10 Best Metal Detector for Kids Reviews

The Best Metal Detector for Kids in 2022 – Best Kids Metal Detector To Buy

​Featuring a depth detector, an LCD screen, and three different audio tones, Bounty Hunter Quicksilver is the best metal detector for kids that money can buy.

Known to dig better target, and built to differentiate between real metals and useless objects, this device lets your young one find metals with ease – without spending too much time in the field.

While it doesn’t have special features like ground adjust balancing, it is affordable and very easy to operate.

The Research

If there is one thing that’s for sure, finding the best discovery detector for kids can be a bit nerve-wrecking. There are many options, from many different brands, made of different materials, at different prices.

We are not talking about toy detectors that really don’t find anything. We are talking about the real and truly unique option that can help your boy and girl find just about any treasure, like relics, coins, and jewelry.

So, how do you go about choosing a reliable kids metal detector without losing your mind? It’s simple. Examine the weight ease of control, and the price of the detector, and it’ll be easy to choose something that suits your loved one.

In this guide, we will walk you through some of the best metal detectors on the market, explain why they are worth it, and then let you decide which one is worth buying.

Let’s get started.

What to Look before Buying a Metal Detector for Kids

Before you buy a metal detector for kids, I’d recommend looking at the following factors.

1. Weight

Metal detector aren’t made equal. That means they weigh differently. A heavy detector isn’t suitable for a kid. Therefore, choose a lightweight one for them. The lesser the weight, the easier the detector is to carry. Also, lightweight detectors are easy to carry around for long, and this makes play for a youth in the field fun.

2. Control

Let’s agree on one thing: some metal detectors for kids are hard to control. They are either designed for adults then assumed to work well for kids or they are not designed properly at all. Choose a metal detector that your kid won’t have to struggle controlling the item.

3. Price

Price varies from brand to brand. It also varies depending on the features of the device. More often than not, how much you pay for the detector comes down to your budget. If price is not your biggest worry, a high-end option will do. If you are under a tight budget, consider an option that won’t break the bank.

The Best Metal Detector for Kids in 2022

1. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is an upgrade of Junior detector for the youth. It has additional features not found in the Junior Model, including Headphone Input, Three Search Modes and Present Ground Balance.

Headphone Input

This metal detector gives your kid the chance to hear audio signals rather than hearing via the regular speaker located inside the box control.

It is best if you ask your kid to bring their headphones along, so that they don’t disrupt other people in public places.

Three Search Modes

The three search modes built-in in this detector are tone, discrimination and all-metal. If your kid has multiple search mode options he or she will be able to customize better for metal hunting. So they can find jewelry, coins and relics with ease.

Present Ground Balance

This metal detector will detect almost any kind of metal, including microscopic metallic materials and minerals such as iron lying on the ground. With the present ground balance, your kid will not get false signal, hence no frustrations when hunting.

Pros
  • It is cheap
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Has no visual target ID
  • This metal detector has no pinpoint mode

2. Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector

The Fisher F22 metal detector is a new version of Fisher F2, which has dominated the world of entry level detectors since 2007.

Lots of advanced features, easy to use

The new F22 was released in 2015 and has a number of improvements over F2, including:

  • Additional search mode
  • New coil design
  • Volume control
  • Iron sound

All these features and more are housed in a smaller, more compact and weather resistant control box.

It’s a light detector best suited for newcomers looking for a powerful and affordable versatile machine to hunt for coins, jewels and relics.

Before we dive into the specifications of F22, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of high levels:

Pros
  • water proof
  • Iron sound
  • Recovery speed (processing) fast
  • Lighter, easier to use
  • This detector comes at an affordable price
Cons
  • Unbalanced ground
  • It is a bit heavier

3. RM RICOMAX Metal Detector for Adults & Kids

Ricomax is a fairly new brand that produces inexpensive metal detectors, which rank high in reviews.

Their machine is for ambitious beginners in the world of low-cost metal detection and its features are usually only available on high-end models.

Ricomax has a 10 inch search roll. Entry-level machines usually have an 8-inch spool, so this is an upgrade that looks for more ground in less time.

There’s a real discrimination mode so you can filter out the metal you don’t want to dig, an unusually readable LCD control box at this price, and three preset search modes.

Once you have found the destination sound to let you know what metal you have and tracking mode will eliminate unnecessary searches.

The coil is waterproof but not the control box, so be careful during thunderstorms or when sliding near a river.

