Choosing the Best Metal Detectors for Complete Beginners

Before we start with the main discussion, I would first like to clarify the difference between “complete beginners” from individuals who wants to give metal detecting hobby a “try”. 

When speaking of complete beginners, these are individuals who has confirmed for themselves that metal detecting is the right hobby for them. 

Thus, they want to look for the appropriate equipment that is suitable on their current level of metal detecting skill. 

As for those individuals who simply wants to give this hobby a try, any kind of cheap metal detector will work just fine for them.

If you are the type of person who wants to give metal detecting hobby a try, then I highly recommend buying a cheap metal detector ranging from $25 to $50 only. 

However, you have to make sure that you are not buying a toy designed for children to play. It is also best to choose products manufactured by the top or popular brands. 

I have seen some several cheap metal detectors from the Amazon with prices below $50 which are under the brand names of Bounty Hunter, Fisher and etc...

On the other hand, if you are the person who has finally confirmed that metal detecting is the right hobby for yourself then you might want to invest some amount of money for your equipment. 

You should go for metal detectors ranging from $300 to $600. And just like what I stated above, it is always best to choose only those that are manufactured by popular brands. 

But if you are really on a very tight budget, there are still a few and reliable metal detectors that are ranging from $100 to $200 only.

So what exactly is the best metal detector for complete beginners?

The answer into this question is dependent on the four following aspects:

1. Hunting Locations

Metal detectors are actually designed to work perfectly on certain specific locations. When speaking about locations, we are specifically referring to the components of the ground. 

Thus, there are MDs (Metal Detectors) the works well on the sand but not on the soil or vice-versa.

When it comes to soil on the ground, not all areas are equal in terms of their “mineralization”. This means that there are different areas with low and high contents of iron. 

MDs that are designed for amateurs will work just fine when used on the ground with low iron content. But, it will either have a hard time or it will not perform well on areas with high content of iron.

Ground areas with high iron contents are more commonly referred as “high mineralization” or “hot ground”. Only those skilled hobbyist with more sophisticated equipment are capable of detecting objects buried on these areas. 

So if you are a complete beginner, it is advisable to avoid such areas because it is most likely that you will end up just wasting your time. Anyway, there are some very expensive MDs that are designed for complete beginners which can penetrate through hot grounds. 

If you have the money to buy such expensive tool then you may disregard this aspect about hunting locations.

If you intend to hunt on the beach on your amateur MD, it is actually best to detect only on the dry areas. 

The reason is that, the water on the beach is salty which has similar negative feedback as the iron. Thus, you have to avoid the wet sands.

Speaking about “negative feedback”, your MD will generate a lot of false signals. When you dig any of those false signals, there is nothing that can be found because the components of the ground is the one responsible for it. 

This experience can be very disappointing that some beginners will even end up quitting on this hobby. Thus, the lesson here is to use your equipment to its appropriate ground environment.

2. Objects that you want to hunt

Before you have decided to engage into the hobby of metal detecting, you should have already set your sight on a certain target object. 

These can be old coins, gold nuggets, relics and etc… You have to know that MDs are designed for specific purposes.

Majority of MDs that are available in the market today are those that are designed to detect coins, jewelries, relics and all sorts of metallic objects buried in shallow depths. 

The depth can be from 12 inches to 1 feet.

If your intention is to find gold flakes, you will be needing a more specialized MD. These MDs operates at a very high frequencies which makes them very effective in detecting small particles of gold. 

However, the depth of penetration for these machines are very shallow ranging from 6 to 12 inches only.

When it comes to MDs with the deepest penetration, they are more commonly referred as two-box detectors, scanners and ground penetrating radars. 

These equipment are being used by treasure hunters who are seeking for large piles of treasures buried deeply under the ground. 

The penetrating range of depth that these machine can reach is incredibly from 10 meters to 30 meters. Some of the more advance machines can even detect way past more than the 30 meters limit.

3. The Range of your Budget

Your budget plays an important role when choosing the best metal detector that is right for you. We have to admit the fact that the price of a certain product is what really dictates its quality. 

So if possible, it is best to save some of your money until you can purchase one of those high-end models of MDs.

Second-hands that are high-end models are also good MDs to buy. If you are so lucky enough then you may be able to purchase the item for half of its market price value. 

Although, the risk here is that the item might have unnoticeable damage perhaps due to the previous owner’s mishandling.

4. Are you a techy individual or not?

If you are a techy individual then there is no problem for you operating any metal detectors especially those that are sophistically designed. 

But if you are not, it is best for you to choose MDs with “User-Friendly” features. MDs that are equipped with user-friendly features have built-in programs that will automatically adjust the equipment to its most desirable settings. 

Thus, all you have to do is to turn ON the power and you are good to go. When you are done, just turn it OFF. That’s how simple it is to use.