Best Budget Metal Detector for Beginners - Garrett, Fisher or Minelab?

Coils of all metal detectors can be divided into two types - Mono and Double-D. They differ in the location of the winding and, accordingly, the area of ​​\u200b\u200bgrabbing the soil. For beginner searchers, both options are suitable. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. Mono coils catch small targets well, it is more convenient for searching in littered areas. The best signal is always in the center, so it is easier to locate the target. Mono coils hit a little deeper, but they have a smaller coverage area.

Double-D coils of the same diameter as Mono lose a little in depth, but capture a larger area. They react less to high soil mineralization, so it is more comfortable to work with them on different types of soil. In general, the choice depends on the goals. If necessary, you can buy a coil of a different type and diameter. But if there are no additional expenses in the plans, it is better to choose DD right away.

According to this parameter, devices from Minelab and Fisher are suitable for us. The Minelab coil is completely waterproof. This is important if you plan to search for gold and jewelry on the beaches. In other cases, rain protection, like Fisher, is sufficient.The size of the coils of these two models are approximately the same. Garrett and Bounty Hunter come with Mono coils as standard. But Garret loses slightly in size. For both models, it is possible to purchase large diameter DD coils.

For novice searchers who are just learning how to work with a metal detector, the best and easiest option is the Garrett Ace 250. It has four preset settings for finding non-ferrous or iron targets. The user simplifies his task by immediately setting the search for coins or jewelry. For people who are already a little familiar with the device, there is a fifth customizable mode. You can independently set discrimination in it to cut off unnecessary signals. But more experienced diggers believe that it is better to walk on "all metals". So less likely to miss an interesting find.

Fischer is just as easy to set up as Garrett. It has three preset modes with ready-made settings and another one that the user can change at his discretion, cutting off all unnecessary signals. Minelab is similar in search modes. Three programs are also installed here - all metals, coins and jewelry. But with Bounty Hunter, it will be a little more difficult for beginners.You will first have to understand the settings a little, since the search modes are set independently here. You can walk on all metals or immediately cut off unnecessary signals. But searchers with at least minimal experience will not be embarrassed, since not everyone uses the preset modes.

The table below shows the results of air tests. They show the approximate depth of detection of different targets by devices quite well, but they give an approximate result. The actual depth depends on the composition of the soil, the sensitivity set and the search engine itself (how close the coil is to the soil). But according to the test results, the clear winner is the device from Minelab. He sees a scale at a depth of 18 cm, which is comparable to more expensive metal detectors. Large coins at a distance of 34 cm are also just an excellent result.

Fisher is almost as good as the new product from Minelab in terms of detection depth. The difference is only 1-2 cm. But the Garrett and Bounty Hunter are noticeably behind, although the Garrett is considered a rather tenacious device, especially for relatively small items. Both metal detectors are more difficult to hook on deep targets. But again, this is solved by buying an additional larger coil.

Proper adjustment of the ground balance significantly increases the effectiveness of the search, allows you to maximize the depth of target detection, get rid of false signals associated with increased soil mineralization. Of the four comparison models, only Minelab has manual ground balance. For all other metal detectors, it is fixed, that is, it is already set by the manufacturer according to average indicators. For beginners, the parameter is not particularly important, since it is not so easy to understand the manual detuning from the ground. But as you gain experience, this will become a serious disadvantage. Fisher, despite the fixed ground balance, behaves well on different soils due to the DD-coil. Garrett Ace sometimes gives false positives, but as you use search engines learn to cut them off by ear. Many do not see this as a particular disadvantage. There are no particular complaints about Bounty Hunter, users solve the problem of false positives by reducing the sensitivity.

