Metal Detecting: How to Choose your First Metal Detector

People who want to try their luck in metal detecting must be very careful in choosing their first metal detector. If you are a neophyte in such hobby or profession, make sure to choose the one that's right for you and for your purpose. Among the factors you should consider when purchasing one are:

• Price
Of course, you should go for the best buy. But make sure you won't go too cheap or else you'll get a unit that doesn't perform the way you want to. Substandard metal detectors do not perform well so they usually fail to satisfy the user. So whether you want metal detecting for a hobby or a profession, get a detector that will give you satisfaction.

In the same way, do not go beyond your set budget. Your goal should be: to buy a detector that can get the job done well. Hence, it must not be too costly and too complicated. If you think you will stick with that hobby, you can always upgrade by trading your metal detector. A lot of dealers accommodate and entertain their clients well when they want to upgrade to a more pricey and modern detector.

• Features
Nearly all manufacturers offer different types of detectors, from simple to advance units. There are even very complicated detectors sold in the market. However, these complicated units usually come with built-in programs that make them easy to operate. You, as the user, just need to be familiar and to take advantage of such feature. Remember that every feature included in a detector has a corresponding value. So don't choose a detector just because it has too many features; rather, go for the unit that answers your needs. If you think a simple "turn on and go" detector can satisfy your metal detecting needs, then why go for the unit with too much and overly complicated features?

• Weight and Stability
There was a time when metal detectors were big and bulky. But because of the innovations made by their designers and engineers, later-manufactured detectors now come lighter and more stable. So before making a purchase, try the metal detector on to know if you're comfortable with its size. Choose the detector that's easier for you to carry and operate.

• Target ID
Prior to your purchase, you also will need to decide if you want your detector to come with "Target Identification" or just the normal alert tone. Detectors that feature a Target ID give you an idea of what your target is so you can decide whether or not to dig it up. Should you decide to ignore the item detected, the detector will give a sign so that it won't be retrieved.

• Tone ID
Some detectors come with a "Tone ID" feature. Such feature makes the detector capable enough of giving off various audio tones for different target conductivities. The tone ID also helps the user in deciding if the target needs to be retrieved.

Before closing a deal with the metal detector dealer, make sure first that you take into careful consideration the abovementioned factors because they will help you decide whether or not the detector gives the best value for your bucks. Remember, the success of your metal detecting greatly depends on your metal detector.