Metal detectors have been around for a very long time. The first one was brought to life in 1925 by Dr. Fischer in California. It came a long way since then. Nowadays we have metal detectors that are highly efficient, durable and have plenty of practical features. So, if you’re keen on starting your gold hunt adventure, now is the right time to buy a detector.
Get Familiar With the Detector
Thinking about buying your first metal detector? Before you splash out, there are a few key things worth understanding. Start by learning the basics: how metal detectors work and what each part does. Getting familiar with the different components will give you a better idea of what to look for and help you choose a model that suits your needs.
Once you understand the essentials, it’s much easier to set a budget and narrow down your options. Whether you’re planning to explore the beach, bushland, or your own backyard, knowing what to expect can save you time and money. Doing a bit of research upfront means you’re more likely to end up with a high-quality, efficient, handheld metal detector you’ll actually enjoy using.
Coil Configuration
The coil controls key features of a metal detector, including sensitivity, frequency, and discrimination. The Double-D coil is named for its shape, which looks like two overlapping Ds. It’s ideal for detecting in highly mineralised soils and can pick up small objects at greater depths.
The Concentric coil has two rings, an inner and an outer circle, and offers strong detecting performance across a range of ground types. Monoloop coils are used with pulse induction detectors and are well-suited to challenging soil conditions, especially in gold prospecting areas.
Coil Size
Ever wondered how deep a metal detector can find gold or other metals? The answer mostly comes down to the size of the coil. There’s a clear connection between a coil’s diameter and its detection depth. A large coil can often reach depths beyond 22 cm, while a small coil usually stays under 15 cm. Medium-sized coils tend to detect somewhere between 17 and 22 cm. When choosing a coil, think about the type of ground you’re searching. The right size can make all the difference when it comes to finding buried treasures.
Discrimination
Discrimination is a very practical feature when you’re searching for gold nuggets or other specific metals. It lets you filter out unwanted targets, so your detector won’t respond to metals you’re not interested in, like iron or aluminium.
This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially in areas with plenty of junk. Many beginners don’t realise this feature exists, and often end up digging up aluminium bottle caps instead of anything valuable. If you’re not sure whether a detector includes discrimination, it’s best to check with the seller, they’ll be able to point you in the right direction.
Sensitivity
This feature shows how well your detector can pick up smaller targets. If you’re regularly searching for tiny items, it’s definitely something you’ll want. It makes the whole process quicker and easier, especially in tricky ground conditions. That’s why we recommend choosing a handheld metal detector with a high-sensitivity sensor, it can make a big difference in what you find.
Frequency
Every metal detector works on a specific frequency. Some use just one, while others are built with multiple frequencies. Frequency plays a key role in both sensitivity and depth. A low-frequency detector can reach deeper into the ground, but it may struggle to detect small items. On the other hand, a high-frequency detector is more sensitive to tiny targets, but it won’t penetrate as deeply. Choosing the right frequency depends on what you’re searching for and where you plan to use your hand metal detector.
Types of Detectors
Pulse Induction
The pulse induction metal detector is different from others, mainly because it uses just one coil instead of the two used in VLF detectors. This single coil both receives and transmits signals simultaneously and can handle 100-500 pulses per second—that’s one pulse every millisecond.
The detector works by measuring the time intervals between each pulse. When the intervals get shorter, it indicates that there’s metal underground. While these detectors are on the pricier side, they’re more resistant to mineralisation, making them ideal for searching for gold nuggets on beaches, in rivers, or even underwater.
However, it’s not recommended for urban areas. The PI detector struggles to distinguish between gold and nails, which can make searching much more time-consuming. In terms of depth, it can reach down to 30cm underground. The main drawback is the weight, as some users find it heavy to carry for long periods.
Low Frequency
Low-frequency detectors are the most common type on the market. They use two coils, one acts as the receiver, and the other as the transmitter. The transmitter sends electrical currents into the ground, and when it detects a metal object, it creates a magnetic field around it. The receiver picks up this signal and sends it to the control box, alerting you that something’s there.
When the signal reaches the display, you’ll also hear beeps as an additional alert. This combination of simple yet advanced technology makes them a great choice for beginners. Plus, they’re budget-friendly, making them accessible for those just starting out.
Multi Frequency
Multi-frequency detectors are versatile as they aren’t limited to a single frequency. They can scan both large and small objects at different depths, all at the same time. While their price range can vary, they generally sit midway between the more affordable VLF detectors and the pricier PI detectors. These detectors can reach depths of 15 to 20 cm and perform well in mineralised soils.