Category: Metal Detectors

The world of metal detecting can seem quite as complex as complex can get; you would find this out for yourself as a beginner trying to make headway in the field. Ordinarily, it is actually not that elaborate – the only things you have to worry about when you are in the hobby are where to and how to prospect. This comes naturally to committed people, so it’s not that hard a task. What makes it confusing though – the only time you would really be confused, is when you are a beginner.

One of the things that might confuse you is the broad range of metal detectors on the market. You might initially have figured out that there are different brands and types but probably didn’t know that the differences were going to be so functionally oriented. Do not fret, we have all been there. In fact, we are going to help to confer upon you in this succinct but educational piece, the necessary knowledge needed to pick the best metal detector on the market. By the time you are done with this, picking one for any situation you find yourself in would be as easy as pie. 

 

Types of metal detectors

As we mentioned earlier, the process of picking metal detectors mandates you to make your choices largely based on function. You can also consider the possibility of added features, level of expertise required to operate, cost, and quality. For the record, there are tons of brands and types out there. As a beginner though, we advise that you limit your choices to these three:

 

• The Very Low-Frequency metal detectors (VLF) 

 

• The Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors

 

• The Pulse induction metal detectors

 

We’ll start with the VLF metal detectors.

 

The Very Low-Frequency metal detectors (VLF)

These are metal detectors that take the word “mainstream” very seriously. They are presently the most common on the market and as such, are quite cheap compared to the rest, and are considered the easiest metal detectors to operate. These metal detectors work by using two coils to measure phase shifts in transmitted and returned frequencies; they use double coils for this (one acts as the transmitter, while the other acts as the receiver) 

 

To understand how metal detectors work, let us understand the basic properties of metals. Metals, as a group, share a lot of properties with each other including those not limited to the ability to produce their own magnetic fields. Ordinarily, this goes unnoticed until, say, a person whips out a metal detector. The transmitter could broadcast the electrical currents into the ground and receive no feedback until these broadcasts hit the magnetic field of a metallic object. As these currents bounce back, the receiver coil receives them, and then alerts the person using the device through an installed signal; the signal might come as a beep or as a consistently flashing LED. 

 

Pros of using a VLF

 

• It is essentially all-purpose

 

• It is user-friendly and easily operable

 

• It is the cheapest option on the market

 

• It has a long battery life

 

• It can be amused in a variety of situations

 

• It is lightweight

 

Cons of using a VLF

 

• It is not very sensitive

 

• It has only one frequency setting

 

• It does not do well with interference

 

Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors

Let us explain the concept of operational frequency to you. The operational frequency of a metal detector is the number of electromagnetic waves that the coils are able to produce within a specific amount of time. Consider the limits of the VLF metal detector. Amongst these is that it operates on a single operational frequency. Not bad for a beginner’s tool, but not exactly a stellar record either.

 

Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors were developed as the alternative. As their name implies, these are metal detectors that have the ability to operate on multiple frequencies at a time, broadening the scope considerably over that which is accessible to VLF detectors. While it is an impressive type of detector, it should not be confused with the selectable frequency detector, which also has access to a broad range of frequencies, but has the ability to use only of these at a time. Since Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors have better features than the VLF, they are expected to be more expensive. 

 

Pros of using Multi-Frequency metal detectors

 

• Multiple frequencies can be used at a time

 

• It can detect metals buried deeper than usual

 

• Interference does not bother it much

 

• It is versatile

 

Cons of using Multi-Frequency metal detectors

 

• It is pricier than VLF metal detectors

 

• Information about the frequencies that have been calibrated into the device is not usually divulged to the owner

 

Pulse Induction (PI) Metal Detectors

Pulse induction metal detectors are detectors that use a single coil to transmit and receive bursts of electrical current into the ground. These bursts of current usually last around a millisecond each, consistently repeating until they find a hit. 

 

Pulse induction metal detectors utilise pulse induction technology, a technology which is characterised by the creation and collapse of an electromagnetic field. This phenomenon is the pulse. A current high in amperage is projected through the coil. The collapse of this induces a sharp increase in voltage that can be detected by the receiver. This increase in voltage is usually affected when the electromagnetic field is met with the field around a metallic object. This delay is then picked up by the receiver. At best, this is a layman’s overlay of what happens with pulse detectors. 

