Have you ever been curious about trying a metal detector? Have you thought about buying one but you’re not so sure what to look for? When we think of metal detectors we typically think of those at airports and schools, built for security measures. However, there are metal detectors built to assist the avid adventurer and treasure hunter, with different features for your specific searching needs.

When looking for a metal detector, there are a few things you should consider:

1. Research the item and consider multiple brands: It is always best to look at different brands of metal detectors before you purchase one, as different brands may come with different features to meet different detecting needs. Some detectors will come with multiple operation modes, and customers should decide on a metal detector catered to their search.
2. Dedicated hobby or occasional use? Will you be dedicating a significant amount of time to your new hobby or will you be using your metal detector on occasion? In either case, the more money you spend, the more features you will have to assist you in identifying the items you find, so if you’re not planning on using it often you may not need to spend a lot of money.
3. Where you will be using the metal detector: Are you are located near a gold prospecting country or an area with old relics, buyers interested in purchasing detectors can choose between “specific purpose” detectors, or those with multiple operation modes for different types of detecting. Depending where you are searching, you may also want to look into the specific search coil that would be most useful for your location.
4. Will more than one person be using the detector? Metal detectors are available in different lengths, and if others will be using it it’s important to take length in account; as someone short may not find a long detector comfortable to use and vice versa. Detectors also come available with parts that can be raised and lowered.
5. Your budget: What are you comfortable spending? There are a variety of detectors in different price ranges, whether you’re someone who prefers top of the line products, or someone buying for the first time.

When buying a metal detector, you should have a clear idea of what it is that you will be searching for, and as mentioned above metal detectors come equipped with a search coil, that produces a magnetic field to detect different metals. The depth of the magnetic field is determined by the shape and size of the search coil, so buyers should also familiarize themselves with the proper search coil needed to locate their desired metals. 

At Hero Outdoors we have a variety of different metal detectors, and the Garrett ACE 300i is definitely one to consider. Better detection abilities, a new audio system, and a digital target ID, the ACE 300i is an all-in-one must have, with multiple key features including but not limited to:

• New higher frequency to provide better sensitivity on low and medium-conductivity targets
• New adjustable frequency to eliminate interference
• Increased stem stability

Finding the right metal detector can be a search in itself, but once you find the right one for you—let the search begin!