7 Best Metal Detectors for Beach – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2020)

The beach is one of the best places to relax and to indulge in fun activities. It is also a great place for metal detecting. Metal detecting is about finding metal and treasure and is usually a pastime for individuals. This activity is best suited for the beach because that’s where you can discover plenty of metal objects under the sand. You can also find your missing jewelry or other lost things with a metal detector.

Whether you are an expert or novice at metal detecting, you need a metal detector. This will enable you to find anything valuable on the beach. Plenty of metal detectors on the market today offer many different features and capabilities. Some of them are suitable for first timers, while others come with features for experts. It is difficult for a first timer to know what to look for as the technical info is quite complex. To find the best metal detector for use at the beach, you must consider a few key factors. That’s why we’ve reviewed seven of the best metal detectors for beach, to make it easier for you to choose one.

Best Beach Metal Detector Reviews – Updated List!

1. Whites TDI Beach Hunter Waterproof Metal Detector

Performance: High
Weight: 10,65 pounds
Waterproof: Yes

A waterproof metal detector is the most suitable option if you are looking to use one at the beach. The Whites TDI BeachHunter exhibits this quality and it usable on land and sea. You can use it in water or extreme conditions, as it’s waterproof up to 25 ft. You can find coins, jewelry and even gold that’s buried deep below the surface. It features an adjustable Pulse Delay that allows you to set the detector up to increase sensitivity to gold, relic and coins. A dual-tone audio ensures you know the different metal sounds and features an adjustable volume with edge controls to suit various preferences.

The TDI BeachHunter is lightweight, weighing about 5.2 lbs. and includes a hip and chest-mount pocket that enables you to tailor it to your style. Equipped with a heavy duty NiMH rechargeable battery, the unit operates for about 6 hrs. nonstop. It also comes with an 8 AA backup battery pack in case of long days of metal hunting at the beach. This machine uses the patented 12 in. Dual-Field search coil with two coils in one. The inner coil is small and has maximum sensitivity to small targets, whereas the outer ring is large and reaches great depths in salt and mineralization. The price on this unit is high; but given the features, this metal detector is a worthwhile investment.

2. Garrett AT Pro Beach Metal Detector

Performance: High
Weight: 3.03 pounds
Waterproof: Yes

Without a doubt, the Garret AT Pro is a popular metal detector that comes at a practical price. It provides high-quality performance similar to premium and professional units on the market. The AT Pro is specially designed for hunting relics, coins and jewelry on the beach. Featuring a waterproof design, you can fully submerge it to a depth of 10 ft. This makes it suitable for metal hunting in shallow waters at the sea, and in oceans, creeks, lakes, rivers and more. This VLF detector operates at 15kHz frequency, ideal for detecting small targets and great for target discrimination. You can even find gold nuggets thanks to the ground balance function.

The AT Pro unit features two audio modes: Pro and Standard. If you are a beginner, using the Standard mode is ideal. Conversely, the Pro-mode delivers audio info on how deep the target is and its composition; this requires an expert to understand. It uses 4 AA batteries and comes with a padded armrest for increased comfort. The rugged exterior is durable and suitable for different environments. It offers high res iron discrimination and you can set the iron separation in one of the 40 segments for accurate performance. With a Digital Target ID scale of 0 to 99, it provides precise info on the composition of the target.

3. Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coil

Performance: High – Medium
Weight: 2,3 pounds
Waterproof: Yes

If you are looking for an easy-to-use metal detector, then the Fisher F22 is a perfect choice. A 9-in. triangulated, ovate, concentric coil detects objects 9 in. below ground. This is all thanks to the concentric search coils that are large on the surface but penetrates deeper underground to find treasures and lost items. It has 10 levels of sensitivity to adjust to suit your optimum hunting experience. The notch feature allows you to discriminate the metal while hunting to get more accurate results at the end of the process. This occurs by pressing the buttons on the screen display. What’s more, the unit allows you to select a mode for your metal hunting. You can choose from 4 modes; jewelry, coins, artifacts and custom.

Unlike other units, the F22 only notes whether the object is close to the conductivity range of gold, silver and iron. It displays a target ID number corresponding to the conductivity of the metal. At the center of the screen is a Pinpoint mode that gives more accurate info about the object underground. Powered by 2 AA batteries, the unit provides 25-30 hrs. of metal hunting on the beach. The best part is that this machine is lightweight, weighing only 2.3 lbs. This ensures you don’t get arm fatigue while hunting.

