Metal Detector Beginners
Do you want to learn how to get into metal detecting?
If you are a beginner and you have been researching the best entry level metal detectors you know that there is a lot of information available and it can all become very confusing.
We have done the research for you and have made it easier for you to find the best metal detector for beginners.
Keep reading for a short description of the metal detectors we cover.
Which are then followed by “how to choose the best beginner metal detector for you”.
This is then followed by the best beginner metal detectors in order of our top picks, with an in depth description of their features.
Below is a List of the Top 10 Best Metal Detectors for Beginners:
Check out our list of the best metal detectors for beginners.
Selecting the best starter metal detector for you comes down to your own individual preferences.
When choosing your detector, take into account all of the features, not just the price.
Always do your research and read the metal detector reviews for the models that are interested in.
1. Tesoro Silver uMax
The Tesoro Silver uMax is an entry level detector which is part of the Tesoro Silver Sabre series. This series has had many changes over the years and have made numerous improvements that make the machine better and easier to use.
It has several search options to choose from, so there is a larger learning curve than some of the other models.
The search coil is waterproof, but the control box is not.
2. Bounty Hunter Tracker IV
The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is great for beginners. It is easy to use and affordable. It does have some additional features like a headphone jack, preset ground balance and 3 search modes.
Only the search coil is waterproof.
3. Garrett AT Pro
This model is a little pricey, but it is waterproof and has extra features that help with metal detecting.
The audio tones may be a little difficult to get used to at first, but once you figure them out they make hunting much easier. It can find small treasures up to 9” in depth. It also features manual and automatic ground balancing.
4. Tesoro Compadre
The Tesoro Compadre is one of the best metal detectors for beginners. It is easy to use, lightweight and affordable. This detector is very durable and can take more wear and tear than some of the other models.
With this model, you can choose between the 5.75” coil or the 8” coil. If you choose the 8” coil take into consideration the extra weight that it is going to add.
5. Fisher F22
The Fisher F-22 is a good starter metal detector. The extra features and capacities will allow you to learn more about the metal detecting hobby without causing you to become completely overwhelmed.
The detector weighs around 4 pounds so it should be easy to maneuver for adults. If you are looking into purchasing this model for a child make sure that they will be able to handle the extra weight.
6. Fisher F75 LTD
The Fisher F75 LTD is a top of the line metal detector. It has many features so there is a large learning curve.
This best metal detector for beginners can detect small coin-size objects up to 16” underground and large objects up to several feet underground. It requires 4 AA batteries.
7. Garrett Ace 300
The Garret Ace 300 is one of the best metal detectors for beginners as well as mid-level users. It has an easy to read LCD screen and is equipped with a headphone jack, tone identification and is adjustable from 42’ to 51.”
8. Teknetics Digitek
This best metal detector for beginners is comparable to professional metal detectors. It has numerous features so you will need a little time to learn how to use it to its fullest potential. It has a colourful appearance and is marketed towards teenagers.
It has a waterproof search coil, but the control box is not waterproof.
9. Teknetics Eurotek Pro
This best metal detector for beginners is easy to use and has a “Turn-On-And-Go” feature. It is a multi-tone detector with adjustable variable discrimination. It has several features that are not available in other machines in the same price range.
You can choose from the 8” search coil or the 11” DD search coil. The 11” coil allows for target separation and better performance.
10. Minelab X-Terra 305
Minelab is a highly respected name in the metal detecting field and many adults choose to use their equipment. The X-Terra 305 lives up to the Minelab name. They may cost a little more than other brands, but they are of high quality.
The Minelab beginner metal detector has several features, so it has a slight learning curve.
Things to Considering Before Making Your Final Decision
The best metal detectors for beginners are not all made the same. Each brand and model offers different features. Before you make your final decision make sure to take into consideration the following:
• What Type of Treasure are You Looking For?
Most of the best metal detectors for beginners are all-purpose. This means that they are able to detect coins, jewellery, gold and relics. If you are hunting for lost treasures that are deeper than normal ranges you will need to purchase a detector that has a higher frequency and tighter coils than average detectors. These types of detectors have a higher price tag.
• Experience of Use
Since you are looking for the best metal detector for beginners you probably have little to no experience with a metal detector. When you first learn the hobby you want to make sure that you buy one that is easy to use and doesn’t have too big of a learning curve.
• Your Budget
Purchasing a beginner metal detector is an investment. Know ahead of time how much you are willing to spend. Don’t purchase the most expensive detector or the least expensive. But do purchase one that will work well and you will use.
• Length of the Metal Detector
Most detectors are adjustable in length. Make sure that the one that you purchase is going to be the correct length for you. Having one that is too short will cause you to bend over and hurt your back, and if it’s too long it will be difficult to handle.
