Exploring The Deepest Metal Detectors & How to Go Deeper
Metal detectors have long fascinated treasure hunters, relic hunters, and hobbyists alike. One of the most frequently asked questions is: “What is the deepest depth a metal detector can detect?”
The answer isn't straightforward, as various factors influence a detector's depth capabilities. These include the type of detector, coil size, ground mineralization, and even the settings used.
In this article, we will explore these factors in detail and provide tips on how to maximize your metal detector’s detection depth.
What Makes a Metal Detector Go Deeper?
The depth at which a metal detector can detect a buried object is determined by a combination of factors. Key elements such as coil size, frequency, ground conditions, and detector technology all play a role in how deep a metal detector can go.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors affecting detection depth:
The Role of Coil Size in Depth Detection
The size of the coil is one of the most influential factors when it comes to metal detector depth. Generally, larger coils can detect objects buried deeper in the ground, as they cover a wider area and can penetrate the soil more effectively. However, they may not be as sensitive to smaller targets. For instance, a large search coil may be ideal for finding gold nuggets or other larger items, but it may struggle to pick up small targets like buried coins.
How Ground Mineralization Affects Detection Depth
Ground mineralization refers to the presence of minerals in the soil, which can interfere with a metal detector’s ability to detect metal objects. High levels of mineralization can cause false signals or reduce a detector’s depth capabilities. To counter this, many modern metal detectors are equipped with ground balance settings that allow users to adjust for different soil conditions, improving detection depth even in challenging environments.
Pulse Induction vs. VLF Metal Detectors
The technology behind the metal detector also influences how deep it can detect. There are two main types: Pulse Induction (PI) and Very Low Frequency (VLF) detectors. Pulse induction detectors are known for their ability to detect targets buried deep in the ground and perform well in areas with high ground mineralization. On the other hand, VLF detectors are more commonly used for general-purpose detecting, but may not reach the same depths as PI detectors, especially in mineralized soil.
Does a Bigger Detector Coil Go Deeper?
A common belief among metal detectorists is that a bigger coil will always go deeper. While it's true that a larger coil can improve depth detection, it’s important to consider the trade-offs.
Larger coils may detect metal objects at greater depths but may also be less effective in detecting smaller items or in areas with high amounts of ground mineralization. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the right coil size based on the specific conditions and targets you hope to find.
Understanding Search Coil Size and Depth Capabilities
The diameter of the coil plays a significant role in determining how deep a metal detector can detect an object. For example, a 10-inch search coil may have a depth range of 10 to 16 inches for smaller targets, whereas a large search coil of 15 inches or more can potentially detect targets buried several feet deep. However, depth also depends on other factors, such as the type of metal, ground conditions, and the detector’s frequency.
Larger Coils vs. Smaller Coils: What’s Better for Depth?
When it comes to depth detection, larger coils can cover more ground and detect objects buried deeper than smaller coils. However, they may not be as effective in picking up small targets due to the wider detection field.
Conversely, smaller coils are excellent for detecting fine gold, buried coins, and other small objects. The choice between a large search coil and a smaller one ultimately depends on your detecting goals and the ground conditions where you plan to search.
How Do You Increase the Depth of a Metal Detector?
Maximizing the depth at which a metal detector can detect requires proper settings and techniques. Here are some practical steps to help you enhance your detector’s depth capabilities:
Adjusting Sensitivity and Ground Balance for Maximum Depth
Increasing the sensitivity setting on your detector can help it detect deeper targets. However, be cautious, as higher sensitivity may also result in more false signals, especially in mineralized ground. Similarly, setting the correct ground balance can significantly improve depth in challenging soil conditions by minimizing interference from mineralization.
Using Lower Frequencies to Detect Targets Buried Deep in the Ground
In general, lower frequencies are better for detecting objects that are buried deep in the ground. While higher frequencies excel at picking up small targets, lower frequencies penetrate deeper into the soil, making them ideal for finding larger objects like gold nuggets and relics. Modern metal detectors with multi-frequency capabilities offer the best of both worlds, allowing you to switch between different frequencies based on your detecting needs.
Discrimination Settings and Their Impact on Depth
Discrimination settings allow you to filter out unwanted targets, such as iron or aluminum. While this can be useful in certain situations, using too much discrimination can reduce your depth detection capabilities.
What metal detector goes the deepest
When it comes to choosing the metal detector that goes the deepest, it’s essential to match the equipment to your detecting needs and environment. The depth a metal detector can achieve largely depends on the detector type, coil size, and technology used. Based on various metal detectors available, here are some options known for reaching significant depths:
Pulse Induction (PI) Detectors
Pulse Induction metal detectors are renowned for their deep detection capabilities, particularly in mineralized soil or areas with high levels of ground interference. PI detectors like the Garrett ATX or Minelab GPX 5000 excel at finding targets buried several feet deep, including larger objects like gold nuggets and relics. This technology is especially valuable for serious treasure hunters or relic hunters who aim to detect targets buried deeply in challenging conditions.
Multi-Frequency Detectors
Modern detectors equipped with multi-frequency technology, such as the Minelab Equinox 800, offer versatile depth detection. They can automatically switch between different frequencies to optimize depth and sensitivity for various target sizes and ground conditions. These detectors are ideal for hobbyists looking for a balance between detecting small objects like coins and achieving significant depth for larger items.
High-Quality VLF Detectors with Large Search Coils
Very Low Frequency (VLF) detectors, like the XP Deus 2, can also achieve substantial depth when equipped with large coils (15 inches or more). These larger coils enable VLF detectors to detect objects buried deeper, though they may still struggle in heavily mineralized ground compared to PI detectors.
For most detecting scenarios, a high-quality VLF detector with the right coil setup can provide impressive depth while maintaining sensitivity to smaller targets.
Conclusion
Selecting the right metal detector for deep detection depends on understanding the trade-offs between different detector technologies and coil sizes. Pulse Induction detectors lead the pack in depth capabilities, especially in mineralized conditions. Multi-frequency detectors offer a good compromise, allowing users to adjust settings for deeper or more precise detection based on their needs. Meanwhile, VLF detectors with larger coils are effective for general detecting but may not reach the same depths as PI detectors.
Ultimately, your choice should be guided by the type of detecting you intend to do and the ground conditions where you'll be searching. For the deepest detection, opt for a Pulse Induction detector with a large coil, especially if you are hunting for larger targets in mineral-rich environments.
