I found this quite funny, but at the beginning I was thinking that Metal Detectors can detect at very high depths. Probably several feet or even more regardless of the ground conditions etc …
I’ve soon understood that this is far from being accurate and the depth of detecting machines depends on a bunch of factors!
This includes the used technology, size and other factors that I am about to reveal in this Article.
By The Way, many people has asked me on what Deep Metal Detector I Recommend which is also on a Budget! The one I prefer the most is a Garrett Model (Check it Right Here at Amazon).
Anyway, let’s dive it!
How deep can a metal detector detect?
A typical good quality machine can detect six to ten inches below the ground for coin-sized objects. However this highly depends on many factors.
First and foremost, this depends on the type of the soil you are dealing with. I will give you more details about that later in this Post.
In addition, when it comes to larger sized objects, a suitable device can also detect up to 14 or even 16 inches below the ground in ideal conditions.
Some of the factors that can impact the depth are:
- The size of the object being detected: The bigger it is the deeper it could be detectable.
- The amount of discrimination you have set: If your machine is not set for proper discrimination or just unable to do so. You won’t be able to find deeper targets through junk metals.
- Metal composition of the target: Some metals have higher electrical conductivity like silver, copper and brass. Other metals don’t have enough of conductivity like stainless steel. Thus, it is harder to detect the latter in higher depth.
- Proximity of the actual target to other larger metallic objects in the same area
- The detector’s sensitivity settings: If the sensitivity is set to a good level, even smaller objects (like nuggets) could be found at considerable depth.
How the Coil Size and Type Influence the Detector Depth?
Machines come with a standard coil, but you can also choose a different coil in terms of type, quality and size for your detector.
Indeed, the size of a coil has a direct influence on how deep your machine can detect. It also influences its sensitivity.
In other words, the larger the size of the coil, the deeper it will be able to detect. But, at the same time, it will have less sensitivity to smaller targets!
On the other hand, the smaller the diameter of the coil, the more sensitive it will be, but then the detection depth will get reduced.
Small coils are also lighter in weight, making it easier to control, and often people choose it for the ability to negotiate difficult terrain or when detecting underground.
So, if your targets are not that small, you can opt for bigger coil for sure! Otherwise, if you are targeting very small gold or platinum nuggets for examples, you probably should opt for a smaller one.
However, always try to have a look at what the constructor recommend for your coil size when it comes to a proper balance between depth and sensitiviry.
How Mineralized Soil impact the Metal Detector Depth?
Mineralized soil can cause some big trouble for your beloved machine, especially if you don’t know what you are doing.
Soil mineralization is a reference to the amount of minerals and metallic particles (causing magnetic effect) present in the soil.
This type of ground produces a magnetic response when detected by a metal detector!
Depending on the mineral level present in the soil, it causes a loss of depth, especially if your machine is not designed to deal with such ground condition …
…If there is a high level of iron present in the ground, then it negatively affects the machine’s detecting range or the operating depth range.
Some detectors, for example, the XLT, have a function that reads the mineral content of the ground. A manual GB machine can also help you understand the mineral content of the soil.
There good detectors for mineralized soil will help you perform very well in such conditions!
How Wet Ground impact the Detector Depth?
When you are out detecting, you cannot predict the different types of ground you will come across. A wet ground is preferred by many detectorists over dry ground.
This is because wet ground increases the conductivity of targets. However, at the same time, deeper detection is difficult on wet ground!
Frequently moist ground, though, allows you to easily detect for buried coins, especially after a rain.
If you are hunting in the rain, then make sure that you are using a waterproof metal detector. Most machines are usually waterproof, right up to the control box.
It is very important to choose a proper machine for wet ground. That’s why I encourage you to check these decent metal detectors for wet ground. You will learn some helpful information.
How the machine’s Frequency influence its Depth?
The frequency of a machine refers to the number of electronic waves the detector sends to the ground for detecting metal.
Detectors with a low frequency have a longer wavelength and thus can detect to a greater depth. This is made possible because long waves are able to penetrate the ground more easily.
In addition, low-frequency machines are not very good at finding smaller targets. They are just ideal for detecting high conductivity items like silver.
On the other hand, High-frequency detectors have shorter wavelengths, and these detectors have a lesser depth as compared to low-frequency devices. They provide higher accuracy in detecting items closer to the surface.
So what’s the solution? Opt for a multi-frequency machine …
… This doesn’t mean that you will only detect on different frequencies with the same machine. This also means that you can set several frequencies at the same time. A good example of this are Minelab series, they’ve got lot of machines operating this way.
One of the Best deep metal detectors in the Market!
There are many types of deep detectors available in the market today. They work best for different targets and under different circumstances.
For example, the Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505 can make it easy for you to find coins at a depth of just 9 inches. But when it comes to large objects, it can detect up to 4 feet even. Some of the bestselling deep devices in the market are:
- Garrett Ace 250
- Bounty Hunter Tracker IV (This one is Pretty Cheap, you can Check it Current Price Here at Amazon!)
- Fisher F4
Apart from these, one of the best deep detectors in the market is the Detech SSP 5100 Deep Seeking Metal Detector System.
