Best products from r/metaldetecting

We found 56 comments on r/metaldetecting discussing the most recommended products. We ran sentiment analysis on each of these comments to determine how redditors feel about different products. We found 94 products and ranked them based on the amount of positive reactions they received. Here are the top 20.

Top comments mentioning products on r/metaldetecting:

u/ttlens · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

The first thing to know about low to mid range metal detectors is that there haven't been a lot of advancements in the last 5 or 6 years, or even the last 10 years. That list is a number of years old but most of the recommendations are still solid.

The second thing to know about low to mid range metal detectors is that Fisher, Bounty Hunter, and Teknetics are all different brands owned by one company.

The best cheap detector is probably still the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. Amazon has them on sale for about $60 for the next few hours as a black Friday special.

The Fisher F2 has been discontinued. I don't think there is a replacement Fisher unit that comes as highly recommended as the F2 used to be.

For use on dry land the Teknetics Eurotek Pro is very good, especially with the 11" DD coil as it gives you more depth. It also has a numeric target display and three different types of tones depending on what is under the coil. It's a really good detector for the money.

The Garret Ace 250 and 350 are also popular but the lack of numeric display makes them less flexible IMO. I'd much sooner see a number that I can learn to interpret for myself and my own situation than a readout that is likely country (often US) specific.

If you have more money to spend then things have changed since that thread was written. The Minelab Equinox 600 is an incredible machine at about $650. If you have $500 to $600 to spend and aren't a gold prospector then I don't think any machine comes close. For something with even higher frequencies for gold hunting the Equinox 800 is fantastic at $900.

The Minelab CTX 3030 is still a great machine but personally I wouldn't spend the extra to get one over the newer Equinox machines. I hope Minelab is working on an even better machine to replace the CTX 3030, it will be interesting to see what they come up with.

u/Tyberos · 3 pointsr/metaldetecting

I appreciate the kind words. I don't know about knowledgeable, but I'm happy if I can provide any information of value.

I only ever used the White's Bullseye II and the cheap and generic Bounty Hunter pinpointer before I got my Sunray X-1 inline probe(discontinued). For this reason, I don't know enough about pinpointers to give you a definitive answer. I think the general consensus is that the Garrett Pro-Pointer II and Pro-Pointer AT are good investments. But as I always point out, White's also has the TRX and Minelab has the Pro-Find 25, so there are other options. Also, be wary of knockoffs. I've only ever heard of Garrett knockoffs, but I imagine there are others.

Of the above mentioned, the generic is the cheapest (often below $50, because it's not great), followed by the Bullseye II ($119), then the Pro-Pointer II, the Pro-Pointer AT, and the Pro-Find 25 (around $170). I think it's a shame that the market price for a decent pinpointer is over $115. I think a reputable company needs to introduce a more economic option. It's crazy to me that these companies have pinpointers that cost almost as much as an entry level machine. It's supposed to be an accessory! Tesoro could do this. Tesoro could make a better pinpointer than their "Treasure Mate" and sell it for sub $100. They should.

I think it's worth taking the time to watch YouTube comparisons of these pinpointers to see which one you'd prefer. The TRX and the Pro-Pointer AT are waterproof. If I'm not mistaken, the Pro-Find 25 is not waterproof, and that's outrageous that Minelab would put out such an expensive pinpointer and it's not even waterproof!

The best option, in my opinion, is to get an inline probe like those made by Sunray. The only issue is, Sunray makes very few models and as newer machines come out, Sunray has failed to keep up. This is another area where there is this huge market that hasn't been exploited. People will pay a premium (I paid nearly $300) for a probe built in to their primary machine, and as far as I know, no company is making these.

As for a machine...I had a White's for years, but I just can't get enthusiastic about them anymore. I want to try the Treasuremaster, which is their most affordable machine, because I've heard good things and it looks kinda cool, but I don't have the resources to try various machines. Obviously there is the new Garrett 400, but honestly it just looks like the 350, which looks like the 250, which looks like the 150. I still don't understand why Garrett has like, four "entry level" models.