 

Pulse induction metal detectors are very expensive but are definitely worth the price. They can be used as gold detectors and are probably the best metal detectors for sale on the market for beginners. 

 

Pros of Pulse induction metal detectors

 

• They are one of the best metal detectors

 

• They can be used to prospect gold

 

• They detect deeply

 

• They can be used on mineralised grounds

 

Cons of Pulse induction metal detectors

 

• They are pricey

 

• They do not have discrimination features

Wrapping Up

If you would rather look for a metal detector hire service, contact us at Lucky Strike gold. Go through our catalogue, pick what is best for you, and enjoy your prospecting. Those who want to buy metal detectors in Australia are welcome too.

We feel the need to reiterate that the wonders of metal detecting cannot be understated. It is a hobby that has drawn the attention of hundreds of thousands of people around the world; an immensely rewarding one which sharpens a person’s focus and encourages patience. 

 

People are also able to find antique materials and sell them for a fortune. Some other people go down the path of starting a collection, which is an equally engaging hobby. As a starter, you might not get much luck with finding anything. This is not because you are bad at it, or because the hobby itself is pointless; it is because you lack information about how to go about it. This article is here to enlighten you. 

In our previous article, we went through a few things a person would need to do metal detecting. This list consisted of things like batteries, probes, shovels, scoops, headphones, metal detectors, etc. The primary accessory within this group is the metal detector. The metal detector is a hand-held portable electric device that uses electromagnetic induction signals to find buried metals. Without it, all other accessories are null and useless. Considering the fact that it is central to the adventure, novices should focus their investments on one that is high quality.

 

Features To Look Out For In A Metal Detector

When we say “invest”, we aren’t asking you to go haywire on the expenses associated with metal detectors. You definitely have to be generous with your wallet’s contents if you are going to get any metal detector at a worthy price, however, it pays to watch out for what features the metal detector you are going to get has. We would go through some of these features in the list below:

• Sensitivity

This is the ultimate decider of how powerful your metal detector is. It is a measure of your metal detector’s ability to detect buried metals. The higher the sensitivity of a metal detector, the farther it can detect objects, and the smaller the object it can detect. This is very necessary, considering the fact that metals erode when left under the soil for so long.

 

These days, it is easy to find metal detectors with very high sensitivities. The baseline for performance measurement of the metal detectors on the market is expressed in terms of the size or diameter of a given sphere, which is made of a chosen material. The material is usually metallic and can be ferrous or non-ferrous. As the least possible detectable size of the metal increases, the sensitivity of the metal detector reduces. 

 

While this is easy to understand, things aren’t so clear-cut in real life. There are many factors that contribute to the sensitivity of a metal detector, and these would be discussed in a later article. 

Sensitive metal detectors make things easier for people who use them. Needless to say, these are the metal detectors you should aim for. 

• Detection mode

This is a feature of most modern metal detectors in which they easily differentiate between various types of treasures. The detection mode on metals can filter what kind of things you want to focus on, be they coins, heirlooms, boxes, jewels, artillery, etc. 

• Discrimination

Some metals are basically useless, while some are valuable. You would want your metal detector to be able to distinguish different kinds of metals, depending on the kind you are looking for. The lower-end ones aren’t very signal specific, the higher-end ones on the other hand, have high discrimination abilities.

 

Discrimination is basically the ability of your metal detector to filter and identify buried metals based on their conductivities and ferrous attributes. This is very important in metal detecting, considering the fact that it is a very time/energy-intensive hobby.

 

Although you are just walking around most of the time, it would definitely irk you if you spend time shovelling only to find that the metal picked up is something you do not want. Discrimination of a metal detector ignores the signals from certain kinds of metal and focuses on the ones you set them to pick.

 

• Coil size

The coil size in a metal detector directly affects both the sensitivity and the detection depth of the detector. Things get trickier here, though. It is difficult to say what size would suit you best because both coil sizes have their own benefits (some might say large coils edge over small coils, however).

