Fisher Labs has provided quality metal detectors for over 85 years and has continued to enhance the quality over the years. These detectors boast cutting-edge technology and dozens of features that make them stand out.
Choosing the best Fisher metal detector can take days of online research, and that is where we come in handy. We have reviewed the top ten metal detectors from the Fisher Labs brand for various functions.
- 1. Fisher F75 Metal Detector – Overall Top Rated
- 2. Fisher F22 Metal Detector – Entry Level
- 3. Fisher Gold Bug-2 Special for Gold
- 4. Fisher Gold Bug Pro – Special for Gold
- 5. Fisher 1280X – Specially for Underwater
- 6. Fisher CZ21-8 Metal Detector – Specially for Underwater
- 7. Fisher F44 Metal Detector
- 8. Fisher 70 Metal Detector
- 9. Fisher F19 Metal Detector
- 10. Fisher Research Labs F11
The Best Fisher Metal Detectors
We took our time to pick the best metal detector from Fisher Labs that can serve various purposes. Let us get straight into their review.
1. Fisher F75 Metal Detector – Overall Top Rated
The F75 is rated as the best fisher metal detector you can find on the market today. It comes with a lot of great features, which include:
- Large digital screen: It is a large LCD screen that you can use and see without a hassle. The screen is also clear to ensure that you face no trouble when using it.
- 13kHz operating frequency: The Fisher F75 is a VLF machine that uses a 13kHz operating frequency. It can easily detect small targets that lower frequency metal detectors can miss.
- Numerical target ID: The detector comes with a numerical target ID with a scale of 0-99. It combines with discrimination and FeTone audio settings to ensure that you identify the treasure before you dig it up.
- Search modes: The device offers up to three search modes. They are Motion All Metal, Static All Metal, and discrimination.
- Discrimination settings: It comes with a discrimination setting with a scale of 0-65. That gives you lots of options if you want to ignore most junks.
- Auto or manual ground balance: The machine can ignore false signals in highly mineralized surfaces. You can use it in harsh conditions or tropical grounds and get the desired result.
- Search coil: It comes with an 11-inch DD search coil that is waterproof.
Read Our Details Review about this model Fisher F75 Metal Detector
Key Specifications
- Uses four AA batteries
- Batteries last up to 40 hours
- Operating humidity of 0-99%
- Lightweight model of 4.7 pounds
- Measures 10.25 x 6.25 x 28.5 inches
Pros
- Long operating hours
- Accurate targeting
- Ergonomic model for coins, relics, gold, and jewelry hunting
- Double-filter discrimination
Cons
- Batteries need to be replaced
2. Fisher F22 Metal Detector – Entry Level
The F22 was released in 2015 and is among the best fisher metal detectors for sale you can find as a beginner. It was designed to improve the F2 model by providing the following features:
- Search coil: The model comes with a 9-inch triangulated, oval concentric coil. It is a small, narrow coil that can allow you to detect the best treasures among trash and iron.
- Four modes: The metal detector comes with up to four modes, which as jewelry, coin, relic, and custom. You can set your preferred method depending on what you intend to find.
- LCD target ID: It comes with a large screen that displays different indicators. You find the target category ID number, two-digit number target ID (1-99), iron indicator, current search mode, target depth indicator, battery level indicator, and menu category icons.
- Tones: It comes with four tones, which are high, medium, low, and base. You can use them together with the numeric ID to identify the target and avoid unnecessary digging.
- Iron audio: The FeTone is a feature that you cannot find in most entry-level metal detectors, but it is present here. It enables you to boost the iron signals so that you can ignore them.
Read Our Details Review about this model Fisher F22 Metal Detector
Key Specifications
- Weatherproof all-purpose device
- FeTone for ignoring iron
- Uses two AA batteries
- Batteries can provide up 30 hours of operation
- Visual target ID by category
- Weighs only 3-pound
- Measures 22 x 8 x 5 inches
Pros
- Fast recovery speed
- Easy to use
- A lightweight detector
- Iron discrimination
Cons
- No manual ground balancing
3. Fisher Gold Bug-2 Special for Gold
Fisher Labs metal detectors company has been producing the Gold Bug-2 since 1995, and it is still a top-quality product. It even offers the best service when looking for gold, and that is because of its superb features, as seen here:
- 71 kHz operating frequency: One feature that has made the Gold Bug-2 withstand the test of time is the high operating frequency. It is among the highest frequencies you can find on the market today.