• Where Will You Be Using It
If you are planning to take your new metal detector to the beach make sure you purchase the best metal detector for beginners that is waterproof. Most detectors are not waterproof or only have a waterproof coil.
• How Often Are You Going To Use It?
If you are planning on using your new metal detector quite often you should plan on spending a little more money for a higher-quality model. You will want to purchase one of the best metal detectors for beginners. Once you start learning the hobby of metal detecting you will begin to understand how important some of the extra features are. If you are regularly hunting you will begin to get discouraged with lower end models and you will quickly want to replace it.
The Best Metal Detectors for Beginners Ranked Best to Worst
We have broken down some of the important specifications that are needed when you are considering purchasing the best metal detector for beginners. By learning the metal detecting basics can will begin to understand the terminology. We have also included beginner metal detector reviews.
The Garrett Ace 300 is very easy to operate and great for beginners and mid-level users. It is a high-quality machine that is dependable as well as affordable. The 300 is the replacement for the 250 that was discontinued.
The interface has been simplified so that it isn’t overwhelming. It has a digital target ID which allows for accurate and quick target identification.
The Garret Ace 300 is perfect for finding coins, jewellery and relics. It has 5 search modes that allow you to limit your focus to certain types of metal.
This best metal detector for beginners is equipped with a headphone jack so you use headphones to block out surrounding noises. It also allows for depth and discrimination control. It is equipped with a large 7”x10” search coil that can locate items buried up to 10” deep. It requires 4 AA batteries.
Features:
2.8 lbs
3 Tone Audio Identification
7” x 10” Waterproof Search Coil
Preset Ground Balance
Adjustable Length
Sensitivity Adjustment
LCD Screen
Average Price – $254.95
The Tenetics Digitek is a high-quality beginner metal detector that can stand up to professional metal detectors. The cost is very reasonable and is in the lower price range for the best metal detector for beginners.
The Teknetics Digitek metal detector if great for finding coins, silver and gold. It has features that can be found on expensive detectors that allow for more advanced searching options. Since this detector is a little more advanced there will be a small learning curve.
This beginner metal detector is more colourful than other models. If you are wanting a detector that’s muted in colour this may not be the machine for you. The Teknetics Digitek detector is aimed more at teenagers which is why they are more colourful in nature.
The coil head on this machine is waterproof. This is great if you are searching in shallow water, but if you are planning on hunting in deeper water this machine will not work. The control box is not waterproof and can be easily damaged if it gets wet.
It is able to detect coins up to 8” in depth and larger objects up to 2’ in depth. It requires 2 9V batteries.
Features include:
Weight – 2.3 lbs.
3 Tone Audio Authentication
7” Water Resistant Search Coil
Preset Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Adjustable Length
Sensitivity Adjustment
Pinpoint Mode
Target Depth Indicator
LCD Screen
Padded Armrest
Average Price – $149.00
The X-Terra 305 beginner metal detector is a high-quality model. It has more advanced options that some of the other models. Once you learn the ins and out of metal detecting you will appreciate these extra features.
It is very easy to use and is not overly complicated. The Minelab X-Terra 305 has two features that are exclusive to this model, the coil-dependent operating frequencies and the multi-tone audio targeting function. It also has pinpoint mode and a depth indicator.
This best metal detector for beginners model can find items that are buried up to 10” deep. It requires 4AA batteries to operate.
Features Include:
True Digital VFLEX Technology
2 Preset Patterns
Chose between 1, 2 or 3tone IDs
Depth Indicator
Rapid Recovery Pinpoint
Ground Balance with Manual Adjustment
Threshold Adjustment
Target Volume Adjust
LCD Screen
Depending on the Head it May Be Waterproof
Average Price – $259.00
The Tesoro Compadre is a great choice when looking for the best metal detector for beginners. It is a high-performance machine that was designed with the less is more approach, but it can still keep up with more expensive machines. It is powerful, lightweight, easy to use and is able to locate metals without all the fancy knobs.
The all-metal and discrimination modes of the Tesoro Compadre make searching much easier. It only has one dial, so there shouldn’t be much confusion when using it. The further you move the knob the more junk you will be able to pass over.
On this best metal detector for beginners model, there are two different size search head coils to choose from. There is a 5.75” and an 8.” Both coils are waterproof, but the control box is not. It only requires one 9V battery to operate.
Features:
Weight – 2 lbs.
1-Tone
8” Waterproof Search Coil
Preset Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Adjustable Length
Sensitivity Adjustment
Average Price – $189.00
The Garrett AT Pro is a great beginner metal detector that is also waterproof. It is easy to use and comes with a large range of features, so there will be a learning curve.
