Metal detecting is an exciting pastime activity you can do while on the beach or at any other location. It can get even more interesting if you have the best metal detector for beach as you can unearth some precious targets under the sand.
There are hundreds of models you can choose from out there, with different capabilities and features. Some are meant for first-time users, while others can serve more experienced hunters.
But how can you ensure you get only the best metal detector to use while searching for precious coins, jewelry, and other items at the beach. You can explore the ideal options right here and even read the given buying guide.
- 1. Garrett ACE 400 Pro-Pointer II
- 2. Fisher F22 Metal Detector
- 3. Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro
- 4. RM RICOMAX Metal Detector
- 5. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
- 6. Whites TDI BeachHunter
- 7. Garrett ATX Deepseeker Package
- 8. Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II
- 9. Fisher cZ21-8 Underwater Metal Detector
- 10. Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
The Best Metal Detectors for Beach
Below are the top ten metal detectors that you can carry with you when heading to the beach.
1. Garrett ACE 400 Pro-Pointer II
Are you looking for an entry-level to mid-range beach metal detector? Garrett ACE 400 might be the product for you and is a popular device on the shelves today. What are its features?
- Audio Features: The metal detector offers a 3-tone audio system. The tones are high conductivity, low conductivity, and pulse-width modulation for producing the standard Beltone, low to medium pitch, and sharper audio, respectively.
- Iron Audio System: It helps you to vary the signal range to find metals masked with iron. The system also helps you to filter ghost signals.
- Digital Target ID: The 400 Pro corrected the shortcoming of the 350 models by adding target ID that helps to identify targets better. It ranges from 0-99 ID and is visible in the middle of the screen.
- Search Modes: The metal detector has up to 12 notches that can ensure you discriminate the metals. You can easily fine-tune the modes to detect some targets and ignore others.
These modes include zero-disc, jewelry, relics, coins, and custom.
- Waterproof Search Coil: The device comes with a DD search coil measuring 8.5-inch x 11-inch that provides a balance between depth and sensitivity. It is a waterproof coil that you can use under wet conditions without worrying about rust or corrosion.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Garrett
- Search coil: 8.5-inch x 11-inch
- Warranty: 24 months
- Frequency: 10 kHz
- Digital search ID: 0-99
Pros
- Waterproof search coil
- Ability to fine-tune
- Easy to use
Cons
- No ground balance feature
- Requires batteries regularly
2. Fisher F22 Metal Detector
The Fisher F22 is the latest version of the F2 series, which first hit the market in 2007. It was released in 2015 and offers the latest features of metal detectors. They include:
- Search Coil: The device comes with an advanced coil – a 9-inch triangulated, oval concentric coil. It is a narrow and smaller coil that can pick out targets among trash and iron. The coil is also perfect for moving in tight spaces like at playgrounds and between rocks.
- Search Modes: The system comes with 4-mode to allow you to set the ideal discrimination pattern. You get a good beach metal detector that you can program to find coins, jewelry, artifacts, and customize.
- Target ID Screen: It is an LCD screen with multiple indicators, including two-digital number target ID (1-99) and targets category ID numbers.
- Multiple Tones: The metal detector provides up to 4-tone, which are high, medium, low, and base. You can use the tones with the target ID screen to get an idea of what is in the ground.
- Iron Audio: The feature lets you amplify the iron signals to save time by allowing you to dig if there are iron and no other targets. You can save lots of hours thanks to the iron audio feature.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Fisher
- Product measurements: 22 x 8 x 5 inches
- Warranty: 5-year
- Frequency: 7.69 kHz
- Digital search ID: 1-99
Pros
- Light and easy to use
- Recovers fast
- Iron discrimination
Cons
- No ground balance feature
3. Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro
Bounty Hunter is a budget company that shares the same brand with Fisher Labs, First Texas products. The Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector is a high-end product that provides some exciting benefits. Let us discuss them here:
- Target ID : It is a 2-digit numerical system that is present in both the Bounty Hunter and Fisher products. The target ID comes with a scale of 0-99 and lets you know the value of the metal on the surface before you dig it.
- Maximum Depth Detection : The product can easily detect coins up to 10-inch, but it can find them even more profound. That is possible due to various factors like soil condition, target settings, and other factors.
- Seven Detection Modes : First, you should note there are three detection modes for searching for specific kinds of metals. They are jewelry J, Disc C, and artifacts A. There is also a custom mode for detecting all types of targets.
The other three modes are audio tones, which are disc 2, disc 3, and disc 4 for one tone & V.C.O, two tones & V. C. O, and three tones & V.C.O, respectively.
