Choose with confidence

First metal detector guide: where you will hunt, weight and balance, target ID, discrimination, ground balance, waterproofing, coils and budget.

Metal detector technologies compared: single-frequency VLF, multi-frequency and pulse induction, by discrimination, depth, salt beaches, mineralized ground and gold.

Beach metal detecting guide: dry sand vs wet salt sand vs water, why multi-frequency and PI work best, waterproof ratings, sand scoops, tides and beach rules.

Choose a gold prospecting detector: high-frequency VLF vs pulse induction, mineralized ground and hot rocks, nugget size, coils, and checking mining claims first.

Choose a metal detecting pinpointer: probe design, waterproof ratings, sensitivity adjustment, detector interference, wireless pairing and lost-pinpointer alarms.

Choose a metal detector search coil: small, standard and large coil sizes, DD vs concentric designs, trashy sites, depth, mineralization and model compatibility.

Where metal detecting is allowed: private land permission, national parks, BLM and Forest Service land, ARPA, state parks, beaches, UK rules and a code of ethics.