Rating of the best metal detectors for 2020

The metal detector is a tool familiar to many adventurers and tricky cases. He is also often shown in films. Most often, a metal detector is presented as a long stick with a round disc at one end and a screen at the other. In books and films, it is used to search for gold or treasures.

Everything in life is much more prosaic. The metal detector is used by builders in the reconstruction of old houses. With its help, it is possible to detect pipes, electrical cables. The tool is also used by the military, divers, archaeologists to search for various objects. Entertainment for the sake of it too. There are as many purposes as there are types of devices. Because of this variety, it's not easy to figure out which metal detector is best to buy.

Device and principle of operation

Do not bother with engineering terms and diagrams. A metal detector is a tricky thing. But there are several parts that are present in each model. These include:

• Coil. The same round disc (also elliptical), which is usually made of plastic. It contains the signal receiver and transmitter.
• The lower rod is metal. The purpose of this part is to fix and adjust the angle of the coil. In some models, the length of the rod is changed, thereby selecting the optimal height of the metal detector. A cable runs along the bayonet from the coil to the control unit.
• S-shaped upper part which is equipped with armrest, control unit and handle.

On some models, there is a middle shaft between the lower and upper shaft. This part has mechanisms for adjusting the height of the device.

The armrest made of polymer material makes it easier to work with the metal detector. For the same purpose, as well as for a secure hold, the device is equipped with a handle made of porous material. The task of the control unit is to process the information supplied by the coil. Through it, the user can configure the modes. The control unit is of two types:

• fixed;
• removable.

Modern popular models of metal detectors are distinguished by their reliability, compactness and excellent performance.

To find what you are looking for faster, you need to understand how the device works. The metal detector can detect both moving and non-moving objects at different depths. It happens as follows:

1. Electromagnetic waves are sent from the coil to the external environment (earth, water, walls of a building, the organism of a living being).
2. Objects made of metal and other material that are in the area of ​​their action create their own electromagnetic radiation.
3. The receiver records signals, eliminates false ones and processes the data.
4. The user receives a sign of the find in the form of a sound or image.

The accuracy of a metal detector depends on its functionality. An amateur model, assembled in his father's garage, will find a rusty plow in the field. But a professional tool is capable of much greater feats. Advanced models come with VFLEX technology, so they better recognize objects.

Classification and features

One has only to start looking on the Internet or in traditional stores, so you can come across a metal detector for finding gold, distinguishing metals or designed to detect specific objects. And these are not all types of the device.

But before delving into specialization and certainly making mistakes when choosing, it is worth learning about the three main types of device.

• For beginners. Usually, devices of this type are budgetary, and intuition will help to manage the settings, and not a long instruction manual. They have a maximum of two operating frequencies, a minimum set of functions. Therefore, people of all ages can handle the device. Cons - it will not be possible to find something significant with their help, the depth of the objects is determined approximately.
• Semi-professional. Also inexpensive metal detectors, but more intricate. To be useful, experience with such devices is needed. The device has either several search engines often or it is multi-frequency. The device is ideal for searching for coins, as it perfectly recognizes silver, copper and bronze items.
• Professional. The models are distinguished by their high price and advanced features. The user receives comprehensive information about the find. To do this, the device emits a sound, sends a picture with dimensions and depth. The metal detector is equipped with additional fixtures and accessories. Tuning - manual or automatic. It can be bought not only for the beach, but also for fields, forests, or to search for jewelry among scrap metal.

When accuracy of detection is of paramount importance, a pinpointer is used. The tool is a "shovel" or "rod". He determines at what depth the object is located with an accuracy of 1-2 cm. But his strength is not enough for a large area, so the coverage is small. Exactly the opposite is true for a metal detector of traditional design. It "sweeps" a large area, but the accuracy is about 20-30 cm.

By the principle of work

What to look for when buying a metal detector is its specificity of action. As expected, each variety has its own strengths and weaknesses.

