Yes
Notch Filter	Yes
Ground Balance	Automatic / Manual / Tracking
Pinpoint	Yes
Frequency Shift	Yes
Noise Cancellation	Yes
Vibration	Yes
Sensitivity Setting	30 Levels
Target ID	01-60
Search Coil	The Legend WHP: Waterproof DD Search Coil 28cm / 11″ (LG28) The Legend PRO PACK: Waterproof DD Search Coil 28cm / 11″ (LG28) Waterproof DD Search Coil 15cm / 6″ (LG15)
Display	Custom LCD
Backlight	Yes
LED Flashlight	Yes
Weight	1.4 kg (3.0lbs.) Including The Search Coil
Length	63cm – 132cm (25″ – 52″) Adjustable
Battery	5050mAh Lithium Polymer
Warranty	3 Years

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Garrett AT Max

Garrett AT Max review

It autumn 2017 new Garrett AT MAX appeared on the market – an amphibian metal detector which you can put under water up to 10 feet (3m) deep.

This new model combines all the best features of Garrett AT PRO and Garrett AT GOLD since this device continues the product line. Actually, it really is an AT PRO metal detector, but this is its improved and upgraded version.

What makes Garrett AT MAX different if compared with AT Pro:

1. Increased search depth
2. Built-in wireless Z-lynk unit — allows using new wireless headphones Garrett MS-3
3. Improved automatic ground balance function
4. Adjustable threshold
5. Backlight was added
6. Improved grip, it doesn’t slide and get worn out
7. Operation frequency 13.6 kHz

Garrett AT MAX is an amphibian metal detector and that’s why its headphones and coil connectors, control buttons and battery unit lid are protected from possible moisture ingress. Due to this you can easily go coin and jewelry hunting up to 3 meters deep under water. Rain, dust, dirt and even snow are not a problem at all for this metal detector.

The headphones use wireless Z-lynk technology – it has no transmission delay and it is several times faster than Bluetooth devices. Wireless headphones are not just convenient to use, but they also provide more accurate target response.

The device search depth was improved due to its power increase and using of improved electronic components. Therefore, even when you go metal detecting around popular treasure hunting sites, there are high chances that you’ll find valuable targets others have missed.

Optimized 13,6 kHz operation frequency ensures detecting even tiny objects including coins, relics and even gold nuggets, though the device isn’t classified as a specialized cold prospecting metal detector.

It is possible to shift the operation frequency that’s why interference from other devices or transmitting lines won’t affect the MD efficiency in any way.

The display has a backlight which will be very helpful when it’s dark. You can see all the info about your target on the device display including Target ID and 40-segments discrimination cursor.

Adjustable manual and automatic ground balance function allows treasure hunting on soils with high mineralization level and on saltwater beaches as well. Scalable threshold provides more precise information about the target found.

The shaft can be customized to user’s height; the MD weight 3.03 lbs (1.4 kgs) ensures long term treasure hunting without getting tired. A standard 8.5″ x 11″ DD coil comes in the device set. It can be used for fast area reconnaissance as well as for speedy metal detection process.

This is an upgraded device for beach hunting and common treasure hunting. It is waterproof, capable of working deep under water, it has high operation frequency to look for coins and jewelry – what else could be possibly needed? As for the device demerits, sadly, none of them have been reported yet, so we have no information about them. However, considering the manufacturers experience in designing all its previous MDs, this new device has no drawbacks and none will be found.

Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Model	Garrett AT Max
Weight	3.03 lbs (1.4 kgs)
Length (Adjustable)	43″ to 56″ (1.09m – 1.4m)
Batteries	4 AA
Headphones	Included, wireless
Warranty	2 year
Circuit Type	VLF
Standard Searchcoil	8.5″ x 11″ DD PROformance
Operating Frequencies (kHz)	13.6
Water resistance	Waterproof metal detector
Submersion Depth	up to 10 feet
Iron Discrimination Segments	44
Ground Balance	Manual
Search Modes	4 (all Pro Audio)
Audio Threshold	Yes
Sensitivity/Depth Adjustments	8
Electronic Pinpointing	Yes
VDI (0 to 99 scale)	Yes
Build-in flashlight	Yes
Enhanced Detection Depth	Yes
True All-Metal Mode	Yes
Auto Ground Balance Window	Yes
Iron Audio™ (Disc. Modes)	Yes
All Metal Iron Audio	Yes
Fast Recovery Speed	Yes
Target Depth Indicator	Yes
Battery Condition Indicator	Yes