Its appearance is striking and is all black. The audio feature allows you to know what you found before you begin digging.
The Garrett AT Pro is pricey, but is one of the best metal detectors for beginners. If you plan on purchasing this machine be certain that you are going to use it for years to come.
It is adjustable in length for better comfort during use. It can locate small items up to 9” in depth. It requires 4 AA batteries.
Features:
3 lbs
3 Tone Audio Identification
8.5” x 11” Waterproof Search Coil
Adjustable Length
Discriminative
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
Graphic Target Identification
Average Price – $552.45
The Fisher F75 LTD is a high-end metal detector. There are a lot of features so there is a large learning curve. It weighs 3 lbs. so it is a little heavier than other models.
If you are planning on purchasing this detector you will be making a large investment. It is worth the money if you will be using it a lot.
This best metal detector for beginners can detect small coin-size objects up to 16” underground and large objects up to several feet underground. It requires 4 AA batteries.
Features:
3 lbs
Multiple Audio Identification
5” and 11” Waterproof Search Coils
Headphone Jack
Manual or Auto Ground Balance
Adjustable Length
All-Metal and Discriminate Operating Mode
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
LCD Screen
Average Price – $699.99
7. Fisher22
The Fisher 22 is a good beginner metal detector that is of professional quality. This model feature extra features that some other models do not have so there will be a small learning curve, but it is very easy to use.
The Fisher 22 is in the midrange price for one of the best metal detectors for beginners. It is waterproof but it was not designed to work underwater. However, it can be used in the rain and on damp grass.
The Fisher 22 is equipped with 10 levels of sensitivity. Adjusting the sensitivity will allow you to lessen the amount of feedback that you are receiving. This will help you find items easier.
It is designed to find objects buried up to 9” underground. The display will give you a general idea on the depth of the object by the use of notches. 1 notch is 3”, 2 notches is 6” and 3 notches is 6” plus. It requires 2 AA batteries to work.
Features:
Weight – 2.3 lbs.
Audio Identification
9” Search Coil
Preset Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Adjustable Length
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
LCD Screen
Average Price – $219.00
This best metal detector for beginners is an entry-level machine with a cult following. It is lightweight and is easy to use. It is part of the Tesoro Silver Sabre series that has made many changes over the years to improve its design as well as its functionality.
This full-featured best metal detector for beginners gives you many options to choose from. If you don’t have any previous experience using a metal detector this may make it difficult to learn.
The model includes silent search discriminate mode and all-metal mode. These will help you skip over trash while finding more valuable items.
For small items, the detector can search up to 6-7” deep. It requires 1-9V battery to work.
Features Include:
Weight – 2.25 lbs
1 Tone Audio Identification
8” Waterproof Search Coil
Preset Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Adjustable Length
Sensitivity Adjustment
Average Price – $249.99
This best metal detector for beginners is easy to use and has 2 waterproof search coil options. You can choose from the 8” coil or the 11” DD coil. The 11” coil allows for better target separation and enhanced performance.
The machine is easy to use and has a “Turn-On-And-Go” feature so you can get started quickly. It is a multi-tone detector with adjustable variable discrimination. It has several features that are not available in other machines in the same price range.
It has 10 levels of sensitivity. Changing the sensitivity level will allow you to get rid of interference. Once the machine finds an object the depth is displayed on the LCD screen. The depth is displayed by notches. One notch is 2.5” deep, two notches is 3” deep, and so on. This machine can detect an object up to 8” deep. It requires 1 – 9V Battery to operate.
Features Include:
Weight – 2.5 lbs
3 Tone Audio Identification
8” or 11”DD Waterproof Search Coil
Preset Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Adjustable Length
Sensitivity Adjustment
Pinpoint Mode
LCD Screen
Average Price – 8” $219.00 / 11” $299.00
The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is on our list of best metal detectors for beginners. It is a basic level detector that is very affordable. It is adjustable in length and is lightweight. There aren’t any complex settings, so there is little to no learning curve. Just turn it on and start searching.
The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is at the top of the best metal detector for beginners list when it comes to price. For only $99.99 you can’t beat it.
It weighs over 4 lbs so it might be a little hard for some to maneuver. The extra weight can also tire you out faster
This model does allow for sensitivity and discrimination and is very easy to set up. It can find small buried objects that are buried up to 8” in depth. It requires 2 – 9V batteries.
Features Include:
Weight 4.2 lbs.
2 Audio Tones
8” Waterproof Coil
Automatic Ground Balance
Sensitivity Adjustment
Coin Depth Meter
Pinpoint Mode
Adjustable Length
Average Price – $99.99