Which Metal Detector Suits You? Explaining Types of Metal Detectors with Pros and Cons

Published: 14 Sep 2024

There are multiple types of metal detectors available in the market. Therefore, it is always tricky to choose the metal detector that suits your needs, without having detailed knowledge about them. Each detector is designed for specific purposes, and knowing their pros and cons can help you decide which one to buy. Whether you are into treasure hunting, security, or archaeology, understanding the different types will make your search easier and more successful. Let’s explore the options to find the best metal detector for you!

Types of Metal Detectors

types of metal detectors

There are several types of metal detectors, each designed for specific purposes. Let’s explore the most common ones:

1. Very Low Frequency (VLF) Detectors

VLF metal detectors are very famous among treasure hunters. They are especially preferred due to their ability to distinguish between precious and non-precious underground metals. It enables detectors to avoid unnecessary dining, saving their time and energy.

How It Works

In general, two coils are applied in VLF detectors: one is a transmitter coil that transmits a signal to the ground, and the second is a receiver coil that picks up the signal reflected by the ground. This enables them to distinguish between various types of metals.

Advantages of VLF
  • Best for: The VLF metal detectors are best for treasure-seeking and used to find coins, jewelry, and other precious metals.
  • Suitable for Beginners: These metal detectors can be easily used, making them ideal for newcomers.
  • Versatile: Perfect for usage in parks, beaches, fields, and other terrain.
  • Metal Discrimination: They can distinguish between metals and avoid unnecessary ground digging.
Disadvatages of VLF
  • Limited Depth: They do not get as deep as more significant detectors do.
  • Affected by Mineralization: These metal detectors are not very effective in mineralized soil as elevated levels of soil minerals can cause interference in detection.

2. Pulse Induction (PI) Detectors

Pulse Induction (PI) detectors are powerful metal detectors that can detect metals at great depths, even in highly mineralized environments. They are popular for beach and underwater use. These devices’ results in salt water are better than any other metal detector.

types of metal detector VLF, PI, BFO

How It Works

The PI metal detectors electrical impulses to generate a magnetic field. As the field approaches the metal, it sends a signal back to the detector and the operator receives a signal.

Advantages of PI detectors
  • Best For: These metal detectors are specially designed for mineralized soil and use in water, such as shores and gold mines.
  • Great Depth: Treasure hunters prefer it because it can detect metals beyond the depth that VLF detectors can access.
  • Softens water: These devices can soften the water and produce the best results.
Disadvantages
  • Poor Discrimination: PI metal detectors are not good at differentiating between different types of metals, making it difficult to filter out junk like nails or bottle caps.
  • Heavy and Expensive: PI detectors are comparatively heavier and more expensive than other types, such as VLF detectors.
  • Shorter Battery Life: These detectors consume more power which results in shorter battery life during long detecting sessions.

3. Beat Frequency Oscillation (BFO) Detectors

Beat Frequency Oscillation (BFO) detectors are basic and affordable metal detectors. The newcomers in the field of treasure hunting often use these devices because they are user-friendly and inexpensive. While not as advanced as other types, they are great for simple treasure hunting.

How do they work?

They use two coils with their oscillator. They produce sound when any metal is detected underground, making them easy to use.

Advantages of BFO Detectors
  • Affordable: BFO detectors are typically inexpensive, making them ideal for beginners or casual users.
  • Easy to Use: Their simple design and functionality make them straightforward for anyone to operate.
  • Lightweight: BFO detectors are generally lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry around.
Disadvantages of BFO Detectors
  • Limited Depth Detection: BFO detectors can only detect metal at shallow depths compared to more advanced models.
  • Poor Discrimination: They struggle to differentiate between various types of metals.
  • Less Accurate: BFO detectors are less accurate and sensitive than other types, like VLF or PI detectors, which limits their performance in complex environments.

4. Underwater Metal Detectors

Underwater metal detectors are built for the purpose of underwater metal detection. These detectors are entirely waterproof and are mostly used for beach detecting, scuba diving, or when the water is shallow.

