Metal Detecting & Prospecting

Which metal detectors are the best?

The top consideration when purchasing a metal detector is its sensitivity and coil size. The higher the sensitivity, the easier your experience will be. The larger your coil size, the more area and depth you can search, just know the larger coil will also be more difficult to handle.

How much are metal detectors?

You can get into metal detecting with a detector for under $100, or you can opt for top-end models that range as high as $900.

How do I choose a metal detector?

The first thing you need to consider when buying a metal detector is what you hope to get out of it. Is it a hobby, a business, or something else? If you simply want to poke around and get some exercise in the process, an entry-level detector is perfect. If you’re looking for specific metals and want to make money, well the old adage that it takes money to make money is spot on.

Search coils are an essential component of metal detectors as they're responsible for detecting buried metal objects. There are various styles of search coils available, each with unique features and characteristics that make them suitable for different types of metal detecting applications. In this explanation, we'll look at the differences between the most common metal detector search coil styles.

Concentric Coil

The first type of metal detector search coil is the concentric coil. This coil has 2 separate coils that are wound on top of each other in a concentric pattern. The inner coil sends out a magnetic field, while the outer coil receives the signal back. Concentric coils are generally more accurate in identifying targets in trashy areas, and they are also better at discriminating between different types of metals.

Double D Coil

The second type of search coil is the Double D coil. Double D coils consist of a pair of overlapping D-shaped coils – hence their name. Double D coils are excellent for detecting small targets at a depth. They are also very good at ground penetration and can detect metals in mineralized soils, which makes them ideal for gold prospecting.

Elliptical Coil

The third type of search coil is the elliptical coil. As the name suggests, this coil is elliptical in shape. Elliptical coils have a narrower detection pattern and are good for searching in tight spaces or areas with limited access. They are also ideal for searching in areas with high levels of mineralization or saltwater beaches, as they are less affected by interference from these materials.

Spider Coil

The fourth type of search coil is the spider coil. Spider coils consist of multiple smaller coils arranged in a spider-web pattern. They are very sensitive and can detect even the smallest of targets. They are also very effective at detecting coins and relics, making them ideal for metal detecting in parks and other public areas.

Choosing the right search coil for your metal detector will depend on your specific metal detecting needs and the type of environment you will be detecting in. Consider factors like the size and shape of the area you'll be searching, the type of soil or environment, and the type of targets you'll be looking for when choosing a search coil for your metal detector. Happy hunting!