Metal Detector Types
So you’ve decided to take up metal detecting as a hobby. Maybe you came across an old metal detector in the garage or at a car-boot sale. Metal detecting can be a great hobby for anyone; it involves history and the romantic notion of a treasure hunt, all rolled up into a fantastic outdoor, fresh air experience.
You should carefully consider what type of metal detecting you will be doing to start out with and try to get the best metal detector you can afford which has the features you require.
There are three basic types of metal detectors: VLF, pulse detectors and beat-frequency oscillation.
- Very Low Frequency, VLF, are about the most versatile metal detectors. They can be used in a variety of terrain and for locating a variety of metal objects.
- Pulse induction, or PI metal detectors are best for the beach, they can detect metal at good depth in sand and are especially good in salt water conditions. Most gold prospecting detectors are pulse induction.
- BFO or beat-frequency oscillation metal detectors are the most basic type and are usually fairly inexpensive. The detector will then produce an audible signal.
The cost of a metal detector makes it the single most expensive tool you will need for your new hobby and therefore, choosing a metal detector should be done very carefully. If metal detecting turns out to be something you want to get serious about, you can always upgrade your metal detector later, when your skills have improved.