Underground Metal Detector

Are you looking to buy an Underground Metal Detector? If so, you’re in the right place! Listed below are best Underground Metal Detector Categorized by experience, budget, and the type of target you want to hunt. Choosing Underground Metal Detector isn’t easy. With hundreds of machines on the market, each with different features and strengths, the choice can be overwhelming.

Even when you think you’ve found the right choice, there’s always the odd bad review that puts doubt in your mind.so, before I get to my top picks, let’s clear up a couple of important points.

With that out of the way, here’s a list of the best Underground Metal Detector By category.

What is Underground Metal Detector?

Underground Metal Detector is an electronic device that gives an audible or other signal when it is close to metal, used for example to search for buried objects.

How Do Underground Metal Detector Work?

Underground Metal Detector work by transmitting an electromagnetic field from the search coil into the ground. Any metal objects (targets) within the electromagnetic field will become energized and retransmit an electromagnetic field of their own. The detector’s search coil receives the retransmitted field and alerts the user by producing a target response. Underground Metal Detector are capable of discriminating between different target types and can be set to ignore unwanted targets.

1. Control Box

The control box contains the detector’s electronics. This is where the transmit signal is generated and the receive signal is processed and converted into a target response.

2. Search Coil

The detector’s search coil transmits the electromagnetic field into the ground and receives the return electromagnetic field from a target.

3. Transmit Electromagnetic Field (visual representation only – blue)

The transmit electromagnetic field energizes targets to enable them to be detected.

4. Target

A target is any metal object that can be detected by a metal detector. In this example, the detected target is treasure, which is a good (accepted) target.

5. Unwanted Target

Unwanted targets are generally ferrous (attracted to a magnet), such as nails, but can also be non-ferrous, such as bottle tops. If the metal detector is set to reject unwanted targets then a target response will not be produced for those targets.

6. Receive Electromagnetic Field (visual representation only – yellow)

The receive electromagnetic field is generated from energized targets and is received by the search coil.

7. Target Response (visual representation only – green)

When a good (accepted) target is detected the metal detector will produce an audible response, such as a beep or change in tone. Many detectors also provide a visual display of target information such as an ID number or 2 dimensional displays.

Types of Underground Metal Detector

There are three common types of detector: VLF, PI and MF. The right choice depends on your budget and goals.

• Very Low Frequency (VLF) Detectors

VLF detectors are probably the most common type. They are relatively cheap to make, so most Underground Metal Detector under $1000 are likely to use VLF technology. VLF detectors are also good at discriminating between different types of object.

A VLF Underground Metal Detector uses two coils to find metal in the ground. The transmitter coil creates a magnetic field, while the detector coil “listens” for magnetic fields created by targets (for more information check out our how detectors work page).

The main advantages of VLF Underground Metal Detector are that they are relatively lightweight, easy to use and don’t cost as much as other types. They are also excellent at detecting larger objects – although they are more affected by mineralization.

If you’re a beginner, a VLF Underground Metal Detector is probably the best choice.

• Pulse Induction (PI) Underground Metal Detector

PI Underground Metal Detector are often more expensive than VLF, but have several advantages for specialized hunting.

Unlike VLF, a PI Underground Metal Detector has a single coil that acts as both the receiver and transmitter. The technology is less affected by mineralization in the ground, which makes PI Underground Metal Detector Great for the beach.

The downside is that PI detectors don’t have the VLF’s ability to discriminate objects. This makes them unsuitable for urban areas, as they can’t filter out iron trash.

• Multi Frequency (MF) Detectors

As the name suggests, multi-frequency metal detectors can be set to more than one frequency. This makes them more versatile, so you can use them for both saltwater beach and general detecting without needing separate machines.

The downside is the price. Multi-frequency options are expensive – but they are probably the best choice if you can afford them.

Uses and Advantages of Metal Detectors

Pursuing of hobbies- such hobbies may include coin shooting activities, beach combing, and detection of buttons, bullets and exe heads.

Security screening – They are used in airports to screen passengers, checking bags in public places and in public events.

Food processing – They are used in food processing industries to detect fragments of metal so as to avoid food contamination.

