Above all else, a metal detector needs to do its job–or what’s the point? And the Bounty Hunter IV has all the necessary features to do the job well. Despite what you read on the internet (except this blog of course) depth is completely dependant on several factors such as ground conditions, target size, and machine settings.

Tracker IV Metal Detector | Hobby Lobby | 847012 Tracker IV Metal Detector | Hobby Lobby | 847012

The most popular location for metal detecting is the beach, where we tested our seven finalists with five tests. First, we set up a general detection test in which we searched for relics, coins, and gold that we scattered on the sand. Second, we did a similar test in which we scattered metallic trash around our test items to see if that trash would confuse the detector. Seasoned treasure hunters should invest in more high-end and durable metal detectors that can handle being in the water, detect materials very deep in the ground, and allow for pinpoint accuracy when making sweeps with the coil. The average Whites model boasts the same 0-99 identification scale as most other metal detectors. This range allows for determination of valuable items under the reel. With three-tone audio, you’ll have enhanced information about the target under the coil. Whites devices have a pinpoint mode which helps to accurately determine the position of the target underground.This metal detector runs on a fixed frequency of 6.5 kHz. It uses a slightly smaller coil (6.5″x9″) than the ACE 300 but the length is the same.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector Review - Lifewire

If you're a serious metal detecting hobbyist or a search and salvage professional, the Minelab Equinox 800 is an almost perfect option. It's a high-end, exceptionally precise metal detector that can sense objects buried up to 18 inches underground so you can hunt for everything from coins and rings to scrap iron, aluminum, and even meteorites. The entire unit is waterproof and can be submerged in water up to 10 feet deep, so you can search rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans for relics.

The 3 adjustable settings include search mode, discrimination, and sensitivity. The higher the numbers are for sensitivity, it means that the deeper the detector can detect a target at significant depth. Because this detector came with such an excellent range of options and features on the display, we were disappointed that it did not score more highly on some of our tests. In particular, this Treasure Cove struggled a bit on our depth and underwater test, so it might not be the greatest at finding metals that are several inches below the surface. New Home Innovations – Starter Kit When you turn the sensitivity up, you can find smaller items that you might have overlooked when you searched on a weaker setting. The adjustment is great for scanning deeper into the earth. No. As I mentioned above, there is a speaker inside the control box, so no headphones are required. Although I highly recommend you get some. Can I adjust the volume? There are three different types of calibration features that each metal detector may have, including preset, automatic or manual:

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV Metal Detector with adjustable trash

The only downside to this unit is the relatively high price tag. While there are much more expensive models out there, this one does cost the most of the seven we’ve tested.The Garrett Ace 300 is a great metal detector for anyone who is just starting out in the hobby. It has a lightweight and telescoping design, coming in at 5 pounds and extendable up to 51 inches, so it's easier to handle. It also comes with a coil cover, an environmental protection cover, and a pair of headphones. The 10-inch detector coil is waterproof, allowing you to search for metal items in damp soil, streams, oceans, and lakes. It is able to detect objects buried up to 8 inches deep to help you search for coins, jewelry, and other small items. The only reason it would not find gold is if you’re talking about gold nuggets. The reason being is that gold nuggets are typically found in areas where the ground is highly mineralized, and a specialty detector is needed. As you are looking for budget detectors that fit your price range, it is important to understand a few simple concepts so you can get the most for your investment. The most important of these are discrimination, notch, and ground balance. To counteract this, you should turn on the sensitivity to high. Then put the detector on the ground, a piece you are confident has no treasure, adjust the sensitivity control until you hear no more chatter. Discrimination Low conductive targets will be a low, grunting tone while high conductive targets a higher-pitched tone.

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV Review (2023 UPD) Metal detector Bounty Hunter Tracker IV Review (2023 UPD)

Unfortunately, some of the best hunting spots aren’t ideal. They have high ground mineralization that could just throw the detection technology off. If you want to find anything good during your metal detecting adventures, you need a machine that’s going to be able to look past all of those problems. Most entry-level models simply aren’t equipped to deal with issues like ground mineralization or water. While they can certainly find basic metal objects, they’re not suited to find deeper items that require higher sensitivity levels to unearth. Not Many Settings – Even though the simplicity of this device adds to the charm and accessibility, it also can be limiting depending on your interests. The standard modes, while effective, can only detect so much, and the two knobs for sensitivity and discrimination adjustment don’t give the device the greatest range or versatility. It’s the perfect detector to buy as a gift for both kids and adults if you just want something basic that will find treasures. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend using this much as I think the audio signals provide the same, if not better, indications. Headphones​If you are looking for simplicity, you have found it. There are two knobs and a switch on this model. Additionally, as the center of your search coil is closer to the target, the audio tone should be louder (this also depends on the tones levels your machine offers). The first option is the All-Metal mode. As the name would suggest, this operating mode is designed to alert you to any metal in the soil. It’s great if you’re looking to remove junk metals from the soil.