Metal Detector Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Detector

Finding the right metal detector can be overwhelming, whether you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or professional treasure hunter. At Sports 365, we provide trusted guidance to help you choose the perfect detector for your needs, whether you’re searching for gold, coins, relics, or beach treasures.

Understand Your Detecting Goals

Before selecting a metal detector, identify what you want to search for:

• Gold prospecting – requires high-frequency or multi-frequency detectors for small nuggets.

• Coin hunting – medium-frequency detectors with good discrimination help separate coins from trash.

• Relic hunting – detectors with deep detection and target ID features work best.

• Beach or underwater detecting – waterproof detectors are essential for sand and shallow water.

Understanding your goals ensures you select a detector that performs in the environments you’ll be using it most.

Beginner vs. Professional Detectors

Beginner Metal Detectors

• Lightweight and easy to use

• Simple controls and preset modes

• Ideal for casual hobbyists or kids

Check out our Beginner Metal Detectors collection for top-rated models.

Professional / Advanced Detectors

• Multi-frequency technology for precision

• Adjustable settings for depth, sensitivity, and discrimination

• Designed for serious hunters or treasure recovery

Explore our Professional Metal Detectors for advanced models with enhanced features.

Key Features to Consider

When shopping for a metal detector, pay attention to these features:

• Frequency – High-frequency for small gold, low-frequency for large or deep targets.

• Discrimination – Helps distinguish valuable items from trash.

• Depth & Sensitivity – Determines how deep your detector can locate objects.

• Weight & Ergonomics – Important for long detecting sessions.

• Waterproofing – Necessary for beach or underwater detecting.

You can find detectors with these features across top brands like Minelab, Garrett, XP, and Nokta.

Accessories You Might Need

Enhance your detecting experience with essential accessories:

• Pinpointers – quickly locate buried targets.

• Coils – different sizes and types for depth or precision.

• Headphones – reduce background noise and improve target identification.

• Digging tools – trowels, shovels, and scoops for safe recovery.

Check our full range of Metal Detector Accessories.

Tips for Choosing the Right Detector

1. Set a budget – quality detectors exist for every price range.

2. Consider weight and comfort – you’ll be holding it for long periods.

3. Read reviews and guides – our site features user reviews to help you decide.

4. Match the detector to your environment – sand, dirt, water, or gold fields.

Why Buy from Sports 365

At Sports 365, we provide:

• Trusted brands: Minelab, Garrett, XP, Nokta, etc.

• Expert advice: our guides help beginners and pros

• Fast shipping & support: get your detector quickly and reliably