Civil engineering – They are used in finding reinforcement bars inside the walls.

Top Features of Underground Metal Detector

Underground Metal Detector Has a range of features and settings. It’s important to understand how these affect the operation of Underground Metal Detector before you buy.

Ground Balance

All soil contains trace amounts of minerals and elements, which can interfere with a detector. A ground balance setting helps ignore these minerals to focus on relics, coins and other objects you want to find.

Underground Metal Detector Come with several variations of ground balance control. These include:

• Preset – The Underground Metal Detector has one (or more) ground balance setting that is preset by the manufacturer. These are fine for regions with low or medium mineralization, but can’t be adjusted for more difficult regions.
• Automatic – Modern Underground Metal Detector can often determine the mineralization of the soil automatically and adjust the ground balance without user input.
• Manual – A manual ground balance setting needs to be adjusted by the user depending on the soil type. While this requires a greater knowledge of the environment, it is useful if you want complete control. A manual ground balance is also important for gold prospecting.
• Multiple – Some Underground Metal Detector allow you to switch between manual and automatic modes depending on how much control you need.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity of a Underground Metal Detector provides a balance between its ability to detect an item at a certain depth and detecting interfering minerals.

It’s always best to run the highest sensitivity if you can, as this provides the greatest depth. You may need to lower the setting depending on the environment though.

Discrimination

In metal detecting, discrimination refers to a Underground Metal Detector’s ability to tell the difference between various objects.

More importantly, Underground Metal Detector with good discrimination is better at sorting trash from treasure. This can save a lot of time, as there are plenty of nails and other junk buried in soil.

You don’t always want discrimination though. If hunting for relics, for example, detectorists may decide to dig up all items as it’s impossible to know which are junk.

Frequency

The frequency of Underground Metal Detectors how often the circuitry switches the direction of current. This affects the depth and size of object the machine can detect.

Lower frequencies provide greater depth penetration. If you want to detect deeper objects, look for a Underground Metal Detector with a lower frequency – although be aware this makes the machine less sensitive to smaller targets.

Higher frequencies are most commonly used for gold or detecting smaller items. The higher the frequency, the shallower the maximum depth though. It’s worth mentioning that frequency isn’t the only factor that affects the search depth. Soil composition and the type of coil also play a role.

Most Underground Metal Detector Use a lower frequency to provide a greater depth. For specialist purposes, you may want to consider a higher frequency of multi-frequency option though.

Target Identification

Some Underground Metal Detector Can inform the user which type of target has been found. These Underground Metal Detector Adjust their audio or visual output depending on whether a potentially valuable item has been detected, or whether it is likely to be junk. As you can imagine, this feature can save a lot of time digging up unwanted items.

Reactivity

The reactivity is a measure of how quickly the Underground Metal Detector Recovers after responding to a target. A faster recovery time allows the machine to respond to multiple targets in a sweep, including those that are close to rejected targets. Some models, such as the XP Deus, allow you to adjust the reactivity. A higher reactivity setting allows the machine to pick out “good” targets when there is lots of iron trash in the environment. In easier environments, a lower reactivity provides a larger detecting range.

Screen

A screen can be a useful addition to a Underground Metal Detector– even though most experienced detectorists rely mainly on audio signals.

The information shown on a screen varies depending on the model. Examples include remaining battery run-time, sensitivity, discrimination settings and depth.

Not all modern Underground Metal Detector Have screens though. Many Tesoro detectors, for example, have adjustable dials rather than a digital display.

Coil Size

I mentioned earlier that coil size affects search depth. As a general rule, the larger the coil, the deeper you can search.

This doesn’t mean larger coils are always the better option though.

When a Underground Metal Detector searches deeper into the ground, the signal passes through more trace minerals and elements. This makes false signals more likely – particularly in ground with high mineralization levels –  and can mask smaller objects behind background static. The result is that you’ll need to turn down your sensitivity, which reduces the effective search depth.

Larger coils also make the Underground Metal Detector less maneuverable, heavier and provide poorer object separation.

On the upside, bigger coils are great for environments with low levels of mineralization. They are also faster when hunting over large areas.