4. National Geographic Pro Series Metal Detector

Performance: Medium
Weight: 2,3 pounds
Waterproof: Yes

The National Geographic Pro Series is arguably the best portable metal detector that’s perfect for your beach hunts. It delivers professional standard performance at an affordable price. The unit is designed with advanced technology and is fully adjustable to suit varying ages. Featuring an extremely lightweight and telescopic design, it is best used with children at the beach. It provides top-quality performance and is very easy to operate. The telescoping design offers hassle-free assembly and is highly portable. Featuring a 10-in. waterproof detection coil, you can hunt for treasure even in the harshest environments, including the steamy seashore.

The National Geographic metal detecting unit features an audio alert detection, with volume control and a headphone jack that ensures you hear the notifications loud and clear. Using three detection modes, the unit filters out the trash and uses four sensitivity modes to find the treasure buried 10 in. underground. It uses pinpoint functions for maximum precision and features a bright, easy-to- read LCD with backlighting that enables children to understand the readings. The battery is encased with an under-the-top panel and enables all-day treasure hunts at the beach.

5. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

Performance: Medium
Weight: 3 pounds
Waterproof: Yes

The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is an affordable metal detector offering high-quality performance on varying terrains. It’s perfect for beach use as it features a waterproof coil of up to 8 in. below ground. The unit features a rugged design suitable for extreme ground conditions. It features three modes of operation, including: all-metal, tone, and full discrimination. In all-metal mode, this unit detects all kinds of metal at maximum depths. The 2-tone audio comes with automatic iron rejection and produces a low or high signal when metal is detected. You can easily switch between all the modes by scanning through the mode toggle on the screen.

The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV features an easy-to-use design. Two knobs and dual audio tones are easy to learn and use, making it suitable for beginners. An adjustable stem easily adjusts to the height you desire. With its rugged design, the unit performs well in harsh environments and at the beach. It integrates a speaker and requires ¼” jack headphones for audible notifications. Weighing about 4.2 lbs., it offers great portability performance and you won’t get arm fatigue while using it.

6. RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector

Performance: Medium – Low
Weight: 4,2 pounds
Waterproof: Yes

If you are tired of using outdated buttons on your metal detector, then RM Ricomax is the perfect alternative. An LCD screen and digital buttons simplify its operation. You can easily adjust your settings and read all the info you want with easy steps. Featuring three modes, the unit detects various kinds of treasures and objects buried below the ground. The all-metal mode lets the detector find all types of metal, including: iron, gold, bronze, aluminum, silver and more. It presents a highly sensitive search coil large enough to reach up to a 10-in. depth when detecting metal.

Thanks to a waterproof stem and coil, you can use the RM Ricomax to discover metals underwater. It’s worth noting that the control box is not waterproof, however. You should keep it as far away from water as possible. This control box displays the detection mode, battery status, sensitivity and volume level. It also displays the depth of the target to avoid wasting time. Distinctive audio tones provide a quick learning curve on what metals it detects. Also, there is a P/P (pinpoint) function that accurately identifies the target. In the user manual, you get all the instructions for how to use the unit to find a target without wasting your precious time on trash.

7. AMYSPORTS Beach Metal Detector for Kids

Performance: Low
Weight: 1 pounds
Waterproof: No

Is your child as adventurous as you are? If so, the Amysports kids metal detector is the best gift for them. Not only is it extremely affordable, but it’s also easy to use. The unit is specially designed to detect all kinds of metal buried 0.5 in. under the ground. It makes a buzzing sound when detecting coins, jewelry, keys, lock, nails and more. The search coil features a waterproof design that makes it suitable for detecting metal on the beach and in other extreme environments. It is the perfect gift for kids who love to explore and adventure outdoors.

The Kid’s detector comes fully assembled from the shop, which allows you to use it immediately out of the box. It provides simple, accurate info that’s legible to children. The unit is resilient, to withstand any harsh treatment from playful children. This also makes it ideal for use in the park, desert and other outdoor venues. It’s adjustable and features a lightweight design (1.01 lbs.) making it portable for children. The stem is collapsible for storage and easy transport. It has an operating frequency of 7.68kHz and is powered by a1 x 9v alkaline battery, purchased separately.