1. "Reception-transmission". The simplest option, in which one coil (search) catches signals, and the second (transmitting) - transmits electromagnetic signals. Advantages - easy control and search for different metals. Disadvantages - the coil also detects salts and minerals well in the ground.
2. The induction type is a subspecies of the first type. The only difference is that there is one coil that sends and receives signals.
3. Pulse (PI). Its base is a coil that creates eddy currents. The return signal comes in the form of pulses. Soil mineralization is not a hindrance to such a device. It consumes a lot of electricity and has low discrimination. The latter will become a hindrance when working in one type of metal.
4. Generator, which often targets a specific type of metal. The method of detecting objects is different for different models. This can be fixing the beat frequency, signaling and measuring voltage, changing the quality factor of the object contour.

A professional metal detector detects several types of metals and is equipped with different search methods.

By appointment

New items constantly appear on sale.Manufacturers are trying to improve the device, make it more accurate and even easier to use. But do not rush to find out which company is better to believe and how much the model costs. First, you need to understand what this or that type is suitable for.

• ground is used for scrap metal, jewelry, coins and other treasures;
• underwater is aimed at divers who prowl in search of artifacts and treasures;
• deep is used when you need to find a large object at great depth;
• The security guard often accompanies security personnel, it is they who are guided along the human body, looking for metal objects in his clothes and on the body;
• artisanal is invented for finding gold in different environments.

For the military, a special metal detector has been developed that looks for mines. There is also an industrial grade that is used to detect metal in other materials. A separate type is a magnetometer. His task is to find iron and other ferromagnetic metals.

Rating of the best metal detectors for 2020

You can argue for a long time how to choose a tool, and finally get confused in the range. When there is too much information, it remains to look at the rating of high-quality metal detectors, where a device will be found for a specific task, or two or three at once.

For newbies

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV

American developers have come up with a metal detector that is both easy to use and useful when looking for treasures. This device is perfect for a beginner! With it, you will be able to find small objects (for example, coins) at a depth of 20 cm or large objects hidden 1 m below the ground.

The device is often copied. The Chinese counterpart costs two or even three times cheaper. The novice treasure hunter will quickly master the assembly and management. When going into the field, you should bring extra batteries with you. The tool is quite hardy, but it cannot work forever. Therefore, shrunken food is the main nuisance that lies in wait for the user.

• light weight (1.36 kg);
• coil protected from water;
• high quality;
• dial indicator;
• there is a headphone output;

• detects objects only at shallow depths.

Average price: 7 790 rubles.

Garett ACE 250

A soil device with simple and convenient operation and stylish design. This is "what the doctor ordered" for the novice treasure hunter. It has 6 modes, built-in speaker and ground balance. Items are detected using digital technology. Information and commands are shown on displays.

• small size;
• easy;
• clear operation.

• at a shallow depth will not find treasure;
• should be reliably protected from moisture.

Average price: 19,700 rubles.

Fisher F-22

The device with increased sensitivity is equipped with ground balancing and electronic detection system. It belongs to the tools for beginners and is suitable for occasional searches for valuables. There are only three standard programs and the fourth one, which combines user settings.

• searches for jewelry, gold and ferrous / non-ferrous metal items;
• built-in speaker and headphone jack;
• weighs little.

• it can be difficult to identify the detected metal.

Average price: 20 450 rubles.

Average by price

White`s Coinmaster

Despite the price, the device is powerful and easy to operate. It is equipped with an efficient microprocessor. Information is displayed on a small LCD screen. But the information is readable. Two Krona batteries are enough for 20 hours of operation.

• budgetary;
• there is a signal about a discharged battery;
• 5-step discrimination.

• designed for searching at shallow depths.

Average price: 12 054 rubles.

MineLab X-Terra 305

Inexpensive, but extremely functional device that can easily find small objects. Even on difficult terrain thanks to the settings. Its coils are high-frequency. Unwanted objects are discarded using a 12-tone discrimination scale.

• useful functions;
• high frequency coils;
• works for a long time without interruption.

• you should be careful about the coil attachment.

Average price: 20,780 rubles.