Are there detectors that can go 3 feet deep?
There are different types of machines available under many different brand names in the market. Finding a good one also depends on your requirements.
A couple of them can go to a depth of 3 feet for large objects. One of the most popular ones that can detect up to 3 feet is the Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior.
This detector can easily detect small targets such as coins up to 5 inches depth and if you are hunting for large treasures, then it can go down to a depth of 3 feet.
This is just an example, there are many others …
What is the deepest metal detector for coin shooting?
Garrett Ace 250 is one of the best deep detectors for coin shooting and relic hunting!
One of the best features of this device is that once you switch it on, the machine is going to retain the same settings that you had used in your previous hunt.
This metal detector can measure coin depth up to and over 8 inches and also has eight different sensitivity settings to allow for better target precision.
Garrett Ace 250 also has an electric pinpoint button, giving it the ability to pinpoint coin targets more accurately. This would save you buying a 60 bucks pinpointer …
What is the Best deep gold metal detector?
There are many options available in the market for deep gold metal detecting and with all these choices, it is easy to become confused.
At an entry level, the best deep gold machines are:
- Tesoro Vaquero
- Fisher F-70
- Fisher Gold Bug
If you are looking for a mid-level deep gold prospecting metal detectors, then the best options would be:
- Garrett AT Gold (This is my favorite one by far … You can learn more about it Here at Amazon!)
- Makro Gold Racer
- Tesoro Lobo SuperTRAQ
If you want to really shell out top price for the best deep gold machine, then buying the Garrett ATX, Garrett AT Max, or the XP DEUS with GoldField Program would be ideal for you.
Are there Cheap and Deep metal detectors?
There are many cheap and deep machines available on the market. Though you must know exactly what you plan on to be detecting if you want to buy these.
For example, if you plan to hunt for coins, relics, jewelry, or some depth treasure, and you don’t want to spend too much money, then here are some of the good options you can opt for:
- Fisher F4
- Bounty Hunter Titanium
- Bounty Hunter Platinum
- Garrett Ace 300
- Fisher F5
- Makro Kruzer
- Whites MX-7
- Whites MX-Sport
Examples of Deep underwater metal detector …
Some of the most valuable treasures are often located deep in the ocean…
…There are many enthusiasts who love to indulge in underwater metal detecting. Some examples of deep underwater handheld machine are:
- Tesoro Sand Shark.
- Fisher CZ21-8.
- Garrett AT PRO (I Like this one, you can have a look at it Here at Amazon!)
- Garrett ATX Deepseeker.
- Fisher Pulse 8X Wet.
All these underwater devices have great depth and sensitivity and are waterproof to 200 feet even. Not only are they available at a reasonable price, but they also include pulse induction.
Some of them are even submersible up to 250 feet!
Examples of a deep PI metal detector …
Most metal detectors function by using VLF (Very Low Frequency) technology. This means that these machines have two coils, one for transmitting electricity and one to receive it as it bounces back from the targets in the ground.
On the other hand, PI, or pulse induction, detectors are less commonly used, but they are growing in popularity.
A good PI metal detector will be able to simultaneously ignore both conductive and non-conductive mineralization in the ground, while also being able to maintain high sensitivity to all metallic targets.
Some examples of deep PI devices are:
- Lorenz LPX2
- Lorenz LP5
- Minelab GPX 4800
- Minelab GPX 5000
- Deeptech Megapulse SR 126
- Deeptech SDP 3000
What is the Deepest VLF metal detector?
VLF metal detectors are the most common type you will find on the market. There are many different brands, and you can choose the one that suits your needs.
Some of them are more suited for coin shooting while others are better when you are searching for relics.
Again, Garrett Ace 300 (Check it Here at Amazon!) is the one of the deepest VLF metal detector you can buy. This detector is an all-purpose and loaded with many features, all at an affordable price.
What goes deeper a PI or a VLF?
When you want to buy a machine (for the first time or just as upgrade of your current one), you will immediately come to understand that you need to decide between a VLF and PI.
If you want to carry out this as a hobby, then the VLF would be the right one for you. However, while PI metal detectors are not as popular as the VLF models, they are the ones you need when you want to find targets that are really deep.
A PI device can target things that are much deeper than you may want to dig. They are also very well with finding gold targets.
How deep does a Bounty Hunter metal detector go?
Bounty Hunter metal detectors are made for detectorists who are just getting started or even for intermediate-level hobbyists.
There are many Bounty Hunter models, but the model that gives the highest depth is probably the Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro (Check it Here at Amazon!)
This machine can locate coins at a depth of 10 inches, which is one of the best depths you will get with any of the Bounty Hunter models. Compared to this, the Time Ranger model gets 9 inches of depth.
Final Thoughts
When I was thinking about a proper topic to write about in this Blog, I’ve come across to this one. At the beginning, I didn’t think it was a topic worth writing as not many people would be interested …
… However, after checking some forums online, this was actually, one of the most asked questions.
That’s why I’ve chosen to put together this Post, hopefully you will find it helpful …
… Finally, after you’ve learnt how far detection machines can go, I sure you will be interested in this article ==> on what targets can detectors pick up! You will learn some solid tips there …