Metal Detector for Beach Buying Guide

Most people enjoy staying at the beach in their free time, but easily lose their valuables. Also, some treasures are swept away by water to the shores and require a good metal detector to retrieve them. Whether you’re a novice or professional, metal hunting is an exciting adventure. You need to have the right tools to fulfill your outdoor goals. Since there are plenty of these detectors on the market, it becomes a daunting task to find the best one to suit your adventure. Besides, most metal detector types don’t function well in salty water areas like the beach. That’s why you need to read the buying guide below. It details important features to consider when buying a metal detector for the beach.

Beach Metal Detector Features and Specifications

1. Detection Technology

   Metal detectors come in various designs and perform various outdoor functions . Those with single frequencies are not suitable for saltwater hunting because you set them to the lowest sensitivity settings, which restricts how deep you can hunt. Even the target ID will be inaccurate most of the time. Therefore, it is important to know what technology your metal detector is using around saltwater, because the technology is usually different from universal land metal detectors. The main technologies are either multi-frequency or pulse induction. Unless you want to hunt on dry sand at the beach, the technology matters. If you’re an expert metal detector, you will find that hunting in all areas of the beach is ideal. That’s why you need a machine that can handle such areas with ease.

   • Multi-Frequency

     The with this technology are usually more expensive than those with single frequency. This means that the machine transmits multiple frequencies at the same time to penetrate minerals. These machines deliver great depths and provide a precise target ID. At a glance, they resemble single frequency detectors; however, they use superior technology to handle extreme environments, not only for beach hunting. So, if you want a machine that will perform perfectly regardless of location, then one using multi-frequency preferred.

   • Pulse Induction

     Machines using this technology look and feel different when compared to single- or multi-frequency counterparts. These machines deliver professional hunting for the experts as well as gold prospectors. PI detectors are great for use at the beach because they provide better depth when hunting. However, if the beach is full of trash and other items, it becomes difficult for machines to separate these things. These areas make it difficult to hunt, so the PI machines are suitable for beach hunting and gold prospecting and ideal for hunting in the surf or water.

2. Waterproof, Water-Resistant and Submersible Properties

   Most metal detectors feature a waterproof design with submersible coils. However, the remaining parts of the unit, especially the control box, are usually water-resistant. This means that they cannot be used underwater, as the water will damage its functions. A fully submersible metal detector is, however, ideal for hunting in any type of water, for underwater detecting.

   Accidents do happen and there is a bit of water that will get to the control box. Also, an unexpected wave can splash water onto your unit, no matter how carefully you keep it out of the water. When this happens, the machine becomes useless in most cases. To avoid this problem, choose a fully submersible detector. This way, you can use it on and in water without worrying about damage. However, if you are just hunting on wet sand at the beach, then there is no need for a fully submersible metal detector.
   Fully submersible detectors are rated by how deep they go. Diving detectors have a higher depth range than those used for hunting in shallow waters.

   

3. Coil Size

   Buyers often neglect the size of the coil when choosing a metal detector for the beach. This shouldn’t be the case with you because it’s a very important aspect. Coil size determines the heft, surface resistance, and sweep range of a metal detector. Therefore, you should evaluate these features to ensure the best performance and results from your metal detector. Coils are categorized as either large or small.

   • Large Coils

     These coils are big and deliver better depth greater sweep range for you to cover large surfaces at once. However, the larger the coil, the more it weighs. Weight is a major factor in determining how long you can use the unit while holding it in your arms. Don’t get one that’s heavier than you can handle, as this will cause arm fatigue. Oftentimes, the manufacturers ensure the units are well-proportioned with the stock coil so that the weight is distributed evenly. When switching to a larger coil, there is no weight balance and you will end up feeling all the force it exerts. If you prefer hunting for more hours, then choose a machine with a chest harness. This distributes the weight to prevent fatigue.
     If you plan to using the large coil in water, then the weight issue will arise again. Since the coil is large, it provides more surface tension and you will feel as you swing the unit from side to side. Not even a chest harness will help you here. In this case, an open coil is most ideal as it provides reduced surface resistance.