I think when you approach the $400-500 range, it's time to start looking at gently-used machines. I always push Minelab - I admit it, I'm a fanboy and I am biased - so I would recommend a used Safari (paging /u/bainsey1985), an SE Pro(just sold), or even an older Explorer II. I know a guy who has been running an Explorer II since like, 2005, and I used my even older Explorer XS until it finally died in 2015.

There's a Tesoro Tejon that just sold and I'm sad I missed it. $350 is a good deal for a machine that is normally about $600. Similarly, I saw a Tesoro Deleon selling for $300 once and I still kick myself for not getting it.

There are also two deals on Friendly Metal Detecting Forums right now that I can't link to because the For Sale Section is for members only. There's a Tesoro Vaquero for $400 and a Tesoro Conquistador (discontinued) for $160.
I've never used Fisher so I don't know anything about them. I've never used the XP Deus but good luck finding one for less than $800. I'm rambling now...

u/ryanchappell · 3 pointsr/metaldetecting

Glad to hear it! Hope you all enjoy it and get hooked by finding a gold ring right away! Get a good garden trowel and the Fisher PP is down to $35 on amazon. http://www.amazon.com/Bounty-Hunter-PIN-POINTER-PL-Pinpointer/dp/B000HATWHK/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t, mine wore out after 6 months, the point wore clear through. When you know you are hooked get a Garrett Propointer at a target price of $107, and lesche thrown in for free with your next detector bought for 20% off list, like an ATPro for $500.

u/FigGnuton · 2 pointsr/metaldetecting

Here are two on the low-end side of it:
http://www.harborfreight.com/metal-detector-97245.html
http://www.amazon.com/Bounty-Hunter-PIN-POINTER-PL-Pinpointer/dp/B000HATWHK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396290551&sr=8-1&keywords=pinpointer

I went with this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Garrett-Pro-Pointer-Detector-Includes-Holster/dp/B005D4V27S/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396290561&sr=8-2&keywords=pinpointer

I can't say if the one I bought has really been worth the extra since I've never compared but I'm very happy with it. It does a really great job at helping me find where items are.

What mode are you searching in? Tone, disc, or all metal? I also have the tracker and depending on where I dig is how I set it. My backyard, probably full of trash from when they built the house, I keep the discrimination high. A park, especially near benches, I might go for full metal mode so I miss nothing.

u/bluelupus · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

The type of metal detector and tools you need are all dependent upon what areas you hunt and your budget.

For instance below is my rig and budget:

Minelab E-trac with Sunray X-1 probe ~ $1100 (used price)

Lesche T-Handle Shovel - $69

Knee pads from Lowes - $20

Pouch for finds/trash - Got mine for free somewhere. Probably get one for $10.

As you can see the detector will make up the bulk majority of your budget and if you don't have something like the sunray probe a pinpointer is highly suggested as it will save you a ton of time. I would say my favorite piece of equipment by far is the shovel I linked above, it's a godsend.

What budget do you have to spend? There are plenty of great detectors for 1/5 of the price of the E-trac I listed.

u/xDProAlt2 · 3 pointsr/metaldetecting

A good pinpointer is extremely helpful if he doesn't have one already, I'd suggest the Propointer 1/2 if you're on a budget, if not the Garrett Pro pointer AT (Which is also waterproof and so is easily cleaned). Also a strong hand digger (like this) makes life alot easier when locating targets in ground with alot of rocks or roots.

EDIT: Beware of fake Pinpointers if you do end up getting one, always get them from trusted Garrett dealers like Regtons.

u/yourmistakeindeed · 2 pointsr/metaldetecting

I believe this is a fine detector for your purposes. I've seen better models for rent at the same price, especially if you are planning to use it for only the weekend. You may find a better one to rent for a comparable price. Although there tends to be a bit of a learning curve with higher quality detectors (in my experience) so make sure you get a good class from the dealer before you take it out.

Either way, that model will detect metal, no doubt about it., And with the kids, I would say an equally important part of this adventure is having the right tools. Specifically, a few of these to go around.

I've organized hunts for the little ones before, and I may or may not have seeded the beach with some coins in order to make sure everyone found something when it was their turn! Spend a few dollars and get a few rolls of coin to plant on the beach before the kids get out there. Or even a few Hot Wheels cars for the boys, or cheap accessory jewelry for the little ladies. I know it may not be a genuine experience, but I get the feeling this is more about creating memories. And there's nothing wrong with that. Don't forget the scoops!

