FAQ

Which metal detector is best suited for beginners depends primarily on the budget and the desired area of application.

If you don't want to spend more than €200, the Quest X1 IDmaxX and the Nokta FindX Pro are very good metal detectors for beginners. Both devices offer important basic functions for an easy start into metal detecting, including a pinpoint function, object identification, and a built-in, rechargeable battery.

If you have a slightly higher budget of up to €350, we particularly recommend the Nokta Simplex models such as the Simplex Lite, Simplex Ultra, and Simplex+. Also very interesting for beginners are the Quest X models such as the Quest X5 IDmaxX, Quest X10 IDmaxX, and the Quest Q35. These metal detectors offer additional functions and even more comfort when metal detecting, depending on the model.

If you have more money available, there are many more options. For suitable advice, please feel free to contact us via WhatsApp, phone, or email.

Yes, in many cases you need a permit for metal detecting. Especially if you are specifically looking for archaeological finds or want to search historically sensitive areas, a permit from the responsible monument authority is required. In addition, you always need the permission of the property owner.

Since the legal regulations vary depending on the federal state, you should inform yourself in advance at the responsible authority.

A prospecting permit is the official authorization to specifically search for archaeological finds or ground monuments, for example with a metal detector. It is issued by the responsible monument authority and serves to protect historical sites.

This often includes a course or an induction. There, it is explained how to properly handle old finds, what needs to be documented, and which finds require special caution. Furthermore, one learns what to do if, for example, ammunition or other dangerous objects are found. This is to ensure that finds are handled correctly and potential dangers are avoided.

How deep a metal detector searches depends on several factors. The most crucial factors are the size of the object, the soil conditions, the search coil, and the device's performance.

With standard metal detectors for prospecting, typical finds such as coins, rings, or smaller relics are usually found at a depth of a few centimeters up to approximately 20 to 30 cm. However, depending on the device and soil conditions, coins can also be detected at depths of up to 40 cm under good conditions.

Larger objects, for example, the size of a beverage can, can often be found at a depth of about 60 to 90 cm, depending on the metal detector and soil conditions. Even larger metal objects, such as a metal box, can be located at depths of about 1 m to 1.80 m, depending on the device.

For even greater depths, we also offer ground scanners and deep-seeking devices. With such devices, large objects can sometimes be located at depths of up to 5 meters, depending on the ground and object size.

The choice of the right search coil is also important. As a general rule: the larger the coil, the better larger objects can be found at greater depths. The smaller the coil, the better small objects can be detected and closely spaced finds can be clearly separated.

Nevertheless, a general depth specification is not possible, as factors such as wet ground, mineralization, and other interferences can affect detection. Therefore, it is important not only how deep a metal detector can go, but also how reliably it detects small and valuable objects. A good device thus offers not only greater depth but also better target separation and more precise localization during prospecting.

We would be happy to advise you personally on choosing the right device.

An archaeological monument is an archaeological site or a trace of the past preserved in the ground, such as ancient settlements, graves, roads, walls, or sites with historical objects. Such sites are legally protected, even if nothing is visible on the surface.

This is important for metal detectorists because the targeted search for archaeological monuments in Germany is regulated by law. Anyone who searches on such sites without permission or takes finds without reporting them can damage protected sites and violate monument protection laws. Furthermore, the permission of the landowner alone is not sufficient in such cases.

For beginners, a simple metal detector is often the best choice. Entry-level devices usually have fewer settings, making them easier to operate. This prevents beginners from being overwhelmed by too many functions and adjustment options when starting out in metal detecting.

Furthermore, as a beginner, you first need to get to know the hobby of metal detecting. In the beginning, it's not just about the technology, but also about developing a feel for the signals, the ground, and the general handling of the metal detector. Therefore, a clear and easy-to-understand device is particularly useful for many beginners.

Those who search for the first time with a metal detector for beginners usually benefit from simple operation and quick successes. Especially at the beginning, it is more important to learn how to use the device, interpret signals, and search in the field, rather than immediately delving into many technical details.

Nevertheless, a better or higher-quality model can also be suitable for beginners. Many professional metal detectors today are also designed to be user-friendly. Often, the advanced settings are arranged in such a way that they are not accidentally changed. The most important basic functions remain easily accessible, while additional professional settings are hidden more in the background or in submenus.

This means: If you, as a beginner, have a larger budget and want to stick with metal detecting long-term, you can certainly go directly for a better model. If you want to keep it as simple and inexpensive as possible, a good entry-level device is usually a very good choice.

We would be happy to advise you personally on choosing the right metal detector.

A metal detector has two coils in the search head: one transmits and the other receives. The coil sends a magnetic field into the ground. If there is a metal object, this field is altered. The receiving coil detects this, and the metal detector signals the find. Usually, you will then hear a sound, and with many devices, a display also appears on the screen.

Ground balancing helps the metal detector better understand the ground. This is because not only metal can trigger a signal, but sometimes the ground itself can, for example, if it contains many minerals.