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Minelab Equinox 800

Minelab Equinox 800 review

Minelab Equinox 800 is a multi-purpose metal detector meant for various types of treasure hunting. You can drown Equinox 800 into water up to 3m (10-feet). The device is equipped with three manufacturer’s programs for beach hunting as well as for working in fields and parks.

Minelab Equinox 800 can function both in multi-frequency and single-frequency mode.

When using multi-frequency mode (Multi-IQ), the device scans the ground using 5 frequencies simultaneously (5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz), which increases the search depth and excludes phantom signals occurrence as well as allows to conduct any type of treasure hunting.

800 version of Minelab Equinox has wireless headphones ML 80 in its set as well as an audio unit WM 08 with very low audio delay to connect wired headphones.

In addition, the device control has been completely changed. The manufacturer decided to go back of the complicated user menu and all device settings are now set by means of the main display using control buttons without going though all these sub-menu points.

Adjustment simplicity together with professional functions the device offers allow us recommending Minelab Equinox 800 for amateurs. Several operation frequencies is all that is needed for such a thorough search, that nothing is left behind you. Besides, the device is a multi-purpose one – you can use it for beach hunting as well as to search in fields or parks. At the same time its wireless headphones won’t get stuck in every bush you pass by.

Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Model	Minelab Equinox 800
Application	Coin, Relic, Jewellery & Beach
Technologies	Multi-IQ, Wi-Stream, Bluetooth
Weight	1.34 kg (2.96 lbs)
Length (Adjustable)	1440 mm (56.7″)
Batteries	In-built Lithium-ion
Headphones	Included, bluetooth and aptX™
Audio Output	In-built loudspeaker, 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones
Warranty	3 years
Operating Principle	VLF
Standard Searchcoil	11-inch Double-D
Operating Frequencies (kHz)	Multi, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40
Water resistance	Waterproof
Submersion Depth	up to 3m/10-feet
Visual Display	Monochrome LCD with backlight
Noise Cancel	Yes
USB Connectivity	Yes (Windows and OSX)
Ground Balance	Auto, Manual
Search Modes	Park, Beach, Field, Gold
Discrimination	50 segment (Ferrous: -9 – 0, Non-ferrous: 1 – 40)
Custom Search Profiles	8 (2 per Detect Mode)
Noise Cancel	Auto, Manual (-9 to 9)
Audio Threshold	Yes
Sensitivity	1-25
Target Volume	0–25
Threshold Level	0–25
Threshold Pitch	0–25
Target Tones	1, 2, 5, 50
Electronic Pinpointing	Yes
VDI (0 to 99 scale)	Yes
LCD Backlight	Yes

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Best professional metal detectors

You require the most modern metal detector if you speculate as follows:

I am a professional and whatever I do I try to do it diligently. I can afford buying a really high quality MD. Treasure hunting is a super hobby which I’m obsessed with and this is my lifestyle! I spend (or I will spend) a lot of time traveling for treasure hunting and a metal detector for me is the most crucial device just like a gun for a true hunter. Each additional inch of the depth as well as are essential to me!

XP Deus

XP Deus review

A professional metal detector XP Deus coil is made using modern wireless connection technology. The control unit, head-phones and the coil of XP Deus are connected with each other by means of wireless technology.

This is a huge convenience when searching – no wires, they don’t cling to anything and you aren’t afraid to tear the wire from the coil, which sometimes happens with other devices. XP Deus has outstanding search characteristics. At rather sufficient depth it separates the targets rather clearly.

The device can identify even the smallest coin next to hand-made nail. You can change the frequencies along the way by adjusting the device for deep and superficial search and even the smallest targets missed by other devices will be found.