 

Large coils are perfect for deep searches; the larger the coil, the deeper you would be able to search. The drawback to this is that large coils aren’t very sensitive to smaller-sized targets. They are also more liable to be disrupted by electromagnetic interference; this means that hobbyists would have to turn down the sensitivity in places where interference is immense.

 

Smaller coils do not have the reach of large coils, but they pick up small targets easier. They aren’t likely to be overrun by interference, and they can fit into smaller places easily.

 

Small coils are perfect for:

• Metal detectors for shallow targets
• Gold detectors detecting shallow nuggets

 

Large coils on the other hand are perfect for:

• Underwater metal detectors
• Metal detectors for long-range searches
• Detecting coins and treasure

• Operating Frequency

Frequency is another thing that affects the sensitivities of metal detectors. It is the rate at which waves are transmitted from a metal detector and into the ground. The lower the frequency of your metal detector, the easier it would be to detect metals that have low conductivities. The higher frequency detectors are the best metal detectors for gold and other metals like it, which have high conductivities. The best metal detectors overall with regards to frequency are those within the range of 5kHz to 15kHz. 

• Ground balance

This is the ability of your detector to sift metals of different signals and focus on the ones you set them to find. It basically nullifies interference.

 

Conclusion

Now that you know quite enough about them, you probably would be looking for a metal detector hire or metal detectors for sale. Well, this is what we specialize in at Lucky Strike Gold. We are prospectors that cater to your metal detecting needs. We are one of the few gold detectors Australia has; we would be happy to help you. Contact us now!

Word to people who do not understand metal detecting: You won’t fully understand it until you educate yourself on the possibilities and prospects. 

To those who have only just come to the light and are ready to join the club, we say Welcome. 

 

When people think about metal detecting, they probably picture a bunch of weird guys and girls with headphones and a long metal stick walking around abandoned lands and beaches and circling around till they get tired. This is a fairly accurate picture, but it doesn’t quite uncover the motivation behind the whole thing. It ignores the prospects and reduces the hobby to a glorified version of jaywalking. Metal detection attracts many people to the fold because:

 

 – It is an exciting venture that could also potentially serve as an experience in education and patience. Few things compare to the excavation of long-lost historical material.

 – It is enriching. Some of the hobbyists in the field have sold things they found for a lot of money. 

 – Since it is a hobby that requires patience, it is good for the mind. It also gives you alone time when you only have a laser focus on the task at hand. 

 – It gives hobbyists a way to work out through exercise. Walking around trying to detect something is a good way to do cardio.

 

As far as metal detecting goes, there are no drawbacks. No time is wasted, you don’t have to do much, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money (even at the beginning when you have to buy your metal detectors and other gear). As you start this journey, we hope you find the fulfilment you are looking for. 

 

Tools For Metal Detecting

And now to the main issue at hand, the metal detecting itself. Before you go metal detecting, you need to be armed with your tools. These tools would serve as your companions, your party, that would help you to find the treasures you seek. Before you start, you would need the following;

• A metal detector

Your main companion. That which you cannot do without. Your metal detector would serve as the means through which you see beyond the soil, your eyes in the earth, and your x-ray in the sand. If you are only dabbling before you decide to fully commit and you aren’t ready to explore metal detectors for sale, you could opt for a metal detector hire. 

 

The best metal detectors on the market have various features that would greatly enhance your chances of finding something. Of course, this is 2022; technology has made things a lot easier. You also do not have to worry about harmful electromagnetic waves or anything of that sort.

• Headphones

This is another one of your trusty companions you should never think of doing without. Headphones might seem like simple accessories at first but they serve as a means through which one can isolate metallic noises from background noise, and a way for you to have laser focus while still doing your thing. Your headphones also keep you from being a public nuisance. The metal detector could get pretty loud sometimes, and people around you (say, you are on the beach) wouldn’t want to hear the consistent beep. This accessory protects both them and you and also keeps you respectful of other people’s time and space. Your headphones would also help you to conserve the battery of your metal detector.

