You may often feel the task of discovering the ideal metal detectors for your kids is one easy ride, you are in for a surprise.
The number of devices out there is staggering and making a choice could become too tasking. There may be different devices out there, but this guide and been carefully collated to help you make the best decision.
1. Garrett ACE 200
This is one of the most cost-effective options on this list and is ideal for kids and teenagers.
This metal detector only features a one-touch operation display and users can choose between modes and make necessary sensitivity adjustments.
There is also a default ground balance that enables it available in any average setting. The four modes of sensitivity can be used in reducing erratic attitude in any case of an EMI interference, mineralized soil, or untidy area.
This detector also has a Target ID that could become a reliable feature for young detectorists. Additionally, the numeric scale falls between 0 to 99 and synchronizes perfectly with the Target ID legend built with five different sections for a swift identity check.
Although there is an absence of a fixed adjustment, the same cannot be said for the notching.
This implies that in Zero-Disc mode, all segments or metals can be heard. The Jewelry mode notches iron out, while the Coin mode has both iron and pull-tabs notched out as well.
The ACE 200 has no electronic pinpoint so you may need a handheld pinpoint device or you could manually pinpoint for your kids.
This metal detector is quite easy to use and understand, also comes with some default settings that makes application for kids even simpler.
They can be certain this device would be with them for a while before considering another option.
Pros
- Three search modes
- Fixed discrimination
- This device has a Target ID
- Users also enjoy the one-touch operation
Cons
- There is no pinpoint on this device
2. National Geographic Pro Series
This is an update to the Nat Geo metal detector by Minelab and is one of the best options for your child.
This cost-effective device from a popular brand is a detector you may want to consider due to its a great deal for teenagers.
This is a turn-on-and-go detector and demands just a tiny user data to function effectively, users also get four target category icons but not a numeric Target ID.
The Target ID range is covered by the Iron icon in any case of iron objects as well as nails and horseshoes.
The other target categories such as the Aluminium icon detects tin foil as well as low conductivity items such as nickles and coins.
There is also the Ring icon that detects jewelry, low-value coins as well as pull-tabs while the Coin icon detects silver and gold as well as screw caps.
You also get three default modes with fixed notching styles; the All Metal that has zero discrimination, the second mode is designed to notch out the Iron icon while the last one notches out both the Aluminium and Iron icons from any form of detection.
All these icons also have an audio tone; the Ring and Coin icons both have a high tone, the Aluminium icon has a medium tone while the Iron icon has a low tone.
There are other distinctive features on this detector such as the pinpoint option as well as the freedom to adjust volumes.
There is also an additional 1/8” headphones jack and users can also choose the speaker located at the back of the control box for volume adjustment.
There’s more, this detector also retracts and folds down to a 22″ compact mode, you only need to fold out the search coil and stretch the lower shaft to get an accurate length and there’s no assembly needed.
Pros
- Volume adjustment feature
- Zero assemblies needed
- Default modes
- Sensitivity can be adjusted
- Pinpoint option
Cons
- Fixed notching can be frustrating
3. Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector
This is an upgrade on the Fisher F2 and has been a leader in the entry-level detector category for over a decade. The new and advanced F22 packs quite a number of features and easily accessible.
Users get an additional search, volume control accessibility, innovative coil design, iron sound among several other features that are available in a compact weather-resistant control device.
This is an ideal detector for newbies who desire a cost-effective and powerful device to detect relics, coins, jewels.
Pros
- Iron sound
- Cost-effective
- A quick processor that recovers swiftly
- Lightweight category
- Water-proof
Cons
- An unbalanced ground
4. Canway GC-1028 Metal Detector
This is a great metal detector for kids and you don’t have to break the bank to acquire one of these devices.
This device is easy to read thanks to the LCD backlit which is vital as it could be a turn off if kids can’t read what’s on the screen without picking up a microscope.
This detector also comes with dual discrimination modes such as the All Metal that picks out metallic objects as well as the DISC and Notch that detects any form of trash metals.
The other which is the pinpoint feature that is rare on detectors in this price category helps you get the exact position of the target.
You only need to tap the pinpoint button (PP) and you get the exact location and how deep.
You also get the adjustment sensitivity, this helps to locate larger metal objects buried under.
This detector is capable of detecting large objects as deep as three feet down and there is also a waterproof coil so taking a walk around ponds and rivers with this device is safe but ensure not to get the machine wet as the control box may get damaged.
At 20.5 x 11.5 x 6 inches, the Canway also weighs over 6 lbs and requires two 9V batteries to operate.
Pros
- You are getting a device with some of the best features in the market at an affordable fee
- There is a sensitivity mode to help you search deeper
- There is a discrimination feature that filters trash
Cons
- Kids are limited to only two discrimination modes
5. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
This is an upgrade on the Junior detector and delivers extra features such as headphones jack, present ground balance as well as three search modes.
The headphone jack gives your kids access to listen to audio signals rather than the conventional speaker inside the box control which is quite boring.
So tell your child to come along with those headphones to avoid causing a scene outside.
Additionally, the built-in search modes on this detector include tone, discrimination as well as all-metal.
This multiple search mode feature enables your kid the freedom to detect hidden metals, relics, and coins.
Present ground balance ensures your child doesn’t get false detection signals as this metal detector can detect virtually almost any type of metal such as minerals and microscopic metallic materials.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy to operate
Cons
- No pinpoint mode
- No visual target ID
6. Dr. Otek Junior
This detector may be mistaken for a toy at first glance but this is a device that gets the job done effortlessly.
