What are the Different Types of Metal Detectors?

Metal detecting is an exciting and rewarding hobby, but with various types of metal detectors on the market, choosing the right one can be challenging.

Each type of metal detector has unique features that make it suitable for specific uses, environments, and skill levels.

This guide will introduce you to the different types of metal detectors, helping you make an informed decision on which one suits your needs best.

 

Introduction to Metal Detectors

Why Metal Detectors Are Used

Metal detectors are used for a wide variety of applications, from recreational treasure hunting to professional security checks. Hobbyists use metal detectors to find coins, jewelry, and relics, while professionals may use them for detecting valuable minerals, locating buried utility lines, or ensuring security in airports and events.

How Metal Detectors Work

At a basic level, metal detectors emit an electromagnetic field that detects the presence of metal objects in the surrounding area. When a metal object disrupts this field, the detector sends a signal to the user, usually in the form of a tone or display alert. The frequency and depth range of detection vary based on the type of metal detector, making some models better suited for specific applications than others.

Choosing the Right Metal Detector for Your Needs

Selecting the right type of metal detector depends on several factors, including your purpose, budget, and preferred environment. Whether you’re hunting for gold in mountainous terrain or relics in a historical site, understanding the capabilities and limitations of each type will help you make the best choice.

Very Low Frequency (VLF) Metal Detectors

What is a VLF Metal Detector?

Very Low Frequency (VLF) detectors are among the most common and versatile types of metal detectors available. Operating at low frequencies (typically between 3-30 kHz), VLF detectors use two coils – a transmitter coil and a receiver coil – to create a magnetic field. When metal is detected, the receiver coil interprets the signal, indicating the presence of an object.

Pros and Cons of VLF Detectors

VLF metal detectors are generally lightweight, affordable, and sensitive to a wide range of metals, making them popular among beginners and hobbyists. They offer high discrimination, which helps users distinguish between valuable targets (such as coins) and less desirable metals (like iron nails). However, they can be more susceptible to interference from mineralized soil, which may affect performance in areas with high iron content or saltwater beaches.

Common Uses for VLF Detectors

VLF detectors are ideal for coin hunting, relic hunting, and general-purpose metal detecting. Their sensitivity to small metal items makes them perfect for park, field, and beach detecting. Additionally, some VLF models have specialized settings for specific environments, such as modes for detecting in high-trash areas or mineralized soil, making them highly adaptable.

 

Pulse Induction (PI) Metal Detectors

Understanding Pulse Induction Technology

Pulse Induction (PI) metal detectors operate differently from VLF models by using a single coil to send powerful pulses of magnetic energy into the ground. These detectors are less affected by ground minerals, making them more suitable for areas with high mineralization, such as saltwater beaches or regions rich in iron.

Advantages and Disadvantages of PI Detectors

One of the main advantages of PI detectors is their depth penetration, which allows them to detect metal objects buried deep below the surface. PI detectors are highly effective in areas with heavy mineralization, such as saltwater environments, where other detectors may struggle. However, they lack the discrimination ability found in VLF models, which means they may detect all metal objects indiscriminately, including junk metal.

Best Uses for PI Metal Detectors

Pulse Induction metal detectors are best suited for beach detecting, gold prospecting, and underwater treasure hunting, where mineral interference is prevalent. Their capability to detect deeply buried items also makes them a favorite for relic hunters who prioritize depth over target discrimination.

  

Beat-Frequency Oscillation (BFO) Metal Detectors

How BFO Metal Detectors Work

Beat-Frequency Oscillation (BFO) detectors are one of the simplest types of metal detectors, often found in entry-level models. BFO detectors operate using two oscillators: one in the detector's coil and another in the control box. When metal disrupts the frequency, it creates an audible tone that signals the presence of a target. This technology is straightforward and easy to understand, making it suitable for beginners.

Advantages of BFO Detectors

BFO detectors are affordable and easy to use, making them ideal for beginners or casual detectorists. While they lack the advanced features found in VLF or PI models, BFO detectors provide a basic and accessible way for newcomers to explore metal detecting without a significant investment.

Situations Where BFO Detectors Are Effective

Although BFO detectors are not ideal for complex detecting tasks, they are well-suited for simple applications, such as searching for coins and small items in non-mineralized soil. Many children’s metal detectors use BFO technology, as its simplicity allows young users to learn the basics of metal detecting.