 

For underwater metal detectors, your headphones also come in handy. Sound travels in a distorted fashion in fluid media as dense as water, and your headphones would help to keep the sounds focused on your ears. Similar to this, the headphones keep you aware of things in loud places, heavy rain, and in cases when the wearer has slight hearing conditions.

• Pinpointing probes

Think of yourself as an explorer wandering the cosmos of an extremely vast subterranean universe. Your spaceship is your metal detector, fitted with magnetic and electric emitters and receivers that help you to send waves and receive bounce-backs from new planets (the buried metals in this case). 

 

While you may eventually hit a jackpot, you aren’t likely to know exactly where the metal is. The pinpointer shows you the spot where the metal is by increasing pitch and vibration as your metal detector gets closer to your treasure. This helps you to save the precious time and effort it would take to dig holes and fill them back.

 

• Your trowel and shovel

Speaking of digging, a trowel is a must-have for every serious metal detector. If you leave without one, you might have to use your nails, and it is unlikely you would get any work done as efficiently as you would have if you use a trowel. 

 

When picking a trowel, you have to consider one that is strong, and has a good enough shape that would aid your digging should spaces get narrow. It would also help you to refill the holes you dig. A bigger shovel would help you go deeper should you need to.

• A pouch

This one is for carrying things you might find. It is unlikely that you would be able to carry whatever you find in your bare hands, and in any case, it isn’t advisable because some of the finds might need to be protected from corrosion. A pouch would help you protect your new finds appropriately. 

• Sand scoop

This is your companion in sandy areas like beaches. While digging, you might miss precious finds if you keep hauling big scoops of sand without sifting. The sand scoop is designed with holes so you can sift away while looking and digging. Aluminium scoops are best for excavation in silky soft sand. 

 

• Spare batteries

Metal detectors run on batteries that can die at any time during the exercise. This can be frustrating, but only if you do not have spare batteries on hand. They would save you from having to leave your detecting to buy new ones. 

Conclusion

Here at Lucky Strike Gold prospects, we only seek to make sure that all prospective gold detectors have heightened chances of finding interesting things. We have the best metal detectors for gold and almost every other metal possible. We also provide gold detectors hire purchase plans for temporary usage. Contact us today to get your metal detectors. 

We all have our hobbies, and we all have things that prevent us from fully enjoying those hobbies. Some of those things are practical, sensible things like work, family commitments, responsibilities, etc. Some, not so much. It isn’t hard to find people that refuse to swim because they think there are alligators in the sea, despite being really good at swimming. Besides the fact that you are doing yourself a disservice by refusing to do the things you like because of unfounded rumours, avoiding hobbies because of such inane rumours is not even the least bit logical. You would do well to research all such rumours, lest you fall victim to boredom.

There are a lot of myths concerning metal detecting; the most famous being that the metal detectors emit harmful waves that could cause cancer or cell damage. As is the standard MO of pervasive myths, most of these are founded on blatant lies. Though some fears are actually valid (for instance, you do have to watch where you go metal detecting), today we would be focusing on myths amongst the bunch. In this article, we would demystify a few of these myths, for your sake, because metal detecting is something worth engrossing yourself with, especially if you’re a collector. 

 

Myth 1: Metal detectors emit waves that can harm you

Except you intend to rob an airport, steal the metal detectors there and somehow modify them into being able to detect metals underground, this is demonstrably false. Metal detectors used in places like beaches and used by dilettantes do not use ionizing radiation like x-rays or gamma rays to do their job. Most metal detectors utilize the effect of electric and magnetic fields to detect metallic objects in the ground. The best metal detectors transmit electric or magnetic pulses into the ground constantly. 

 

When a metal object is passed over, the magnetic field around it distorts the originally transmitted field and this is picked up by the receiver, which then analyses and interprets the information to the user through a small screen. Pulse induction metal detectors use just one coil that does both the job of the transmitter and receiver. 

Myth 2: You can’t really find anything with metal detectors

Again, this is demonstrably false. If you join any forum of expert (and amateur) metal detectors, you would see that a lot of them are avid collectors of things they found through metal detecting. Your ability to find things during metal detection is dependent on where you go and how observant you are. 

