The Best Metal Detector for Deep Hunting: How to Find Buried Treasure
It can be hard to find an affordable metal detector and able to find the buried deep treasure. But don’t worry, we are here to help! This article will explore the top 8 metal detectors for depth and some helpful tips to help you choose the right detector for your needs.
When choosing a metal detector, hobbyists often ask themselves the most important factors. To help you pick the best detector for your needs, you must figure out what you want in a detector.
There are many metal detectors available on the market. Some are good, and some are affordable. Before buying one, you will need to think about what you want to use the metal detector. The following section will discuss what you should consider when looking for a metal detector.
The Best Metal Detector for Deep Hunting
Things to Consider
When you are looking for a metal detector, there are some things you should think about before you buy. You will want to think about how deep the detector can find things and how often it can find things. You should also think about what things you want to find with the detector.
What Are You Looking to Find?
Different metal detectors are better for finding different things. If you want to find coins, jewelry, or any other kind of relic, you need to find a metal detector that is good for finding what you are looking for. Some metal detectors are better at finding things than others and can get rid of the trash.
Where Are You Planning on Detecting?
Different metal detectors are designed for different purposes. If you plan on doing a lot of hunting at the beach, you might want to invest in a detector that can also be used in saltwater. That way, you’ll have a much larger area to search.
How Frequently Do You Intend to Use It?
This is an important question because it will determine how durable your metal detector needs to be. If you only plan on using it on weekends or holidays, you don’t need a super high-end, durable detector. But if you plan on using it more and being harder, you may want to invest in a more reliable detector.
What Is Your Experience Level?
When looking for a new metal detector, it is important to think about what you want to use it. Many different metal detectors are available and are good for different things. Some are better for experienced users with specific goals, while others are good for people who just want fun. In other words, many of these metal detectors are pricey. They contain several capabilities that the majority of beginners do not require. If you are a beginner, you can find an excellent, easy-to-use metal detector with unlimited capabilities that will allow you to have fun finding relics.
How Much Are You Willing to Invest?
It is important to consider how much you want to spend on a metal detector. The best way to do this is by setting a budget and then looking for metal detectors within your price range. Whether you want to spend $300 or $1500, plenty of good metal detectors fit your budget and your needs, making the shopping process easier and less stressful.
Top 8 Metal Detectors
1. Garrett AT Pro
This all-terrain metal detector is a mid-grade metal detector perfect for people looking for a detector. that can work well in areas with more trash, such as rivers and parks. It also has an incredible 5×8 DD coil to reach great depths. And if you need to adjust the ground balance, you can also use this detector in salt water. The Garrett AT Pro is perfect for beginners or more experienced metal detectorists. It has two modes that can be adjusted to preference: standard or pro mode. The Garrett AT Pro is lightweight and compact, making it easy to travel to and from your locations!
2. Fisher F22
The Fisher F22 is a good metal detector for beginners and kids. It is easy to use, and you can find coins easily. It also has a deep search mode, which means you can find things buried underground.
Fisher’s are always known for their easy-to-use features and high-depth capturing methods. With its improved coil, this one now ranks above more expensive models. This is an attractive option if you search for a user-friendly model with remarkable depth ranges.
3. Fisher F75
If you are looking for a great metal detector for all purposes, the Fisher F75 SE LTD is perfect. This metal detector can reach even greater depths when put into boost mode. This two-coil metal detector is a favorite among coin and relic hunters because it performs exceptionally well in areas with high mineral levels. It reaches great depths and is a great option for all skill levels of metal detectorists.
4. Tesoro Sand Shark
The Tesoro Sand Shark has the best waterproof pulse induction. It also has a 10.5-inch coil, making it easier to find things at a depth of 200 feet. This metal detector is more expensive than some others. Still, it is perfect for people who love to find things with a metal detector.
This is the perfect model if you’re looking to swim at the beach. It will help you reach deeper levels in the water.
5. Tesoro Silver Umax
The Tesoro Silver uMax is a lightweight metal detector that can find metal objects 10″ below the surface. It is easy to use and has accuracy and microprocessor technology, making it easy to find targets. It also comes with a lifetime warranty! This metal detector is great for all skill levels. It includes a Silent Search Discriminate Mode and a Silent Search All Metal Mode for successful hunting.
6. XP Deus
The XP Deus is a good metal detector for people who want to find things in high-iron areas. With the XP Deus, you can set it to respond quickly to metal, and it will go deeper than some other detectors.
