All-in all, if you are looking for an affordable metal detector with all the basic functions plus some added features, then the DR. ÖTEK MT-XR is a fantastic metal detector for you! The control box is powered by 4 x AA batteries and has plenty of technology, but not so much that it’s confusing for beginners. On the downside, the 150 doesn’t have ground balancing so it might send out false signals on mineralised ground. You can combat this a bit with the sensitivity, but experienced detectorists will want adjustable ground balancing. For a different type of metal detector, this Sakobs Metal Detector Pinpointer offers a way to detect metals in the ground without using a large, upright unit. Metal detecting can be a great hobby for the ‘technology-obsessed’ younger-generations to get involved with. It offers users the chance to explore and appreciate the great outdoors. Plus, it can create a reason to go on different outings with your children. You can enjoy metal detecting in the park near your home, or head to the beach or nearest river for a little hunt around. Metal detecting is also a great way for you and the kids to get to know the local area.

Like a lot of metal detectors, this model can discern between different types of metal. Whilst kids probably won’t mind if they’re simply uncovering bottle caps at the start of their metal-detecting journey, it leaves room for them to learn and grow. As with most hobbies, having the correct kit is essential. Buying cheaper, inferior kit can not only be a pain because it could potentially break in the field, it will also cost more in the long run to replace. It has a simple, uncomplicated design which will appeal to children between the ages of approximately 5 to 10 years old. There are no settings to alter, just a simple on/off switch, meaning they can easily sweep the ground for any metal close to the surface.Whilst these are the most important features for beginners, you may want to consider metal detectors that offer some intermediate settings , so that you can experiment with them as you grow in the hobby. With a folding spade included, and a belt-bag to carry it in, this DR.ÖTEK detector provides a full kit of parts, making it one of the best metal detectors for kids. The detector is splash-proof, and can be used on holidays at the beach or camping by the river, opening up a lot of possibilities for activities with the children.

There’s also no battery life indicator so you’ll need to take a spare set, and the control box is not waterproof – however the search coil is. It’s fine to use in shallow freshwater but care is needed to keep the control box safe. The whole purpose of me starting this blog was to impart my knowledge and experience so I can hopefully empower anyone looking into the hobby of metal detecting to avoid the mistakes I made starting out! It’s more of a ‘toy’ detector compared to many of the others models featured on this list. Although it has enough power to detect metals close to the surface of the ground, it’s not got the strength to uncover much buried treasure. However, it performs as you would expect for the price. Versatility: For a metal detector to be versatile, it needed to be accessible for beginners and accustomed detectorists alike. So, models with preset factory modes as well as custom mode settings were rated higher. Detectors that worked on multiple frequencies rather than just one were rated higher, as these offered more adjustable settings. A 9-inch PROformance coil was the best of the best for powerful detecting, allowing you to detect more metals, so these were given higher marks.

If you want to get started in metal detecting and want a good quality machine at a budget price, the MTXE is worth considering. I must admit I was quite surprised at just how good this machine was. I did not expect much but it punches way above its weight. All models of metal detector use a coil transmitter, generating an electromagnetic field across it. Additionally, a magnetic flux can be found beneath the coil itself. It is this, the magnetic flux, that is transformed into readable data that can be processed via the display of the metal detector. This alerts the user to presence of metal. Different types of metal detector operate differently. Very Low Frequency (VLF)

Enter DR.ÖTEK. Long-time champions of the budget metal detector arena they are, unlike so many at this price point, very much focused on quality, customer care and putting a decent machine in your hands for very little money. And when you consider that a digging tool, finds pouch and wired headphones are included, this has to be a machine that all budget-conscious buyers will at least want to consider. Do you want to find larger targets or search in trashy and mineralized bottoms? No problem! Simply put the sensitivity level a little bit lower. 2. Discrimination mode

Buyers Guide

The screen has a simple display with a needle that moves at it senses metals. There are also two dials to adjust volume and discern between different metals as well as a low-battery indicator light to make it obvious when the power is running out. The OMMO Metal Detector for Adults Kids alongside an effective metal detector comes with a carrying bag, 2 9V batteries, a shovel, and 1 headphone. It is a metal detector perfect for children, people developing an interest in metal detection, and for those who just want to have fun using a metal detector. It delivers a fun experience for the user but it isn’t especially accurate. The OMMO Metal Detector for Adults Kids features three distinct modes, the all-metal mode which allows the metal detector to notify you when it is around a metallic object. A particularly useful feature is the memory mode, where you can ‘show’ the MT-XR detector a certain type of metal, a silver ring, for example, and it will only search for that type of metal composition. This can help limit time wasted uncovering items that aren’t of interest to you. The 9.8’’ coil is waterproof but the control box is not. The control box is not even showerproof so that is something to bear in mind if you are apt to detect in the rain. And definitely don’t drop it in the water!

This MT-XR detector may not be the Rolls Royce of detectors, but it is truly very good and it will definitely give you many, many hours of cheap and adventurous fun, especially if like me, you want to do some peaceful detecting and digging for that occasional "treasure" find in solitude or with a friend or family partner to comb over an old place for some unexpected finds and adventure that will not cost you a small fortune. When you’ve got more experience the sensitivity button can really help enhance the search because it eliminates trash and focuses more on precious metals. Frequency of a detector is established by the amount of times this current switches. The other The MT6-PRO has now been released to the market but we had the opportunity to test one over the past few months. The design is quite interesting. From a distance, it reminds me of the XP Mi6/Mi4. I am not sure if that was deliberate but suffice it to say it looks good. If you want to get your children into metal detecting, the DR. OTEK Pinpoint Metal Detectoris a great introductory tool. It’s suitable for ages 10 + and is a great way to ignite interest in the hobby.One of the best features is Garrett’s top-of-the-range 6.5 x 9-inch PROformance coil that’s powerful enough to detect 15-20 cm into soil and waterproof for shallow freshwater searches too. You won’t need to upgrade this coil in a rush. READ NEXT: DR OTEK Metal Detecting Folding Shovel Review Benefits of a Metal Detector With ‘Iron Content Analysis’ This can also be very helpful for children and people with visually impairments, simply because the display is so clear! 10. Adjustable Stem Having said this, it’s worth bearing in mind that the metal detector is splash proof but not waterproof, so the coil shouldn’t be submerged. It is very useful to know how deep your target is located underground. This can save you a lot of unnecessary digging. Good news! This metal detector gives you a depth indication of the object beneath the ground! 9. Large and clear display