 

Most people find things like antique coins, old lockets, silver chains, old war relics, and yes, even gold nuggets. You simply have to go through YouTube videos and metal detecting forums for proof of these. All it takes is patience and observance. 

Myth 3: Metal detectors are limited in scope and can’t detect nonferrous metals

What people mean by this is that metal detectors can only detect and locate objects that have iron in them. These include only alloys of iron, including brass, bronze, steel, etc. 

 

We would attempt to break this down for you simply; metal detectors can detect most metals that have a magnetic field and can conduct electricity. What this tells us is that the facts are a bit more convoluted. For instance, you can expect that metal detectors would pick up transition metals, which typically have high rates of electrical conductivity. Examples of transition metals that aren’t iron include nickel, aluminium and cobalt. Despite this, there are other non-ferrous materials that wouldn’t be picked up by regular metal detectors. Sodium and magnesium are examples of this. 

Another ironic fact is that there are ferrous materials that might not be picked up by metal detectors. Stainless steel is an alloy of iron but it has a small iron ratio and doesn’t conduct electricity very well, hence its partial invisibility to detectors. 

 

Myth 4: Metal detectors can only be used in specific places

If we are not focusing on semantics (and trespassing laws), metal detectors can be used almost anywhere. Most people get one just because they want to go to the beach without being bored. The problem with that is that most times, you would not even find anything of value on the beach, except for a few old cans and lost metallic stuff that you can easily find in any convenience store worth its salt. 

 

When next you go snorkelling, you can easily take along underwater metal detectors so that you make for yourself an unforgettable experience. You can also use metal detectors in parks, churches, most public places and even on private property (with the express permission of the owner). If you want more interesting places to use your detector, you are going to have to be willing to challenge yourself; places like underwater caves, old battlefields and airplane graveyards would give you the thrill you are seeking.

Myth 5: Finders, keepers

This is not how the laws work and you should know that. Except if you are on your property or public property, whatever you find (no matter how long or hard it took you to get it) belongs to the owner of the property. If you find stuff on government property (assuming you are allowed to pursue hobbies on it), whatever you find belongs to the government. If you find stuff on church grounds, whatever you find belongs to the church. 

 

If you find something, it is best to ask property owners for permission before taking and claiming it as yours. This isn’t a bad thing; it fosters mutual respect between you and the owner, and makes people in general more welcoming to dilettante metal detectors always. 

 

Conclusion

We at Lucky Strike are a metal detector hire company that provide the best metal detectors for gold, iron and many other metals you feel lie within your interest. We have carved a niche for ourselves amongst the numerous gold detectors Australia boasts. Contact us today if you are hoping to become a potential prospector and we would be happy to serve you.

As a prospector for gold, there are many things that you need to get right if you aim to be successful, from getting the right permits and putting in the required amount of research to finding the right areas to prospect and of course, finding the best metal detector for gold. 

There are many groups of metal detectors currently in use, but one group that is becoming increasingly common is the electromagnetic metal detectors,  due to their reasonable pricing and ease of use. They are the go-to gold detectors for hire/sale in Australia because of these reasons, so it is easy to simply go with the crowd and forget exactly why they are so popular. 

Let’s introduce you to a hidden gem in the class of these electromagnetic metal detectors — the Pulse Induction (PI) metal detector, one of the best metal detectors for gold that you can find on the market. 

 

What are Pulse Induction metal detectors?

PI metal detectors are electromagnetic metal detectors that operate on the principle of pulse induction as the name implies. In a nutshell, they operate based on inducing electromagnetic pulse to the surface that is being searched. Compared to Very Low Frequency (VLF) electromagnetic metal detectors, the PI detector uses the advanced technology of using a single coil as both a transmitter and a receiver.

It sends out high-intensity electrical pulses (between 100 and 1000 pulses per second) into the surface generating a magnetic field, and waits to receive feedback on how the items below the surface react to the pulses sent out. This is how it is able to distinguish betweenmetal and non-metal components of an area of soil, even one rich in other minerals. 