The XP Deus is a compact and lightweight metal detector that makes it easy to take with you when you travel. It also has features you can add, such as downloadable upgrades, new and improved coils, and even a waterproof kit!
7. Minelab CTX 3030
The Minelab CTX 3030 is a great metal detector. It uses a technology called FBS (Frequency Based Search) that allows it to find relics with pinpoint precision and accuracy. It can also find them at much greater depths than other detectors. This detector is years ahead of the competition in terms of technology.
This metal detector comes with internet updates, target tracking, the ability to save your finds, GPS, and many other features. The Minelab CTZ 3030 is a high-end metal detector perfect for experienced metal detectorists. This is the one for you if you are looking for a top-of-the-line detector.
8. Teknetics T2 SE LTD
The Teknetics T2 SE LTD is the winner’s choice because it reaches the deepest. This one has been noted to pick up items buried below 12″ and point them out like they are a mere 3-4″ deep. When tested, it was found that the depth of 15-16″ was no problem.
The Teknetics T2 metal detector was designed with relic hunting in mind. This allows it to distinguish between valuable items and trash that other metal detectors might pick up.
The Teknetics T2 SE LTD is the best metal detector because it is deep and precise. It also has many features that other metal detectors do not have. This metal detector is perfect for anyone looking for the best possible option.
How Far Down Can A Metal Detector Search?
Are you intrigued by metal detecting and interested in how deep a metal detector can penetrate?
Most metal detectors can detect items approximately 4-8ʺ (10 – 20 cm) deep. A mid-range metal detector can reach 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) underground under optimum conditions. Some specialist detectors can reach a depth of 65 feet (20 m).
The precise depth depends on the type of detector and objects you attempt to detect. And additional aspects, such as the soil’s minerals.
This article explores how deep a metal detector can detect objects. The topic is rife with contradictory information and imprecise explanations. We are here to help you make sense of everything.
First, we will discuss how the target’s size, shape, and direction affect the depth it may be detected. Next, we will examine the many sorts of available metal detectors. We will discuss all you need to know, including frequencies and search coils. We will conclude by discussing how minerals in the earth can affect search depth. Let’s dig in.
The Metal Object is Your Aim
Metal detectors can only detect metal items. If you seek diamonds or timber, you’re out of luck. In the language of metal detecting, each metal object you are hunting for is a Target.
This objective could be a lost ring or a set of keys, not to be mistaken with a department shop. It could be hidden treasure, a property marker, or the lid of a septic tank. Whatever it is, you need to locate a metallic object.
The greater your knowledge of your objective, the better prepared you are to locate it. The metal composition, size, form, and orientation of a target determine the depth to which a metal detector can penetrate.
Target Size
A metal detector can detect larger targets more deeply than smaller ones. This is because larger items have a greater surface area, disrupting a metal detector’s electromagnetic (EM) field.
Target Shape
Due to their larger detectable surface area, round targets such as coins or rings and flat rectangular items such as metal boxes or chests are simpler to detect at greater depths. Long or slender objects, such as nails or cables, are more difficult to locate when one delves further into the dirt.
Target Orientation
A horizontal target is simpler to detect at greater depths than a vertical target. This is because a greater surface area disrupts the detector’s electromagnetic field. A vertical target has a smaller surface area, making it more difficult to identify.
Target Composition
The sort of metal you seek impacts the depth at which you may discover it. Highly conductive metals (such as silver) can be detected deeper than less conductive metals such as gold, lead, or stainless steel.
Next, we’ll cover various metal detectors and their depth capabilities.
Frequencies
The primary distinction between metal detectors is their operating frequency. However, what does this mean?
The frequency of operation of a metal detector is the number of electromagnetic (EM) waves per second that can penetrate the earth. These frequencies are measured in kilohertz (kHz). For example, a 7 kHz can send 7,000 EM waves per second. In contrast, a 40 kHz frequency may broadcast 40,000 waves per second.
The majority of metal detectors work between 7 kHz and 25 kHz. Single-frequency and multi-frequency technologies are the two primary categories of frequency technologies.
Single-Frequency
The majority of entry-level metal detectors utilize VLF, a single-frequency technology. VLF is an abbreviation for Very Low Frequency. Continuously transmitting a single-frequency electromagnetic wave into the ground.
Low frequencies (less than 8 kHz) are ideal for deep, big, or extremely conductive targets, such as silver and copper. Small gold nuggets and other metals with low conductivity are susceptible to high frequencies (about 40 kHz). However, they are insensitive to more conductive metals easily detected by lower frequencies.