To work in complicated conditions of highly mineralized soil use the ground balancing function that can be set in several modes (tracing, superficial search and manual adjustment).

The device uses one of 4 frequencies (4 kHz, 8 kHz, 12 kHz, 18 kHz), which provides to define targets of different size at the device depth limit with high precision. Though they don’t work simultaneously – its only one frequency of the four possible chosen by the user.

XP Deus – is a very interesting detector and you decidedly should buy it, if you have a chance. The device requires serious and thoughtful approach. The device has lots of features all you need is to learn how to use them properly. All these unique characteristics make XP Deus the best professional metal detector nowadays. Taking into account the perfect quality of the materials and assembly ( made in France) this device leaves its rivals far behind.

Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

	XP Deus 1
Weight
Total detector weight with batteries	975g (875g without remote control)
Stem weight	455 g
Remote weight with battery	100 g
Headphone weight with battery	86 g (WS4), 255 g (WS5)
Coil weight	345 g with coil cover
Length
Stem	Fully telescopic, S-shaped
Length of folded stem	58 cm
Length of extended stem	130 cm
Coils
Wireless coils	Coil X35 22.5 cm – 9”; Coil X35 28 cm – 11”; Coil X35 34 x 28 cm – 13” x 11”; HF Coil 22.5 cm – 9″; HF coil elliptical 24 x 13 cm – 10” x 5″
Temperature
Operating T°	0 to + 40°C
Max ambient T° during charging	0 to + 40°C
Recommended storage T°	25°C
Waterproofness
Coil	IP 68 – 20m – 66 ft
Wireless Headphones optional	WS5 (rainproof) – WS4 (rainproof)
Batteries
Batteries	3 x Lithium ion polymer 630 mA (830mA HF coils)
Battery level indicator	Yes: Remote control / Headphones / Coils / MI-6
Wireless Remote Control battery life	19 hours
Wireless Headphone battery life	22 hours
Wireless Coil battery life	15 hours on average depending frequency
Mains power charger	Yes – rapid and simultaneous charging of all 3 elements. Input 100-200V 50/60Hz, Output 5V 1A
Charging time	Coil: 2h 15 , Headphones/Remote control: 3h
Features
Software updates	Yes, by USB/Internet connection
Hip mount remote control case	Yes
Headphones storage case	Yes
Warranty	Five years parts and labor. Batteries, chargers and connectors have a 2 year warranty
Settings
Detection frequencies	4 – 8 – 12 – 18 – 25 kHz + shifts ( X35 coils); 15 – 30 – 50 or 80 kHz + shifts (depending HF coils)
Sensitivity	99 levels
Sound type	PWM
Audio Volume	Yes on wireless headphones
Reactivity	6 levels
Audio Response	7 levels
Iron Volume	6 levels
Multi Tones	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Full tones, Pitch,+ Expert
Ground balance	Tracking, Pumping, Manual, Wet beach
Multi-Notch	Yes, with adjustable window width
Pinpoint	Yes, audio and visual
Discrimination	audio and visual
Threshold	Threshold and Audio frequency adjustable
Equalizer	No
Programs	10 + 8 customizable programs
Backlight	Yes, very low power consumption
Display screen	8192 pixels

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XP Deus II – best all round metal detector

XP Deus II review

Nowadays it is the best metal detector on the market. XP Deus 3 has accumulated all the best groundwork made by XP during all these years.

XP Deus II is a metal detector designed in 2022 that is one of the best multipurpose metal detectors nowadays. It is fast both for ground and underwater metal detecting, with FMF ® technology (fast multifrequency technology), extra lightweight (it weighs just 800 grams), the device is mobile and completely wireless: its control unit, search coil, headset, connection with a pinpointer are wireless. This is the best metal detector model designed by XP.

The most important about this novelty is its own technology, FMF – Fast Multi Frequency. This means the ability of the device operation simultaneously using a multifrequency from 4 to 45 kHz. At that, the frequencies in multi-frequency mode will be selected according to the device operation mode selected.