Because the reaction of metals to magnetic fields is well documented and differs from other materials, the feedback received by PI metal detectors is more exact and more accurate than other metal detectors for hire in its price range when detecting metals.

 

Where can they be used?

The flexibility of the PI metal detectors means that they can be used across virtually all types of surfaces where gold detectors normally prospect. Because of the technology in use, it can be used even in normally difficult areas like seawater and coral reefs. 

It can also be used in other areas like beaches and ocean fronts, shallow water, as well as wet and dry black sand. Thus, they are very good underwater metal detectors

 

What are the benefits? 

There are many benefits of the Pulse Induction metal detectors, mostly revolving around their electromagnetic pulses and imperviousness to mineralisation. 

This was the main reason that PI metal detectors were invented in the first place, to avoid the interference caused by mineralisations or mineral deposits in the ground, or water interfering with the signals of the metal detectors. 

PI metal detectors are able to distinguish non-ferrous minerals through the use of electromagnetic fields, and the fact that these non-ferrous minerals do not react with electromagnetic fields. 

 

 

For this reason, they are the only detectors that are optimal for use in the saltwater of ocean floors and water around ocean beaches. Those waters are rife with salt and other minerals that would make it impossible to use VLF metal detectors but will not cause the same problems for PI metal detectors. 

In comparison to other metal detectors, PI Metal detectors also have a great depth of vision up to 3 meters below the surface level, which comes in handy for pre-checking holes to dig and for finding gold and other metals further below the ground level. This is because they have larger induction coils as a result of the initial induction signals having more power than the average VLF metal detectors.

Because of its ability to evade mineralisation and also its greater levels of depth, the Pulse Induction metal detectors are among the best metal detectors for gold. Gold is often found around beaches and in areas below the shallow water floors.

 

 

What are the drawbacks? 

The Pulse Induction metal detector isn’t perfect however and has a few problems that other metal detectors like the VLF metal detectors do not have. 

Among the drawbacks for use of Pulse Induction metal detectors is their inability to tell apart different ferrous metals. It is unable to tell apart gold from silver or any other metal and instead has a one-size-fits-all approach to identifying metals where it only lets you know if ANY metal is present or absent. 

This means that whenever there is metal detected, you will have to manually dig to find out what metals have been found and this could be more of a bother than most people are willing to endure especially when searching in areas that are littered with metal. 

To combat this, you may decide to use a VLF metal detector after confirming the presence of metal in the area assuming the depth of the find is not beyond the VLF’s capacity.

 

 

The PI metal detectors are also susceptible to interference from the earth’s own magnetic field which could cause false-positive readings, and cause a massive waste of time for prospectors. 

For non-professional usage or those without deep pockets, owning/renting a PI metal detector might be beyond their reach as they can be quite expensive compared to VLF metal detectors. 

Overall, the Pulse Induction metal detectors are generally more suited to being used as a gold detector for hire, especially around Australia. 
Contact us today at Lucky Strike Gold to get these, and any other metal detectors for sale. You can also reach out if you have any questions, or require any information on prospecting for gold!

Your biggest goal as a metal detector user is to get better at detecting treasures. And of course, the more you hunt, the more you find, and the better you become! There are a few tips and tricks you may not have considered to help you get better at metal detecting.
Find out what they are below.

Carry spare batteries

What fate could be worse than running out of batteries while metal detecting? Your trip will have to come to an abrupt end. Always carry an extra set of batteries on your trips, so when the ones in your equipment run out, you have a backup.

Don’t ignore iffy signals

You never can tell with these treasures! It’s best to dig the signals that you aren’t enthusiastic about or you feel won’t have anything of value. If you have the time, dig away. You might just find something worthwhile! But, if you don’t, that’s fine since you would have cleared the surface for a more rewarding return trip.

Pack your toolbox for every trip

It’s always better to have all your tools packed on a trip. This way, you have everything you need rather than wishing you had taken that one tool while in your hunting ground.