Some low frequencies are susceptible to electromagnetic interference from electronic devices and power lines. As previously stated, this is electromagnetic interference or EMI.
Multi-Frequency
Premium metal detectors utilize multi-frequency transmission. Multi-frequency technology simultaneously transmits numerous frequencies across the spectrum. This makes the metal detector sensitive to small, large, and deep objects.
Garrett’s Multi-Flex ACE Apex detector uses a multi-frequency transmission and signal processing mechanism. It employs a frequency range of 5 kHz to 20 kHz.
Minelab’s Multi-IQ The transmission and processing system is commonly considered the best. Multi-IQ operates between 5 kHz and 40 kHz in terms of frequency. It differs in how the software of the detector processes the received signals.
Software Features
In addition to frequency, software features influence the depth a metal detector can detect.
Ground Balance is accessible on a variety of metal detectors. It functions to limit interference from ground minerals. We’ll discuss ground mineralization in greater detail later in this post, but for now, let’s take a fast look.
Mineralization of the ground might give erroneous indications. This occurs when a metal detector sounds as if it has located a target in the ground but detects iron or salt particles in the soil.
Ground Balancing features muffle the signals from the ground’s minerals to counteract this. This leaves just the signals of actual targets to remain.
Search Coils
A search coil is a round(ish) object at the end of the shaft of a metal detector. According to its name, it consists of two sets of coiled wires. The Transmit Coil of one set produces an electromagnetic (EM) field. The second coil detects disruptions in the field.
These disruptions suggest the presence of a metal object in the ground. Search coils come in different sizes, shapes, and configurations. Each is intended for certain objectives, search areas, and mineralization levels.
Search Coil Sizes
The size of the search coil determines the coverage area of a metal detector. A medium-sized search coil can cover 2′ to 3′ (0.61 to 0.91 m) per 3 to 4 seconds when swept across the ground.
How far below can a search coil detect objects?
A search coil’s detection depth is equal to its diameter.
The deeper a target can be detected, the larger the coil. However, the generated EM field becomes so massive that the detector cannot identify small things at a certain point. This threshold is a search coil diameter of 14 to 15 inches (35 to 38 cm) for coins and rings.
Small search coils (sniper coils) measure 4 to 7 inches (10 to 18 centimeters). They can detect nearly as deeply as regular 9 to 10-inch (22 to 25-centimeter) coils. As previously mentioned, this is 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) deep.
These little coils are useful in “garbage-filled locations” such as homestead plots and trash-filled parks. They produce concentrated electromagnetic fields and are ideal for finding small objects such as earrings or gold nuggets. In addition, tiny coils are less vulnerable to electromagnetic interference (EMI) from power lines, cell phones, microwave ovens, and other electronic devices.
Medium Search Coils are standard on the majority of metal detectors. They are typically 9 to 10 inches (22 to 25 cm) in diameter and generate a search field around 8 inches (20 cm) wide and deep.
Medium-sized search coils are effective in a range of search environments. Coins, rings, and other valuables are suitable targets.
Large Search Coils are ten to fifteen centimeters in diameter and provide the maximum detection depth and coverage area.
In distant places, they are perfect for relic hunting and prospecting. However, there are tradeoffs. Specifically, they make it difficult to detect small targets. The strong electromagnetic field produced by these coils can render the metal detector “blind” to earrings, tiny gold nuggets, and thin jewelry. In addition, they are more prone to EMI than other coil sizes.
Search Coil Shapes
Metal detector search coils come in two primary shapes: circles and ellipses.
Circular search coils are common. They balance stability, covering the area, and precision in different soil types. Circular coils detect deeper than elliptical coils.
Elliptical search coils are narrow and easy to maneuver. Longer coils cover the same area as circular coils but not as deeply.
Search Coil Configurations
Concentric, double-d, and mono-loop coils are typical search coils.
Concentric Coils The transmit coil is the bigger outer coil, while the receiver coil is the smaller inner coil (the receive coil).
These coils provide a cone-shaped search field. Concentric search coils are more sensitive to EMI and ground minerals.
Double-D Coils overlapping “D”-shaped transmission and receive coils.
This arrangement decreases EMI and ground mineralization interference and allows for deeper detection than concentric coils.
Double-D coils create two search fields to counter mineralization. First a restricted positive detection field. Second, a large negative detection field reduces ground interference.
Monoloop Coils seek coil-like. They have a single wire coiling that transmits and receives signals. This design goes deeper than concentric coils. Increased depth increases mineralized soil interference.