While XP Deus predecessor was good in many ways but not for beach hunting, XP Deus II can be used not only for beach hunting but the device also can be submerged up to 20 meters deep!

For underwater treasure hunting, there was designed a bone conduction headset that allows for hearing the weakest signals. Vibration mode was also added to the headset features.

Moreover, XP Deus II is a multifrequency device that efficiently searches both large-sized targets and small gold nuggets for which it has a special program, «Goldfield»

XP Deus II is as light weight as possible (it weighs 815 g max), which means that the device is very convenient in use. Since we all know how hard it is to sweep with any other device and then your hand starts aching. Now these issues are settled and you can enjoy using this metal detector.

Deus II is quickly assembled and dismantled and at that there is no chance of loosing or breakage of any device’s components. The metal detector has embedded batteries with at least 2 years term of service and then you should replace them with new ones. The batteries high capacity ensures very long service term without recharging.

XP Deus II can be considered the most light-weighted, ergonomic, and multipurpose metal detector with the highest efficiency when searching for any targets under any conditions. It is obvious that here we have a really new device, not just a veiled upgrade of the previous device model.

Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Weight
Total detector weight with batteries	750-815 g
Stem weight	370 g (S-Telescopic) – 305 g (S-Telescopic lite)
Remote weight with battery	150 g
Headphone weight with battery	WS6: 82 g – WSA II: 72 g – WSA II XL: 250 g
Coil weight	22.5 (9’’) – 345 g; 28 cm (11’) – 470 g; 34×28 cm (13’’x11’’) – 570 g
Length
Stem	Fully telescopic, S-shaped
Length of folded stem	58 cm
Length of extended stem	130 cm
Coils
Wireless coils	DD 22.5cm-9’’/28 cm-11’’/34x28cm-13’’x11’’ (fully waterproof 20m – 66 ft)
Temperature
Operating T°	0 to + 40°C
Max ambient T° during charging	0 to + 40°C
Recommended storage T°	25°C
Waterproofness
Coil	IP 68 – 20m – 66 ft
Bone conduction headphones	Waterproof IP68 – 20m – 66 ft (optional)
Wireless Headphones optional	WS6 (rainproof) – WSAII (rainproof) – WSAII XL (IP 68-1m)
Batteries
Batteries	Remote/Coil: 700 mAh – Headphones: 320 mAh
Battery level indicator	Yes: Remote/Headphones/Coil/MI-6
Wireless Remote Control battery life	~ 15 to 30H depending on audio output activated
Wireless Headphone battery life	~ 15H WSAII/WS6
Wireless Coil battery life	8H to 20H depending on programs and frequencies
Mains power charger	Depending on version, Input 100-220V 50/60Hz, Output 5V- 1A max
Charging time	~3 h
Features
Software updates	Yes, by USB/Internet connection
Hip mount remote control case	Yes
Headphones storage case	Yes (WS6, WSA II)
Warranty	Five years parts and labor. Batteries, chargers and connectors have a 2 year warranty
Settings
Detection frequencies	Simultaneous Multi Frequency or between the 49 single frequencies from 4 to 45 kHz
Sensitivity	99 levels
Sound type	Different sound options: PWM, SQUARE
Audio Volume	10 levels for each audio output
Reactivity	9 levels (0/0.5/1/1.5/2/2.5/3/4/5)
Audio Response	8 levels
Iron Volume	6 levels
Multi Tones	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Pitch and Full Tones 1 and 2 + EXPERT modes
Ground balance	Tracking, Grab, Manual
Multi-Notch	Yes, with adjustable window width
Pinpoint	Yes, with and without Autotune – Audio and visual
Discrimination	Audio and visual/ferrous bottle cap rejection on 5 levels/Silencer
Threshold	Threshold and Audio frequency adjustable
Equalizer	4 Bands configurable
Programs	12 factory programs + 12 users
Backlight	20 levels adjustable, very low power consumption

Minelab CTX 3030 – best multi frequency metal detector

Minelab CTX 3030 review

Minelab CTX 3030 is designed for relics hunting at any weather conditions and on any soil type as well as underwater (up to 10 feet deep). This metal detector has the newest equipment even for nowadays. This device is the only one that has GPS unit integrated with Google Maps.

