A metal detector is a tool familiar to many fans of stories about adventures and intricate cases. It is also frequently shown in films. Most often, a metal detector is presented as a long stick with a round disk at one end and a screen at the other. In books and films, it is used to search for gold or treasures.
In life, everything is much more prosaic. The metal detector is used by builders in the reconstruction of old houses. With its help, it is possible to detect pipes, electrical cables. The tool is also used by the military, divers, archaeologists to search for various items. Entertainment for the sake of it is also acquired. How many destinations there are, so many types of device exist. Due to such a variety, it is not easy to understand which metal detector is better to buy.
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Do not fill your head with engineering terms and diagrams. A metal detector is a tricky thing. But there are a few parts that are present in every model. These include:
In some models, there is a middle bar between the lower and upper bar. Mechanisms for adjusting the height of the device are attached to this part.
The armrest made of polymer material makes it easier to work with a metal detector. For the same purpose, and also for a secure hold, the device is equipped with a handle made of porous material. The task of the control unit is to process the information supplied by the coil. Through it, the user can configure the modes. The control unit is of two types:
Modern popular models of metal detectors are distinguished by reliability, compactness and excellent performance.
To quickly find what you are looking for, you should understand how the device works. The metal detector can detect both moving and non-moving objects at different depths. It happens like this:
The accuracy of the metal detector depends on its functionality. An amateur model, assembled in his father's garage, will find a rusty plow in the field. But a professional tool is capable of much greater feats. Advanced models come with VFLEX technology, so they better recognize objects.
One has only to start looking on the Internet or in traditional stores, and you can come across a metal detector for finding gold, distinguishing between metals or designed to detect specific items. And this is not all varieties of the device.
But before delving into specialization and certainly making mistakes when choosing, it is worth learning about the three main types of device.
When detection accuracy is of the utmost importance, a pinpointer is used. The tool is a "shovel" or "wand". It determines at what depth the object is located with an accuracy of 1-2 cm. But its strength is not enough for a large area, so the coverage is small. Exactly the opposite is the case with a metal detector of a traditional design. It will "comb" a large area, but the accuracy is about 20-30 cm.
What to pay attention to when buying a metal detector is its specifics of action. As expected, each variety has its own strengths and weaknesses.
A professional metal detector detects several types of metals and is equipped with different search methods.
New items are constantly appearing on sale. Manufacturers are trying to improve the device, make it more accurate and even easier to use. But do not rush to find out which company is better to believe in and how much the model costs. First you need to understand what this or that type is suitable for.
For the military, a special metal detector has been developed that looks for mines. There is also an industrial look that is used to detect metal in other materials. A separate type is a magnetometer. His task is to find iron and other ferromagnetic metals.
You can argue for a long time how to choose a tool, and finally get confused in the assortment. When there is too much information, it remains to look into the rating of high-quality metal detectors, where you will find a device for a specific task or two or three at once.
American developers have come up with a metal detector that is both easy to operate and useful when searching for treasures. This device is perfect for a beginner! With it, you will be able to find small objects (for example, coins) at a depth of 20 cm or large objects hidden 1 m underground.
The device is often copied. The Chinese counterpart costs two or even three times cheaper. A novice treasure hunter will quickly cope with assembly and control. When you go to the field, you should take spare batteries with you. The tool is quite hardy, but it cannot work forever. Therefore, dead power is the main nuisance that awaits the user.
Average price: 7,790 rubles.
Ground device, which is characterized by simple and convenient operation, stylish design. This is "just what the doctor ordered" for a novice treasure hunter. It has 6 modes, built-in speaker and ground balance. Objects are detected by digital technology. Information and commands are displayed on the displays.
Average price: 19,700 rubles.
The device with increased sensitivity is equipped with ground balancing and an electronic detection system. It belongs to the tools for beginners and is suitable for the periodic search for valuable things. There are only three standard programs and the fourth, which combines user settings.
Average price: 20,450 rubles.
Despite the price, the device is powerful and easy to operate. It is equipped with an efficient microprocessor. Information is displayed on the LCD screen, which is small. But the information is readable. Two Krona batteries will last for 20 hours of operation.
Average price: 12,054 rubles.
Inexpensive, but extremely functional device that can easily find small objects. Even on difficult ground due to the presence of settings. Its coils are high-frequency. Unwanted objects are rejected due to the 12-tone discrimination scale.
Average price: 20,780 rubles.
The model is equipped with a more advanced search detector PROFormance DD 8.5×11 inches. The detection frequency is 8.5 kHz. Power supply - 4 AA batteries. Five search programs, customizable discrimination.
A sound in three tones: for iron - low, for gold and other not very conductive non-ferrous metals - medium, for silver and copper the device produces a high sound, similar to a bell. You can start working with the metal detector by taking it straight out of the box.
Average price: 23,950 rubles.
The flagship of Fisher, which is characterized by stable operation, thoughtfulness to the smallest detail. With it you can find coins, jewelry and many antiques. Works autonomously up to 30 hours. Ergonomic design: aluminum armrest, it can be adjusted to fit the arm. Weight - 1.6 kg. The detection frequency is 13 kHz. DD coils make it easy to find on the beach.