Re-scan and keep digging

Once you’ve found a piece of treasure, take a few minutes to dig a little deeper. You can use your pinpointer to see if there’s anything there. This tip is helpful when you find a coin or other small treasure as you could easily find another buried in the same spot.
There will be a lot of trial and error, but it’s the only way to get better at metal detecting. You can also practice by getting to know your detectors, their limitations, and how to maximize them to the fullest capacity.

Use a frisbee when digging

You should fill up the hole after digging. Many detectors use a piece of paper or fabric to place the dirt back into the hole. A frisbee works even better assie online casinos, and it can be washed and reused.

Hunt after the rain

One of the best times to go metal detecting is after rainfall while the ground is still wet. It’s much easier to dig in damp ground. Most importantly, the damp ground provides better conductivity so you can detect targets buried deep in the ground.

Detect slow and low

Slow detecting is key. Sweeping too quickly may cause you to miss something valuable. The microprocessors in the metal detector will struggle to keep up with your speed if you move too fast.

Choose quality accessories

You may not need the most expensive gear, but they should at least be reliable. Make sure your headphones are comfortable and that you can hear any signals clearly.

Also, ensure your digging tools are sturdy and lightweight. Your carrier bags should be free of holes and loose stitching.
You need the best metal detectors to get the best out of your gold prospecting. Contact us for more information.

In the market for a new metal detector? We know what you’re thinking. “What should I look for in metal detectors?

Well, there are 3 things you should consider. Its ability to ground balance, the sensitivity and its discrimination.

Keep reading to find out just what those mean and how they can help you.

1. 1. Make sure your detectors can ground balance

Ground balance stops your metal detectors being set-off by false signals in the soil. It does this by ignoring mineralisation, being set for specific soil and can be set in 3 different ways.

The mineralisation can happen for any number of reasons. But, ground balancing can negate it. So, having a machine that tells the difference between magnetised soil and real metal can save you a lot of digging time.

Whether the soil is mineralised depends a lot on its location and what you’re looking for. For example, beach sand is often full of minerals and salt, which can give you false signals. So, opting for a beach specific model will save you a lot of headaches.

And, this is the same reason why the best metal detector for gold is a specialised gold detector. Different soils have different conditions which you need to work with. It’s even possible to get an underwater metal detector, this is because one machine can’t be the best at everything!

Now, there are different ground balancing options available, manual, automatic and tracking. The manual setting is best for those of you who are experienced or willing to put in some work. And, automatic settings are best for beginners who want to get up and running fast.

Finally, tracking balance is a constant adjustment. And, it balances levels based on a programmed algorithm. This can be great for soil that is always changing but, some people have said it can be slow to react.

2. 2. Consider the sensitivity of the detector

The right sensitivity comes down to what kind of objects you’re looking for and in what kind of soil you’re looking in.

First, you want to think about the objects you want to find. Having high sensitivity will help you find small objects like coins, but will cause trouble with bigger pieces of metal.

Besides finding small objects, high sensitivity can also pick up a lot of false signals. So, beware of digging in mineralised soil without the right equipment.

That’s why finding a balance is important, choosing the best metal detector for you will take some thinking. But, these days, you can find companies with gold detector hire and metal detector hire. So, you can find a good fit before you buy.

What’s the detector’s level of discrimination?

In a nutshell, discrimination is the ability to tell the difference between a piece of junk and your desired treasure. Some do this with sound, while others do it with visuals.

Your metal detectors ability to discriminate will save you tonnes of time and energy. Nobody wants to be digging for junk all day!

So, again, you want to think about what you’re searching for. If you’re hunting for coins, can your machine tell the difference between a coin and a bottle cap? These small details will help you be successful in your hunting.

But, it’s possible to get around these limitations another way. You need to do your research and make sure your area has as little junk as possible. This way, you can dig without wasting your time.

There you go folks, a few tips on how to find the right machine for your particular job. Remember, there is no best machine for everyone, but there is one for your specific needs.

Now, if you’re looking for metal detectors for sale or hire, check out our website Lucky Strike Gold. We’ve got some of the top brands in the business and were voted the #1 prospecting shop in Victoria.