Of all the devices under consideration, Minelab stands out for its multi-frequency capability. True, you can change the frequency only within the framework of the available modes. The metal detector has already preset settings for searching for different targets. But for beginners, it’s rather a plus that you don’t need to set the frequency yourself. The minus of the device is in the absence of the pintointer mode.Garrett Ace, Fisher and Bounty Hunter operate at mid frequencies. Bounty Hunter and Fischer have a slightly higher range, so they are better at picking up small targets. But Garrett's 6.5kHz also has its advantage - fewer false signals in highly mineralized ground and better detection of large targets. At low frequencies, it is more likely to find silver coins. But the difference in frequency is still insignificant.

Garret loses in one parameter - this is the only device from the comparison that does not have VDI numbers, that is, digital target identification. If a searcher has already used metal detectors with VDI before, working with ICQ will not be very convenient. In terms of sensitivity settings, Minelab is inferior to all other devices. There are only four of them here. Other metal detectors have 8-10 levels. We will still give the first place in terms of a set of characteristics to the Minelab model due to its multifrequency nature.

Each device is convenient in its own way, there are no frankly heavy models among budget metal detectors. The lightest device from the comparison is Fisher. Complete with batteries, it weighs only 1 kg. And this means that the hand will not start to “fall off” after an hour of active search for coins or gold on the beach.If the weight of the device is one of the main criteria, it is better to choose Fisher.

Garrett Ace is good for everyone. It is lightweight and the bar is height adjustable. But there is one big drawback - you can not change the volume of the signal, and it is quite loud and sonorous, heard from afar. The only way out if you want to keep silence is to use headphones. The new device from Minelab has a maximum shaft length of 145 cm, which will be a definite plus for tall people. Bounty Hunter is the heaviest device in comparison. The difference seems small, but if the search lasts several hours, even an extra 100-200 grams of weight will be felt.

As expected, Garrett Ace 250 took the first place in terms of popularity. This is one of the very first devices on the Russian metal detector market, which is still in demand. The reasons for the popularity are well understood from the reviews of search engines - this is a reliable, time-tested device of an American manufacturer, optimal in terms of price and quality. Garrett Ace is easy to use, has a minimum of settings, performs well in business and is generally great for novice diggers.Fisher F22, like Garrett Ace, can be called a classic search engine. It also enjoys the trust of diggers, is considered reliable and generally a good tool for beginners.

The third place is occupied by Minelab Vanquish 340. The reason is just the opposite - this is a new device from a popular manufacturer. At a budget price, it has excellent characteristics. The multi-frequency device surpasses all comparison participants in depth and can withstand immersion in water up to a meter. A great solution for searchers who like to wander along the beach. But Bounty Hunter cannot boast of special popularity. When choosing, users often prefer time-tested and well-established brands.

The most budget option among inexpensive metal detectors is the Bounty Hunter Quick Draw PRO. In most stores, it costs about 17,000 rubles. You can stop at this device or add 1500-2000 rubles and choose more popular models from Garrett or Minelab. Fisher F22 - the most expensive in comparison, but light, with a DD coil, VDI numbers. So the price is generally justified.

The Minelab Vanquish 340 confidently takes the first place in the comparison with the highest number of criteria wins and a high rating. And there are quite understandable reasons for this. This is a newer, modern multi-frequency device with a waterproof DD-coil, VDI, which is very good for a budget model in the depth of detection of coins and other objects. It is perfect for those who are not ready for complex metal detectors, but want a device that is not quite simple.

Fisher F22 was in second place in the ranking. Unlike the comparison winner, it operates at one frequency, but is also equipped with a DD coil, shows VDI. Plus, it is very light, it has more sensitivity levels and there is a user mode for setting the settings yourself.

Garrett Ace 250 has lost its lead in the ranking to more modern models, but still holds a high position in the metal detector market. Its main advantages are simplicity and reliability. Novice diggers can be sure that they will deal with the device in a couple of exits.

Bounty Hunter Quick Draw PRO ended up in last place due to lack of popularity, low detection depth, more complex settings due to the lack of preset modes. But if you need a very inexpensive option, it can be considered as a good budget model.