The device, built according to the VLF scheme, has two search programs (All Metal Motion and Discrim).When you select the second one, additional modes open (universal, quick response, search for treasure, jewelry, bottle caps).
Average price: 37,950 rubles.
A legend among metal detectors that falls short of a professional instrument. It is used by builders, prospectors, treasure hunters and geologists. The device will detect metals at a depth of 6 meters.
The device is equipped with two search frames. Since it operates at low frequencies, it is ineffective in wetlands. The detection frequency is 12.5 kHz. In the device, you can manually adjust the ground balance, sensitivity level. They will be able to explore a large area at an accelerated pace. The search for metals occurs in a statistical and dynamic mode.
Average price: 54,250 rubles.
The standard device is always the choice of coin hunters. The tool is endowed with 4 modes, multi-frequency transmission (from 1.5 kHz -100 kHz). It is distinguished by simple operation, but due to its large weight, it will not be possible to explore the territory with it for a long time.
Average price: 68,241 rubles.
The device is waterproof and works at depths up to 65 meters. The devices are painted with fluorescent paint, so they can be distinguished even in silty depths.
The device provides 17 frequencies from 1.5 to 25 kHz. The signal about the find is transmitted to waterproof headphones. There is an automatic sensitivity setting and a manual one. The volume, like the threshold tone, is adjustable. You can turn on the statistical mode or the pinpointer to pinpoint the location of an object. It is unlikely to be suitable for a beginner, since ingenuity is required for assembly. The instruction is a terrible assistant, since there is no sequence in it, but a ready-made device is served.
Average price: 76,161 rubles
The device will find many valuable items without making the owner nervous. Even at great depths. It is able to work up to 18 hours continuously.
Average price: 47,100 rubles.
A unit that searches equally well both under water and on land. The maximum detection depth is 1.2 meters with three frequencies. Information is displayed on the display in Russian. Charging is enough for 19 hours of continuous searches.
Average price: 42,000 rubles.
Russian veteran in the world of treasure hunting, which is designed for beginners.For users with many years of experience, the model will seem boring. The manufacturer also offers another Alpha 2000 model with adjustable search depth.
The detection frequency is 7.1 kHz. The screen is not overloaded with indicators, and the control is carried out with only 5 buttons. Operating time from an alkaline 9-volt battery is 20-25 hours. Salt batteries are categorically not suitable, as well as powerful elements. Coil guards will need to be purchased separately. If you connect headphones, the volume control will stop working. To avoid embarrassment, you need headphones with a hardware volume control.
Average price: 12,750 rubles.
The most advanced device in which the coil and the control unit are connected "by air". Four detection frequencies (4, 8, 12 and 18 kHz), excellent sound indication. Despite the variety of factory programs, you can add your own.
Average price: 51,000 rubles.
One of the few Russian-made devices that will give odds to foreign ones. Detection frequency (from 1 kHz to 30 kHz). Each parameter can be adjusted almost infinitely precisely. Available with S-shaped and straight bar.
Average price: 50,000 rubles.
A metal detector with increased sensitivity quickly gives a signal about the discovery of metal.LCD display - monochrome, control - 5 buttons plus ground balance. Detection frequency -19 kHz.
Only 2 search programs - All Metal and Treshold. Of course, there are no services for repairing the device in Russia, but an experienced electronics master can easily eliminate malfunctions. Most often, users complain about cable breakage and moisture ingress into the control unit.
It can be ordered from Aliexpress very simply, but it is important to choose a seller with positive reviews.
Average price: 9,440 rubles.
A cheap machine that does the job well. If you do not require archi-much and difficult. It is suitable for those who are just discovering the world of treasure hunting and do not have large sums.
Average price: 2,500 rubles.
An electronic device that can find gold coins, silver items, and other metal objects. The height can be adjusted to suit you. Noise canceling headphones included.
Average price: 9000 rubles.
It is not enough to find a suitable metal detector for the price! It should be useful, at least help in the search for treasures in its own area.What will be the purpose of the device, largely depends on its functions.
First of all, you should pay attention to the coil, which is found in budget mono or DoubleD models - in more advanced ones. The maximum detection depth directly depends on its diameter. The parameter varies from 9 to 12 inches.
How accurately the object will be identified depends on the discrimination. The instrument operates either at one or more frequencies. With what frequency to choose devices depends on what you want to find.
The device must be ground-balanced to determine the degree of soil contamination and its structure.
Weight, placement of the control unit, the presence of a digital detection method or a built-in speaker should also be considered when choosing.
To search for gold, it should be used with ZVT technology. The RF device is intended for deep search. FBS technology implies the simultaneous use of 28 frequencies in the range from .5 kHz to 100 kHz.
The best metal detector manufacturers are Fisher, MineLab, Garrett, Whites and Aka. The popularity of the models of these brands is due to the high quality and good work, even if it is an inexpensive device. Whether it is a construction or a small amateur appliance, you need to choose the unit that will bring pleasure, and will not gather dust in the closet.