- Manual & Auto ground Balance : The ground balance feature makes it the best saltwater metal detector and the perfect system for high oxide environments. You can also count on low noise due to the manual and auto ground balancing.
Read our details review about Bounty Hunter land ranger pro metal detector.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bounty Hunter
- Product measurements: 45 x 8 x 14 inches
- Warranty: 5-year
- Frequency: 7.69 kHz
- Digital search ID: 0-99
Pros
- Manual and auto ground balancing
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
- Up to seven detection modes
Cons
- Slightly hard to use
- It takes time to assemble
4. RM RICOMAX Metal Detector
It is a metal detector that can allow both the kids and adults to do some beach metal detecting. You can use it with ease and enjoy some high specifications and features, which include:
- True Discrimination Mode: The system allows you to detect aluminum, zinc, gold, silver, iron, copper, and other metals. You can do that by pressing a button that lets you remove the metals you are not interested in finding.
- Alkaline Batteries : It is powered by two 9V batteries that you can recharge with ease. You do not need to keep on buying batteries after every use.
- Waterproof Search Coil: The metal detector comes with a waterproof coil that measures 10-inch – it can easily detect targets up to 8-inch deep. It has a waterproof loop and stem, making it ideal for exploring under the water.
- LCD Control Box: The control box comes with an LCD that makes it easier to detect metals. It helps you to know the battery condition, sensitivity level, volume level, and target at once.
- Distinctive Audio Prompt: The system has different audios for different types of metals. You can figure out the metal you have found after you gain experience.
- Manual Guide : The package comes with a manual guide that can help you to figure out how to use the metal detector. That makes it ideal for kids, adults, professionals, and beginners.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: RM Ricomax
- Product measurements: 48 x 10 x 10 inches
- Warranty: 2-year
- Frequency: 8 kHz
- Digital search ID: PP function
Pros
- Multimode operation
- Waterproof coils
- Easy and simple to use
Cons
- No way to de-active some metals
- The battery takes long to charge
5. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
Are you thinking of getting a Garrett Metal Detector? Find out why you should try the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector. Here are its main features:
- All-Purpose Device: At the core of Garrett AT is the VLF metal detector that makes it ideal for salt water metal detecting. The system uses four AA batteries to give you the search you desire to target all metals.
- Operating Frequency : It operates at a 15 kHz frequency and helps you to detect jewelry, relics, and coins. The system has an 8.5-inch x 11-inch DD PROformance coil that allows you to separate the metals and enjoy a deeper reach.
- Lightweight Machine : It weighs about 3.03 pounds, which makes it perfect for carrying around for hours looking for precious metals.
- Waterproof Design : You can submerge the metal detector up to 10 feet and have confidence it cannot rust or corrode. It is the best detector for hunting in water, including sea, lakes, rivers, and creeks.
- Pro Mode Audio: The system offers two audio modes, which are Standard and Pro. You can use them with three search settings, but you feel distinctive audio experiences.
- Digital Target ID: It comes with a numerical target ID ranging from 0 to 99 to provide more accurate targeting. The system can also discriminate iron to have an easy search. Real our full review about Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Garrett
- Product measurements: 22 x 11 x 5 inches
- Warranty: 2-year
- Frequency: 15 kHz
- Digital search ID: 0-99
Pros
- Come with ground balancing
- Easy to use
- Durable product
Cons
- Short warranty
- No clear sounds
6. Whites TDI BeachHunter
The Whites TDI is one of a kind metal detector that can save you time when hunting for metals. It is known for deep detection and a couple of features, including:
- Pulse Induction : The pulse induction produces powerful impulses periodically instead of a continuous-wave magnetic field. That technology allows you to determine how long the metal has been in the ground or the decay process.
- Submersible Product: You can submerge this metal detector to about 25 feet, which is quite deep compared to most products on the market today. It even comes with waterproof headphones that allow you to submerge even the control box.
- All Metal Audio Dual-Tone : The feature gives you some level of discrimination to ensure that you save time when looking for metals. That is possible due to the Pulse Delay setting that you can use to discriminate trash from the targeted products.
- PI Ground Balanced: Another feature we must mention is the ground balancing, which comes in handy when searching in wet conditions. You can access two audio tones, which are low and high.
