We asked our experts to share with us a review of their metal detector
I am always very interested to see what metal detectors people use, and the experiences they have with them.
We asked our experts to share with us a review of their metal detector.
Here are their responses.
Metal Detectors reviewed in this Post
- CTX 3030 (2 Reviews)
- XP Deus
- Spectrum V3i (2 Reviews)
- AT Pro (2 Reviews)
- Minelab E-trac
- F19
The detector I currently use is a Minelab CTX 3030.
This machine is a land or water machine to 10ft. deep. It has wireless headphones and a DD coil. I currently have 3 of the 4 coils available for it.
It has enhanced FE-CO Discrimination, Full color display, Global Positioning System, Computer integration, Enhanced menu structure, Ergonomic design, Multi-Language options, FBS-2, Smartfind2, and so much more.
My favorite is the Combined Audio function where You can set the tone different for the items You are searching. Auto/Manual Ground Balance, Auto/Manual Sensitivity, Very User Friendly.
PROS:
- Very Good discrimination in trashy areas, Sees through iron
- Very Good Depth, Pulls finds from hunted out areas,
- Well balanced, Wireless Audio makes it easy in digging items,
- Can set up programs on computer then upload them to machine,
- Can mark way points and find points on map using GPS capabilities so You know where You hunted and found Your finds,
- Adjustable shaft for easy user setup,
- Shows color cursor of iron when it’s present next to items detected,
- Very Good discrimination, And Depth, Fully Rechargeable(No Replacing Batteries), Noise Cancel, and I’m sure a lot more I’m not thinking of.
CONS:
- Overwhelming when first trying to customize settings,
- Requires a little of field work for learning its abilities,
- The screen can scratch without a cover on it.
CONCLUSION:
In My Opinion, this is one of the Best machines out there. I’ve been hunting since 1990, and My CTX has overwhelmed Me with the amount and types of finds I have been able to find!
The Depth I have achieved- 15 & 16″ on .58 cal CW bullets in a no- till field that has been hunted for years.
The amount of coins I’ve found in hunted out locations, The ability to customize the sounds for a particular item or group of 
items.
This machine is Amazing and if I was just starting out I would definitely pursue the CTX 3030 to be My first. There are plenty of people Online that will help You learn a bit, and very good books to get You going like a pro. Andy Sabisch wrote a Handbook for the CTX 3030 that helps You understand a lot that You can’t just learn from the manual. A very Good Machine that will bring new heights to Your Detecting Adventure.
Randy
The Detector I currently use is The XP DEUS
20+ year’s digging the last 10 hardcore as in daily and every day. The XP DEUS and I became as one with several months on the learning curve.
My 1st dig with the DEUS was junk metal, however underneath the junk was a Tootsie Toy Car. Every since that day its been Rockin and Rollin.
The bottom line is this, dig everything, when u hear that tone and maybe observe that so called matching number. By that I mean, I run my machine “unstable” most might call it. By doing so I have gain extraordinary depth.
My philosophy on this is I’m getting below where folks from the 70’s n 80’s could get with those radar machine’s as I call them. This is why the numbers game aint that important to me, its part of the analysis but the tone, to me tells the whole story.
I’m reminded of several yards that I’ve hunted, where walking through only revealed a batch of multiple numbers fluctuating. So I became frustrated and thought, why in the h**l did I buy this d**n thing.
I stepped back looked at the house, looked at the foundation, my map said original town, so what h**l was the deal. So I started digging every signal that had my “magic tone” no matter how brief. The first target nail, second target, targets 3 through several were nails. Once all the nails were out of the way, swung it again but this time produced a silver walking liberty.
So for those yards i repeated “nail removal tactic” I call it and man does it pay dividends at the end of the day. A lot of folks hear and see its a nail n just “cherry pick” I’m glad they do. In conclusion, dig it all because sometimes that target your looking for is just underneath all that junk. HH
Kelly
Check Out our other Reviews Click [HERE]
The detector I currently use is the White’s Spectrum V3i
The Spectra® V3i is White’s premier metal detector backed by a comprehensive 2-year warranty.
The beautiful, full-color HD display clearly explains the depth and metal type of detected objects. The V3i is always ready to go with its rechargeable battery and ready to help with an onboard reference guide.
If you’re just starting out, the V3i has 9 presets, giving you turn-on-and-go versatility that fits your terrain and target, whether it’s coins, jewelry, relics of the past, or gold nuggets. Expert users will appreciate the V3i’s dozens of optional settings that can be changed in real time via dashboard controls. You’ll experience unparalleled depth and sensitivity, even in previously-hunted areas! The V3i works best with the included wireless Spectra Sound headphones. White’s premier headset lets you hear every signal with astonishing clarity and without worrying about distractions or tangled cords.
