Metal detector comparisons, setup, and field-use guidance.

Metal Detector Help

Find metal detector buying guides, product comparisons, setup advice, and answers about signals, target IDs, detecting basics, and what detectors can find.

Latest guides

  • MINELAB Vanquish 560 Fully-Automatic Lightweight Waterproof Metal
    Metal Detector Guide

    Minelab Vanquish 560 Metal Detector Review

    Minelab Vanquish 560 metal detector review covering Multi-IQ, waterproofing, weight, included gear, Pro Pack choices and alternatives.

  • ASR Outdoor Lightweight Backpack Gold Panning Kit
    Gold Panning

    Best Gold Sluice Boxes

    Compare the best gold sluice box options for stream work, fine gold, portability and complete kits, with setup tips for water flow and cleanup.

  • Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
    Metal Detector Guide

    Best Metal Detectors for Iron

    Compare the best metal detectors for iron, including all metal modes, iron discrimination, waterproof coils, target ID and pinpointing tools.

  • Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
    Metal Detector Guide

    Best Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors for Kids

    Compare the best Bounty Hunter metal detectors for kids by weight, coil size, controls, waterproof use and included tools for family treasure hunts.

  • Povlen Stud Finder Wall Scanner Detector with
    Metal Detector Guide

    Best Metal Detectors for Walls

    Compare the best metal detector for walls, including wall scanners for pipes, wires, studs, nails, plaster, drywall and concrete.

  • Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
    Metal Detector Guide

    Best VLF Metal Detectors

    Compare the best VLF metal detector options for discrimination, gold, coins, relics, beaches and everyday treasure hunting.

  • SeaSense Hand Bilge Pump
    Gold Panning

    How to Dredge for Gold

    Learn how to dredge for gold, choose equipment, collect pay dirt, classify material, and clean concentrates while following local rules.

  • SeaSense Hand Bilge Pump
    Gold Panning

    What Is a Gold Dredge and How Does It Work?

    Learn how a gold dredge moves sediment with suction, separates heavy gold, and what pumps, hoses, sluices, and hand dredges do during prospecting.