A good metal detector will locate gold, silver, steel, and many other metals several inches away, including underground. They help locate lost items and are great for treasure hunting. We recommend looking for one that can be used both on dry land and in shallow water. Also, some models have a headphone jack, so you’re the only one that hears the positive detection alert. If you plan on sharing your scavenging adventures with someone else, look for a metal detector with an adjustable lever, so everyone is comfortable using it.
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV metal detector
Bring home the gold
The Bounty Hunter metal detector finds objects up to 2 feet away, including coins buried beneath the ground. It sounds when it detects one of six valuable metals and is smart enough to distinguish between an object and a metal deposit within a rock wall or cave. The adjustable handle makes it good for both adults and kids to use.
Pros:
- Detects 6 types of metals
- Finds objects up to 2-feet beneath the surface
- Headset jack for more private searching
Cons:
- Not for underwater detection
- Requires batties
This model uses ground-neutralizing technology to distinguish between treasure and the natural makeup of the ground you're standing on. This makes it a great choice for any type of terrain. It has three settings and a two-tone audio alert. There is a headphone jack to plug in earbuds, so you are the only one to hear the positive detection. The search coil is waterproof, so you can safely use this metal detector in the rain, but it is not safe to submerge it in water since this will short-circuit the unit. The Bounty Hunter TK4 requires two 9-volt batteries and they get used up fast.
National Geographic Junior metal detector
For junior explorers
This metal detector helps kids build an interest in treasure hunting. It adjusts from 24 to 39-inches long and weighs less than two pounds, so it’s not too strenuous for a young one to carry around.
Pros:
- Adjustable length
- Lightweight
- Finds ubjects 6-inches undner ground
Cons:
- Not for water detection
- Not as sensitive as other detectors
This model locates coins and other smaller metal objects up to 6 inches underground as well as larger objects that are buried up to 1-foot deep. The detection sound gets louder the closer you get to metal to help you pinpoint exactly where to dig. It isn't as sensitive as more advanced metal detectors, but it is adequate enough for a curious child or even a newbie. The detection coil is waterproof in the rain but will fry quickly if it gets too wet. The user guide is easy for kids to follow because of the bright illustrations and easy language used.
PANCKY metal detector
High detection accuracy
The PANKCY metal detector is very good at finding gold and four other precious metals underground and underwater. This model is waterproof and can be used in shallow water, on shorelines, and in the rain without shorting out.
Pros:
- Works in shallow water
- 5 different metal modes
- Includes earphones and a storage bag
Cons:
- Only detects up to 10-inches deep
There are five different modes and additional setting adjustments so you can hone in exactly on the type of metal you're looking for. The closer you get the louder the emitter. PANCKY includes earphones so you're the only one that hears when you get a hit. It also comes with a small shovel and a storage bag. The handle is adjustable between 39.37 inches and 47.24 inches. The biggest drawback is the PANCKY metal detector can only find objects 10-inches underground. Other models can find metal up to 24-inches away.
RM RICOMAX metal detector
Just try it out
If you’re new to treasure hunting, the RM RICOMAX metal detector is a good one to help you get used to the ins and outs of the sport. It has highly accurate detection and gives a distinct alert when it finds an item with the metal you’re looking for.
Pros:
- Sensitive detection
- Audio jack for headphones
- No batteries required
Cons:
- Tricky to assemble
- Doesn't detect too deep
The controls and LCD are easy to figure out, including setting the sensitivity levels. This model works both on land and underwater up to 10 inches. This is a decent depth for underwater, but not the greatest for underground. To help feed for treasure-finding curiosity, the RM RICOMAX comes with a small shovel so you can start digging the moment you get a hit. There is also a storage bag to keep everything together and safe in between adventures. You do need to assemble it when you first get it, and it isn't the easiest to put together. But batteries aren't required, so once it's set up and charged, you can get going.
Garrett Pro-Pointer AT waterproof metal detector
For the seafaring folk
To search for buried metal underwater, you'll need the Garret Pro-Pointer AT detector. This model has a unique design so that it can be submerged in up to 10 feet of water without shorting out. This detector will work in both fresh and salt water,
Pros:
- Works in both salt and freshwater
- Use up to 10ft underwater
- Built-in search light
Cons:
- Not a long search radious
It is good at pinpointing the precise location of metal objects because it uses maximum sensitivity to tune out surrounding environmental distractions, but it can only detect smaller objects within a 2 - to 3-inch radius. This isn't the best for finding a lost ring, for example, but it is fun to use while scuba diving to find lost treasures and other hidden objects. There is a flashlight beneath the search wand to help you see underwater, and a metal belt loop for hooking it to your gear if you need your hands free.
Bottom line
If you’re serious about looking for treasure, then the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV metal detector is the best one to get. It can be used to find lost jewelry or underground property stakes. It finds six different metals buried up to 10 feet below ground, and because the search coil is waterproof, you can use it in the rain if you need to. The lever is adjustable, and there is a comfortable, padded armrest for support during a long search. It has three different settings and a headphone jack, so you don’t announce to those around you when you’ve found what you’re looking for. This metal detector isn’t designed to find objects underwater, but it has no problems locating objects from small coins to large, 2-foot masses on land.
For little explorers, consider the National Geographic Junior metal detector. It only weighs 2 pounds and has a shorter arm, making it easier for kids to handle on their own. Like professional metal detectors, the junior model locates coins and metal objects above and below ground up to 6-feet deep. It does tend to register a few false positives, and while it is waterproof, it isn’t made to search underwater. When you’re done, the detector collapses small enough to fit in a car trunk or a closet until your next adventure.
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