Accessory Coils

When you’re first starting as a detectorist, the stock coil is probably all you need. You may want to consider buying some additional coils as you gain more experience though.

While larger coils are great for depth, having a smaller coil in your arsenal makes it easier to find smaller targets. It’s also useful to be able to switch to a small coil when hunting in tight areas or near metal fences.

Brand

Underground Metal Detector Are specialist equipment, so it’s best to buy from known brands with a proven history.

Some of the top Underground Metal Detector Brands include Tesoro, XP, Teknetics, Minelab, Fisher, Whites and Garrett. These brands also tend to have excellent customer support and training materials.

Budget – How Much Does a Metal Detector Cost?

The cost of a Underground Metal Detector Can vary widely. The cheapest options cost several hundred dollars, but still allow you to find hidden treasure with surprising efficiency.

How much should you spend though?

This depends on your experience, budget and what you want from Underground Metal Detector.

As you become more experienced, you’ll probably want more advanced features. When you get into the $600-$800 range there are some excellent VLF Underground Metal Detector available.

For more specialist hunting, such as saltwater or gold prospecting, a PI or multi-frequency Underground Metal Detector is likely to be the best choice. These cost more money though, so be prepared to spend $1000 or higher.

Accessories

Along with the Underground Metal Detector, you need to budget for the cost of extra accessories.

At the very least, you’ll need headphones with volume control, some durable gloves, coil covers, a detector bag and basic digging tools that are suitable for the environment you’re hunting.

While you don’t need to spend a fortune on kit if you’re a beginner, it’s worth avoiding the cheapest options. High-quality headphones, in particular, can make metal detecting more enjoyable. They can block out external noise and allow you to hear deeper relics and other targets. I also recommend Lesha digging tools.

Some Underground Metal Detector Includes accessories such as bags or even pinpoints. While these can help save money if you’re on a tight budget, they are often low-quality and included as a marketing tool rather than to provide quality accessories.

Buyers Guide: Important Points Needs to Consider

The features above are the main considerations when choosing a Underground Metal Detector, but there are a few other things to keep in mind. These include:

Detector Weight

The weight of Underground Metal Detector varies a lot. If you’re going to be using a detector for long periods, or if you have back or shoulder injuries, a lighter detector is much more comfortable to use. It’s also important to consider whether you’ll be sharing the Underground Metal Detector with anyone else. If your son or daughter is likely to use the machine, check that the Underground Metal Detector is light enough and the size can be adjusted.

Durability

Most modern Underground Metal Detector are able to withstand the odd bump or bash. This is another reason why it’s a good idea to buy from established brands, as their Underground Metal Detector tend to be more durable. If you think your detector is going to suffer more than most – perhaps if your children are going to be using it or you plan to take it on long journeys – then it’s worth paying a bit more for a highly durable machine.

Waterproof Vs Submersible

Most Underground Metal Detector has waterproof coils, so they can be used in shallow water. If you want to use a machine underwater, however, then you’ll need one that’s fully submersible. These models aren’t just for scuba diving though. If you plan to hunt in shallow beach water, a submersible option is essential to protect against unexpected waves.

Read Reviews

Manufacturer descriptions are great for getting an overview of a detector’s features – but they can’t be trusted to provide a true picture of the model’s performance. Instead, read reviews from a variety of sources, including our reviews and those left by buyers on shopping sites. Keep in mind that all Underground Metal Detector have the odd bad review, so don’t get put off by a few people who happened to buy the wrong model for their needs.

Warranty

An Underground Metal Detector can be an expensive investment, so it’s important to know how long the manufacturer’s warranty last. The average is around 2-4 years, although some brands offer longer or even lifetime warranties. Used Underground Metal Detector are usually not covered by warranties.

Conclusion

Choosing a Underground Metal Detector can be difficult – especially when you’re first getting started with the hobby. With a huge range of prices, features and terminology, the market for a Underground Metal Detector can be a confusing place.

The key is to choose a Underground Metal Detector that matches your experience, budget and requirements. Beginners should stick with entry-level models unless they have a specific reason not to do so, as they are cheaper and easier to use.