So, are you new to the wonderful hobby of Metal Detecting and struggling to work out what machine to purchase? All this talk of frequencies and settings just confusing you more? Lets break this down for you and explain the two main types of metal detectors.
There are two main types of metal detectors most modern manufactures produce:
Single Frequency Metal Detectors
A single frequency metal detector operates at a single frequency, typically between 5 and 20kHz. These detectors work well for detecting larger metal objects, such as coins and jewellery, but may struggle with smaller or deeply buried targets, or with identifying the type of metal. They can also be affected by mineralization in the ground, which can cause false signals.
Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors
By using a combination of both low and high frequencies, a multi-frequency metal detector can search for a wide range of metal objects of different sizes and depths.
Additionally, multi-frequency metal detectors can also filter out certain types of signals, such as those caused by mineralization in the ground. By using different frequencies and adjusting the detector's settings, the user can fine-tune the detector's sensitivity to specific types of metal.
What are the advantages of a Single Frequency Metal Detector?
- Simplicity: Single frequency metal detectors are simpler in design and operation, making them easier to use and less likely to malfunction.
- Affordability: Single frequency metal detectors are generally less expensive than multi-frequency detectors, making them a more accessible option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Ease of use: Single frequency metal detectors are often more straight-forward to operate, with fewer settings to adjust and less complexity to worry about.
What are the advantages of a Multi-Frequency Metal Detector?
- Improved Depth: Multi-frequency metal detectors can detect deeper targets compared to single frequency metal detectors, as they operate at multiple frequencies, allowing them to reach deeper into the ground.
- Better Discrimination: The multiple frequencies used in a multi-frequency metal detector can provide improved discrimination capabilities, allowing the user to better distinguish between metal targets and other objects in the ground.
- Better Ground Balance: Multi-frequency metal detectors are typically better equipped to handle mineralization and ground noise, as they are able to cancel out these signals through the use of multiple frequencies.
- Versatility: Multi-frequency metal detectors can be used in a variety of applications, such as coin shooting, relic hunting, beach hunting, and gold prospecting, as they are able to detect a wider range of metal targets.
Which technology is best for me?
Firstly, it is important to understand the type of ground that you will be searching. If you will mainly be detecting beaches, a multi-frequency machine will always be the best option. Wet sand contains a high level of mineralisation due to the salt from the sea water. This level of mineralisation will cause single frequency machines to become 'chippy' and give false signals, whereas multi-frequency machines can stabilise themselves very well in this type of environment. Beach detectorists will probably look for a fully waterproof machine, here are our recommendations:
Nokta Legend WHP - £629.95 - More Info
Nokta's first simultaneous multi-frequency metal detector The LEGEND is loaded with features that makes it one of best multi-purpose detector, adaptable for all types of targets and ground conditions. It's depth and advanced discrimination capability in trashy sites along with its silent and stable operation on the beach and underwater.
| Operating Frequencies | Multi(2), 4kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 40kHz |
| Audio Frequencies | 100Hz – 1200Hz Adjustable |
| Search Modes | 4 (Park / Field / Beach / Gold Field) |
| Custom User Profiles | 4 |
| Wireless Audio | Bluetooth Low Latency (Headphones included with WHP & Pro Pack) |
| Audio Tones | 60 |
| Tone Volume | Yes |
| Tone Break | Yes |
| Tone Frequency | Yes |
| Adjustable Threshold | Yes |
| Notch Filter | Yes |
| Ground Balance | Automatic / Manual / Tracking |
| Pinpoint | Yes |
| Frequency Shift | Yes |
| Noise Cancellation | Yes |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Sensitivity Setting | 30 Levels |
| Target ID | 01-60 |
| Search Coil |
The Legend WHP: Waterproof DD Search Coil 28cm / 11″ (LG28) The Legend PRO PACK: Waterproof DD Search Coil 28cm / 11″ (LG28) Waterproof DD Search Coil 15cm / 6″ (LG15) |
| Display | Custom LCD |
| Backlight | Yes |
| LED Flashlight | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 kg (3.0lbs.) Including The Search Coil |
| Length | 63cm – 132cm (25″ – 52″) Adjustable |
| Battery | 5050mAh Lithium Polymer |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
Minelab Equinox 900 - £1099.00 - More Info
Minelab's latest edition to the Equinox series, it's multi-frequency metal detector designed for various types of metal detecting, including coin shooting, relic hunting, and beach detecting. It operates on multiple frequencies simultaneously, providing users with improved target identification and discrimination capabilities, therefore making it a great choice if you plan on detecting in different environments, including beaches.