- Dual-Field Search Coil : It offers a 6-inch inner and a 12-inch outer coil to allow you a higher sensitivity for shallow depths and small targets. You can even apply the overlapping pattern of the inner coil to enjoy even better results.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: White’s Electronics
- Product measurements: 26.25 x 17.5 x 5.5 inches
- Warranty: 2-year
- Frequency: 7.76 kHz
- Digital search ID: 12
Pros
- Lasts for years
- Can be submerged
- Great features
Cons
- The battery gets drained easily
- Limited digital search ID
7. Garrett ATX Deepseeker Package
Garrett ATX weighs about five pounds and is a suitable product you can take out to look for metals. It is easy to use the system and can provide you with the service you desire when looking for metals at a beach. Here are its features:
- Advanced Ground Balance: It is a superb model when you consider its ground balance feature. You do not need to change anything when looking for metals in areas with alkaline or minerals, making it the best beach metal detector.
- Works for All Conditions : It is the perfect system for working in all environmental conditions, including humid and wet. And it gives you the waterproof ability of up to 10 feet.
- Flexible Length : The device gives you the freedom to extend the length or reduce it to meet your need. That can ensure you have an easy time when maneuvering your metal detector.
- 8 AA Batteries : You can get up to 10 hours of continuous operation thanks to the eight AA batteries it uses. It is a unit that can give you service for the whole day.
- Settings and Modes: Garrett ATX provides you enough styles and settings to meet your different needs. It boasts up to 13 sensitivity settings and 25 modes for users who want to focus on specific metals.
Read Our details review about Garrett ATX Metal Detector
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Garrett
- Product measurements: 25 x 20 x 10.5 inches
- Warranty: 24 months
- Frequency: 750 pulses per second
- Digital search ID: 25
Pros
- Perfect for all conditions
- Able to adjust the length
- Advanced ground balance
Cons
- Up to 10 hours of operation
- Needs constant battery change
8. Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II
It is the best metal detector for beaches, oceans, lakes, and all water. The system comes with a trash elimination technology that allows you to get rid of foils without degrading the coins and ring sensitivity. There are lots of features that make it a great unit:
- The Shaft: It is a multi-purpose product that you can submerge in the water to detect the various targets. You can assemble the shaft into four different ways to meet your specific search options, which are full length, long shaft, short shaft, and fixing the control unit on a waist belt.
- The Coil : The system comes with a coil Mono Performance of 8-inch in diameter. It is waterproof to allow you to submerge the metal detector into the water, up to 200 feet deep.
- Headphones : Another feature is the wired headphones that connect to the control unit using a leakproof jack plug. Its cable cannot get tangled on your cloth or other stuff.
- Battery : It is a system that requires up to eight AA batteries to function. They can provide it with the power to last for about 40 hours of activity.
- Modes of Operation: The device uses pulse induction scheme that works effectively in high mineral sand and brackish water.
For more information about this model click here Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Garrett
- Product measurements: 26.3 x 12.4 x 4.6 inches
- Warranty: 24 months
- Frequency: Pulse Induction
Pros
- Assembled in multiple ways
- Long hours of operation
- Up to 200 feet depth
Cons
- Complicated to assemble
- No true discrimination
9. Fisher cZ21-8 Underwater Metal Detector
The Fisher cZ21-8 is a high-end product that you can use to detect targets in both salt and freshwater. You can dip it up to 250 feet, thanks to its great constructions. Here are some of its major features:
- Dual Frequency : The system makes use of the dual-frequency Fourier technology to analyze the metals at the surface. That feature makes it an efficient device that you can find on the market today.
- Easy to Operate : Another great feature of the metal detector is the ease of use as it comes with just a single touch button. You can control the V.C.O no motion and enjoy precise pinpointing.
- Manual Ground Balance: The technology allows for effective performance in grounds with high minerals and alkalinity. And you can easily use it to find metal to a depth of 250 feet in fresh and saltwater.
- 3-Tone Audio Target ID: They include 8-inch, 10-inch, and belt mount. You can quickly achieve them and enjoy the 3-tone.
- Recommended For: It is the perfect product for shallow water, beach, and lake hunting.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Fisher
- Product measurements: 12 x 6 x 21 inches
- Warranty: 24 months
- Frequency: 5-15 kHz
- Target ID: 3-Tone
Pros
- For salt and freshwater
- Variable frequency range
- Allows up to 250 feet
Cons
- Battery not durable
- Slightly heavy
10. Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
It is the ideal metal detector if you have kids who like to hunt treasures (Best Kids Metal detector here). That is because it gives you an easy time when using it. Here are some of its core features:
- Only Two Knobs : You can efficiently operate this unit due to its two-knob design. The first knob helps to control the sensitivity and power level while the second removes trash. What that means is you can discriminate the metals.
- Headphones : Your kid can enjoy hunting treasure with this metal detector, especially when they see the headphones. They allow the user to hear the signal even when looking for treasure in crowded places.
- 7-inch Coil: The coil is short enough to allow kids to carry the detector without getting tired.