With ground balancing, the metal detector learns to better filter out normal ground signals. This allows it to focus more on actual metal finds. This ensures that the device runs more quietly and you receive fewer false signals while prospecting.

Simply put: Ground balancing helps the metal detector differentiate between what is just ground and what could actually be a find.

That's why ground balancing is important:

• fewer disturbances
• quieter search
• more accurate signals
• better chances of finding something
  

Especially on difficult ground, good ground balancing is very important for the metal detector to work reliably.

A pinpointer is a practical addition to a metal detector and helps to precisely locate a find within the last few centimeters. With the metal detector, you determine the area where the object is located. After digging, the pinpointer helps to quickly and precisely find the metal object in the hole, in the excavated soil, or among grass, sand, and roots.

Especially when treasure hunting, a pinpointer saves a lot of time because you don't have to dig unnecessarily long or search through soil. Small finds such as coins, rings, or other metal objects can be found much faster and more accurately with it.

A pinpointer for metal detectors is therefore particularly useful for beginners, but also indispensable for experienced treasure hunters. It ensures more precise localization, faster retrieval, and an overall more pleasant treasure hunting experience.

Technology
Inexpensive metal detectors often only operate with a single frequency. This usually makes them somewhat less flexible and offers lower performance in certain search situations. High-quality or more expensive devices, on the other hand, often feature simultaneous multi-frequency technology and also offer the option of choosing between different single frequencies. This allows more expensive metal detectors to be better adapted to different ground conditions, object sizes, and search targets. Devices like the XP DEUS 2 with stereo headphones even have multiprocessing. This means that two different programs or signal processing methods can be used for searching simultaneously.

Detection Depth and Small Item Sensitivity
More expensive metal detectors often detect objects at greater depths than inexpensive entry-level models. Small items are also detected better, which inexpensive devices can barely or sometimes not even locate.

Target Separation
High-quality devices often have better response speed. This allows metals that are close together to be separated more effectively. This is particularly important in areas littered with debris.

Performance on Difficult Ground
More expensive metal detectors often cope better with mineralized, wet, or difficult ground, for example, on wet, salty ground or even in saltwater.

Ground Balance
Inexpensive devices often only have simple or fixed settings. More expensive models usually offer more precise manual or automatic ground balancing.

Search Modes and Settings
High-quality devices generally offer more search programs, more setting options, and finer adjustments for various search situations.

Target Identification
With more expensive metal detectors, the display is often more accurate, allowing metal types and conductivity values to be better assessed.

Workmanship and Material Quality
More expensive metal detectors are often built more robustly, have higher-quality workmanship, and are designed for longer use.

Comfort and Features
These include, for example, a better display, lower weight, wireless technology, better rods, or greater ease of use.

Expandability
More expensive models often have more accessories, different search coils, and additional functions that can be used to expand the device later.

The basic equipment for metal detecting includes not only a good metal detector, but also suitable accessories. Particularly important are a pinpointer, so that finds in the hole or excavated soil can be located more quickly, as well as a digging knife or spade to carefully excavate the object. A finds bag and a coinpad are also useful so that the finds can be stored safely and tidily.

In addition, good gloves are needed to protect your hands when digging, headphones so you can concentrate better on the sounds, and a finds brush to roughly clean the finds.

The Kapaan multi-functional harness and Kapaan boots are also very popular with our customers. Both provide more comfort and are a practical addition to the rest of the equipment when metal detecting.

Which search coil is right for you depends primarily on where you are searching and what you want to find. Small, medium, and large search coils each have different advantages.

Small Search Coil
A small search coil is usually 24 cm or smaller. It is particularly well-suited for trashy areas, tight spaces, and searching for small objects. Additionally, a small coil allows for more precise pinpointing, which is a big advantage when recovering finds. Especially for underwater searching, a small search coil is very practical because it has less swing resistance in the water, making it more comfortable to maneuver. Furthermore, small search coils are generally lighter, which makes searching more pleasant, especially during longer sessions.

Medium Search Coil
A medium search coil is usually about 28 cm round or elliptical. It is the best all-rounder for many metal detectorists because it offers a good mix of detection depth, target separation, and ground coverage. For those who search in different areas and want a versatile solution, a medium search coil is often the best choice.

Large Search Coil
A large search coil usually starts at about 34 cm and can be up to 45 cm or, in some special cases, even up to about 1 meter, depending on the model. Large coils are particularly suitable for large areas and for searching for larger objects at greater depths. They cover more ground per sweep but are usually heavier and often less precise in trashy areas or when looking for small objects.

In short:

• Small search coil = lighter, more precise pinpointing, ideal for small finds, trashy areas, and underwater searching
  
• Medium search coil = the best all-rounder for many applications
  
• Large search coil = heavier, more ground coverage, and greater depth for large objects

If a metal detector is beeping all the time, there can be several reasons. Often, it's due to sensitivity set too high, incorrect ground balance, strong environmental interference, or metal directly under the search coil.