This is an ideal metal detector for kids between 4-6, there’s also a flashing light they may find really exciting.
You only need to get a system that helps your child hold the detector correctly, asides that, this is a really great device.
This is an ultralightweight device weighing less than 6 lbs with an adjustable length of 28″ to 37″ and is also collapsible, users can be certain of a compact device that delivers accurate data.
The operating frequency falls between 6-8 kHz (the maximum coin detection on a U.S. quarter stands at 7″).
The larger items can be detected at up to 1.5 feet, users also enjoy a touchscreen display that every child can operate today.
There are also audio and LED indicators in place of a numeric indicator to give data on the type of metal detected.
Users also enjoy three LED lights as well as several audio tones. The LED lights give different signals; red means iron, blue means silver while green means nickles as well as pull-tabs.
The volume can be easily adjusted on the touchscreen while the pinpoint feature can capture targets and this detector operates in an “all-metal mode” which means zero discrimination of targets.
Also waterproof is the 8.3″ search coil, you only need one 9V battery and users enjoy a two-year warranty.
Now, look at that device you thought was just a toy, amazing right?
Pros
- Users get flashing LED indicators
- You also get audio tones
- Easily collapsible and adjustable
- Ultralightweight
Cons
- You may need a brace or arm cuff
7. Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
First Texas Products are the manufacturers of this amazing gold-digging metal detector ideal for both kids and adults.
The analog system delivers easy detection but lacks innovative features to discover metals.
There is also the strength meter display in place of a digital display that is associated with Target ID, and this meter alternates when a target’s conductivity has been detected.
Users may need to rely on a target’s signal response to understand the result of such detection.
Your child can get accustomed to broken tones with nickels and pull-tabs in place of numbers on screens.
Headphones also give your child access to faint signals.
There is also the automatic ground balance feature that eliminates the most challenging adjustment, enjoy sensitivity adjustment using a power knob and adjustment setting is also available for trash target discrimination with the help of the trash elimination knob on this device.
This detector operates at 6.6 kHz making this device a coin-shooter, the 7″ also aids with acquiring the precise location of targets.
You can increase the sensitivity to get a better depth as well as smaller objects.
Pros
- Sensitivity adjustment feature
- Adjustment discrimination feature
- Ultralightweight
- Presence of a sensitivity meter
Cons
- Absence of the target ID feature
8. Treasure Cove TC-3020 Metal Detector
This metal detector is one of the easiest to set up irrespective of your experience with similar devices.
This is a specially designed device for newbies as well as experienced hunters so it’s important to have a clear understanding of this device to avoid running in circles.
Not to worry, there are tons of features on this device, one of many is the ground control feature that helps you eliminate false signals generated by the area with minerals/saltwater.
Users also have access to the custom targeting feature that allows you to choose between locating steel, silver, gold, or iron.
All metals can also be detected on this device via configurations, the tone mode can also emit different sounds if you ever doubt the information on the LED screen.
There is also the target mode that allows users to pinpoint the exact location of hidden items. Also, this is a durable device, and users can enjoy up to 10 years’ warranty after purchase.
Pros
- Easy to locate targets
- Prevents false signals
- Metal type detection can be adjusted
- The durability of this device is unquestionable
Cons
- Requires sometime to get used to
Choosing the best metal detector for your kids
Manufacturer
Ensure to purchase a metal detector for your kids from popular brands as they often offer customers better return policies.
There is a reason why these brands are popular, they have been tested and trusted by many which have earned them a good name.
You also enjoy better services such as shipping duration and availability of products.
Specification
When the chips are down, a great coil that can detect objects without any hassle would always be the best option for your kid, especially those ranging above 4″ in diameter.
The device should also have comfortable handles that allow your child to get a good grip on the detector, you can get those that can be worn around the arm or wrists and the shafts should allow easy adjustments.
Ensure to get a device with a rugged build, only a durable detector can stand a child’s energetic movement.
Ensure the durability doesn’t in any way cause your child any discomfort. Also get a control box with an LCD display that shows the sensitivity and discrimination level as well as the battery level, signal, and target identification strength.
The pinpoint function helps to get an exact location of items, ensure to get a device with this feature.
These features are very helpful while hunting and get one with batteries that can easily be located, take every safety measure into consideration.
Features
Get a detector by weighing your options carefully, you can always do away with some features such as the sensitivity and discrimination feature and such devices usually fall under $100.
Ground balance is a feature that should be available on your child’s device, get to understand the depth of the metal detector’s waterproof feature as many brands claim to have this feature which is often false.
Some of these devices are semi-waterproof while others can go deeper such as those used by surfers and divers.
Weight
You don’t want a device that your kids can’t carry for long hours, try getting ultralightweight metal detectors.
Additional services
Different manufacturers will capture your attention with mouthwatering features, ensure to get a metal detector that works with you and your environment.
A waterproof coil may not be required if you stay on drylands, but an integrated GPS system may be of great use.
Conclusion
You have read through this list and still thinking hard on which one to purchase. If you desire a cost-effective option then you can try out the NHI metal detector to enjoy amazing features at a reasonable fee.
The National Geographic detector and the Bounty Hunter metal detector are great devices for newbies.
The Treasure Cove detector is a fully equipped device that can stand the test of time.
Whatever choice you make, you’re certain to get a great device in all of the metal detectors on this list.
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