What Features Should I Look for When Buying a Metal Detector?

Metal detectors are used to find discarded, buried or lost metal material. They can also be used for security purposes to detect firearms or any potentially harmful metal object. However, not everybody knows what to look for when buying a metal detector and buying one that doesn’t fit your needs might actually do more harm than good. In this article, we’re going to give you some of the main features you should be looking for when buying a metal detector.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of a particular metal detector will have a direct influence on how deep it can detect metals and which type of metal it can find. For instance, a high frequency detector will work better when searching for metal on the surface and lighter pieces of metal. Lower frequency detectors can go much deeper and be used to find larger pieces of metal.

Different frequencies work better for different metals as well. If you’re searching for gold for instance, you should look for a unit that can go from 6kHz to 20kHz. The metal detector’s frequency should also be adjusted depending on factors like mineral composition of the soil, density and the presence of nearby power transformers.

Discrimination

Discrimination is a feature that allows metal detectors to differentiate between different types of metal. This is one of the things you should be looking for when checking best metal detector reviews. Discrimination may vary between models and a high quality metal detector should have a high discrimination level, so be aware of that before you buy a brand-new metal detector.

Calibration

Calibration, also commonly referred to as ground balance, allows the detector to account for the different metallic minerals that are present in the soil. Low calibration eventually means that the device will be more prone to interference. So, make sure you look for a unit with strong calibration.

Type of Technology

Before you pick a detector, it’s also important that you know which type of technology it uses. Metal detectors usually fall into 3 categories: VLF, PI and BFO detectors.

BFO detectors use the simplest technology. These types of detectors use an oscillator and two coils to emit a set frequency that will change when entering in contact with metal. These models are particularly prone to interference and are the ones recommended for beginners. They’re also much less expensive as well.

VLF, or very low frequency detectors are the most common types of detectors on the market today. These detectors work by picking up reflections after emitting a low frequency into the ground. With VLF detectors, you can adjust the magnetic field to pick up certain types of metals.

Pulse induction detectors, or PI, are the types of detectors more suited for treasure hunters looking for objects way below the surface. These detectors use a coil to receive and send a pulse that will allow it to locate how deep below the surface an object is. While these are usually the most expensive types of detectors on the market, they’re also the most sophisticated.

These are some of the most important features you should be looking for when buying a metal detector. Make sure that you do your research and look at as many models as you can before you make your final decision.