This is the first time when a color LCD-display was installed on Minelab metal detector. The image on the display can be clearly seen even if the sun is shining brightly.

The improved multi-frequency FBS2 technology has become more efficient. The metal detector performs searching at 28 frequencies simultaneously in the range from 1,5 to 100 kHz. This gives an ability to work on highly mineralized soils, where one-frequency metal detectors are useless. Due to this technology the device shows sufficient results both for small and large targets; it maintains the same searching depth even on complex soils.

The upgraded technology of target identification – Smart Find 2 — now the target is detected not only according to its conductivity, but its inductivity as well. This allows more precise defining of the target type (non-ferrous or ferrous metal), its size and depth. Now apart from displaying the object, when moving the coil above it the image gets animated.

The device ranges targets found according two parameters: iron content and conductivity. CTX 3030 user can set discrimination masks – this way the metal detector will find only targets with these set conductivity and iron content values.

The device has 10 search modes: 5 modes have pre-set ground balance and Fe-Co settings.

• Mode 1 — coins;
• Mode 2 — beach;
• Mode 3 — relics;
• Mode 4 — silver;
• Mode 5 — high level of litter

All these make the device very easy-to-use for those who see it for the first time. The user can choose the appropriate mode and start treasure hunting straight away.

As for modes 6, 7, 8 and 9, 10 – these are for professionals and they can be adjusted as it is required. For example, you can set the device response, target separation, sea water level (for beach hunting) and salt level (for soils), litter level and lots more. In case if the result of your manual adjustment doesn’t satisfy you and you don’t remember the initial settings, you can roll them back to manufacturer’s default ones.

This metal detector has two adjustment modes:

Manual. A user manually adjusts the device to operate where the soil is uniform and this provides hunting at maximum depth.

Automatic mode — is used to adjust the device automatically when hunting on complex soils where searching conditions vary.

If we could compare this metal detector with a car model, then CTX would be a Mercedes. It is the symbol of comfort, high quality standards, functionality and status. Other cars will just take you from point A to point B. There are people who will be quite happy with it though. However, some of them are all about exclusiveness and first class service. CTX metal detector is exactly for these people, for those who can afford it. The device’s functionality allows conducting search in any conditions, detecting both small and large targets and ignore metal-containing rubbish. Minelab CTX 3030 is for those who are seriously keen on treasure hunting and who can afford buying a metal detector of luxury class.

Last update on 2023-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Model	CTX 3030
Application	Coin, Relic, Jewellery & Beach
Technology	FBS 2, Smartfind 2, GPSi, Wi-Stream
Waterproof	Waterproof to 3m/10-feet
Frequency	Multiple frequencies: 1.5 – 100kHz
Coil (standard)	11-inch waterproof Double-D smart coil
Audio Output	Built-in speaker, standard ¼-inch non-waterproof socket, custom waterproof socket
Headphones Supplied	KOSS UR30 (100 ohm) supplied with detector (non-waterproof)
Visual Display	Full colour LCD with backlight and adjustable brightness (1–10)
Backlight	Yes
USB Connectivity	USB interface for XChange 2 PC software
Memory	Settings saved automatically while detecting and remain until changed or reset
Depth Indication	Accurate gauge active in normal detecting and Pinpoint mode
Detect Modes	10 fully customisable, including 5 preset (Coins, Beach, Relic, Silver & High Trash)
Discrimination	Smartfind 2TM 2 dimensional colour discrimination
Timings	No
Audio Tone	Customisable Tone ID Profiles
Audio Type	Normal, Long, Smooth & Pitch Hold
Ground Balance	Auto Compensation and Auto Ground Balance
Ground Balance Type
Pinpoint	2 modes: normal and sizing
Sensitivity	Auto and Manual (1–30)
Noise Cancel	Manual & Automatic (11 channels)
Threshold	Level adjustment (1–50), Pitch adjustment (1–30)
Target Volume Adjust	1-30
Battery	Li-ion pack with fast charger. 12 V car adapter supplied with Standard Pack only
Low battery alert	Audio & visual indication
Length	Min 37 in. (940 mm) – Max 55.3 in. (1405 mm)
Weight	5.20 lbs (2.36 kgs) including Li-ion battery pack
Warranty	3 years control box & coil