There is numerous coils this great machine can utilize. From the 5.3 Eclipse all the way to the 13 inch Detect Coil.
This is my main go to machine that I run with the 5.3 Eclipse Coil 95% of my Detecting. This machine with the 13″ Detect Coil makes this a coin killer. The Three frequencies are great. You can’t beat the color screen as opposed to the other type screens. I also run the Lithium Ion Battery in my V3i, giving me about double the time in the field.
The downfall to this machine is that after awhile hunting, this machine gets heavy. I have a sling for my machine. This machine is not waterproof.
I have my White’s DFX, MX Sport, MX5, and Eagle II SL 90 as backup machines.
Kenny Briggs
Ground View Metal Detectors & Rental
Website:
www.groundviewmetaldetectors.biz
The Detector I currently use the Minelab CTX 3030.
I have been using this detector for just over 3 years now. I upgraded from the Minelab Explorer XS. Since I already used a Minelab detector the transition was easier.
I use my CTX mostly in the water and in farm fields, but I also go to the beach and wherever else I might finds stuff.
Pros
- This machine is great in wet sand and in saltwater.
- It is waterproof to 10 ft in depth.
- It provides you with multi frequency technology.
- It has a color Led.
- It has incorporated blue tooth technology using the WM10 box with your headphones.
- I also like that it has a GPS and you can hook it up to Google Maps and see where you have been if you enable this feature.
There is not many things I don’t like about the CTX.
Cons
- It will only go 10 feet in the water.
If I wanted to go deeper in the water I would have to use my Minelab Excalibur 2. I have heard lots of complaints about the price , but if you seen what people find with them the price is well worth it.
Conclusion
In My opinion the Minelab CTX 3030 is the best metal detector on the market. It provides great depth , adjustable sensitivity.
This machine provides you with most of the bells and whistles you require in a detector. In my 23 plus years of detecting I have never swung a better machine.
Get out and detect
Matt T
Facebook group digging with Matty.
You tube channel.
Check OUT past articles from our experts click [HERE]
My Detector of choice is The White’s V3i
Over all, this machine has the best features available.
- Large color HD Search Screen.
- Can hunt in a single frequency or 3 frequencies at the same time. (2.5, 7.5, 22.5)
- Many ways to analyze targets (pin point, sizing, polar plot, icons, tones, vdi numbers, spectrograph)
- 10 preset programs, can add custom programs, 8 filters, and so much more.
Pro’s:
- Can adjust machine to an conditions (soil, EMI, mineralization)
- Dig less trash with multi target analyzing features.
- Large color/HD search screen makes it easier to read.
- Consistent in the field.
- Has wireless head phone capability.
- Can turn on a go with the preset programs.
Con’s:
- Can not use to search under water.
- Some what on the heavy side.
- Not a simple machine to master.
Conclusion:
The Whites V3i is one of the top detectors on the market today. Once you master this machine it’s almost like seeing through the ground. It’s a turn on and go detector with unmatched expert capabilities.
Please visit my
You tube channel, V3i SWEEPER to see if this is a machine you have interest in.
You can always find me on Facebook at
My web site global-detecting.com
Hear me on The Global Detection Adventures Podcast.
The metal detector I use is the AT PRO
In the beginning it was quite the machine to get use to. Getting to know “Pro mode” was a challenge because of all of the different tones and remembering to ground your machine, but it is the best mode to be in. After about 2 weeks I had finally understood my At Pro and was able to know most of the important tones. The pinpointer on the standard DD coil is fantastic, if the object is within 6″ majority of the time it is in your plug .
Learning the different vdi numbers is also a bonus for you when you are not in the mood to dig everything ( although, we should always dig everything, sometimes you just don’t want to and you only want the good tones and the At Pro will provide some great sounding targets). The standard DD coil that comes with the At Pro is a great coil for trash filled parks, permissions, woods and anywhere in between and it has good depth. I love the discrimination option and I normally keep it at around 35-40. You are in control of what you want to search for instead of having to stick with the limited set settings.
What I dislike about the machine would be the lack of a backlights. I love night hunting and it just makes sense to have one. I also have a problem with the sensitivity turned all the way up, it will pick up EVERYTHING! I normally keep it a bit over half on the sensitivity unless I am in a history rich area and I am searching for the deeper tones. I also hope they fix the way they have the control housing on the s-shaped stem.