- 6.5-inch coil: It comes with a 6.5-inch elliptical concentric coil that allows you to detect small gold nuggets of about 1/10th grain. That means chunks of about a 4800th of an ounce.
- Uses multiple coils: In addition to the 6.5-inch loop, you can pair this model with a 10-inch and 14-inch coil. That gives you the freedom to match use your desired coil to meet your needs. These coils are waterproof.
- Iron discrimination: The metal detector comes with superb iron discrimination that allows you to find gold in harsh conditions. You can take it to hot rocks and highly mineralized soils.
- Compact design: It is made even better by the fact that it comes with a removable control box that you can slip on a belt. You can also mount the metal detector on your chest using the straps.
- Uses voltage controlled oscillator audio: That means the sound gets louder when you get near the target.
Key Specifications
- Measures 23.6 x 9.6 x 7.4 inches
- Lightweight product of 2.9 pounds
- Comes with a 6.5-inch coil
- The operating frequency of 71 kHz
- Dual-knob ground control
Pros
- Resistant to moisture and dust
- Convertible to the chest or hip mount
- Has a 5-year warranty
- Uses two 9V batteries
Cons
- An old model
4. Fisher Gold Bug Pro – Special for Gold
Another Fisher metal detector that can help you to detect gold is the Bug Pro. It comes with all the unique features that make it possible to find that precious treasure with ease.
- Target ID: One of the top features of Fisher’s metal detectors is the target ID on the digital display. It is a feature that allows you to make informed decisions when deciding whether to dig up the treasure or not.
- Digital display: The feature displays all the variables of the Bug Pro detector to give you an easy time when reading them. That can save you lots of time when hunting metals.
- Motion all-metal mode: It is useful when looking for gold and other relics because it gives you zero discrimination. The all-metal mode allows you to perform Ground Grab to receive all signals of all kinds of metals.
- Optimum sensitivity settings: Another great thing is you can set for optimum sensitivity when looking for the gold nuggets.
- All-metal mode: You can use this feature to set the sensitivity to allow for a better signal of the gold nuggets.
Read Our Details Review about this model Fisher Gold Bug pro Metal Detector
Key Specifications
- Computerized ground grab
- Discrimination mode for relics and coins
- Continuous ground condition readout
- Motion all-metal mode
- Target ID and two tones audio
- 19kHz operating frequency
- Up to 5-year warranty
- Weighs around 2.5 pounds
- Uses a 9v alkaline battery
- Signal strength indicator
- Measures 10.25 x 6.25 x 28.5 inches
Pros
- High sensitivity
- Gain and threshold adjustments
- Allows multiple size jacks
- Able to discriminate
Cons
- The largest readout is the ground phase
5. Fisher 1280X – Specially for Underwater
The 1280X-8 by Fisher is an all-purpose machine that is specially made for use underwater. It is one of the most affordable metal detectors you can find on the market today, and has the following features:
- Underwater usage: You can use this metal detector underwater to a depth of 250 feet. That gives you the possibility of finding treasures hidden deep in the ocean and other water bodies.
- Variable mounting options: The metal detector allows you to mount it on the chest or hip, giving you more options. It makes it possible to use the machine for hours without getting tired.
- Easy to use: You only need to turn the detector on and start looking for the rare treasures in all places.
- Adjustable sensitivity control: The feature allows you to vary the sensitivity depending on the treasure you are hunting. You can easily set high or low to meet your needs.
- VLF discrimination: That gives you a simple metal detector that is recommended for beginners.
- More extended-lasting battery: The battery can provide you with over 75 hours of operation.
