Comparing Metal Detector Specs: Gold, Multi-purpose & Commercial


by MetalDetector.com Staff


Compare Specs Between Popular Detectors

Choosing the right metal detector can significantly impact your treasure-hunting success. Whether you're searching on land, underwater, or for gold, understanding the specifications and features of different detectors is crucial. Below, we compare top metal detectors across various categories to help you select the best tool for your adventures. For more detailed information, check out our owners manuals.

Our comparison covers detectors for multi-purpose, gold, and commercial use. We also delve into topics like VLF/PI detecting, multi-frequency detecting, and frequency guides. This context will help you better understand the specifications in the table below.

How does frequency impact your detecting experience? The operating frequency of a metal detector, measured in kilohertz (kHz), affects its performance. Lower frequencies (5-15 kHz) are ideal for detecting larger, high-conductivity targets like silver and iron, while higher frequencies (17-70+ kHz) are better for smaller, low-conductivity objects like gold. Single-frequency detectors are versatile for general use, whereas multi-frequency models offer greater depth and versatility, making them suitable for various terrains and target types.

Metal detecting frequency illustration

What is the importance of Single Frequency, Very Low Frequency, Multi-frequency, and Pulse Induction?

Single-Frequency Metal Detectors:

  • Emit electromagnetic energy at a specific frequency, typically around 10 kHz or higher.
  • Ideal for general-purpose detection but limited in differentiating between metals.
  • Lower frequencies detect larger, more conductive objects, while higher frequencies detect smaller, less conductive items like gold.

Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors:

  • Emit electromagnetic pulses at multiple frequencies simultaneously or switch between them.
  • Offer greater versatility and metal discrimination, making them suitable for various terrains and target types.
  • Especially useful for prospecting and searching for specific metals like gold due to improved sensitivity and accuracy.

Pulse Induction (PI) Metal Detectors:

  • Emit short bursts of energy and measure the return time of reflections.
  • Highly effective in mineralized areas, such as saltwater beaches and gold prospecting regions.
  • Less affected by mineral interference and capable of detecting metals at greater depths compared to VLF detectors.
  • Ideal for treasure hunting, relic hunting, and underwater searches due to their ability to penetrate challenging ground conditions.

Why does waterproofing matter? Knowing whether a metal detector and its coil are waterproof and suitable for freshwater or saltwater environments is crucial. Freshwater detectors may struggle in saltwater due to mineral interference, and non-waterproof models can be damaged in wet conditions. Choose a detector that matches your environment and ensures proper care to maximize product longevity and performance.

The table below includes specifications for various detectors. For more detailed comparisons, visit our product reviews and comparisons page.

 