   • Small Coils

     Small coils are great for use in water hunting as they provide accurate pinpointing readings. Since you can’t see beneath the water or ocean floor, the small coils come in handy in this situation. Also, a small coil is perfect for hunting on a trashy beach. This is mainly because they are most effective at target separation. They will find hidden treasures faster than when using larger coils.

4. Accessories

   Metal detectors have different designs and the features are what separate them from others. Here are some of the accessories that you shouldn’t neglect when looking for a metal detector for the beach.

   • Headphones

     Hunting on a noisy beach requires you to have a better hearing ability. This is mainly for you to know what metal you have discovered using your machine. For this reason, you need high-quality headphones that are used around the beach. The headphones should have better noise isolation capabilities to provide clear metal signals. Most detectorists will miss hidden treasure because they don’t get the target signal and end up giving up on that area. However, with headphones, you will know exactly where to hunt for lost items, relic, and other treasures with ease. The headphones should also be waterproof o handle any type of water condition.

   • Mesh Pouch

     Hunting in the water requires you to have a pouch to hold your items in the process. This ensures you don’t stop hunting to store your findings. Therefore, a pouch is a must-have. Nevertheless, the pouch you get should not weigh you down because the more you pick up wet items, the heavier it can get. You should get a mesh pouch with tiny holes to safely hold your items while keeping out water.

   • Shoulder or Chest Harness

     A harness is important as it helps in keeping the weight of a metal detector balanced. If you plan on spending more time hunting at the beach, get a shoulder or chest harness that will evenly distribute the weight of the larger coils to minimize fatigue.

   • Pin Pointer

     While at the beach, small items tend to get lost most of the times. For you to find them faster, you need a metal detector that has a pin pointer. This will locate smaller targets like rings, pins and more. Although not very necessary, a pin pointer will help you find your items much faster especially if you are in a hurry.

   • Sand Scoop

     A sand scoop in metal detecting is important mainly because it makes the process easier and faster. Finding targets at the beach will be fast as you can easily scoop sand locate them. The scoops come in different designs including the short handle scoops, medium, and long handle scoops. Short handle scoops require you to bend a lot while scooping. Medium handle scoops are suitable for searching in water and other places. Long handle scoops are ideal for use on a trashy beach to quickly find the target. All in all, a stainless-steel sand scoop is best used in saltwater areas so that the minerals don’t corrode the construction.

   

5. Other Features

   Metal detectors provide a wide range of features and each of them delivers accurate usability to suit your hunting endeavors. Therefore, it is important to know other features that make a metal detector for you to be better at hunting on the beach.

   • Target Identification

     Most if not all metal detectors have a target ID feature. This feature identifies metal objects beneath the ground whereby the user will decide if it is worth digging or skipping. Target ID is classified in various categories like recognizing copper, dimes, nickel, quarters, iron, coins, and more. This feature is important for finding treasure fast.

   • Tone Identification

     Some metal detectors emit audio sounds depending on the target conductivity. A weak, almost fading tone indicates that the objects are either nickel, iron, foil, etc. High tones are characterized with screw caps and other items considered less valuable.

   • Battery Level Indicator

     You need to know the battery status of your metal detector while operating in the outdoors. This is to avoid unexpected occurrences where the battery dies in the middle of your hunting. The battery indicator will show you the remaining charge so that you can work within the speculated time.

   • Multiple Modes

     Metal detectors with plenty of working modes are suitable for hunting treasure at the beach. The most common modes include the all-metal, full-discriminate, tone separation and pinpoint modes.

   • Operating Frequency

     This is a key feature in a metal detector and is measured in kilohertz (kHz). It refers to the number of times a detector transfers and receives signal per second. Low operating frequency provides better sensitivity to certain objects like copper and silver. Also, it provides accurate detection depth. High operating frequency metal detectors have low sensitivity to natural gold and small metals. Get one depending on the items you want to find.

   • Calibration or Ground Balance

     This feature ensures the detector provides the right signal once it senses an object. It prevents it from emitting signals of natural items like soil and other objects of no value. A metal detector with ground balance will only get attracted to valuable metals and materials.

What is Beach Hunting?