It's especially important not to turn on and test the device inside a house or garage. There are often many metal objects and sources of interference there that can make the metal detector erratic. It's best to turn on the metal detector in an open field or in a location as free from interference as possible.

Often, it also helps to reduce the sensitivity somewhat and re-perform the ground balance. Many metal detectors also offer the option to choose between different frequencies or frequency shifts. This can often avoid or significantly reduce interference from external influences.

Also, make sure that no metal objects such as steel-toed shoes, rings, spades, or other metal parts are too close to the search coil. Power lines, radio sources, or highly mineralized soils can also cause erratic signals.

Additionally, check if the search coil and cable are properly attached. A loose connection or a damaged cable can also cause the metal detector to beep constantly.

In short:
First, test the metal detector outdoors in an open area, reduce sensitivity if necessary, perform a new ground balance, and check the coil, cable, and possible frequency settings.

EMI stands for electromagnetic interference. These are electrical or electronic influences from the environment that can interfere with a metal detector. The device then beeps erratically, shows false signals, or runs unstably, even though there is no real find in the ground.

Typical sources of EMI include:

• Power lines
• Underground cables
• Distribution boxes
• Transformers
• Mobile phone masts
• Wi-Fi routers
• Radio systems
• Transmitting masts
• Railway systems
• Electric fences
• Solar panels
• Inverters for solar panels
• Charging stations
• Robotic lawnmowers
• Boundary wires of robotic lawnmowers
• Robotic lawnmower garages with power connections
• Outdoor lighting with buried power lines
• Pond pumps
• Pool pumps
• Pool heaters
• Irrigation systems with electrical control
• Garden sheds with power connections
• Extension cords
• Cable reels
• Wallboxes for electric cars
• Electric garage doors
• Alarm systems
• Surveillance technology
• Satellite dishes
• Radio and wireless devices
• Other metal detectors nearby

Especially in the garden, there are often more sources of interference than one might think. Robotic lawnmowers, their boundary wires, buried power cables, pool technology, pond pumps, or outdoor power connections are particularly common problems.

If a metal detector is disturbed by EMI, it often helps to increase the distance to the source of interference, reduce the sensitivity, or select a different frequency or frequency shift.

No, a metal detector generally cannot be set to find only gold. Depending on its size, shape, purity, and alloy, gold has different values and can therefore react similarly to the device as other metals, such as aluminum, foil, or other non-ferrous metals.

Many metal detectors do offer settings such as discrimination or different search modes, which can help to filter out certain unwanted metals more effectively. However, there is always a risk that small gold objects may be overlooked.

If you want to search specifically for gold, the right metal detector, the appropriate search coil, the ground conditions, and the correct settings are crucial. A special gold prospecting detector or a sensitive device for small objects can significantly improve your chances of finding gold.

In short:

You cannot set a metal detector to find only gold. However, you can adjust your search to increase your chances of finding gold.

We accept various payment methods for immediate or installment payments. These include PayPal (immediate and installment payments), Klarna (immediate and installment payments), credit card, bank transfer, Google Pay, and Apple Pay. You can also pick up your order at our store.

For orders over 150 €, shipping is free within Germany and the Netherlands!

For orders under 150 €, shipping costs to Germany and the Netherlands are 6 €.

Shipping costs to Belgium, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France or Luxembourg are 15 € (free shipping for orders over 300 €).

Shipping costs to most other European countries are 25 €.

For shipping costs outside the EU, please contact us.

If the item is in stock, the delivery time within Germany is 1-3 business days. You can see the respective delivery time on the product page.

With the express option (DHL Express), the order will be delivered on the next business day.

If you order by 1 PM, the order will be shipped the same day with DHL.

Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive an email with the tracking number. This allows you to check where your shipment is located.

Instructions for our products can be found directly on the product page under "Documents", or on the page www.detectorportal.eu

For help and advice, please feel free to contact our customer service.

You have a 14-day right of withdrawal to return the product without giving a reason, starting from the day of receipt of the product. All information can be found on our Returns and Repairs page.

We offer a 24-month statutory warranty on all our products. Repairs within this period are free of charge, provided the conditions are met – for example, defects caused by improper use are not covered by the warranty. Some manufacturers offer an additional manufacturer's warranty on the products. This is stated on the product page under "Scope of delivery". Further information can be found on our Returns & Repairs page.

You can send your detector to our Service Center in Bunde, along with the completed repair form, the purchase invoice, and a description of the defect. Repairs take an average of 1 to 2 weeks; this may take longer if spare parts are needed. Details can be found on our Service Center page.

If the device is outside the warranty or manufacturer's guarantee, we will contact you with a cost estimate before performing the repair.

You can find answers to the most common questions about searching with metal detectors – for example, regarding legal regulations or the functionality of detectors – on the pages Tips & Tricks, Metal Detector Laws, or in our Blog.