- Sensitive Meter: The meter can help you determine how far the treasure is hidden. You can make an informed decision on whether to dig it up or not.
- All-Metal Motion Mode: The mode can help you find any type of metal, including gold, silver, iron, and others.
- Three Audio Tones: The audio tones also help the kids determine if you should waste your time digging the treasure.
Read Our Details Review about Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Bounty Hunter
- Product measurements: 6 x 9 x 20.5 inches
- Warranty: 24 months
- Target ID: 3-Tone
Pros
- Able to figure the treasure’s depth
- Lightweight design
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Mainly for children
- Not quite durable
Buying Guide Of Best Beach Metal Detector
You can choose your device from the best metal detectors for the beach in our review above. But if you want to continue with more research, here we have got your back.
Below are some of the things you should consider when buying your metal detector for beach hunting.
- Detector Technology
There are three types of metal detectors that you can find on the market today: Very Low Frequency, Pulse Induction, and Multi-Frequency models.
VLF Metal Detectors: They are entry-level products and are not recommended for beach hunting. However, you can find a more advanced model of VLF metal detectors that offer manual and automatic ground balance solution.
That is a critical feature if you want to have a successful beach hunt since you can adjust the ground balance. What that means is your VLF detector can ignore the minerals at the beach and focus on real metals.
PI Metal Detectors: They are the best devices to take when going for a beach metal hunt. The tools ignore the minerals, meaning that you do not need to tune the ground balance.
You can focus on getting the targets without worrying about false signals caused by saltwater. Another benefit of the PI detectors is the ability to offer excellent sensitivity and depth to small objects.
They are considered as specialist machines that are often used for hunting for gold. Their only shortcoming is you cannot use them in multiple places.
Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors: They feature the VLF technology, but you can adjust them to multiple frequencies. Although they are expensive, they provide the effectiveness that the VLF models lack and the versatility that PI systems cannot offer.
Such a detector can use a wide range of frequencies, ranging from 4kHZ to 18kHZ.
- Waterproof Design
Metal detectors can be waterproof, submersible, and weatherproof. You should know what each term means to ensure that you choose the right gadget for your need.
Fully Submersible: It is a metal detector that is 100% waterproof. You can use it underwater without worrying about short-circuiting it – the depth can vary by model.
Submersible Coil: Some products have submersible coils, meaning they are not fully submersible – their control box can get wet. Hence, if you get a metal detector with a weatherproof design and a waterproof coil, you can conclude it is partially submersible.
You should consider getting a machine with a waterproof design and coil if you intend to look for treasures at sea.
- Screen vs. No Screen
Experienced metal hunters can depend on the sound to know the treasure under the surface, but the screen adds certainty. You can view the depth, see the target, battery life, discrimination, sensitivity, and other factors.
A metal detector without a screen is called a beep and dig device since it does not display anything.
- Detector Weight
Another factor you should consider when picking a metal detector for use at the beach is its weight. Some models are hefty, while others a lightweight.
You can hunt for hours if you choose a lightweight product since you cannot get tired easily.
Search Coils: Types, Size, and Accessories
Another thing you should consider is the search coil present in your chosen metal detector. There are a few things you should know about the stock coil.
- Type of Stock Coil
Metal detectors for beach come with different kinds of stock coil configurations, with the Double D (DD) and the concentric being the most used. DD coils can get you the most efficient detection when it comes to the depth and handle mineralization better.
Hence, consider buying a metal detector with the Double D coil for beach hunting. Concentric coils are more affordable and can pinpoint the target with ease.
Pinpointing with the Double D coil can take time and is mainly recommended for professionals.
- Stock Coil Size
You might be tempted to buy the giant coil you come across, but you should not do that. Different factors affect the perfect size of a metal detector coil.
Mineralization and ground conditions play a significant role when it comes to size coil. While a large loop can provide better reach, it also covers more ground, and that can result in more signals due to the high mineralized soil.
More signals mean you get poor target ID, false signals, and missed targets. If that happens, you might need to reduce the sensitivity, and that means reducing the depth.
A smaller coil touches less surface, leading to less false signals and could mean increasing the sensitivity to match the depth of a large coil. It would also result in better objects separation to ensure that you identify lots of targets.
- Accessory Coil Sizes
Apart from mineralization, there are other reasons you might need to carry extra coils of different sizes in your bag. For instance, you need a smaller coil if you intend to hunt in rocky places to enjoy better maneuverability. That means getting sniper coils.
A large coil might come in handy when searching at the shore as it is an open area. Just remember that these coils are more substantial, and you might get tired fast.
Added Accessories
Beach metal hunting requires lots of extra accessories compared to finding treasure on dry land. Consider all the accessories that might come in handy during your search ad stay within your budget.
