Just about everyone has fantasized about finding buried treasure. As such, metal detector enthusiasts are often motivated by such fantasies as they comb the woods and beaches. Who knows? With a little luck, you could indeed find buried treasure in some form.
However, those who hit the ground with a substandard metal detector are very unlikely to have such luck. If you want to do a good job, you need the right tool for the job. With that in mind, let's talk about the factors that must be considered before buying a metal detector.
Step 1: Think About Where You Will Go
If you're ready to lay down a bunch of money for a good metal detector, we hope that you have considered the ways in which it will be used. Maybe you're thinking about going to the beach, or a nearby patch of forest, or maybe even a little-known historical site? Regardless, you need to choose a tool that fits those conditions. For now, just make a general list of the qualities you want your detector to have. We will refine it as we go.
Step 2: Choose VLF or PI
Most metal detectors can be classified as either VLF (very low frequency) or PI (pulse induction). Both of them use magnetic fields to perform their basic function, detecting anything that disturbs that field. However, the pulse induction models can do it with only one coil. the VLF options, on the other hand, require two coils: One to emit the magnetic field and the other to detect feedback. As such, PI detectors tend to cost significantly more.
In many ways, PI detectors are superior. These tools can detect objects at a greater depth than VLF detectors and can usually detect smaller quantities as well. They are also much better suited for underwater metal detection. On the other hand, PI detectors are not all that good at distinguishing one metal from another.
There are special-purpose PI detectors that are meant to seek out gold, but most of them will not be able to find specific metals. Because of this, and because of the enhanced sensitivity, you can expect a few more false positives when using one of these. Still, that is the price you pay for greater sensitivity. VLF detectors are far from useless, however. The ideal thing is to have both, but in practice, you will simply have to go with the best you can afford.
Step 3: Consider A Waterproof Option
A lot of crazy things get lost in lakes, rivers, and oceans. As such, many metal detecting enthusiasts like to search those places. If you don't plan to do this, your metal detector will not need a high degree of water resistance.
It is important to understand the difference between a water-resistant object and a waterproof one. Water-resistant means that your detector won't be ruined if it contacts a certain amount of water. Waterproof means that it can safely be left out in the rain, submerged, etc. If the only water you are likely to encounter is rain, a water-resistant model will likely be fine for you.
Step 4: Consider The Weight Factor
This is one that a lot of people don't consider before buying. Having a great metal detector won't do you a lot of good if the thing is a pain to haul. Anytime you are thinking about buying a detector, make sure you feel its weight in your hands and think about what it would be like to carry it all day. If you can't carry it all day, put it away. Most models will weigh between 2-4 pounds, just to give you an idea.
Step 5: How Often Will This Be Used?
Before you drop a bunch of money for one of these things, you definitely need to think about how often it will be used. If you are a serious enthusiast who makes regular treasure-hunting trips, you will obviously be able to justify a higher cost. If you are only an occasional dabbler in the world of metal detecting, it really would be silly to buy a top-of-the-line model. People in that category should seek out something that is simple, reliable, and effective.
Step 6: Remember That Durability Is Always Important
Even if you don't go with a high-end model, a metal detector doesn't tend to be a cheap item. If it is, then you probably bought a piece of junk. Because of that high price, it is important to keep it working for a long time to come (otherwise, you won't get a good return on your investment).
Impulse buying must be avoided. Instead, make sure you examine the product and the materials of which it is made. Obviously, thick enameled steel is the toughest option, but it does tend to add a lot more weight. Thus, you can forgive the presence of some plastic parts. Still, if you see thin and brittle-looking plastic anywhere, it's a bad sign. If the manufacturer cut corners there, imagine what other shortcuts they might have taken!
Conclusion
It might seem confusing at first, but selecting the right metal detector isn't a hard thing. All of these factors fit one particular theme: That of evaluating your situation and choosing a product to fit that situation. As long as you think ahead, it shouldn't be too hard to find the right one. Hopefully, this article will help you to do that more effectively.