Critics say the target reading depth accuracy is about 8 inches for small objects like coins, but if you want to go further, the machine is perfectly capable – despite the reading accuracy. Its target decreases.

RM Ricomax is easy to assemble from the box and weighs only 2.31 pounds. You will need two 9 V batteries to power this new version at a reduced price.

Pros
  • Easy and safe to use
  • Discrimination mode and tone
  • Good price for what you get
Cons
  • Maybe too sensitive

4. INTEY Metal Detector Waterproof for Adults Kids

Intey metal detector is a device for all ages. This means that even if it is marketed as a metal detector for children, adults can use it for entertainment purposes.

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Intey metal detectors can be adjusted from 33.5 inches to 45 inches for easy use by children and adults. Although this metal detector is made for children, it is very accurate and can detect different types of metals such as jewelry, coins, relics, silver, gold and more.

This metal detector has an eight-inch adjustable 180-degree coil. Both rods and coils are IP67 waterproof, so they are safe to use in shallow water.

It has two modes. First, the “Disc” mode, can remove all unwanted metals such as coins, iron, zinc, etc. The second is the “All Metal” mode, which you activate if you want to detect all metals in the area.

Pros
  • Durable
  • Product use For children and adults
  • There is a Volume control button
  • There are two modes
Cons
  • Excludes 9V battery

5. Garrett Metal Detectors Ace 300 Metal Detector

Built with quality and ease of use, the ACE 300 is a great companion for intermediate beginner seekers looking for a reliable yet affordable machine. The simplified interface is information that is not overwhelming – no threat to beginners while being attractive enough for more advanced amateurs.

This unit is ideal for finding a variety of treasures, including coins, jewels, and monuments.

It features the coveted digital target ID for faster and more accurate target identification.

ACE 300 is an improved version of the ACE 250, currently discontinued.

In addition to the digital target ID, its new features include a larger search roll, better iron resolution, improved audio, higher frequency and cam lock on the bar for more stability.

Pros
  • Improve iron resolution
  • PROformance major search rolls
  • User friendly
  • economy
  • Made in USA
Cons
  • Do not adjust ground balance
  • There is no iron sound

6. Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector

This detector comes with a professional programmable four-mode operating system for soil balancing and comes with a covering system to remove surface waste while tracking deeper into the ground.

Because this device is fully customizable, it allows you to have maximum functionality. One of the most interesting features of this detector is its detection mode – it allows you to copy targets you’ve found before so it’s easier to see what you’re looking for and skip those What you don’t want to find.

The detector has three-tone audio distinctions that are easy to distinguish, so you know what you’ll find when you start digging. Ground-Trac also examines soil mineralization for positive monitoring and discrimination.

Pros
  • 4 sounds
  • 11 types of goals
  • Light-weight
  • Good depth and sensitivity
  • Adjust the soil balance
Cons
  • In-depth readings may be inaccurate

7. Treasure Cove TC-3020 Metal Detector

Whatever your level of experience, you will find that this metal detector is easy to set up. You will be up and running in a few minutes.

Unfortunately, since it is intended for beginners and experienced hunters, there is a bit of learning curve related to this detector. So if you do not know what you are doing, you will probably take some time to understand the strings.

However, the good news is that this detector offers many features for you. For starters, there’s a ground control function. It works to eliminate all false signals generated by the environment with salt water or minerals.

Then there is the custom targeting function. This allows you to specify whether you want the detector to locate steel, iron, silver or gold.

You can also configure it to detect all metals, regardless of type.

If you don’t want to rely on the information displayed on the LED screen, you can use the tone mode so that the detector emits different noise, depending on what it detects.

The target mode allows you to pinpoint the location of buried objects, ensuring you have quick access to your treasures.

Last but not least, you can be sure this is a durable metal detector because it has a ten-year warranty.

Pros
  • Easy to locate location
  • Can prevent false signals
  • Can customize metal type detection
  • Durable
Cons
  • May take some time to learn how to use

8. Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector

If you are serious about metal detection, the Ace 400 is probably the way to go.

This is largely due to the fact that it offers many different features, starting with five search modes, including – jewelry, custom, coins, relic and zero discrimination mode.

In between, you should be able to pretty much identify what you need. That’s not all, however, like the digital target ID, it is easier for you to identify what the detector is picking up.

Since this detector has a higher frequency – 10 kHz – you will also notice that it is more sensitive and therefore better for detecting buried objects.

Unfortunately, this increased sensitivity can backfire because the detector may be more prone to inaccurate readings.