Happy Hunting

u/cats_taste_shitty · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

My suggestions might be different if you hadn't indicated both low budget and immediate(?) need.

[Sand scoop] (https://www.amazon.com/SE-GP3-SS20-Plastic-Treasure-Hunting/dp/B00KEV2RRY/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468600120&sr=8-1-spell&keywords=snad+scoop)...the heavier/heavier duty ones become less attractive for a number of reasons. This one can be scooped through dry sand and shaken with relative ease. If wet sand...slow way down and place a shovelful into it and shake(not nearly ideal, but gets the job done and stays in budget)

Shovel...lots of options in the $10-$20 range. Check the local hardware store. IMHO, I would avoid wooden handles and def stay away from survival type tool/shovels with threads. Sand/grit + threads, don't mix well

A trash "bag". It's the nature of the beast, as you've seen in your 1st foray, you are likely to dig more trash than treasure. This is a great time to re-enforce good stewardship. Bring an onion bag or 2 to place all the junk finds in and dispose of them in a proper receptacle when you leave the beach. Small length of cord attached allows it to be slung over shoulder or slightly longer cord can be tied around waist and dragged behind.

Small goodie bag so treasure doesn't get "re-lost"

Have Fun!!!!

u/Shadow3114 · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

I highly suggest The ACE 200 as it has a good deal right now, but it is great for beginners and has a 4.5/5 rating. If you want a pinpointer however, they are expensive. The Garett Pro Pointer is another 4.5/5, but it is expensive, and almost more than the detector itself. Luckily it comes with a bag you can put all of your findings in, that is backed by amazon. Everything really depends on your price range.
Edit: The pinpointer is fully submergable in water and lasts on AA batteries, as does the metal detector.

u/eclectro · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

> I bet all the people that rushed out and bought detectors because of Diggers will be selling!!!

Hey I missed it, I didn't know there was a show out! It's so much more fun watching others do the work!

That goes for the hobby in general. People do not realize that it's real work (and that the parks are really hunted out). It's time intensive for the return, and the US simply does not have the millennia of stuff falling to the ground that Europe has. So you often see these practically new machines show up in the classifieds for quite a discount from new.

>Tesoro Compadre, $160 new, harder to find used.

Very rare used - I think it's because of their killer warranty that it's hard to beat. They service machines for the cost of shipping. I would suggest the [next step up the Tesoro Silver] (http://www.amazon.com/Tesoro-Silver-uMax-Metal-Detector/dp/B000COHGPQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1369234919&sr=1-2&keywords=tesoro) as it has better discrimination along with all metal mode (see below). Everyone that owns one falls in love with it. (I haven't used one, just know the stories).

You didn't mention Garret's Ace 350 that gets good reports.

But people should not underestimate the value of good warranty. Detectors seem to fail a lot more than traditional electronics because they get bumped around so much. I speak from experience.

One detector that holds it's value, has a basic readout, and has good functionality is the Bounty Hunter Quick Silver and comes with a pinpointer, comes with what I consider beefy five year limited warranty for less than $100. Walmart has the same deal with free ship to store.

My big problem with the low end machines with LCD is that people rely on the LCD more than what sound the machine is making. Plus they do not know how to discriminate with VLF (like what the tracker IV forces you to do). Here is an interesting thread about that.. Also, there is an advanced "reverse" discrimination you can use with some vlfs that have an "all metal" mode..

Whatever he gets, he should get something light, and something on the low end (i.e. not more than $300). He will thank me for that advice.

There used to be a day that all the small detectors really were not trustworthy or very good and more of a toy. If you wanted to get something decent it meant $1200. This is simply not the case anymore.

u/blackroseanjel · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

I believe the XP Deus MI-6 Pinpointer does but I think you have to be running an XP Deus for it to do it. From the Amazon page it says

Sound mode : Pitch or Bleep

Audio Tone Adjustments.