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Besides all above mentioned in our metal detectors guide we have answers to the following frequently asked questions:

• What kind of metal detector performs best?
• What is the best metal detector for a beginner?
• What is the best metal detector for gold?
• What is the most important when searching for treasures?
• How deep a metal detector can detect?
• Who makes the metal detector?
• What is discrimination about?
• What does depth of detection influence on?
• What is ground balance for?
• What is the best metal detector for the beach?
• In what way does a pinpoint function make treasure hunters’ job easier?
• What is an MD detection rate and what parameters it affects?
• How do mono and DD coil differ and which is better?

Who makes the metal detector?

Despite the fact that the market is saturated with all kinds of metal detector models, there are just several main rivals and they produce about 80% of all devices. More about brands – here.

The most common pitfalls

An expensive device is always better than a cheap one. It is true to some extent, but there are some exceptions as usual. The price of expensive MDs is quite often high at the account of some additional functions and settings, which won’t ever be used by beginners.

Therefore, you’ll pay for the functions you actually don’t need. Even most of experienced metal detector users confess that though they have expensive devices, they hardly ever use all their potential.

Another important factor is that, for instance, for the device that costs $1500 and the one priced $400 the depth of detection of a coin can be just 4-5 inches different! Since, indeed, 90% of all metal detector findings are located within the reach of any name-brand detector of entry-level (a spit deep).

In case of a hoard of gold coins – due to its large size it can also be detected by any cheap device.

Expensive metal detectors should be bought after giving this issue your careful consideration. Only if you do need their additional functions and sensitivity. Inexpensive brand-name devices perform within their main sensitivity range the same as their highly priced rivals.

Disregard the device design completely. As for any metal detector – its audio tone is important, not the display. The latter just helps you to get used to the device at first. Most of experienced diggers work with their head-phones on and very rarely they look at the display. Audio information is of more importance when conducting some detection.

The main thing about using a metal detector is experience!

Far more depends on the user: on the place he has chosen, how attentive the user is and again – his experience. During some joint searching competitions those with the simplest and cheapest devices used to find not less, than those using expensive ones. Attentiveness is the case here, the ability to “hear” your device and choose a proper place for searching.

A cheap metal detector doesn’t mean a bad one. Any inexpensive device is something in the middle between just toys and professional devices with additional functions and settings.

Such a device has everything that is necessary for successful treasure hunting: sufficient detection depth, discrimination and several audio tones to define the target. So called “happy medium” devices are those that cost from $300 to $600 as a rule.

The devices which price is less than $100 can be used just for fun.

Main features of a metal detector

When a beginner digger (and sometimes even an experienced one) opens a list of detector characteristics he gets lost in dozens of names and terms. Below you may find the main and most important ones and get the idea of how they work.

Discrimination

This allows a metal detector sense only some specific kind of metal. Do you have any idea how much iron-containing rubbish can be found in the ground? Foil from cigarette packs, aluminum beverage cans, bottle caps – if you have a metal detector that responses to all of these it’ll just add some blind-alley job for the user.

Once you’ve adjusted the discriminator you can skip all the rubbish and concentrate on treasure hunting – notching only for gold, or copper, nickel, silver and so on.

Another big obstacle for a metal detector user is lots of ferrous materials, which are of no use for a treasure hunter unless you’ve decided to clean the ground from metal rubbish. To prevent the device from sensing the rubbish you need the discrimination. This way you can aim all your efforts to search the objects that are of more interest to you – coins, gold nuggets, jewelry.

In the majority of devices the discrimination is selective – you can exclude gold from the search range, but leave nickel there (modern coins are made of copper and nickel alloy).

Due to the discriminator the user’s task gets easier, therefore you should pay attention to this point when choosing a metal detector to buy. The more programs the discriminator has the easier it is to operate your MD.

