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For treasure hunters and hobbyists, few things beat the thrill of sweeping a metal detector across the beach or an old ghost town, waiting for the beep that signals a promising find underneath.
Come late November, you will get even more excited for the hottest metal detector deals of the year! The post-Thanksgiving sales bonanza brings major discounts across all the leading brands like Garrett, Minelab, and Bounty Hunter.
Whether you’re buying your first starter detector or upgrading to a high-end model, Black Friday offers the perfect chance to save big.
So, read on to find the best Black Friday metal detector deals this year!
Top Black Friday Deals on Metal Detectors
How to Choose the Right Metal Detector
Purchasing a metal detector, especially for the first time, can feel overwhelming, given the many options and technical specifications.
However, focusing on several key factors will help you select the right detector to suit your needs and budget. Here are the top considerations to keep in mind:
1. Detection Depth
A metal detector’s detection depth determines how deep underground it can locate buried objects. For general treasure hunting, look for depths between 10-15 inches to find coins, relics, and other small items.
Gold prospecting requires a maximum depth – 2 feet or more is ideal for detecting nuggets and deposits.
Keep in mind that depth is impacted by mineralization and soil composition. Heavily mineralized ground reduces depth.
2. Discrimination Capability
This allows the detector to distinguish between different types of metals underground and selectively alert you to valuable finds while ignoring unwanted junk.
Adjustable levels
Adjustable discrimination levels let you fine-tune the detector to zero in on precious metals like gold and silver while screening out low-value aluminum, lead, and steel.
Start with wide-range detection and then increase discrimination to home in on coins, jewelry, relics, or nuggets, depending on your metal-hunting goals.
Notch filters
Notch filters take discrimination a step further by completely eliminating certain metals from detection. You can “notch out” iron and foil to avoid constantly digging up nails, bottle caps, and other trash.
Notch filters work well alongside the general discrimination controls.
Tone ID
Advanced detectors also use tone ID to indicate the probable type of buried metal via audio signals. For example, a high-pitched tone may signify gold, while a low hum indicates iron.
This further helps determine which targets are worth digging up when searching in trash-filled areas.
3. Selecting the Right Frequency(ies)
Another key technical specification to evaluate is the frequency or frequencies supported by the metal detector.
Single frequency
Single-frequency detectors are typically more affordable, but they really only perform well in neutral soils devoid of mineralization.
Their effectiveness is limited when hunting in iron-rich soils or saline environments like beaches.
Multi frequency
For versatility across soil types, multi-frequency detectors are preferred. These operate by emitting multiple scanning frequencies simultaneously.
The overlapping signals help eliminate false positives and interference caused by naturally occurring minerals.
Look for detectors offering 5 or more frequencies to ensure maximum adaptability across diverse hunting grounds. More frequencies equate to greater detection accuracy regardless of soil composition.
Advanced detectors also allow you to manually adjust frequencies. This provides even more control to tweak settings based on field conditions.
Test various frequencies to find the sweet spot that allows hunting coins and relics while ignoring unwanted scrap metals.
4. Waterproofing Levels
Metal detecting near water or in wet conditions requires an appropriate level of waterproofing. Here are the main options:
Waterproof coils allow you to use the detector right on wet beach sand or in shallow streams. The housing protects the internal coil electronics from moisture damage.
For underwater hunting, look for fully submersible detectors capable of being immersed in lakes, rivers, or ocean surf. Premium models designed for scuba divers can operate down to depths of 200+ feet.
Even for dry land hunting, basic water resistance helps withstand light rain and morning dew on grass. Internal components are shielded from minor exposure.
When comparing detectors, check the IP waterproof ratings. Also, look for watertight battery compartments and connectors.
Know your application, and select waterproofing accordingly. Divers need maximum protection, while dry climate hunters may only require basic moisture resistance.
5. Coil Size Options
The size of the metal detector coil also matters greatly based on how you plan to use it:
| Coil Size | Best Use |
|---|---|
| 6-8″ coils | High precision for tight areas like jewelry boxes or crevices |
| 9-11″ coils | Balance coverage and accuracy for coins and small relics |
| 12-15″ coils | Rapid scanning of large open areas for caches and nuggets |
In general, larger coil diameters provide wider detection fields and greater depth. Smaller coils allow careful discrimination in trash-filled sites.
Look for detectors that support interchangeable coils. This allows you to switch sizes based on the specifics of each hunt location and your targets. Start with a mid-range 9-11 inch coil and add specialty coils later as needed.
6. Ergonomics and Portability
Since metal detecting involves swinging a detector for hours at a time, comfort and ergonomics are vital. Look for the following:
- Low weight – Opt for detectors under 5 pounds. Lighter weight reduces fatigue over long hunts.
- Padding and armrests – Contoured, adjustable armrests with ample padding decrease strain on your arms.
- Collapsible pole – Allows you to easily pack down the detector to fit in a car or storage.
Adjustable pole height and length are also ideal to suit hunters of different statures. A lightweight waist belt option can distribute weight onto hips and legs.
Overall, prioritize ergonomic designs that minimize muscle and joint soreness during extended metal-detecting sessions.
7. Battery Specs
No hunter wants to end a hot streak due to a dead battery. Seek out detectors that offer:
- Lithium-ion batteries for max run time – typically 20+ hours per charge.
- Quick charging – Fully recharge depleted batteries in 2-3 hours.
- AA battery compatible – Use disposable batteries in a pinch. Rechargeable AA batteries provide 10-15 hours.
- Battery level indicator – Displays remaining runtime to avoid surprise shutdowns.
- Power saving mode – Conserve battery when the detector is idle.
With multiple fully charged batteries, you can hunt all day without interruption. Quick charging support reduces downtime between sessions.
8. Controls and Display Quality
For quick learning and efficient outdoor operation, seek metal detectors with:
- Simple buttons/knobs – Allows easy adjustment of settings on the fly.
- Large backlit display – Provides excellent visibility in sunlight. Shows settings, battery level, and search results.
- Wireless headphones – Hear faint signals clearly when the detector speaker is hard to discern outdoors.
Quality controls and displays enhance the metal-detecting experience while eliminating frustration. Crisp, bright visual output, and intuitive buttons keep you focused on the hunt.
9. Sticking to Established Brands
With metal detectors, as with most electronics, it pays to stick to proven major brands like:
- Garrett
- Minelab
- Bounty Hunter
- Fisher
- Nokta
- Makro
Lesser-known companies may offer cheaper detectors, but the performance and features will not compare to the top manufacturers.
Paying a little more for an established brand ensures you get a robust, high-quality device that will last for years.
Expected Discounts and Promotions
Based on past Black Friday deals, here are the typical discounts you can expect to see in each metal detector price tier:
- Entry-level detectors ($100 – $300) – Look for 20-30% markdowns. $200 machines may drop to around $140.
- Mid-range detectors ($300 – $700) – Discounts between 10-20% off. A $500 model might fall to $400 for the holiday.
- High-end detectors ($700+) – These premium machines generally see more modest 5-10% discounts.
Retailers also often create special Black Friday bundles that package accessories with the metal detector, like headphones, a shovel, a battery charger, and a carrying case for one attractive price.
Some stores may offer additional perks like bonus gift cards with select purchases. For example, Bass Pro Shops offered $50 gift cards with detector orders over $199 last year.
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