One thing to note is some retailers can sell you some accessories you might not need. With that said, consider getting the following attachments to make your beach hunt more successful:
- Waterproof Headphones
Waterproof headphones are critical when hunting at the beach or in the ocean. They should also block out all external sounds to ensure that you hear faint signals over waves, wind, and beach users.
- Sand Scoop
There is no single right scoop when it comes to hunting metals at the beach, but always remember to get quality products. The critical thing to remember is that wet sand scoops are shaped differently from the dry sand scoops.
A scoop with a long handle can minimize back stain but be uncomfortable to carry.
- Hip or Shoulder Harness
A hip or shoulder harness can minimize arm strain – especially if you have a heavy coil and detector. It is an essential feature if you intend to remain at the beach the whole day looking for metals.
One thing to remember is to choose a harness that is comfortable and strong enough to handle the metal detector.
- Finds Pouch
You also need a zippered pouch to carry the treasure you recover during your hunt. The vital thing to remember is to get a secure bag if you intend to hunt in the water.
These porches come in different sizes to suit different needs. Get a model that can handle the treasure you intend to collect.
- Pinpointer
You can use the pinpointer to narrow down your search once you find the target using your metal detector. The pinpointer can save you time and effort when finding treasures or digging.
Ensure that you choose a waterproof pinpointer that can withstand the saltwater condition.
FAQ: Metal Detector for Beaches
You can read the following FAQ section of metal detectors for beaches to find answers to common questions and issues.
Q: Is it Legal to Use Metal Detectors on Beach?
A: Although metal-detecting is legal, you should not disturb the beach, which means you should not leave holes. It is legal in all public beaches as there is no restriction.
Q: Is there Gold on Beach?
A: Yes. There are some plentiful beaches with gold deposits that you can detect. Some hunters specialize in identifying gold from the sandy beaches.
Q: Can You Make Money Metal Detecting on Beach?
A: Yes. Some hobbyists can cash up to $1,300 of gold in just a few weeks. It is a great way to boost your income while you are out relaxing.
Q: Which Items Can May Metal Detector Not Detect on Beach?
A: They cannot detect precious and semi-precious targets, including diamonds. These are non-metal things that need to be fitted with metal for your detector to notice them.
Q: How Do Coils Affect Metal Detectors Performance When Hunting on Beach?
A: They can affect your machine as follows:
- Size: It can affect the detection sensitivity and depth of your metal detector. Larger coils detect deeper but have less sensitivity when identifying small items. Smaller loops lose depth but are more sensitive to tiny targets.
- Shape: Elliptical coils are more comfortable to navigate between rocks and around bushes. Web coils and Round coils move better in water. Round coils are more stable and perfect for hunting gold.
- Configuration: Concentric coils provide more accurate pinpointing and are noisier in mineralized grounds. Double-D coils offer better ground balancing and cover the surface uniformly. Monoloop coils provide better depth but are affected by mineralized soils.
Q: How Deep Does a Metal Detector Go on Beach?
A: It depends on multiple factors like target size, metallic content, orientation, ground conductivity and minerals, ambient and electrical noise, and other factors. Some detectors can find gold 3-4-inch deep and coins up to 12-inch.
Q: When Should I Ground Balance My Metal Detector?
A: Some metal detectors come with preset ground balance. Others use ground balance traction feature that adjusts the balance when conditions vary.
Some offer a manual ground balance that you should adjust at the beginning of every adventure and as mineral condition changes. Note that you should balance at a level surface with no metal.
Q: Which is the Best Coil for Trashy Beach?
A: Small coils can do a better job in trashy places because they minimize the possibility of detecting lots of targets at a go. Concentric coils are also better than Double-D coils in trashy conditions.
Q: How Do Operating Frequencies Affect Detection on Beach?
A: Low frequency can allow the detector to penetrate deeper on the ground. However, the sensitivity reduces when detecting small items.
High frequency leads to better sensitivity of tiny objects, but shallow penetration. You should use a high-frequency model if you intend to detect gold nuggets and a low-frequency metal detector for hunting coins.
Our Top Pick: ACE 400
ACE 400 Pro-Pointer II Special is a unique metal detector that features digital target ID, iron audio, frequency of 10 kHz, and other advanced features. It is the perfect system for hunting relics, coins, cache, and jewelry.
The system provides accurate results that ensure you get the target under the surface. It can save you time by eliminating iron from the signal.
Final Verdict
You now have a list of the best metal detector for the beach and a buying guide to helps you when choosing one. One important thing to remember is to carry a lifejacket when hunting on the beach as currents and tides can be deceiving.