Which I think is the target id.. but yeah the price of an XP and the pointer is almost 2k!

u/lokicramer · 2 pointsr/metaldetecting

Absolutely and whatever you do. Do not under any circumstance get one that looks like this. https://www.amazon.com/Bounty-Hunter-PIN-POINTER-PL-Pinpointer/dp/B000HATWHK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1479310735&sr=8-3&keywords=pinpointer

They are absolute trash and should be criminalized. They are sold in different colors and by different company's but they are the same thing. You actually have to be touching your target for this thing to detect it as metal.

Definitely invest in something like the at pro pointer or something on that level. They are not cheap but they are amazing and reliable.

u/ta1901 · 2 pointsr/metaldetecting
  • I got a medic's bag ($7) to hang over my shoulder for items I will keep. I needed a sturdy bag. Some items might be heavy or pointy.
  • I pack a plastic grocery bag for trash.
  • Plastic toothbrush, for cleaning items.
  • Fiskar's garden tool ($8). Plastic shovels don't work well in gravelly or hard-packed soil. Or get a metal shovel.
  • Water bottle. I might end up wandering far away from parking.
  • Try a Bounty Hunter Tracker IV for $60-100. It's what I have. It's quite sensitive. It works great, it simply doesn't have all the bells and whistles. From Kellyco with accessories, $125. From Amazon for $95.
  • I like the Garrett Pinpointer because the closer you get to the metal object the faster it beeps and vibrates.
  • A lighted loupe for seeing dates on coins is really handy. 40x is too powerful I learned, 10-20x is better.
u/Clams_N_Scallops · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

I've been using these headphones for computer/metal detecting for 6 years now, bought a 2nd set that I still haven't taken out of the box yet. They're awesome! Buy the 6.5mm adapter if you need it.

Sound quality is great for the price, cord length is very long (makes it nice when you put down the detector you don't have to take the headphones off).

u/gemini8200 · 2 pointsr/metaldetecting

Welcome to the hobby! I'm only a couple months in, myself. It's addictive! A good pin pointer will make a world of difference in your hunting. I picked up a Deteknix one last weekend and absolutely love it. Deteknix Pin Pointer from Amazon

u/deathless88 · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

From what I've read, pinpoint detectors are very useful. I don't have one myself yet, but I am saving for one. I'm thinking about Garrett Pro Pointer (about $130).

For $200 I would recommend Garrett Ace 250 or the Bounty Hunter.
I haven't used either, but I did read good reviews on both of them. Although I would lean more towards the Garrett.

Here are the two on amazon, read what people have to say:

Garrett Ace 250

Bounty Hunter

u/johnpseudonym · 3 pointsr/metaldetecting

I agree with u/mansion. Last year I bought Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Pinpointing Metal Detector, Orange . Am very happy with it, totally worth it.

u/terminalvelocit3 · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

I've seen reviews saying that that one gets a lot of false positives. I've heard their Quicksilver one is just as good - Link

u/GardenGnomeOfEden · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

How cheap are we talking? You could check out local pawn shops, or get a very basic detector to decide if you like the hobby or not. I bought a Bounty Hunter Gold Digger which doesn't look glamorous, but it works. And it doesn't have a lot of bells and whistles so you have to learn to listen to the tone, which is a very valuable skill. I have found a bunch of stuff with it.

u/ianosaka · 3 pointsr/metaldetecting

Definitely check out the thread from the sidebar. In particular there are some cheap pinpointer suggestions.

The Bounty Hunter and Fisher pinpointers look the same and probably have the same internals as both companies are owned by First Texas Products. They also own Teknetics. $33 on Amazon.

The $16 "HF" one they mention I believe is Harbor Freight.

As far as getting better, watch more YouTube videos. What sort of land are you searching on?

u/offtheclip · 5 pointsr/metaldetecting

It's about 130 canadian dolleroos on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Garrett-1140900-Pro-Pointer-Waterproof-Pinpointing/dp/B00TADH9HA

I think you got a fantastic deal on your carrot.

u/Mark902CB · 2 pointsr/metaldetecting

If your on a budget but want a machine with alot of features you can learn over time. Try this:

https://www.amazon.com/Bounty-Hunter-Discovery-Metal-Detector/dp/B00123OUMI

It has been working well for me in wet sand.

