Best All-Purpose Metal Detector
All-purpose metal detectors can be used pretty much anywhere and in most conditions. These machines are often the choice made by detectorists who are looking for a detector to do more than one job.
These machines can be outperformed by the best-in-class machines described in the various categories . However, because they are highly capable machines that have a “do-anything” attitude, they are often the first purchase and sometimes only purchase by thousands and thousands of metal detectorists across the country.
This category of metal detector represents many of the best sellers. Think of these as go anywhere, do anything machines. They are the utility infielder of the metal detecting world. They are the best of the metal detecting world.
It’s true that you can buy a specialized metal detector for specific situations. Perhaps you want one to find coins instead of jewelry, or maybe you want to use it in freshwater lakes instead of the beach. But If you wish to use it just about everywhere to find a wide range of different interesting objects, you need the best all around metal detector you use whenever you want to.
Keep in mind that this type of all-purpose metal detector won’t be as good as the specialized detectors for particular situations. But for fun, this is great to use. So, if you want to have that kind of fun and discover just about anything, check out our recommendations.
Minelab Equinox 800
The Minelab Equinox 800 can be used on every type of ground and is great for coins, relics, and gold. The gold mode is great for gold nuggets. This detector has eight custom search profiles and is fully submersible up to 10-feet. It’s lightweight, and holds up well in any environment, including around saltwater. The LCD screen features target numbers that allow you to know your target ID at a glance.
This machine set the metal detecting world on its ear when it was introduced to the public. The only machine with true simultaneous frequency technology that Minelab refers to as Multi IQ, this machine is revolutionary and is changing the game in metal detecting. It has the fastest recovery speed and target separation of any machine on the market today. It has been a perennial bestseller since its introduction and created massive waiting lists and production backlogs when initially introduced.
Garrett AT Max
Like the more expensive CTX 3030, the Garrett AT Max is fully submersible up to 10 feet. It’s an all-terrain detector that has 40 different discrimination settings to notch out various types of ferrous metals, including iron. Customers say this is one of the most versatile all-purpose metal detector out there. In the past, separate headphones were recommended, but with the upgraded MS-2 headphones you have all you need to get out detecting!
The Max audio mode setting allows users to “hear” the properties of the target they have detected. It will emit a different tone depending on how deep an object is buried.
A digital target ID on the screen also allows users to quickly identify what the machine is detecting. The most ferrous targets are labeled between 1 and 40, with the most conductive targets — like thick silver — registering closer to 99.
Sometimes, when detecting, a larger ferrous target can be interpreted as non-ferrous (and therefore valuable). The AT Max contains a feature called Iron Audio which, with the press of a button, can correctly identify the target.
Minelab Vanquish
Minelab Vanquish gold and metal detector is the latest release from global Minelab Australia awaited device that fulfilled its promises and provided a practical high-performance device with a very economical price.
The device works according to a new search technology that was first released in the Equinox device from the same company, a technology of simultaneous multiple frequencies or Multi-IQ and the principle of this technology is to use five different search frequencies for detection of targets simultaneously, which means wider coverage of different metal targets and multiple sizes.
Minelab Vanquish offers a modern design and attractive features such as the possibility of adjusting the length to a minimum to facilitate carrying and the possibility of charging the batteries that run the device and wireless speakers and other useful features.
Vanquish is a multi-purpose metal detector that can be used to meet all the needs of prospectors and gold and treasure hunters with a great economic price.
Which is the Best All-purpose Metal Detector for Me?
The number one thing people want to know is, what are the best metal detectors on the market? Although this is a good question, the experts will always modify it to an even better question: what are the best metal detectors on the market for you. Think of it like a good, old-fashioned detective novel and consider the following questions: Who. What. Where. And how much.
There are many things to take into consideration, including where you will use your all-purpose metal detector and what all you’re looking for. In our experience, once you start metal detecting, you never want to stop. There are so many different adventures you can experience with a metal detector.
Who will use it and Where and When
Identify your preferences. Are you someone who will use a all-purpose metal detector occasionally in the local park, or are you more likely to take a trip to a prime location and hunt for hours upon hours? Are you physically fit and ready to carry a heavy-duty metal detector, or would you rather a lightweight more simple model. Do you want the top of the line or basic beginner? Before you invest in a good metal detector, know your tendencies and that will help you select what is the best metal detector.
This line of thinking will help you establish what exactly you are hoping to find. Everyone defines treasure a little differently. Try to narrow down your field of focus and prioritize what features you will need your metal detector to have. Will your treasure be glass bottles, coins, and historical relics? Or do you want to hunt for fine gold and silver? Keep in mind, that metal detectors used for prospecting precious metals generally do not have discrimination and will require lots of manual ground balancing, like manual focus on a camera versus autofocus. If you want more of an autofocus approach, look for prospecting metal detectors with discrimination.
A big part of the where will be determining if you are going to be predominately on land or in water. All metal detectors have waterproof coils, but this does not make them underwater metal detectors. Completely waterproof models will work through audio signal, will not have meter display, and will have fewer openings in the control box. But don’t feel too much pressure in deciding where you will always be using your metal detector. If this turns out to be a favorite hobby, there is always room for an upgrade.
What is your budget?
When you first start your search do not make the mistake of assuming used metal detectors will be cheaper. That is not always the case. The cost of a metal detector will be directly influenced by how many features you will be requiring. The more features your detector has, the higher the cost.
Metal detecting can be an expensive sport, but it is a rewarding one. In many ways, a good metal detector is a good investment. When you are budgeting for your metal detector, consider what you want to spend on the metal detector itself plus the accessories that will enhance your experiences. Accessories are vital to truly experiencing the best metal detectors.