Metal Detector Category Weight Search Modes Standard Coil Battery Life Operating Principle Operating Frequency Pinpointing Target ID Waterproof
Fisher Gold Bug Pro Gold 2.8 lb Iron Disc, All-metal 4.7" closed-framed ~15 hrs VLF 19 kHz, crystal controlled Yes Yes Only coil
Fisher Gold Bug 2 Gold 2.9 lb Iron Disc, All-metal ESI-Shielded, elliptical search coil ~15 hrs LF 71 kHz Yes No Only coil
Fisher Gold Bug Gold 2.8 lb Iron Disc, All-metal 5" closed-frame search coil ~15 hrs VLF 19 kHz, crystal controlled Yes No Only coil
Nakto Makro Gold Kruzer Gold 1.4 kg (3 lbs) General; Fast, Boost, Micro Jewelry 10"x5.5" DD & 7.5"x4" DD 14-19 hrs VLF 61 kHz Yes Yes Yes; 5 meters (16 feet)
Nokta Makro Gold Finder 2000 Gold 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) All Metal Discrimination, Fast & Deep 10"x5.5" DD & 5" DD coil ~20 hrs VLF 56 kHz No No Only coil
Garrett Axiom Gold 2.1 kg (4.7 lbs) Fine, Normal, Large, Salt 13" x 11" Mono Searchcoil ~16 hrs PI - Yes Yes Only coil (box rain resistant)
Garrett AT Gold Gold 1.4 kg (3.0 lbs) All Metal; Discrimination 1; Discrimination 2 5"x8" DD Searchcoil 20-40 hrs VLF 18 kHz Yes Yes Yes; 3 meters (10 feet) only fresh water/lakes
Garrett ATX Deepseeker Pack Gold 3.1 kg (6.9 lbs) All Metal; Motion/No-motion Modes 15" x 20" Deepseeker & 8" Mono Searchcoil ~12 hrs PI - Yes No Yes; 3 meters/10 ft (+salt water)
Garrett Goldmaster 24K Gold 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs) Iron & Hotrock Elimination modes 6"x10" DD Coil 20-40 hrs VLF 48 kHz Yes Yes Only coil (box rainproof)
Detech EDS Gold Catcher Gold 1.6 kg (3.5 lbs) All metal, Discrimination 10" DD Coil 20-30 hrs VLF 28 kHz Yes No Only coil
Minelab Gold Monster 1000 Gold 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs) Gold & Deep All-Metal 10"x6" DD & 5" DD ~12 hrs VLF 45 kHz Yes No Only coil
Garrett Ace Apex Multi-purpose 1.1 kg (2.5 lbs) ZERO, Coins, Jewelry, US Coins, Relic, Custom 6"x11" DD Multi-flex Viper Searchcoil ~15 hrs VLF/MF 5, 10, 15, 20 kHz; Multi-Freq. Yes Yes Only coil (box rain resistant)
Garrett Ace 300 Multi-purpose 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs) ZERO, Jewelry, Custom, Relics, Coins 7"x10" concentric PROformance 20-40 hrs VLF 8 kHz (adjustable) Yes Yes Only coil
Garrett Ace 400 Multi-purpose 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs) ZERO, Jewelry, Custom, Relics, Coins 8.5"x11" DD PROformance 20-40 hrs VLF 10 kHz (adjustable) Yes Yes Only coil
Garrett AT Max Multi-purpose 1.4 kg (3.0 lbs) All metal, custom, coin, zero 8.5" x 11" PROformance DD 15-25 hrs VLF 13.6 kHz Yes Yes Yes; 3 meters (10 feet) (+salt water)
Fisher F11 Multi-purpose 1.0 kg (2.3 lbs) Jewelry, Coin, Relic 7” round elliptical search coil 20-25 hrs VLF 7.69 kHz Yes Yes Only coil
Fisher F5 Multi-purpose 1.4 kg (3.0 lbs) All metal, Discrimination 10" Concentric Coil 30-40 hrs VLF 7.8 kHz Yes Yes Only coil
Fisher F44 Multi-purpose 1.0 kg (2.3 lbs) All metal, Jewelry, Coin, Relic, Custom 11" triangulated elliptical concentric searchcoil 25 hrs VLF 7.69 kHz Yes Yes Only coil
Nokta Simplex ULTRA Multi-purpose 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) Field, Park, 4 Tone, 99 Tone, Beach, All Metal 11" DD ~12 hrs VLF 15 kHz Yes Yes Yes; 5 m/16 ft (+salt)
Minelab Equinox 900 Multi-purpose 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs) Park, Field, Beach, Gold 11" DD ~12 hrs VLF/MF Multi, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz Yes Yes Yes; 5 m/16 ft
Minelab Manticore Multi-purpose 1.5 kg All-Terrain, Beach, Goldfield 11" DD ~10 hrs VLF/MF Multi-IQ+, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz Yes Yes Yes; 5 m/16 ft
Minelab Vanquish 540 Multi-purpose 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs) Coin, Relic, Jewelry, Custom 12" coil ~11 hrs VLF/MF Multi-IQ Yes Yes Only coil
XP Deus II Multi-purpose 1.15kg (2.5lb) General, Sensitive, Sensi FT, Fast, Park, Deep HC, Deus Mono, Gold Field, Relic, Diving, Beach 9" coil 15-30hrs VLF/FMF 49 Frequencies from 4 to 45kHz Yes Yes Yes; 20m/65ft (+salt)
Fisher M-97 Commercial 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) All metal, search under concrete & asphalt - 15-25 hrs VLF 4.5 kHz No No Only coil
Fisher M-101 Commercial 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs) All metal, search for covered metals/rebar DD coil ~50 hrs VLF 4.5 kHz Yes No Only coil
Nokta Makro Pulsedive Underwater 420 g (14.8 oz) Audio, Vibration, Audio/Vibration - ~12 hrs PI 3 kHz Yes No Yes; 60 m/200 ft (+salt water)

 

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