Buyers Guide

Unfortunately, there is no detector that will perform perfectly on all terrain. Should you want a detector for one purpose only, then choosing a detector is a relatively simple task. Most of us, however, want a detector for a variety of different terrain and so will need to choose carefully to get as close as possible to our requirements. A browse through this site or any magazine is all that is needed to demonstrate that, as a potential metal detector buyer you are spoilt for choice. There so many to choose from that even for the seasoned detector enthusiast the task is made no easier.

• The first consideration is to decide how much you are prepared to spend and if that amount is to include accessories (the most important of these being headphones and a digging tool).
• The next question is where will most of your detecting be carried out? This is possibly the hardest question to consider, especially for the beginner, but it does have a bearing on what you buy. The easiest approach if you are not sure is to think about your geographical location, as most people tend to detect locally. For instance, are you near enough to the beach and know you will detect there? Perhaps you live inland and will never visit the beach, but will your sites be on arable land, pasture or park land, etc?
• The weight of your new detector is also important as it is no good ordering the perfect detector only to discover you can hardly lift it!
• Finally do you want new or used? A new detector will offer you piece of mind in having a full manufacturer's warranty (and in some cases free accessory packs), but choosing second hand will enable you to buy higher up the range.