Key Specifications
- The operating frequency of 2.4 kHz
- The option of using 8-inch or 10-inch coils
- Visual and audio target response
- Submersible up to 250 feet
- Turn on and start using machine
- Recommended for lake/surf, shallow water, diving, and beach hunting
- 2-year warranty
- Uses eight AA batteries
- Weighs 6.6 pounds
- Measures 12 x 6 x 21 inches
Pros
- An all-purpose metal detector
- Easy to use
- Battery last long
- Rugged constructed body
Cons
- Slightly heavy
6. Fisher CZ21-8 Metal Detector – Specially for Underwater
One top Fisher Detectors is the CZ21-8, an underwater metal detector that you can use to find treasures at the beach, lake, shallow water, and diving. It was designed for both fresh and saltwater use, unlike the 1280X-8 that is mainly ideal for freshwater.
The CZ21-8 offers some exciting features as listed here:
- Up to 250 feet: You can dive with this metal detector to find treasure resting up to 250 feet deep in the ocean. That is because it is made of a waterproof body and coil.
- Easy to mount: You can remove its control box to fit it around your chest or hit and enjoy your metal hunting better.
- Audio tone target ID: It is a unique feature of the metal detector that allows you to identify the target using tones. The tones help you to distinguish gold from iron while hunting your treasure.
- Multiple coil options: The metal detector allows you to use an 8-inch or a 10-inch coil when looking for treasure. You can use the one that meets your needs.
- Multiple operating frequencies: Another unique thing of this metal detector is the ability to use 5kHz or 15kHz frequencies.
Key Specifications
- For fresh and saltwater use
- Allows for up to 250 feet depth
- 3-tone audio target ID
- 5kHz and 15kHz operating frequencies
- Uses an 8-inch or a 10-inch search coil
- Requires four 9V alkaline batteries
- Manual ground present
- Weighs 5.3 pounds
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Measures 12 x 6 x 21 inches
Pros
- One-touch pinpoint
- Manual ground balance
- Three discrimination modes
- Up to 2-year warranty
Cons
- Batteries can be expensive
Fishers All-Purpose Metal Detectors
You can use an all-purpose metal detector anywhere you want to look for metal and in all conditions. Fisher metal detectors dealers can tell you these are the best machine for metal hunters looking for a workhorse device.
They can easily be outdone by the top-in-class detectors reviewed above, but they often do little of everything. These are the metal detectors to buy if you are unsure of what you want to find.
Below we review the top four models of Fisher’s All-Purpose Metal Detectors that are ideal for coin shooting, relic hunting, beach hunting, gold prospecting, and other things.
7. Fisher F44 Metal Detector
The Fisher F44 hit the market in 2015 and is an entry-level metal detector that can find everything. It replaced the outdated F4 model and is one of the most affordable machines you can find out there.
The detector comes with superb features, such as:
- Five search modes: The machine comes with up to five search modes to help you find all kinds of treasures you would want. These are jewelry, coins, artifact, custom, and all metal.
- Simple screen: The screen can make or break your metal, detecting adventure, and that is why this product comes with an intuitive and bright display. Its screen contains a backlight, 9-segment discrimination scale, search modes, battery power indicator, two-digit target ID, and menu category icons.
- Audio tones: You get up to four sounds that help you to figure out the metal you have found. These are high, medium, low, and bass.
- Iron audio: The feature allows you to amplify the iron signal to ensure that you avoid these junks.
- Manual/auto ground balance: Another notable feature is the auto and manual ground balance that makes it the ideal metal detector for high-mineralized soils.
Read Our Details Review about this model Fisher F44 Metal Detector
Key Specifications
- Five modes of operation
- All-metal mode
- Uses two AA batteries
- FeTone for adjusting iron audio
- 9-segment target categories with 0-99 scale
- Backlight for night hunting
- Iron identifier icon
- Non-volatile memory saves settings
- Weighs 3.59 pounds
- Measures 22 x 8 x 5 inches
Pros
- Both manual and auto ground balance
- The control box is weatherproof
- Easy to identify the trash
- A lightweight detector
Cons
- Not the ideal choice for wet sand
8. Fisher 70 Metal Detector
If it is in the water or the ground, the Fisher 70 Multi-Purpose Metal Detector can find it. It is among the top Fisher metal detectors that you can use for relic hunting, coin shooting, gold prospecting, and other things.
The metal detector prides itself of robust performance, but that not all, as you can see below:
- 13 kHz operating frequency: The frequency allows this metal detector to function effectively when looking for coins, jewelry, and gold nuggets.
