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Testing methodology
Every recommendation on DetectorTested follows the same process, so you can compare pages with confidence.
Ground and law first
Every recommendation starts with the ground you hunt and whether detecting is allowed there.
A clear verdict
Each guide says who the gear suits, who should look elsewhere, and what to check before you buy.
No paid placements
Brands cannot buy a review or a spot on a list. Partner codes save you money; they never decide what we recommend.
Kept current
Prices are dated, codes are updated across the site at once, and pages are revised when a product, standard or rule changes.
Where our facts come from
We use manufacturer specifications and manuals, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act and agency rules from the National Park Service, BLM and US Forest Service, state park regulations, and the UK Portable Antiquities Scheme and Treasure Act guidance.
What we check, by product type
| Detectors | Technology (VLF, multi-frequency, PI), frequencies, ground balance, waterproof depth, weight and battery. |
|---|---|
| Coils | Size and shape, DD or concentric, frequency compatibility and model fit. |
| Pinpointers | Waterproof rating, sensitivity adjustment, detector interference, battery and lanyard. |
| Recovery tools | Material, edge and serration, length, and sand scoop hole size and handle. |
Hands-on testing versus research
A review carries a "Hands-on tested" badge only when our team has used the product, and it lists the date and what we did. Every other page is built from published specs, governing-body rules, the brand's own documentation and owner feedback, and says so. Comparisons are research-based unless marked otherwise.
Prices and codes
Prices come from each brand's own store and are dated on every review. Reader codes come directly from the brands we partner with. When a brand changes an offer, we update the code everywhere it appears on the site at once.
Corrections
If you spot something out of date, email [email protected] and we'll check it and fix it.