You won’t have to dig every time you get the device response, which sufficiently saves your time and efforts.

Depth of searching

This is what influences how deep your metal detector can “see”. The depth of searching depends on the target size – the larger it is, the deeper it can be “seen”. For example, the average depth of detection performed by modern professional MD with a standard 10” coil for stand alone coins is about 12 inches, for a treasure of army helmet size – is about 3 feet, for a larger target the depth is up to 5 feet.

You can increase the depth of detection by installing a coil of larger diameter, for instance, 15 or 18”. This allows improving the depth of searching by 30-35%. At that it should be taken into account that such increase of the depth is possible only when using multi-frequency metal detectors.

In case of inexpensive devices this value will be not more than 10-20% due to the false alarms from the ground which have increased once the coil diameter has been changed. Single frequency metal detectors deal with the soil disturbance less efficiently, than those multi-frequency ones.

Usually we search for treasures and coins in the ground full of different disturbances that prevent electromagnetic signal from passing from the device coil into the ground. Such disturbances and unwanted signals share one common term: soil disturbance.

The less is soil disturbance level, the deeper metal detector can “see”. There are light-textured soils such as black soil, peatbog, sand. Soils with high disturbance level are the following: salty wet sand, soils with ceramic, burned clay and bricks inclusions as well as with corroded metal fragments and oxides. Mountainous ground, clay loam, clay, alkaline soil should also be considered as soils with high level of disturbance.

Target identification

A metal detector automatically defines a type of the target found and you get the info on LCD display or by means of sound indication. Many MD models are equipped with an identification scale that has icons/pictograms symbolizing a target type – for example, a coin, gold or relics.

Sound identification is a multi-tonal one – each height of pitch corresponds to an object with different conductivity. This function is irreplaceable for underwater metal detectors, since they don’t have a display and the identification process is performed only by means of audio signals.

Ground balance

This function will be very handy when using the device on soils with high level of disturbance, complex and alkaline soils. However, any kind of soil always contains some percentage of minerals in it, which may give false alarms to a user. Especially the ground balance function is useful when searching for gold, because it is known to be found specifically in complex soils.

Searching along salt water beach, firing ground, alkaline soils and under other complex conditions is performed much easier if your device has a ground balance function.

It can be of 3 types – preset ground balancing feature, auto or manually adjustable one. Let’s look at each of them in details.

Fixed ground balancing feature

This is when your metal detector has its ground balance adjusted by the manufacturing company in one set position and it can’t be changed. This is a very rough adjustment that works for the majority of soils.

The device with such settings performs consistently on any ground, however at that it comes short of searching depth, if compared to the devices with auto or manually adjustable ground balancing features. Nevertheless, a merit of fixed ground balancing is that an unexperienced user can easily operate such a device.

A downside is that it’s impossible to adjust the device to some certain soil conditions and, therefore, no high productivity should be expected, because the device just doesn’t have proper searching depth and sensitivity.

Auto ground balancing

This feature allows the device to sense levels of the soil mineralization and automatically adjust accordingly. The user should just perform some simple operations with a coil, which will take just 10-20 seconds. The device microprocessor gets a signal from the ground and automatically adjusts the detector to work at this very area of search.

Experienced diggers are aware that in some areas the ground characteristics may change quite frequently and therefore you have to adjust the device each time you change the location. This should also be done is case you see some instability in the device performance.

The professionals advise even if your metal detector works consistently and you haven’t changed the location of your searching, yet you should adjust ground balance at least once in two hours. This will only improve the searching process. Another benefit of auto ground balancing feature is that it’s fault free.

Though, the drawback is that fine adjustment is impossible to do to improve the device performance.

Manual ground balance is different because the user itself decides is any adjustment is required. The process is similar to auto ground balance adjustment, however, the user has to define the soil mineralization level on his own using the data provided by the device.

To do this one has to know a lot and be rather experienced treasure hunter. Furthermore, when the adjustment was done wrongly the searching result will be zero and, on contrast, professionally performed ground balancing allows obtaining the best result.

