Purchasing a metal detector for the first time can be a difficult process. Here you will find my own personal advice based on experience working with a few different metal detectors.

Metal Detectors for Beginners:

If you are a beginner in the world of metal detecting, I recommend the Garret Ace 250. This device is perfect for those doing basic coin and jewelery searches, it has a limited battery drain and excellent quality performance. It’s a better idea to go with the 250 version instead of the 150 due to the more advanced features and effectiveness even though it does cost a little more .

Metal Detectors for the Intermediate Level:

If you have been doing metal detecting searches for a while now and decided it is a good fit for you, then skip the mid-level detectors out there, instead choose a high-end metal detector and get more for you money. For everyday coin and jewelry hunting, my favorite is the Minelab Explorer Series. There are plenty of dedicated metal detector users that favor different manufactures’ models, but for me the explorers work very well in mineralization.

The Experienced Metal Detector

The Safari or the Explorer model are both good examples of high end metal detectors.

Metal Detectors for Water

The only detectors usually found at the beach are Minelab Excalibur and Whites PI and are both excellent units. For those fresh water enthusiasts, White’s Beach Hunter has gotten notice. In areas where there is an abundance of trash, some seekers will utilize a VLF device like the White’s Beach Hunter or the Minelab Excalibur due to their effectiveness in eliminating unwanted items.

Beach Hunting Specific Metal Detectors

Minelab Sovereign or Explorer are what I suggest. The Sovereign is excellent for this type of search because it has the ability to chest mount your controls and provides you a longer cable than most. Both of these advantages will allow you to wade into shallow water. Be aware however, that neither of these machines is submersible.

Metal Detectors Used for Nugget Hunting:

For vlf machines, the White’s Goldmaster 4b or GMT are the best. Their ease of use will make you fall involve with them, and it is fantastic at picking up the small bits of gold that you crave. A used Goldmaster metal detector will cost you mush less than a Eureka, but it is also a suitable device.

I hope this advice helps you choose a metal detector that you will be satisfied with.

More Minelab Metal Detectors Articles