- High-performance: It is a digital metal detector that provides you with the high-performance you desire.
- Ground balance: The ground balance allows you to hunt in severe conditions and find the treasure without a hassle.
- Visual target ID: Another notable feature is the target ID that enables you to determine the target you have located in the ground.
- 10-inch coil: The metal detector uses a 10- inch open-frame concentric elliptical coil that is waterproof. It allows for a broader sweep and narrow targeting.
- Comfortable grip: The detector’s grip is durable and comfortable to ensure that you look for treasures for a long time.
- Five years warranty: You can use the metal detector with confidence thanks to the 5-year warranty.
Key Specifications
- Weighs 4.19 pounds
- Measures 10.25 x 6.25 x 28.5 inches
- Has a 5-year warranty
- Uses four AA batteries
- Batteries last for about 40 hours
- Intuitive user interface
- 13 kHz operating frequency
Pros
- One-touch notch
- Multiple audio ID tones
- Large LCD screen
- You can adjust the armrest
Cons
- Quite expensive
9. Fisher F19 Metal Detector
The Fisher F19 was released in 2014 and is the popular Fish Gold Bug Pro with additional features to search for many treasures. It is mainly desired to look for relics, although you can use it for other purposes.
The machine comes with these features:
- Backlight: It has a backlight that allows you to hunt in dark places or during the night.
- FeTone adjustable iron audio: The feature enables you to ignore the iron signals to ensure that you dig when there is a real treasure.
- Manual ground balance: Manual ground balance lets you hunt in highly mineralized areas without much interference.
- 19kHz operating frequency: The frequency allows you to find gold nuggets and other tiny treasures.
- Built-in speaker: It ensures that you hear the alert even when the place is noisy.
- Pinpoint: The metal detector comes with the pinpointing ability that lets you find the treasure faster.
Key Specifications
- Made in the USA
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Allows ¼-inch jack
- Uses a 9V alkaline battery
- The battery lasts for about 20 hours
- Static all-metal pinpoint
- 1-99 numeric target ID
- Unmatched target separation in trash and iron
- Weighs 3-pound
- Measures 22 x 8 x 5 inches
Pros
- Adjustable sensitivity and threshold
- Has a high operating frequency
- For mineralized grounds
- Battery lasts longer
Cons
- Looks like Gold Bug Pro
10. Fisher Research Labs F11
Another metal detector by Fisher that can make your metal detecting adventure a breeze is the F11. It comes with top features, which are:
- Multi-purpose model: You can use this metal detector for gold shooting, gold prospecting, and relic hunting. It makes the work easier.
- Cutting-edge technology: The cutting-edge technique allows for better depth reach and allow detectorists to use it without any hassle.
- Large LCD screen: You can easily see all the settings on this screen to continue using the metal detector the right way.
- Three modes: Using the detector is easy as it provides you with three operation modes. They are artifacts, coins, and jewelry.
- Uses 9V battery: The product uses a 9v alkaline battery that can provide service for up to 20 hours.
- Lightweight design: Its lightweight design makes it the perfect machine for young users. It also enables you to use the tool for hours without getting tired.
Key Specifications
- Perfect for coin shooting, gold prospecting, relic hunting, and beach use
- Three operation modes of artifact, coin, and jewelry
- The visual display provides 9-segment target ID
- Sensitivity and volume control with 6-level
- Can detect coins up to 8-inch deep
- Weighs 2.29 pounds
Pros
- An affordable model
- Easy to use
- Made to last
- Lightweight construction
Cons
- Offers the basic features
Fisher Metal Detectors Search Coil Size
Every Fisher metal detector comes with its unique coil; some can share the same type and size coil. The different coil sizes provide specific pros and cons that can affect your metal hunting adventure.
Small Coils: A tiny coil is recommended for picking out treasures buried with trash. An 8-inch coil by Fisher Labs can be said to offer the standard size and can allow you to perform most tasks.
It is a great coil that works effectively under all conditions.
Larger Coils: A larger coil is recommended for a low-mineralized and low-trash hunting ground. It can cover more surface and allow for deeper penetration by about 5-15%.
