What fell was not lost: TOP of the best ground metal detectors

The GC-1013 model from the American manufacturer of metal detectors Treker is a low-cost, but high-quality product for novice diggers.

The developers of GC-1013 abandoned the S-shaped rod, here it is straight, but with an adjustable length (78-106 cm). The handle resembles a computer joystick, each bend of which is thought out. According to reviews, the ergonomics of the GC-1013 is not inferior to the usual S-shaped models.

The armrest is soft and adjustable. Everything is assembled firmly, there is no backlash. The total weight of the device is 1.4 kg, taking into account the batteries, and this is the average weight in the class.

The GC-1013 implements a low-frequency search principle at a frequency of 6.6 kHz.A moisture-proof coil of a round shape with a diameter of 8" handles well with its task. This is helped by: the function of sequential discrimination (metal type search) with a 3-tone response, the mode of precise localization of the target Pin-Pin, manual adjustment of the ground balance and the sensitivity mode or, in another way, the depth of occurrence, which is recommended to be set to the maximum position.

In the "VLF" mode, the metal detector is able to detect coins at a depth of up to 12 cm, but this indicator is very relative in inexpensive models. The other two preset TR (Transmitter Receiver) modes are optimized for searching for specific groups of metals, such as: copper, steel, aluminium (TR1), and more noble: gold, silver (TR2). The possibilities, as we can see, are modest.

The device is also modest in control: 5 potentiometer knobs, one four-position switch and an analogue arrow indicator instead of a multifunctional display.

The power source is two "PP3", the charge of which lasts for 30 hours. The red light of the "Low batt" indicator notifies about dead batteries.

In general, the Trekker GC-1013 is a symbiosis of simplicity and accessibility, and is perfect for entertainment and first acquaintance with the world of archaeology.

The American company Garrett has been producing metal detectors since 1964. The devices of this manufacturer are distinguished by reliability and high-quality assembly. That's exactly what the ACE 250 is.

A well-balanced rod with an S-shaped bend for manual grip is adjustable in length and easily disassembles into three parts: the upper two are made of powder-coated aluminium, and the lower one is made of carbon plastic. The middle part is equipped with adjustment holes.

The handle is made of thick sponge rubber, which greatly facilitates the use of the detector, the weight of which is quite an average 1.2 kg compared to the nearest analogues.

ACE 250 operates at a frequency of 6.5 kHz and is equipped with a concentric mono coil measuring 6.5 x 9". She quickly finds small objects (coins) at a depth of up to 25 cm, and large objects at a distance of up to 1 metre. The coil is protected from dust, dirt and moisture, and supports replacement with other variants of the ACE series, as well as third-party manufacturers.

Thanks to 5 automatic discrimination programs (all metals (without discrimination); coins; custom; relics; ignoring iron debris), target localization mode (pin-point) and a 12-segment Target ID object recognition scale, 2 segments of which are used to detect ferrous metals, ACE 250 will easily distinguish valuable metal from ordinary metal garbage. Despite such not poor functionality, many ACE 250 users complain about a high percentage of false positives.

In addition, the volume of the 3-tone signal informing about the find is not regulated and at the same time loud enough, fortunately there is a headphone jack. There is also a 4-position indication for determining the depth of the object, and the entire "kitchen" is controlled using convenient physical buttons.

Four AA alkaline batteries are enough for 40 hours of operation. This is a fairly high indicator of battery life in the classroom and will especially please fans of long measured searches. There is a charge indication.

In general, the ACE 250 is an easy-to-handle metal detector for relatively little money with an emphasis on both beginners and experienced diggers.

The Australian company Minelab produces metal detectors with a long service life. X-Terra 505 is a bright representative of the line of high-tech ground metal detectors, which is an improved version of a more modest model Minelab X-Terra 305 Price from 10 648 up to 13 257 ₴.

The X-Terra 505 has a traditional S-shaped design weighing 1.3 kg. The parts are connected without backlash, nothing creaks and does not hang out. The sealed water-proof coil allows you to search in shallow water and easily withstands impacts.

The device effortlessly detaches itself from electrical interference and finds coins at a depth of up to 30 cm.

The ability to work on three frequencies (3, 7.5 and 18.75 kHz) it makes it more effective for searching against the background of single-frequency analogues, and manual adjustment to the ground helps out when searching on excessively mineralized soils. In fairness, it should be noted that the frequency selection occurs only by changing the coils, two of which are not included in the kit and they need to be bought separately.

The display displays the VDI digital identifier and the discrimination scale into 19 segments, three of which are used to identify ferrous metals, the remaining 16 for non-ferrous metals. The ability to configure three user modes is supported. There are no pre-installed programs, except for the "All Metals" mode. The X-Terra 505 has a 19-tone identification mode that assigns a different tone signal to each type of metal. The depth of occurrence is indicated by a 5-position indicator. There are practically no false positives, even with impacts.

The "Threshold Tone" function allows you to set the sound indication mode to cut off below the set level. Simply put, you choose which metals the detector will respond to with sound, and which will not.

Against the background of such powerful functionality, the monochrome display without backlight was frankly surprised.

