Only the best metal detector is sufficient to use on the beach. The beach is one of the easiest places to dig and you’ll most likely find metals of interest buried ready to be unearthed.
Most low-quality metal detectors beep on detecting salty water. This is because salty water is highly conductive to electrical current. This calls for purposefully built metal detectors for the best possible results.
Best Metal Detector for The Beach- Buying Guide
1. Detection features
A good metal detector for the beach should carry features that enhance its capabilities to work on the beach. These are features like; a tuning feature to the levels of mineralization on the beach, ground adjust feature, and multi frequency selection.
Some metal detectors even come with a headphone compatibility. If you need to keep your beeps private.
2. Water proofing
A waterproof metal detector isn’t a must requirement for the beach but it will be of huge advantage. it will keep the detector safe from the gutsy waves.
Some pricier metal detector will even be submersible in the salty waters.
3. Size
when looking at the size of the metal detector we look at the size of the coil. The coil is the end part mostly circular shaped and generates a magnetic field to sense the presence of metals.
A larger coil means you can cover more ground and possibly detect deeper targets compared to smaller ones.
However, all isn’t wrong with the smaller head because it’s more maneuverable. And are really sharp at detecting targets that would easily be missed by a larger head.
4. Weight
You definitely don’t need a bulky metal detector to move with along the beach. A good metal detector isn’t bulky yet efficient.
A lightweight detector makes it easy to use for long periods and also over a wider area.
5. Scan depth
This is the max distance from the surface that a detector can detect a metal. Most metal detector have a scan depth of 4” to 9”. The bigger the scan depth the easier it will be to unearth deep buried metals.
6. Battery life
It’s a no brainer that this is an important feature to look for when shopping for a beach metal detector. A longer lasting battery will let you work for longer periods.
A battery with sufficient juice should be able to work for 2 to 3 hours without the need for a recharge.
How to Detect Metals on The Beach
The best way to detect metals on the beach is scanning slowly and systematically making sure the whole ground is covered. One should start on one area of the beach slowly moving to the other.
It’s advised that treasure hunting on the beach should be done at low tide. This is because a larger part of the sand is exposed. And there isn’t any interference from the tide blowing over already searched ground
Best Metal Detector for The Beach- Top Picks
Bounty Hunter Metal Detector.
Owing to its popularity this is the most trusted metal detector on the market.
It is made in the USA and it’s built rugged with durability in mind. The coil of this detector is fully submersible and detects all types of metals.
Among its features we have; sensitivity control, discrimination control, and an automatic ground balance ensuring you get the most accurate readings.
Specs
- Weighs 4.2 lbs.
- detects up to 6” deep
- 8-inch waterproof coil
- Operates with 2 alkaline 9V batteries
- operating frequency 8.8 kHZ
- ¼ inch headphone jack
What we like
- Durable and sturdy
- Includes a headphone jack
- Proven reliability
- Fairly priced
What we dislike
- The battery charge doesn’t last
SUNPOW Beach Metal Detector
If you need something more accurate with good depth then this is the right one for you. This metal detector has a pinpoint mode that gives the most accurate location of a metal. And is able to detect metals buried up to 10” beneath.
The metal detector also includes a ground balance feature. And a mode to help you eliminate unwanted items from being detected as metals.
Specs
- IP 68 10” waterproof coil
- Weighs 6.78 Lbs.
- Detects up to 10”
- Uses 8 AA batteries
- Headphone jack
What we like
- Ergonomic handle
- Good detection depth
- Waterproof
What we dislike
- The control screen is poorly visible in very bright light
Aneken T9 Beach Metal Detector
If you need something light and easy to use yet reliable on the beach, then the Aneken T9 is the best alternative. The ease of use starts with the simple display that makes it easy to select functions like; sensitivity and metal discrimination control.
The metal detector also has a long battery life as the two 9V batteries it uses have a life of up to 30 hrs.
Specs
- 8” waterproof search coil
- 2 x 9V batteries
- Weighs 2.1 lbs.
- Frequency 6.6 khz.
- 12 sensitivity adjustment levels
- 3.5 mm headphone jack
What we like
- 2-year warranty
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Comfortable padded armrest
- Comes with a shovel and a compass
What we dislike
- Doesn’t feel as sturdy
SAKOBS Waterproof Metal Detector
This is the best alternative if you need something with a bigger coil to expose more ground faster. The 10” coil is waterproof and can detect all types of metals up to a depth of 10”.
The display screen is large and clear even outdoors with bright light. And you have 3 detection modes; all metals, disc mode, and north mode. making this detector suitable on various grounds.
Specs
- 3.5mm headphone jack
- Weighs 4.5 lbs.
- 10” Ip68 waterproof coil
- 10” detectable depth.
- 10A battery included
What we like
- Collapsible and easy to carry
- Easy to assemble
- Good detect depth
- Fairly lightweight
What we dislike
- Takes a bit of learning to use
Conclusion
Metal detecting is both a form of exercise and will help clean up the beach of waste metals that can sometimes be lucrative if sold on the market.
Over time the activity has become popular across all demographics. And if this is the first time you are coming across metal detectors, I guarantee you that this is a great place to start.
The models we have listed are some of the bests on the market and you can be sure to get the best value out of them
Check our review of waterproof walkie talkies that you can use during your time on the beach