Type of Metal Detectors: Choosing the Best Detector For You

Depending on what you are looking for, as a metal detector enthusiast, you have several choices when it comes to choosing the best metal detector for the job at hand. There are five major types of detectors available for purchase and all have advantages and disadvantages. When it comes to metal detector types, there are certainly some differences.

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Transmit & Receive Detectors

The first major type of metal detector is called a “transmit & receive” model. Though they are not usually sold on the market anymore, you may find them for sale used online or at flea markets or yard sales.

These types of metal detectors generally simply differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous items. These metal detectors do not work well in areas that have highly mineralized soils and will likely come up with a lot of false positives in these soil types.

Oscillation Detectors

Oscillation metal detectors are usually the least expensive and most common on the market. They use oscillation methods to detect metals in the ground. They are great for beginners and are usually easy to learn how to use.

Oscillation detectors are unable to differentiate between different types of metals and will pick up any type of metal substance, including minerals, which can lead to false positives.

VLF Detectors

The third type of metal detector on the market is a VLF detector. This stands for “very low frequency” and these are great metal detectors for those of you who have some experience with metal detectors and know how to find precious metals such as silver and gold.

In order to find the silver and gold, you need to make sure you VLF detector can get a higher frequency than other detectors. They need to at least hit 18 kilohertz to be able to pick up gold. The very best VLF detectors can get up to 70 kilohertz!

Hybrid Detectors

A fourth type of metal detector is a hybrid of the “Transmit & Receive” detectors and the VLF detectors. These are great for people who are just getting into the hobby of metal detecting. They are readily available on the market, have the simplicity of the “Transmit & Receive” detectors and the technology of the VLF detectors.

Pulse Detectors

The fifth major type of metal detector is the pulse detector. These metal detectors use pulse technology and are the best metal detectors to use in water. Many of them are completely water proof.

These metal detectors send pulses into the ground and the pulses are sent back if it hits metal. These are often the most accurate detectors, but also these detectors are the most expensive. It is not unheard of for them to get up to $700 or $800.

Though this is just a brief overview of the types of metal detectors on the market, this should still give you a basic idea of the type of metal detector you may be interested in. You should try a few different ones of possible. Keep in mind that the most expensive metal detectors are not always the best, especially for a beginner. It may be difficult to learn the technology of the more expensive detectors with no experience metal detecting!