Speaking of frequency, however, there is a frequency adjustment function that allows you to change the parameters so that the performance of the detector is not hampered by other nearby devices.

Without forgetting that if you are looking for parts, there is a depth adjustment function which allows you to detect buried parts at different levels.

This detector also has a location function which allows you to get closer to your target once it has been detected so that there are fewer searches to be done.

Pros
  • Easy to find different types of items
  • Depth adjustment
  • Location function
  • Higher frequency
Cons
  • May be too sensitive

9. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector

This National Geographic metal detector is a good choice for children or anyone looking for a starter product.

Although it is a base metal detector, you will find that it has all the features and requirements you will need to dig up buried metal objects.

For starters, this product has 4 sensitivity modes – this ensures that the detector is able to pick up objects buried a little deeper in the ground.

Now, although this feature works with most items, if the item is very small and buried deep, the detector may not be able to locate it.

This metal detector however comes with 3 detection modes. Using this, you can easily filter items that will have no value.

This model is also equipped with an audio alert detection that allows you to distinguish the materials found by detecting the difference in sound.

The PRO series detector is also equipped with a precise function, which helps you to refine a precise location of your buried treasure.

Last but not least, this is an incredibly easy to use detector. All parameters and controls are intuitive and the LED screen is easy to read.

Pros
  • Simple to use
  • Lots of sensitivity and detection modes
  • Has a specific function
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Basic model
  • May be difficult to detect very small objects

10. Ultimate Metal Detector For Adults – Waterproof Pro Detectors

This metal detector is well suited for anyone starting out with their hobby or if you are looking for a good quality metal detector for children.

This means that it is a fairly basic detector but still has all the functionality you need, including some extras such as the precise location function.

So it is much easier to narrow your target with this particular model.

It is actually a fairly sensitive detector and can detect most metal objects buried up to six inches in the ground.

It is also equipped with a discrimination function which allows you to tune in the type of metal you want to find.

This reduces the risk of ending up with garbage during your search.

As an added bonus, the detector has a waterproof coil that allows you to use it in various environments.

The only other real downside to this detector is that the controls and settings are a bit confusing. You will therefore need to read the instructions carefully and train yourself to get really used to operating the detector.

 

Pros
  • Good for beginners
  • Has a specific function
  • Waterproof coil
  • Can distinguish metals
Cons
  • Basic model
  • Commands and parameters can be confusing to use

Buying Guide – How To Choose The Best Metal Detector for Kids

We’ve now covered the top metal detectors for children. Let’s look at some things to consider before you buy!

1. Specifications

You need a coil capable of detecting. These coils are usually larger than 4″ in diameter. The handles must be easy to grip and small enough for your child to reach their wrists. You should have the ability to adjust the shaft. This is important because children share toys and grow so fast. To keep up with their energy, the device’s body should be strong and durable. The device should be lightweight enough that children can lift and move it easily.

They should balance durability with comfort and padding to make them more appealing and comfortable to use. The control box should have an LCD display that shows the level of discrimination, sensitivity, battery level, target identification, signal strength, and target identification. These displays would be ideal for ease of hunting, precision, and convenience. It is also important to consider where the batteries are located. Is it safe to place the batteries in a location that will not cause harm to your child’s health?

2. Durability

We have just discussed the importance of setting a budget for a metal detector that your child can use. We’ll now discuss the importance of a metal detector that is durable and what you should look for to ensure your hard-earned cash doesn’t go to waste.

It’s no surprise that metal detectors for children should be capable of taking some beatings. Metal detectors for children are designed with children in mind. They are made from harder plastic materials and have simpler mechanisms to cater for the children’s needs.

Good quality products and durability are often reflected in customer reviews. We recommend that you read customer reviews before you buy metal detectors for your child. This will give you an idea of the product’s performance for other people.

You should look for metal detectors that are made from at least one type of metal. Metals are more reliable and durable than hard plastics.

3. The Age and Skill Level of a Child

While we have already discussed the age and price range of a child, let’s now get into specifics about shopping for your child. A detector is rated for children aged 8-12. However, if your child has a history of detecting, they might need something more advanced. They may not be excited by flashing lights. A $200-plus entry-level metal detector may be suitable for this child. However, you need to ensure that they can use other features such as weight and adjustability.

The difference between real and toy detectors is down to their quality and performance. Although toy detectors might look great, they will not provide accurate performance or visual data. They may also be incapable of detecting targets below 1 inch.

