As you start your search for the perfect metal detector, you will quickly discover that there is a multitude of detectors from which to choose. The most important aspect of buying a metal detector is to purchase a detector that meets your specific needs. Remember that just because a particular model is a popular choice among treasure hunters that does not mean it is the right detector for you. You will hear a number of terms such as VLF, VLF/TR, TR, Pulse, PI, or RF. Before you go shopping, you need to know first what these and other terms mean.
TR – Transmitter-Receiver
VLF – Very Low Frequency (3 to 30 kHz)
VLF/TR – Mineral free all metal or Mineral free discriminate
The RF two-box metal detector is designed with two-box instruments, which are specialized, meaning the can respond to large metallic objects at great depths. People that cache hunt often find this detector to be helpful. Additionally, this type of detector can see action where large mineral deposits are being hunted in a good variety of industrial applications. However, this type of detector is not good for finding coin-sized objects.
The Pulse Induction metal detector is one type of detector that has come a long way technologically over the years, being a great choice for beaches. Although the PI detector is designed to locate all types of metals, it is best used in areas with little trash, simply because you would be showing a hit on numerous items that are just that – trash. A great model falling into this category is the Garrett Seahunter II. In fact, recent technological breakthroughs have occurred with the PI detector.
There are now models designed whereby the pulsing threshold sound has been eliminated, using new search coils instead. These new search coils make it possible for this type of detector to find gold jewelry that has otherwise gone undetected. Additionally, this detector can find nuggets in alkali and hot rock areas. The search coils are now being designed differently, making them interchangeable, rather than being hot-wired. Although the PI detector has good depth in sand and wet beaches, it loses some ability on hard, dry ground. The one drawback as far as the new PI detector is that this new technology is not yet universal and therefore, difficult to find.
The BFO and TR metal detectors represent Beat Frequency Oscillator and Transmitter-Receiver. The TR detectors that were once very popular are no longer being made. However, the BFO detectors are still manufactured but they are usually cheaply made and not used by the serious treasure hunter. The VLF metal detector is by far the most common detector used. The preferred choice is a VLF/TR motion discriminator that has a silent search. These detectors can control the trash and mineralization simultaneously. It used to be that the search coil had to be moved back and forth, almost whipped, or swung, in order to get a response but now, detectors require very little movement to find a target. This new technology has helped tremendously in that the person conducting the hunting is not required to use as much physical energy.
There are other innovations where the coin depth can be identified. All of these innovations have made treasure hunting more fun and easier to do. Keep in mind that some of these new technologies can be costly. Therefore, make sure your first priority is on the actual detector and that any extras added on. This will help ensure you get a quality detector that will do what you want it to do, not buying a detector with all the “bells and whistles” that do nothing for you.