Garett ACE 350 Euro - with good discriminant

The model is equipped with a more advanced search detector PROFormance DD 8.5 × 11 inches. The detection rate is 8.5 kHz. Power supply - 4 AA batteries. Search programs five, customizable discrimination.

The sound in three tones: for iron - low, for gold and other not very conductive non-ferrous metals - medium, for silver and copper the device produces a high sound, similar to a bell. You can start working with a metal detector by taking it out of the box.

• reliable;
• finds objects at great depth;
• simple control;
• Includes a black backpack.

• not found.

Average price: 23 950 rubles.

For professionals

Fisher F75

The flagship of the Fisher company, which is distinguished by stable operation, thoughtfulness to the smallest detail. With it you can find coins, jewelry and many antiques. It will work autonomously for up to 30 hours. The design is ergonomic: the armrest is aluminum, it can be adjusted to fit the arm. Weight - 1.6 kg. The detection frequency is 13 kHz. DD coils make searching the beach easy.

The VLF instrument has two search programs (All Metal Motion and Discrim). When you select the second one, additional modes are opened (universal, fast response, treasure hunting, jewelry, bottle caps).

• convenient operation;
• useful and varied functionality;
• finds objects at great depths;
• there is a sound and volume level setting;
• good discriminant.

• the coil is not protected;
• extra noise is present.

Average price: 37,950 rubles.

White`s TM 808 4 m - maximum detection depth

A legend among metal detectors that falls slightly short of a professional tool. It is used by builders, prospectors, treasure hunters and geologists. The device will detect metals at a depth of 6 meters.

The device is equipped with two search boxes. Since it operates at low frequencies, it is ineffective in wetlands. The detection rate is 12.5 kHz. In the device, you can manually adjust the ground balance, sensitivity level. With them, you will be able to explore a large area at an accelerated pace. The search for metals is performed in a statistical and dynamic mode.

• compact;
• easy;
• productive;
• finds objects at great depths.

• not the cheapest.

Average price: 54,250 rubles.

MineLab E-Tac

The standard device is always chosen by coin hunters. The instrument is endowed with 4 modes, multi-frequency transmission (from 1.5 kHz -100 kHz). It differs in simple operation, but due to its heavy weight, it will not be possible to explore the territory for a long time with it.

• accurate identification;
• there is a USB connection;
• the ability to save user settings.

• scans items slowly.

Average price: 68,241 rubles.

Best underwater

MineLab Excalibur II

The device is waterproof and works up to 65 meters. The devices are painted with fluorescent paint, so they can be distinguished even in silted depths.

The device provides 17 frequencies from 1.5 to 25 kHz. The signal of the find is transmitted to waterproof headphones. There is an automatic sensitivity setting and a manual one. The volume, like the threshold tone, is adjustable. You can turn on the statistical mode or pinpointer to accurately determine the location of the object. It is hardly suitable for a beginner, since it requires ingenuity to assemble. The instruction is an awesome assistant, since there is no sequence in it, but a ready-made device is supplied.

• there is ground balancing;
• there is a pinpointer;
• ergonomic;
• with discrimination against metals;
• with adjustable sensitivity.

• expensive.

Average price: 76 161 rubles

Nokta & Makro Anfibio Multi

The device will find many valuable items without making the owner nervous. Even at great depths. He is able to work up to 18 hours continuously.

• light weight;
• sealed;
• durable battery.

• not found.

Average price: 47,100 rubles.

Makro Multi Kruzer

A unit that searches equally well both under water and on land. The maximum detection depth is 1.2 meters with three frequencies. Information is displayed in Russian. The charge will last for 19 hours of continuous searches.

• 6 programs;
• there is vibration;
• the acoustic signal is turned off.

• underwater, you will have to do without headphones.

Average price: 42,000 rubles.

The best soil

Teknetics Eurotek

Russian veteran in the world of treasure hunting, which is designed for beginners. For users with many years of experience, the model will seem boring. The manufacturer also offers another Alpha 2000 model with adjustable search depth.