| Search Modes | Park, Field, Beach, Gold |
| All-Metal Shortcut | Yes |
| Custom Search Profiles | 8 |
| User Profile Button | Yes |
| Operating Frequencies (kHz) | Multi, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40 |
| Noise Cancel | Auto (19 Channels), Manual |
| Ground Balance | Auto, Manual, Tracking |
| Sensitivity | 1 to 28 |
| Target Volume | 0 to 25 |
| Threshold Level | 0 to 25 |
| Threshold Pitch | 0 to 25 |
| Target Identification (TID) | 119 segment notch discrimination: Ferrous: -19 to 0 I Non-ferrous: 1 to 99 |
| Target Tones | 1,2, 5, All Tones (At), Depth (dP) |
| Tone Break | Ferrous, Non-ferrous (t1, t2, t3, t4) |
| Tone Pitch | All tones adjustable: 0 to 25 |
| Tone Volume | All tones adjustable: 0 to 25 |
| Recovery Speed | 1 to 8 |
| Iron Bias | 0 to 9 |
| Depth Indicator | 5 Levels |
| Discrimination Segments | 119 Segments |
| Pinpoint Mode | Yes |
| Wireless Audio | Yes - Bluetooth Low Latency |
| Length (approx.) | Collapsed: 61 cm (24 in) – Extended: 144 cm (56.7 in) |
| Weight | 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs) |
| Display | Monochrome LCD |
| Display and Keypad Backlight (red) | Off, High, Medium, Low |
| Flashlight | On, Off |
| Vibration | On, Off per Tone Region |
| Supplied Coil | EQX11 11″ Double-D coil with skid plate, EQX06 6″ Coil with skid plate |
| Audio Output | In-built loudspeaker, Wired 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones, Wireless headphones |
| Supplied Headphones | Minelab ML 85 Low Latency wireless headphones |
| Battery | 3.7V/5100 mAh Internal Lithium-lon battery |
| Waterproof | 5m (16 ft) IP68 |
What if I don't plan on detecting beaches?
If you are looking for a metal detector that will predominantly be used for inland detecting, then a single frequency machine is a viable option. Single frequency machines handle most environments very well and are by far the more budget friendly option. Performance is still very good and there are some great machines out there to help you on your way to starting the hobby, here is our recommendation:
Nokta Simplex Ultra WHP - £419.95 - More Info
Nokta's Simplex range continues to be unrivalled in terms of making quality metal detecting available and affordable for all by offering 3 different models at different price levels. Whether you’re a beginner or you want an affordable yet powerful detector, Simplex has you covered! The Ultra being the higher model in the range has all the features and settings of the higher end detectors on the market at a fraction of the cost. You can read our full comparison between all of the New Generation Simplex models Here.