u/thoedaway · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

I broke two small hand shovels before I upgraded to these two items:

https://www.amazon.com/Garrett-Edge-Digger-Sheath-Mount/dp/B009OY65NE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481305125&sr=8-1&keywords=garrett+shovel

https://www.amazon.com/Lesche-1V-WWMFG-32-SER-Handle-Detecting-Serrated/dp/B006AEBI6K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481305140&sr=8-1&keywords=metal+detector+shovel

They make digging targets in any ground conditions much easier. Just be careful with the large shovel when you're digging around buried pipes or cables. Its so sharp it will cut through most things without you even knowing.

u/elisabethecole98 · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

Here's the one I bought:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006AEBI6K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's small and lightweight but cuts through the dirt like a hot knife through butter! ☺

u/Ecchii · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

Alright I'm going go with your recommendation on the AT Pro.

Are these reputable places to buy from/good deal? AT Pro + Pinpointer

u/squareoak · 2 pointsr/metaldetecting

Agreed. Get yourself a Garrett pinpointer: Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Pinpointing Metal Detector, Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TADH9HA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Ty3IAbZSFN8CG

u/mrChiglet · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

What'd yah guys think

Seems pretty inexpensive. The depth meter isn't as important to me as the discriminator and it looks like it has decent reviews. I saw a few poor reviews on Amazon as well but I'm not too sure what to think.

u/DidYouReadThatThing · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

https://www.amazon.com/Garrett-Detector-Waterproof-Treasure-Headphone/dp/B01M19DMVN/

​

I think your top ones in that budget (depending if you get one on sale, and if you need leftover for a digging tool, finds bag, and pinpointer.) would be the F11/22, Ace 150/200/250, tesoro compadre, and I think the minelab gofind detectors are getting good reviews, but I'm not sure if those are kid sized or full size.

​

Does your paypal card have a mastercard logo? I think kellyco takes paypal, ebay takes paypal, bass pro and cabelas... Many stores take paypal.

u/mudprint · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

You may also want to check out the Tesoro Compadre for $160 and Tesoro Silver uMax for $250.

u/TX_Wave · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

that is the Detector itself...

This would be the pinpointer here :

https://www.amazon.com/Garrett-1140900-Pro-Pointer-Waterproof-Pinpointing/dp/B00TADH9HA

The detector itself has a pinpointing button , this will help you center the target in the middle of the coil , and you start digging .. then you use the little wand pinpointer i have linked to , to sift through the dirt to find the coin or whatever object is there...

It helps reduce time sifting through all the dirt... dig your little hole, take your pinpointer and move it around the hole and it will beep / vibrate when in contact with the object.

look here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZCAkUYQvRM



u/chicoquadcore · 2 pointsr/metaldetecting

I have this, it’s a beast.

Lesche 1V_WWMFG-32-SER T- Handle Heavy Duty Metal Detecting Shovel with Serrated Blade https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006AEBI6K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NxZMAbE21CDPZ

u/rufusjonz · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

an almost exact knockoff of [edit] Bounty Hunter Gold Digger, cheap entry-level one

https://www.amazon.com/Bounty-Hunter-Digger-Metal-Detector/dp/B0002J1LNO/

u/DetectorReddit · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

Buy it off Amazon and have it shipped directly to the hotel- it looks cheap enough to just leave it there when you are done.

u/cknowlto · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

No computer, No tones, basic discrimination, single frequency, stupid spring loaded meter (useless)... (This one)[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005A3L1/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1]. However, it is accurate as hell. I never have a question about where to dig.

So, it beeps, I dig. Most times it is trash, but I have also found a lot of cool stuff in the roughly 2 weeks I have been doing this.

u/Buck_Thorn · 1 pointr/metaldetecting

Besides the specialized XP MI-6 discussed below, I have both the simple, black, non-waterproof Garrett Pro-Pointer

and the waterproof, orange "carrot" Pro-Pointer AT.

Personally, of all three, my favorite is the simple non-waterproof one. One push of the button and its on, one push of the button and its off. It is tough as nails (as are all three of mine... no problems there) and it is simple. I hate it when I hold the button down a bit too long on the AT and it goes into programming mode. By the time I get it back, I have no idea if I've changed the sensitivity accidentally or not.

My two cents.