Sadly, such a coil can make your machine to be more massive and only allow you to hunt for a few hours. That means you should consider a small loop if you intend to pursue it for long hours.
Multiple Coils Sizes: Having two or more coil sizes when using the Fisher metal detectors can allow you to overcome all conditions. Below is a guide of the coils you can use with various Fisher metal detectors.
History of Fisher Metal Detector
Dr. Gerhard R. Fisher founded Fisher Labs in 1931. Fisher is a world-famous inventor and engineer who received the first patent for metal detectors.
The Fisher Labs started in the Fisher’s garage but eventually turned into a made-in-America global brand. It is one of the oldest brands that produce metal detectors in the industry today.
- Metallascope Metal Detector
Dr. Fisher and his four employees produced the Metallascope metal detector in his garage in 1931. It was a simple metal detector that was made of rugged material.
That machine was an ungainly detector with two large wooden boxes that housed five vacuum tubes, copper coils, and other components. It captivated the USA market, and the world at large.
- Demand for Metal Detectors
In 1936, Fisher Research Labs was relocated to a more significant structure to meet the rising demand of Metallascope or the M-Scope. That is when he received the patent of this metal detector, and it became a stand of future metal detectors.
The machine used to pinpoint buried pipes for utility companies, locate ore, detect metal inclusions in logs when sawing, hung treasures, and uncover hidden weapons.
Fisher Labs relocated to even a more significant structure in 1939 and contributed immensely during the world war II. In 1961, Fisher Labs moved again to Belmont, Calif, and Banos, Calif, in 1974.
It was acquired by First Texas in 2006 and relocated to El Paso, Texas, where it continues to produce Fisher Metal Detectors.
Fisher Metal Detectors Frequently Asked Questions
The questions in this section can help you to know more about the Fisher Labs metal detectors.
Q: Where Can I Find Fisher Metal Detectors for Sale?
A: You can find Fisher metal detectors from various stores that sell detecting products, including online stores like Amazon. Dozens of dealers are authorized to sell Fisher Labs products.
You can even get second-hand Fisher detectors from Craigslist or eBay. The important thing is to choose a product with a warranty.
Q: Where Can I Get Fisher Metal Detector Repair Service?
A: The Fisher metal detector warranty allows you to seek repair services from a dozen of Authorized Service Centers. They are independent companies that use Fisher approved techniques and parts to repair your metal detector.
With that said, you need to contact the Center before you ship your metal detector for repair. You can find the service center near you from the website.
Q: How Deep Can Fisher Metal Detectors Find Treasures?
A: There is no right answer to this question because the reach depends on various factors. They include the following:
- Type of detector: There are different types of Fisher metal detectors that you can find on the market, each with its capability.
- Soil conductive properties: Highly mineralized soil reduces the reach of a metal detector. That is why you need a detector with ground balance.
- Duration the target is buried: There are different chemicals in the ground that can erode the target. That makes the material more detectable even when it is buried deep in the field.
- Object size: Fisher metal detectors can detect a large object that is buried deep in the ground.
- Object shape: Loop-shaped or ring objects are more comfortable to detect while lying flat in the ground. It is also true of dish-shaped or flat targets. It is hard to find rod-shaped treasures.
- Magnetization level: Magnetized metals are more comfortable to detect even when buried deep in the ground.
Q: Why Should I Use a Headphone when Using a Metal Detector?
A: They help to reduce the outside noises like traffic, waves, wind, and others. Headphones also improved the audio treasure signal, which allows you to decide which metal to dig and which one to ignore.
Q: What is Sensitivity Control? How Does it Work in Fisher Metal Detectors?
A: Sensitivity control helps you to determine which metals to ignore. You adjust it to suit your metal hunting ground as follows:
- Lower it when hunting in areas with high mineralization, nearby radio stations, and power transformers.
- Increase it when the three factors are absent to increase depth.
Verdict
Fisher is a brand with lots of metal detectors suited for multiple purposes. It can be overwhelming to pick the best one for detecting various treasures like gold, coins, relics, jewelry, and other things.
Luckily, our Fisher metal detector reviews give you the top models in every class. You can choose the detector that meets your hunting needs.