| Operating Frequency | 15kHz |
| Bluetooth Enabled | Yes ( Headphones included with WHP Pack) |
| Search Modes | Field, Park, 4 Tone, 99 Tone, Beach, All Metal |
| Pinpoint | Yes |
| Target ID | 01-99 |
| Notch Discrimination | Yes |
| Sensitivity Setting | 30 Levels |
| Volume | 5 Levels |
| Ground Balance | Automatic / Manual |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Backlight | Yes |
| Keypad Backlight | Yes |
| LED Flashlight | Yes |
| Frequency Shift | Yes |
| Iron Off | Yes |
| Ground Suppressor | Yes |
| Threshold (All Metal) | Yes |
| Coin & Relic ID Scale | Yes |
| Target ID Depth | Yes |
| Recovery Speed | Yes |
| Tone Break | Yes |
| Tone Frequency | Yes |
| Tone Volume | Yes |
| Firmware Updatable | Yes |
| Search Coil | Waterproof DD Search Coil 28 cm / 11″ (SX28) |
| Shaft | Fully Carbon Fibre |
| Display | Graphic LCD |
| Weight | 1.2kg (2.6lbs) |
| Length | 25″-52″ adjustable |
| Battery | 2300mAh Lithium |
| Warranty |
3 Years |
| Waterproof |
Up to 5m |
What other options are available?
Just to confuse things even more, selectable single frequency machines are a thing! A selectable frequency metal detector is a type of metal detector that allows the user to manually choose from different operating frequencies.
Operating frequencies refer to the number of electromagnetic waves emitted by the metal detector to detect and respond to metal targets in the ground. Each frequency interacts differently with various types of metals and ground conditions.
The ability to select different frequencies makes these detectors versatile, allowing users to adapt to different types of metal detecting environments and targets. For example, lower frequencies are often better for detecting larger and deeper targets, while higher frequencies are more sensitive to smaller objects and can be advantageous in mineralised soil.
Although these machines can adapt to the environment they operate in, it is important to note that a fully multi frequency machine will still have the advantage in most circumstances, especially wet sand beaches.
If this is a type of technology you might consider, here is out recommendation:
Minelab X-Terra Pro - £299.00 - More Info
Minelab have re-vamped the old X-Terra series to release a single, cutting-edge switchable, single-frequency detector.
The X-Terra Pro is an entry-level/intermediate, waterproof detector.
| Search Modes | Park, Field, Beach |
| All-Metal Shortcut | yes |
| Custom Search Profiles | 6 |
| Operating Frequencies (kHz) | Park and Field: 5, 10, 15 | Beach: 8 |
| Noise Cancel | Auto (19 Channels) |
| Ground Balance | Auto, Manual, Tracking |
| Sensitivity | 1 to 25 |
| Target Volume | 0 to 25 |
| Threshold Level | 0 to 25 |
| Threshold Pitch | Fixed |
| Target Identification (TID) | 119 segment notch discrimination: Ferrous: -19 to 0 I Non-ferrous: 1 to 99 |
| Target Tones | l, 2, 5, All Tones (At), Depth (dP) |
| Tone Break | Ferrous (FE) |
| Tone Volume | Tone 1 adjustable: 0 to 25 |
| Recovery Speed | 1 to 3 |
| Depth Indicator | 5 Levels |
| Discrimination Segments | 30 segments (in increments of 4 Target ID’s) |
| Pinpoint Mode | yes |
| Wireless Audio | yes |
| Length (approx.) | Collapsed: 63 cm (25 in) Extended: 138 cm (54 in) |
| Weight (including batteries) | 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs) |
| Display | Monochrome LCD |
| Display and Keypad Backlight (red) | Off, High, Low |
| Flashlight | On, Off |
| Vibration (Master and Ferrous) | On, Off |
| Supplied Coil | V12X 12″ Double-D Elliptical coil with skid plate |
| Audio Output | In-built loudspeaker, Wired 3.5 mm (1/8″) headphones, Wireless headphones (not included) |
| Battery | 3.7V/5100 mAh Internal Lithium-lon battery |
| Additional Included Accessories | Getting Started Guide, Charging Cable |
| Waterproof | 5m (16 ft) IP68 |
Conclusion
Hopefully this brief guide to the key technologies that our range of detectors offer has answered some of your questions. In short there is no perfect detector, but more of a detector that will suit the needs and uses that you require.
If you have any questions or require any advice then please don't hesitate to contact one of our team on 01635 597975 or use our live chat feature on our website