  

Specialty Metal Detectors for Specific Uses

Gold Detectors: For Prospecting Gold and Minerals

Gold detectors are specialized metal detectors designed to locate gold and other precious minerals in challenging environments. They are highly sensitive to small gold particles and often use Very Low Frequency (VLF) or Pulse Induction (PI) technology, depending on the model. Gold detectors are engineered to handle highly mineralized ground, such as areas with high iron content, which is typical in gold-rich regions. These detectors are popular with prospectors who require precise sensitivity to find small gold flakes and nuggets.

Relic and Treasure Detectors: For Historical Finds

Relic and treasure detectors are designed for those searching for artifacts, ancient coins, and valuable relics. They generally have advanced discrimination features to help users filter out unwanted metals and focus on desirable targets. Relic detectors are often built to penetrate deeper layers of soil, enabling detectorists to locate items buried long ago. These detectors are used in historical sites, fields, and forests where relics or ancient coins may be hidden underground.

Underwater Metal Detectors: For Beach and Water Use

Underwater metal detectors are specifically built for treasure hunting in shallow or deep water. These detectors are completely waterproof and often have a durable, corrosion-resistant exterior to withstand saltwater.

They come in two main types: those made for shallow waters, such as beaches and lakes, and scuba-grade detectors, which allow diving to deeper depths. Underwater metal detectors are commonly used to search for lost jewelry, coins, and artifacts on beaches and ocean floors.

   

Comparing the Different Types of Metal Detectors

VLF vs. PI: Which to Choose?

When comparing VLF and PI detectors, the choice largely depends on where and what you intend to detect.

VLF detectors are excellent for general-purpose detecting, with good discrimination and suitability for coin and relic hunting. However, they may struggle in areas with high mineralization, such as saltwater beaches.

PI detectors, on the other hand, excel in highly mineralized environments, offering greater depth but limited discrimination. If you’re looking for all-purpose detecting, VLF may be the best choice, while PI detectors are better suited for specialized environments, like beaches and gold-rich areas.

 

Understanding BFO for Hobbyist Use

BFO detectors are the most straightforward of the three and are generally recommended for beginners or children. While they may not match the sophistication of VLF or PI detectors, they are sufficient for basic detecting tasks, such as finding coins or small items in low-mineralized soil. For hobbyists who want a simple and affordable way to start metal detecting, BFO detectors provide an easy entry point.

 

Tips for Selecting the Right Metal Detector Type

Matching the Detector to the Terrain and Location

The environment in which you plan to detect should significantly influence your choice of metal detector. For beach detecting, consider a PI or waterproof detector that can handle saltwater interference. For relic hunting in historical sites, a deep-searching VLF detector with good discrimination is ideal. Matching your detector to the terrain will help you achieve better results and reduce frustration.

Budget Considerations

Metal detectors range widely in price, from affordable entry-level models to high-end, feature-rich detectors. If you’re a beginner, you might want to start with a BFO or basic VLF model to understand the basics without a large investment.

For more experienced users, a specialized detector may be worth the higher price, as it can increase the chances of finding specific items or detecting in challenging conditions.

Ease of Use and Skill Level

Ease of use is an important factor, especially for beginners or those unfamiliar with advanced settings. Basic BFO and VLF models tend to be more user-friendly, with simple controls and fewer adjustments needed. Advanced detectorists, however, may prefer more sophisticated models with customizable settings for sensitivity, ground balancing, and discrimination, allowing them to fine-tune their detector for specific targets.

 

Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Metal Detector

Choosing the right metal detector comes down to understanding your goals and selecting a model that fits your needs and environment. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a simple entry-level detector or an experienced detectorist needing a specialized model, knowing the differences between VLF, PI, and BFO detectors can help guide your decision.

Recommendations for Various Types of Detectorists

For general-purpose metal detecting, a versatile VLF detector is an excellent choice. Beach hunters or those detecting in mineral-rich areas should consider PI detectors, while beginners or young hobbyists can start with a BFO model. For specific needs like gold prospecting or underwater treasure hunting, specialty detectors offer the features needed to succeed. By understanding what each type offers, you can make an informed choice and enjoy the thrill of metal detecting to its fullest.