Treasure hunting is an exciting and adventurous hobby. It involves finding lost or buried items using specialist tools such as metal detectors. With the rise of the metal detecting industry, there is no shortage of metal detectors available in the market, and it can be overwhelming to decide on the best metal detector to buy. That’s why we’ve done the research and put together a guide on the pros and cons of the most popular metal detectors on the market.
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV – Most Affordable
Pros: The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is one of the most affordable and popular metal detectors currently available. This detector boasts a lightweight design, making it easy to carry around. It is also very user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Cons: The low price point does come with some trade-offs. The detector is not as advanced as some pricier models and lacks some of the features that more experienced metal detectors may be looking for. Despite these drawbacks, the Bounty Hunter TK4 is a reliable option for those who want an affordable metal detector that gets the job done.
Minelab Equinox 800 – Highest Performing
Pros: The Minelab Equinox 800 is one of the highest-performing metal detectors in the market, with multi-frequency technology and 15 sensing levels. It is versatile and suitable for use on different terrains, including saltwater and freshwater. Its sleek design and lightweight make it easy to use for long hours. It has a user-friendly interface and a long battery life.
Cons: With a high price tag, the Minelab Equinox 800 ranks as one of the most expensive detectors in the market. It may also have a bit of a learning curve for beginners who are not used to its advanced settings.
Garrett ACE 300 – Best Mid-Range Detector
Pros: The Garrett ACE 300 is one of the best mid-range detectors available in the market. It is affordable compared to other high-performing detectors and is user-friendly, making it an excellent choice for beginner treasure hunters. The ACE 300 also has a lightweight, ergonomic design that provides comfort and ease of use when exploring.
Cons: Although it has adjustable sensitivity levels, it may not perform as well in saltwater environments. Additionally, the machine’s armrest and stem may be somewhat flimsy and may not withstand constant usage.
Fisher F22 – Best for Beginners
Pros: The Fisher F22 is an entry-level machine suitable for beginners. It has a waterproof search coil, a large digital display, and an adjustable sensitivity level. It is easy to use and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for children and casual hobbyists.
Cons: The Fisher F22 may not perform as well in highly mineralized soil or saltwater environments. It also has fewer features than the higher-performing detectors, but it gets the job done.
Nokta Makro Simplex+ – Most Affordable With Advanced Features
Pros: The Nokta Makro Simplex+ is one of the most affordable detectors, considering its advanced features. It has a built-in waterproof design, adjustable sensitivity levels, and is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater environments. It also has an ergonomic design with a large display screen, making it easy to operate with gloves.
Cons: The Simplex+ has a shorter battery life than some of the higher-end metal detectors, which can be inconvenient if you plan on long hunting sessions.
If you’re just starting in the hobby, it might be tempting to buy the cheapest detector in the market. However, investing in the right metal detector is crucial for an enjoyable, successful, and safe treasure-hunting experience.
The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is the most affordable option but lacks advanced features.
The Minelab Equinox 800 offers uncompromising performance but comes at a high price.
The Garrett ACE 300 offers mid-range performance and an affordable price for beginner treasure hunters.
The Fisher F22 offers the necessary features and affordability, making it an excellent starter machine for children and hobbyists.
The Nokta Makro Simplex+ offers advanced features at an affordable price point.
Consider your budget, the type of terrain you’ll be exploring, and what features you need, and choose the best metal detector that suits your needs and interests!