The real kid detectors will be smaller versions of the entry-level adult model. It will have a suitable operating frequency, a decent-sized searchingcoil (but it should not be too heavy/large), adjustable sensitivity and preset ground balance. While children will need to be supervised and assisted with setting the adjustments by an adult, the display should not be difficult for them.

4. It’s easy to use

Is there a steep learning curve for this metal detector? Is it difficult to use or do you find it easy?

5. Length and Weight

To be useful and practical, metal detectors must be able to be used by children. A detector less than 2 lbs is better for metal detectors that are aimed at children aged 4-9 years old. A detector that weighs between 2 and 3 lbs can be used by older children.

Most detectors can be adjusted in length but it is important to read the specifications. The right length is one where your child stands straight up and is not bent over to sweep. The majority of child detectors can be adjusted between 25″ and 57″.

Balance is also important. Too large a searchcoil can cause strain to the child’s nose and make it heavy. A detector that is too heavy or large will cause strain. If the detector is well balanced, weight may not be an issue.

6. Type

There are two types of underwater metal detectors. One uses pulse induction (PI), while the other uses a very low frequency detection type. Due to their low sensitivity to minerals, the former is more expensive than its counterpart and thus can be used in saltwater.

VLF metal detectors on the other hand work exceptionally well in freshwater and have an excellent focus that allows you to quickly find precious metals.

7. Extra Features

You might also find special features such as a headphone Jack, an LCD screen, waterproof search coil, or visual target ID. Although not required, a headphone input is a great feature for those who hunt in public places. A LCD screen, which displays the target’s depth and battery life, is another useful feature.

Many metal detectors for kids have a waterproof search coil that allows them to find treasure in streams and rock pools. You can also take it to the beach without worrying about it breaking.

The target ID will tell you what you have found and help you avoid children from digging up trash. If they are digging for coins or jewellery, this can help keep them interested for longer.

8. Batteries

There is nothing more frustrating for you and your child than finding out that your child’s metal detector has run out of battery. You should only choose a detector with a low battery indicator. But, while buying a detector with a low indicator battery is one thing, it is quite another to respond promptly to the indicator. It is not enough to just buy a metal detector with a low indicator battery. You must also be alert for the indicator and respond promptly.

9. Price

The cost of a metal detection device will play a major role in the decision to purchase one. There are many options for metal detectors, each with different price points. While all metal detectors can detect metal, you’ll find the more expensive models will have better detection depths and the ability to distinguish and identify metallic targets. Other features include waterproofing, visual display and wireless technology.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do metal detectors come with warranties?

Yes they do. For example, Fisher and Bounty Hunter come in with a 5 year warranty except the junior model. Other brands like Tesoro offers a lifetime warranty.

2. What type of targets do these detectors find?

No matter the cost, any metal detector will detect any thing that is metallic.

The only reason some detectors cost a fortune is because of their advanced technology and additional features.

3. Do these detectors work at the beach?

All detectors function so well even when on the beach. Every metal detector will function well with a single caveat but make sure your kid stays on the dry sand.

Coming in contact with water, pocket of black iron sand and wet sand will lead to false detections.

However, this is normal for metal detectors not specifically made to handle these kind of conditions.

4. Will these detectors work in water?

Yes they will work but with some caveats. Remember, a metal detector is only waterproof up to the control box level.

You should not let your kid use this gadget in salty water, because salt water contain irons that could trigger false alarm.

5. Things to look for when buying a metal detector

Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying a metal detector:

  • Weight: Remember that weight becomes a major factor if you plan to use your machine for a long time. If you don’t want to tire yourself easily, look for a light, easy-to-carry detector.
  • Waterproof Features: If you are going to hunt for treasures in wet weather or in an area that has water, it is best to look for a waterproof coil as well as a control box with waterproof case. This will guarantee the safety of important parts at all times.
  • Pinpoint function: if you are looking for a very specific location where buried items can be found, you should look for Pinpoint functionality on your detector. This will let you know exactly where to dig.

 

You can view more on YOUTUBE VIDEO

 

Conclusion

So here you are – all the information you need to find a metal detector that’s right for you.

If you are looking for an economical metal detector that still offers impressive performance, then you should stick with the NHI metal detector.

For those who want a beginner model, you will find that the Bounty Hunter metal detector and the National Geographic detector perfectly check this box.

On the other hand, if you want a powerful machine for a more experienced user, the Garrett Ace metal detector is the best.

If you prefer a fully equipped metal detector that will last you a long time, the Treasure Cove detector will work well.

With these guidelines, you simply cannot go wrong with your research.

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