How It Works

Most underwater metal detectors use Pulse Inductive technology. This makes them usable in areas of high mineralization, such as saltwater conditions. Some models may also be equipped with Very Low Frequency (VLF) technology with water resistance.

Advantages
  • Waterproof Design: These detectors are waterproof, making them suitable for water operation.
  • Deep Detection Capabilities: The use of PI technology enables these detectors to find metal objects deeply submerged.
  • Durable Construction: These detectors are often made challenging, so they can easily stand during complex underwater searching conditions.
Disadvantages
  • Higher Cost: These detectors are costlier than conventional metal detectors.
  • Less Discrimination: PI detectors, commonly used in underwater models, can only differentiate between different types of metals.

5. Coin Metal Detectors

These metal detectors are specially designed to identify coins, which may be new or antique ones. These detectors are very sensitive to objects the size of a single coin.

How It Works

Almost all the available coin detectors use Very Low Frequency (VLF) technology, which can only detect small metallic objects the size of a coin. They are offered with pre-set coin shooting modes and refined discrimination options that avoid unwanted metals such as iron or junk.

Advantages
  • High Sensitivity to Coins: It is effective at identifying objects of size around a coin at a given level of depth, improving the probability of locating coins.
  • Discrimination Settings: Extra settings enable users to exclude objects like pull tabs and iron and include coins and such-like metals only.
  • Ease of Use: Most coin detectors have preset coin modes, which help make them easy to use.
Disadvantages
  • Limited Use for Other Metals: The coin detectors may not be so good for metal objects of bigger size.
  • Sensitivity to Ground Conditions: Ground-balancing of these detectors can be challenging in areas with high mineral levels.

Things to look at when selecting Metal Detectors

There are always several forms of a selected device, and the decision to use these two options depends on a person’s preferences for using the metal detector. Here are a few key factors to consider: Here are a few key factors to consider:

1. Purpose

Do you fancy prospecting for gold coins, gold dust, or artifacts? Alright, perhaps you require the detector for security reasons. Select a detector according to the frequency of its utilization.

2. Environment

Consider where you will be using the detector. Will you be hunting the sand of the coast, the grass of the parks, or even under the water? Different conditions demand different attributes.

3. Budget

As with most products, the price of a metal detector varies and can be purchased for as little as $100 or go up to $1000 and beyond. It is always advisable to set a financial limit and then search for the most efficient detector in the market.

4. Experience

This is especially true when you’re still learning the nuances of metal detecting, a VLF detector with program settings is just right. Advanced users may find having a detector with some adjustable parameters convenient.

FAQs

Which are the most popular Metal Detectors in the Market?

Some of the most popular metal detectors available in the market are as follows:

  1. Very Low Frequency (VLF) Detectors
  2. Pulse Induction (PI) Detectors
  3. Beat Frequency Oscillation (BFO) Detectors
  4. Multi-Frequency Detectors
  5. Industrial Metal Detectors
  6. Gold Metal Detectors
  7. Underwater Metal Detectors
  8. All-Terrain Metal Detectors
Can metal detectors detect gold?

Yes, metal detectors can detect gold, especially models designed for gold detection, such as VLF or Pulse Induction detectors. These devices are sensitive to small gold nuggets, even in mineral-rich areas. However, for better results, the right settings and equipment is crucial.

Are metal detectors waterproof?

All metal detectors are not waterproof. However, certain metal detector models are built especially for use in water and are fully water resistant. In contrast, some devices are not water-friendly and water can easily damage them.

What starter metal detector should I get?

A beginner should start with a VLF metal detector with preset modes. It is quite user-friendly and can produce better results in different conditions.

Final Thoughts

Metal detectors are magnificent devices that are used to locate treasures, provide security to various areas, and check the safety of products in multiple sectors. So, whether you are a treasure hunter, security person, or just an explorer, knowing the types of metal detectors will assist you in arriving at the right decision about what to use.

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