The detection rate is 7.1 kHz. The screen is not overloaded with indicators, and control is carried out by only 5 buttons. Operating time from alkaline 9-volt battery - 20-25 hours. Salt batteries are categorically not suitable, as well as powerful cells. Coil protectors will have to be purchased separately. If you plug in headphones, the volume control will stop working. To avoid embarrassment, you need headphones with a hardware volume control.

• ergonomic;
• reliable case;
• works well;
• easy control.

• no pinpointer.

Average price: 12 750 rubles.

XP Deus

The most advanced device in which the coil and control unit are connected "by air". Four detection frequencies (4, 8, 12 and 18 kHz), excellent audible indication. Despite the variety of factory programs, you can add your own.

• light weight (977 g);
• USB connector;
• many ground balancing settings.

• headphones are not suitable for everyone.

Average price: 51,000 rubles.

AKA Signum MFT 7272M

One of the few Russian-made devices that will give a head start to foreign ones. Detection frequency (1 kHz to 30 kHz). Each parameter can be adjusted almost infinitely precisely. Available with S-bar and straight bar.

• flexible frequency setting;
• excellent selectivity;
• the case is reliably protected from dust and moisture.

• not found.

Average price: 50,000 rubles.

Best Chinese

TIANXUN (TX 850)

A metal detector with increased sensitivity quickly gives a signal when a metal is found. LCD display - monochrome, control - 5 buttons plus ground balance. The detection frequency is 19 kHz.

There are only 2 search programs - All Metal and Threshold. There are no repair services for the device in Russia, of course, but the malfunction can be easily eliminated by an experienced electronics master. Most often, users complain about a cable break and moisture ingress into the control unit.

It is very easy to order it from Aliexpress, but it is important to choose a seller with positive reviews.

• convenient;
• nice design;
• there is a backlight;
• there is a pinpointer;
• two headphone inputs (3.55 mm and 6.31 mm).

• there is no translation of the instruction into Russian.

Average price: 9 440 rubles.

JinYinBiTan

A cheap device that copes well with the task assigned to it. If you don’t require a lot and difficult. It is suitable for those who are just discovering the world of treasure hunting and do not have large sums of money.

• clear management;
• reliable protection against moisture at the tip;
• price.

• if 30% charge remains, the information becomes inaccurate.

Average price: 2,500 rubles.

Smart Sensor

An electronic device that can be used to find gold coins, silver items, and other metal objects. The height can be adjusted to suit yourself. Noise canceling headphones included.

• there is lighting;
• you can adjust the sensitivity;
• works at great depths.

• does not withstand intensive use for a long time.

Average price: 9,000 rubles.

Selection criteria - highlights

It is not enough to find a metal detector suitable for the price! He should be useful, at least help in finding treasures in his own area.What the purpose of the device will be depends largely on its functions.

First of all, you should pay attention to the coil, which is found in budget mono or DoubleD models - in more advanced ones. The maximum detection depth directly depends on its diameter. The parameter ranges from 9 to 12 inches.

How accurately an object will be identified depends on discrimination. The device operates at either one or more frequencies. How often to choose devices depends on what you want to find.

1. 6-8 kHz - coins, items of the war period.
2. 3-5 kHz - large metal parts at medium to deep depth
3. 14-20 kHz - small metal objects at a shallow depth.
4. from 20 kHz and above - for nuggets and extra small objects.

The device must have ground balancing to determine the degree of soil contamination and its structure.

Weight, control box placement, digital detection or built-in speaker are also worth considering when choosing.

For gold prospecting it should be used with ZVT technology. The RF device is designed for deep search. FBS technology implies the simultaneous use of 28 frequencies in the range from 5 kHz to 100 kHz.

The best metal detector manufacturers are Fisher, MineLab, Garrett, Whites and Aka. The popularity of the models of these brands is due to the high quality and good performance, even if it is an inexpensive device. Whether it is a construction device or a small amateur device, you need to choose the unit that will bring pleasure, and will not be gathering dust in the closet.