Beach hunting is a pastime activity where you embark on finding lost items, treasure and other objects buried beneath the ground. Oftentimes, valuable items get lost at the beach or sea while engaging in different activities. They usually sweepback on the seashore or in the shallow waters of the oceans. Normally, you won’t find the objects while looking with the naked eye, that is why having a metal detector for the beach is most ideal. This is a machine-based unit that is powered by batteries and is used to find these items with ease. They can discover, locate and pinpoint the target when you place it on the ground or in the water. After obtaining permission from the necessary authorities, you will be ready for the hunt!

For a beginner, you may think that beach hunting is a walk in the park. Well, it isn’t. Most of the times you set out to find treasure and all you can find is just trash. This can be discouraging for most beginners and they might end up abandoning the search altogether. It is worth noting that this particular activity requires patience and a lot of hard work as well as a good machine. Let’s look at some of the tips when hunting at the beach.

The 13 Great Beach Metal Hunting Tips

1. Learn beach hunting etiquette

   During the summer period, most beaches tend to have large crowds. Since you don’t want interruption from other beach users, it is best to start your hunting in the early mornings or evening. These are perfect times hunt because of the scarcity of the area. Alternatively, go to remote areas of the beach where you will find perfect peace when hunting. Ensure you hunt 10 feet away from beach users as you might find some of their valuables. Don’t shake out sand while standing when you scoop it. it might enter people’s eyes which can be annoying. After scooping or digging holes while hunting, ensure you fill them right back before leaving the beach.

2. Expect to find trash

   It is not guaranteed that you will go for your hunting at the beach and find treasure on your first try. Mostly, you will find trash and more invaluable objects than you would treasure. With a little more patience and consistency, your search can bear fruits.

3. Use a beach scoop, not a shovel

   A telescoping beach scoop will save you the time and energy used to bend down with a shovel to scoop sand. Get a beach scoop with holes large enough for sand to pass through, consequently leaving your valuables at the bottom.

4. Focus on the hard-packed sand

   Don’t waste almost all your tie hunting on the wet and loose sand when you can find real treasure on the hard-packed sand. Look for channels and scallops brought about by waves and begin your hunting there. If you see seashells or pebbles on the sand, that means it contains a good number of washed-up targets.

5. Hunt after rain

   This is when the ground is softer to effortlessly dig out. Also, the conductivity of a metal detector is much better after it rains as it will achieve great depth.

6. Hunt after a storm

   Storms can flush out lost items and bring them to the beach. Beach hunting immediately after a storm is the best time because you might find valuables that are buried.

7. Use a chest or shoulder harness

   If your metal detector comes with one of these accessories, use it. It ensures weight is evenly distributed on your body while you swing the machine for hours.

8. Dig up everything

   If you are new to beach hunting, it is ideal to dig everything up and exhaust the area. This enables you to have better chances of finding buried treasure, iron and more. Also, you will familiarize with the different sounds and get to know your machine better.9.

9. Practice hunting in your garden

   First-timers, you should learn how to use your metal detector in your backyard or garden. This way, you can perfect how you maneuver with the machine.

10. Do not rush

    Not all metal detectors operate at high speeds. Some of them are smaller and it is easier to miss a signal. Slowing down the swinging will enable the machine to emit the right signal.

11. Swing the machine properly

    Make sure the machine is parallel to the ground at all times. This will ensure the machine picks up the right signal on the ground.

12. Countercheck the area

    After finding the target in one area, make sure you recheck the hole to ensure you don’t leave anything behind. Also, you can check around the same area and you can get lucky.

13. Use headphones

    Not everyone at the beach is metal detecting. For that reason, you should always mind others and have your headphones on at all times while hunting. Make sure the headphones are comfortable in or on the ears if you are planning on metal detecting for a long time.

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Wrap up

If you are a beach goer, you can also add hunting to the list of activities you engage in. Not only is it a relaxing and adventurous hobby, but it is also a great way of finding valuables. Most items get washed up at the beach shores and with a good metal detector, you can find valuable items and treasure. This activity will give a satisfying thrill and is somehow addictive. However, there is no harm in trying to find valuable items that will bring you an income in the long run.

The best metal detector for the beach includes all the features suitable for saltwater use and water in general. Also, the best option depends on your proficiency, budget and where you’ll use it. You will find plenty of these metal detectors on the market promising great performance. However, having read the beach metal detector reviews, you can easily find one that matches your needs.