I have actually seen one fall off on a fellow hunters At Pro because it only has two screws holding it on and sending it off for two weeks to get fixed is a drag on the soul. Oh, and can’t forget about the batteries, oh boy, keep some extras on you (but my outings usually last 4-8 hours, sometimes more, then tend to last 3 hunts.
As soon as your batteries get to about 3 bars, your machine tends to not function as well as it would with full batteries). Overall it is a fantastic detector and has more pros than cons. It’s definitely worth every penny and it will get the job done. I have 2 At Pros with different coils and I still prefer to use the standard DD coil over my Nel storm.
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YouTube
Natasha Rosloniec
Check out our video reviews click [here]
– Features-
This machine is a beast! This detector has to be one of the most technologically advanced machine that is on the market today. The E-TRAC incorporates Full Band Spectrum(FBS) technology and Smartfind discrimination. Simultaneously transmitting 28 multiple frequencies from 1.5kHz to 100kHz, FBS technology continually transmits both deep penetrating lower frequencies and sensitive high frequencies for more sensitive and accurate target identification at greater depths, regardless of ground conditions and target type.
Smartfind offers a visual scale of discrimination showing both the ferrous and conductivity properties on the same display to help you eliminate undesirable signals and find desired targets. The E-TRAC XChange USB connection allows you to create different settings, user modes and discrimination patterns for different sites, download and upload these settings, and exchange them with friends by email.
The E-TRAC also features QuickMask adjustment, four pre-programmed user modes, refined threshold adjustment, and ground and trash density settings. In other words this machine is loaded with features that could take even the most experienced metal detectorist years to fully realize the true potential of this machine.
– Pros-
- The target id system is excellent! After spending just a few hours with this machine, you will notice the difference in your ability to distinguish the difference between trash and a desirable target due through the E-Trac’s ID system which displays each target’s ferrous and conductivity levels. Outstanding.
- Excellent multiple tones. At first the many tones of this machine can be almost overwhelming but once you learn the tones, you’ll be amazed on how well you can identify what the target is without even looking at the numbers.
- This machine is a silver and coin magnet. I believe that this machine finds more coins and silver than any machine I have ever used.
- There is no need to ground balance the E-trac when changing locations or hunting in highly mineralized soil. It does all the work for you.
– Cons-
- My biggest complaint with the E Trac is the display. Very poorly done Minelab! The backlight is great when hunting in low light conditions but being able to see your screen otherwise can be difficult. This is especially true in bright sunlight.
- It is not waterproof. Considering the high cost of this machine, why wouldn’t they have made it waterproof . This is disappointing.
- One of the claims is that the E -Trac is perfectly balanced. Hmmm. Not sure about that. This is a heavy machine compared to many others. You will feel it after a day of hunting.
- Battery Life is short compared to most other detectors. Granted this machine does many things all at once that most detectors cannot successfully do at all but battery life definitely suffers. Overall the E-Trac is an excellent machine and can be customized for any type of hunting (except water) that you do.
- Outstanding coin machine with great depth. A must in any avid detectorists arsenal. Please keep in mind, this is not a beginner’s machine. The E trac was designed for the experienced and serious detectorist. While there are some negatives with the machine, overall I feel it is one of the best machines ever made.
– Conclusion-
Overall the E-Trac is an excellent machine and can be customized for any type of hunting (except water) that you do. Outstanding coin machine with great depth. A must in any avid detectorists arsenal. Please keep in mind, this is not a beginner’s machine. The E trac was designed for the experienced and serious detectorist. While there are some negatives with the machine, overall I feel it is one of the best machines ever made.
I began seriously detecting as an adult in 2011. I started with a Tesoro Compadre, $20 finder and a plastic spade. Over the next few years I went through many different detectors. What I hunted became refined.
I had always had an interest in history. So I had began relic hunting. In 2014 Fisher came out with the F19. It was designed to hunt relics. I had owned a couple fisher detectors and knew their quality. So I bought an F19. I haven’t changed detectors since.
Pros –
- The F19 is light so you can swing it all day. It’s very easy to carry if you have to hike a mile or two.
- It runs a long time on one 9v battery. I carry a spare battery, but the F19 will last all day on one, so I never need it.