In general, the X-Terra 505 fully justifies the brand's reputation and is recommended as a reliable, highly functional semi-professional metal detector.

AT PRO in the line of Garrett, one of the world's leading manufacturers of metal detectors, occupies a leading place in popularity.

The upper and middle sections of the S-shaped aluminium rod are coated with powder paint, and the lower one is made of carbon fiber, so even the toughest and most intensive operation of the AT Pro is not terrible.

The assembly on spring buttons pleases with durability: backlashes are excluded and it is unlikely to be possible to find them. Good balancing, anatomical armrest and polyurethane handle make using the device a pleasure.

The large PRO DD coil (28x22cm) is surprisingly light (400 gr) and does not require additional protection. The epoxy filler will not let it crack. In general, the ergonomics of the detector is so successful that even with a weight of 1.4 kg without batteries, you will not have to get tired with it in your hands for a long time.

The 105 cm long cable is protected by wear-resistant insulation. The sealed housing of the electronic unit allows the device to be used in water at a depth of up to 3 m, but for underwater searches it is recommended, nevertheless, to isolate it additionally, since the claimed depth is somewhat exaggerated.

AT Pro uses a frequency of 15 kHz and has 6 search programs, three of which are carried out in PRO mode, which allows you to more accurately identify the nature of the found object. The maximum efficiency of the device is achieved in Zero Pro mode (All metals).

The numerical parameter of VDI varies from 0 to 99, and the Iron Audio function allows you to cut off the iron indication signals, notifying only about non-ferrous metals found. By the way, the device perfectly finds coins at a depth of up to 35 cm, and the total maximum search depth reaches 80 cm. Manual ground balance (detuning from influence) makes it easier to work on beaches, and auto—tuning mode — on uneven surfaces. In addition, the device has a detuning from interference, which increases the accuracy of detection and reduces the risk of false alarms.

The metal detector is powered by 4 AA batteries, allowing you to work for 30 hours, and included. A trifle, but nice. Also included are branded headphones, though for a somewhat unusual cut, not 3.5 mm, but pin.

Other inconveniences include the lack of display illumination, a quiet external speaker and the location of the battery compartment, which, if not held open, falls and risks breaking.

AT Pro makes search possible everywhere: both in water and on land, which justifies its considerable cost. A wonderful universal choice.

Safari professional metal detector from the Australian company Minelab is distinguished by a friendly interface and ease of use.

The design is the most familiar: an S-shaped rod of three parts. The DD 11 FBS (butterfly type) coil is claimed to be waterproof, as proof of which the cable is securely hidden inside the rod.

The device is not the lightest (1.65 kg), but the weight is not felt immediately. The handle and armrest are soft, comfortable and non-slip. No one has ever heard the backlashes and creaks of Safari. It is reliable, but it will not hurt to buy a water protection for the control unit, otherwise, it is better not to use the device in the rain.

The main advantage of Safari over its analogues is a wide operating range of 28 frequencies (from 1.5 to 100 kHz).

The detector has four presets for discrimination of ferrous and non-ferrous metals in the range from (-10 to 40), the "Pin-Point" function, interference cutoff and threshold tone. The accuracy of determining the location and dimensions is impressive. Safari is able to find small objects at a depth of 35 cm.

Moreover, the detector is "trained"! If you hold a coil over a metal object, its "image" can be hammered into memory. It is provided to save 4 user discrimination settings. There is also a dual mode for determining the density of iron junk and automatic ground balancing. But manual, unfortunately, no. The lack of display illumination is also not pleasing.

Safari is powered by 8 AA batteries, providing up to 14 hours of continuous searches. The indicator is frankly weak against the background of the nearest competitors, whose battery life is one and a half to two times higher with half the number of required batteries.

Otherwise, Minelab Safari is reliability, modern ergonomics and great functionality. A very good model that justifies its cost.

With the release of the Deus 28 RC WS, the engineers of the French company XP Metal Detectors have made the treasure hunter's dream come true. This wireless detector is a frequent rating leader.

The Deus 28 RC WS rod traditionally consists of three parts and when assembled has a length of only 58 cm! The DD coil is waterproof and quite large (28x28). The control unit is compact and removable, securely attached to the rod by a magnet, has a backlit display and simple push-button operation. The total weight of the metal detector is 980 g. It eliminates any doubts about the convenience of use.

Deus 28 RC WS uses 4 frequencies for search (4, 8, 12 and 18 kHz), which increases the probability of detecting targets of different sizes. The signal is processed directly in the coil, avoiding unnecessary leads, after which it enters the control unit or headphones.

4 ground balance settings are available to the user: manual, auto, beach and tracking; 9 discrimination programs and several tonal display modes, including polyphonic. The detection depth of small objects, as well as large ones, is the largest in the class — 40 and 130 cm, respectively.

The battery in the coil provides it with 10 hours of battery life, when both the battery life of the headphones and the unit is twice as much, and such a difference is not entirely clear.

Thus, the only drawback of the Deus 28 RC WS, in addition to its inexpressive battery life, can be considered, perhaps, its considerable cost. Otherwise, the device is flawless.