Pinpoint

Static mode pinpointer ensured precise target detection. This feature of a metal detector essentially increases the convenience when using the device and decreases the time required to dig the target out. Most of valuable finds are small sized (coins, rings, jewelry). For example, if a small coin is somewhere in a peace of dug out ground the pinpointer will show where exactly you should look for your find.

Earlier, when metal detectors didn’t have a pinpoint feature the target location was defined by so called “cross method” – the user swings the coil lengthwise and perpendicularly and the point where the responses intersect is considered the target location. The pinpoint function has simplified the process significantly.

Nowadays, you just have to turn the function on and slowly move the device over the estimated target location area and you’ll get the precise location (you’ll hear the loudest audio signal and it’ll also be indicated on the metal detector display). In pinpointer mode the depth of the target location is shown as well.

Frequencies and their values

Amateur one frequency metal detectors depending on their frequency are adjusted to search just for large or small targets. Their high frequency of 18 kHz allows detecting small objects of several ounces size. However, a high frequency signal faster attenuates in the ground, that’s why the searching depth is a bit less. Low frequency of 3 kHz makes detecting of small objects less sufficient, although the electromagnetic signal penetrates deeper into the ground and the searching depth becomes larger correspondingly.

Therefore, first you walk around the area with a coil that has high operation frequency and then with low frequency coil. As a result, there are no missed findings.

The number of functions and user-friendly design of a metal detector

These are very important characteristics to be taken into account when choosing an MD. Quite often the beginners tend to buy a professional metal detector at once. In this case you have to keep in mind that mastering an expensive professional device may take weeks or even months.

Such detectors have a large number of features and if some mistakes are made when adjusting them the searching depth may be even less, than that of entry-level devices. That’s why an inexpensive metal detector is the best choice for those, who are just beginners in treasure hunting.

Such device requires minimum adjustment. The most important is to learn the technology of using a metal detector.

Metal detector with damp proof coil

Most of metal detectors have a damp proof coil that can be used for searching soundings. However, you shouldn’t let the control unit get wet. There are special cases to prevent this. As for the professional metal detectors, they are completely damp proof and usually they are designed to perform searching both on land and in water.

Coils

Modern metal detector search coils differ in their size and design. There are Mono (or so called concentric coils) and DoubleD coils. The main difference between DD and Mono coils is their signal format, which dramatically effects searching quality and focus.

Until recently, mono coils were those that came in a metal detector set. They have cone-shaped signal that is more suitable for pinpoint search or working on some contaminated land. However, such signal type captures small area of ground and the coil sweep for each step has to overlap at least the half of the previous sweep.

Thus, the beam diameter of 9 inch coil decreases two folds when getting 4 inches deep. It is advisable to apply mono coils after several targets were detected. This will allow reducing the amount of digging and getting clearer idea of the possible object hidden.

With the advent of DoubleD coils the efficiency of searching has improved several-fold. The metal detectors produced recently are equipped with exactly this type of coils. They got their name due to mirroring location of receiving and transmitting loops that resemble letter “D”.

DD coils signal is a blade-shaped search field, that ensures uniform scanning of the surface under the coil. This type of coil is perfectly suitable for working on soils with high mineralization and for scanning large land areas. Moreover, the difference between DD and mono coil isn’t the only parameter that can be used to improve your searching results.

To perform efficient instrumental search one has to take into account the coil size as well, since it may vary from 4 to 20 inches (if necessary you can find coils twice as large). Small coil size allows not only to scan some hard-to-reach places, but also to minimize the influence of soil disturbance.

When scanning using standard frequencies and a small coil you can detect even the tiniest objects and define precisely the material of the objects next to them. Though, quite frequent sweeping with the search coil and small depth are considered as drawbacks of these coils.

Middle sized coils (from 8 to 12 inches large) are believed to be more multi-purpose ones. They may be used to detect wide range of targets. As for the coils larger than 13 inches – there will do for deep search of large objects and at that they quite often miss smaller objects.

This is due to the necessity to analyze large amount of soil when small objects are treated as a part of soil disturbance.