- The F19 has a backlight so you can hunt in the dark. Although I never use it,
- The F19 has a great notch system. One of the features of the F19 that I love is the volume control. It’s kind of misunderstood feature. Volume can be set from 1-20. But it’s not just to turn up the volume. The purpose is to set which kind of signals ( ferrous or non- ferrous.) is the loudest. 1-9 Both equally increase in volume. 10- non ferrous is 10 but ferrous is 0. So when I’m in a really trashy area i set my VCO to 38 and my volume to 10. So now I’m not going to hear all the iron chatter. settings 11-20 all have the non-ferrous is at 10 but the ferrous goes from 1-10. Ground balancing couldn’t be easier. set the gain at 12:00. Go to all metal. Over a piece of ground clear of metal you push the grab ground button and bob up and down with the detector until the numbers agree.
- For those people who like to search a little positive or negative, you can manually adjust the ground balance.
- When the F19 locks on to a target it has very steady vdi.
- The F19 is running at 19khz. It finds the tiniest targets.
Cons:
- I really couldn’t think of many. Even though it is not a coin machine, it does well with them.
- I do wish though that it wasn’t Camo. At first I really liked the Camo, but I’ve misplaced it a couple times and had a hard time finding it.
I believe for relic detecting the Fisher F19 is one of the best machines out there. Its definitely a Keeper.
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I use the Garrett AT Pro. Here the review from our website.
Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector Review 0
All-terrain metal detectors are perfect for hardy locations. Since treasure hunting can take up plenty of hours, one needs a model that he or she can rely on, something durable and packed with useful features to help prospectors in the search for excellent booty.
The Garrett AT Pro model is designed to pursue metals that are located up to 10 inches deep. It is capable of picking up only certain items by means of its target ID system, and it has high res-iron discrimination for a more enhanced exploration. It is a model that is recommended for searching for relics, caches, coins, jewelry, and even bits of gold. But is it really worth your time and money? Let’s find out.
Watch our Field Test. Click Here
Features
- Includes 8.5 x 11 1inch search coil
- Can be used by children ages 12 and up
- Operates with batteries
- Features auto-ground balance
- Features weatherproof properties
- Includes headphones
- Ideal for coin hunting, relic hunting, jewelry hunting, beach activities
Advantages
The AT Pro model includes a pro mode audio which enables users the opportunity to perceive sounds of target finds when it is in all-metal model. It has a high-resolution iron discrimination technology too, and it allows users admission to 40 levels which will assist them in distinguishing between refuse and potential finds. That way, you will not have to waste plenty of time and effort digging for nothing.
It has a digital target ID that includes a scale ranging from 0-99. This will amplify the capability to distinguish iron and shift the mid-tone signal range. Its most essential feature though, would have to be its capability to recover fast; users will be able to discern excellent targets from refuse.
It is meant for all-terrain usage and it can be plunged into waters that range up to 10-feet of depth, which makes the unit truly versatile and ideal for folks who want to cover both land and water prospects.
This is also the unit for enthusiasts who want to search for gold nuggets and jewelry. The detector is designed with a 15kHz frequency to improve the hunt for smaller targets. For a more enhanced performance, the unit features ground balance which can be modified manually in an instant. This will guarantee users that they will have a stress-free time exploring the area for potentials.
Its GTA, or Graphic Target Analyzer, is extra helpful for recognizing a target’s conductivity. This is a beneficial aspect which coin hunters will benefit from since its uninterrupted coin depth indicator is quite convenient when it comes to the depth of a coin. It also features a battery life indicator so users won’t have to explore areas with a dying detector.
The unit has options like coins, zero, or custom, and these options can be in standard or professional mode. This enables users to adjust the device according to their target and improve the accuracy in identifying targets from plain trash.
Customers who are satisfied with their purchase shared that what they liked most about the unit was its fast recovery time because it allows for more searches. It was made for a variety of terrains, and is waterproof to boot.
It can accommodate both experienced users and beginners, plus it includes efficient manual, and automatic ground balancing features. According to one user, it is the first detector from the company to feature a digital target ID scale.
Disadvantages
Several customers did not like that the package did not include a pin pointer.
Conclusion
Now, if you want to search for jewelry, coins, relics, or even gold nuggets, this might be the device that you are looking for. The Garrett AT Pro metal detector has a variety of adjustments and settings that can improve your search for excellent finds.
It is built for a wider range of terrain, and can be utilized for underwater purposes too, for a more extensive search. The features that the product has to offer will be convenient enough to enhance your discoveries.
Buy it here
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Ask the expert table of contents:
What program/settings do you use when you metal detect a new site/permission?
If you could go anywhere in the world and could legally metal detect, where would you want to go? Also what would be the top 10 things you would like to find metal detecting when you get there?
What is the craziest, weirdest, bizarre or funny thing that has happened to YOU while you were metal detecting?