Specialized Metal Detectors
There are specialized metal detectors for industrial and professional use.
1. Magnetic Locator
Magnetic locators detect iron and steel. They find buried property markings, cast iron pipes, water valve covers, septic tank lids, etc.
How Deep Can It Detect?
Magnetic locators can detect iron up to 16 (4.8 m) deep, depending on the object’s size.
2. Two-Box Detector
Two-box metal detectors use two rectangular search coils. This configuration can find caches and relics. They can’t identify items smaller than 3 for that depth (7.5 cm).
How Deep Can It Detect?
Two-box detectors go 20ft (6.1 m). This depends on the desired size and soil minerals.
3. 3D Ground Scanner
Deep-seeking 3D ground scanners are metal detectors. It can find underground tunnels, valuables, and abnormalities.
Archaeologists investigate senior communities, ruins, and battlefields. Before digging, gold prospectors employ these scanners. Hunting for gold, silver, bronze, and other metals. Tunnels, foundations, and hidden chambers can be found using these.
How Deep Can It Detect?
OKM Exp 6000 3D ground scanner can detect things 20m below the surface.
4. Radio Frequency Locators
RF locators find buried plastic pipes. Like plumbing or irrigation. Sondes are tied to fish tape and fed into the pipe. The sonde transmits a frequency that the locator receives, tracing the pipe.
How Deep Can It Detect?
Radiofrequency locators may detect sondes up to 9 (2.75 m) below the surface, depending on the type.
What to Search for in the Most Extensive Metal Detectors
Now we’ll examine the deepest metal detectors to learn about depth detecting.
What does depth mean?
Subjective. Every metal detector is calibrated to a given depth based on its search coil and electrical circuitry.
Entry-level metal detectors frequently find 2″ to 6″ coins. Mid-range metal detectors cover 8″ to 16″. High-end metal detectors are calibrated for certain metals. Detector technology and search coil determine depth.
What Affects Depth Detection?
It is impossible to provide a single response to this topic. The most prominent elements are:
- Target
- Soil conditions
Metal type, conductivity, size, and orientation affect depth detection. Small, deep targets are harder to detect. This applies to thin, tiny, low-conductivity, and angled shallow targets. Thin chains are hard to spot.
Like your goal, you can’t change the dirt. Why? You acquire a metal detector that can punch through or overlook minerals. Iron-rich rocks, black sand, and salt produce depth loss.
Recent research shows that soil clay reduces signal strength dramatically. While measuring the signal strength at 4′′, researchers discovered that the impact was minimal at 10% clay, the signal was reduced by 1000 times at 50% clay. 8″ and 12″ depths and higher clay concentrations made the impact harder.
Factors that are within your control are:
- Metal detector
- Searchcoil
First, choose a metal detector that fits your detecting style. Technology, frequency, and user-adjustable options affect depth. Check out metal detectors to check if they can compensate for mineralized ground, have good audio to hear deep and weak signals, and are affordable.
Search coils affect depth. Its diameter and mechanics are crucial for transmitting metal-detecting currents. Concentric search coils are easier to spot and deeper in quiet, non-mineralized soils. DD or elliptical coils cover more ground but perform better in mineralized soil.
Expect a similar depth to the search coil’s diameter for detecting a coin-sized object. Smaller search coils have less depth but stronger, more focused field patterns. Larger search coils cover more ground and go deeper but can miss small targets.
Final Thoughts
There are many different metal detectors available on the market. The best way to find one perfect for you is to list what you want it to do. This includes what you will be looking for with the detector, where you will use it, and how often you plan to use it.
You can start looking for the perfect metal detector now that you know what to consider. Whether skilled or on a budget, you can find one perfect for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deep Metal Detector
Most metal detectors can detect things 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) deep. Under ideal conditions, a mid-range metal detector may locate objects buried 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters) beneath the surface. Some specialized detectors can find objects 65′ (20 m) below the surface.
The Garrett ATX is our top choice because it is one of the most advanced detectors for finding nuggets. It can be used for gold, coins, jewelry, and relics on all terrain.
Gold prospecting detectors can find gold as small as half a grain. The size of the target makes a difference in how deep the gold can be found. If the target is bigger, it can be found at greater depths. A single grain nugget can be found at 1-2 inches. A match head size nugget can be found at a 3-5 inches.
A metal detector is not just for finding treasure. It can find other things too. It has advanced circuitry that helps it find specific types of metal. If you are looking for wires underground, the metal detector’s signal will go through the plastic conduit and find the metal wire inside.
