2024 Metal Detecting Resource Guide


If you are looking for a good resource that puts all of your detecting needs in one location then you found the right place. My 2024 Metal Detecting Resource Guide includes all of the metal detectors I have reviewed, compared, and recommended in one of my articles. Plus, I include recommended accessories that are a must have for each detector including pin-pointers, search coils, headphones, and more.

Minelab Metal Detectors

Minelab has been around a long time and their metal detectors are some of the best on the market. In my possession, I currently own the Manticore, X-TERRA Pro, Equinox 900, and Equinox 800. I also own a GPX 4500 (discontinued) and I had a CTX 3030 but decided to let it go to make room for the Manticore and Equinox 900.

Minelab Metal Detectors from Entry Level to Advanced.

  • X-Terra Pro = Entry level user to semi-advanced user. 100% waterproof. I was really impressed with the functionality and features of this machine. Its packed full of features that most entry level machines will never have and its at a very good price point.
  • Vanquish Series = Entry level to semi-advanced user. This machine is not 100% waterproof. Only coil up to the control box is waterproof.
  • Equinox 600 and 700 = Simple enough for a beginner but complex enough for advanced users. Lacks some configuration options that the 800 and 900 have but fully capable machines.
  • Equinox 800 and 900 = Simple for a beginner but has a lot more advanced configuration options than the 600 and 700. I think the Equinox 900 is everything the 800 should have been. I really enjoy the 900.
  • Manticore = Easy to use, very instinctive menus but a next level machine that will not appeal to everyone. Getting time on the machine to is the key to taming the beast. The Manticore is 100% waterproof and probably the deepest VLF machine on the market. I really enjoy this machine, especially on the beach. It loves gold!
  • GPX 4500 = Pulse Induction. Tough for beginners. This is a more advanced machine and discontinued.
  • CTX 3030 = Very powerful and good for the semi-advanced to advanced users. This machine has been around for many years and its still a very capable and deep machine. However, it does use a 2 number target ID scale which is different than most machine on the market. The processing power is slow but if you slow down, the CTX 3030 will still find the treasure but at a very steep price.

Minelab Price Comparison Table

The table below will link over to to Kellyco, Amazon, and Fort Bedford Metal Detectors (FBMD). You can compare prices and read more about the machine. However, I would recommend calling FBMD for the best price. They will usually match or beat any price being offered over the Internet.

ModelKellyco PriceAmazon PriceFBMD Price
X-Terra ProUnavailableCheck PriceCall 814-215-1732
Vanquish 340Check PriceCheck PriceCall 814-215-1732
Vanquish 440Check PriceCheck PriceCall 814-215-1732
Vanquish 540 Pro PackCheck PriceCheck PriceCall 814-215-1732
Equinox 600Check PriceCheck PriceCall 814-215-1732
Equinox 700Check PriceCheck PriceCall 814-215-1732
Equinox 800Check PriceCheck PriceCall 814-215-1732
Equinox 900Check PriceCheck PriceCall 814-215-1732
Manticore Check PriceCheck PriceCall 814-215-1732
CTX 3030Check PriceCheck PriceCall 814-215-1732

Recommended Minelab Accessories

There are so many accessories you can buy for the Minelab metal detectors but if you are buying a waterproof machine such as the the Manticore, Equinox 600/800 and now the Equinox 700 and 900 or the CTX you are probably going to want to pick up a set of waterproof headphones. I highly recommend them for these 2 machines:

Recommended Minelab Equinox Coils

I own all 3 of these coils for the Minelab Equinox 600/800/700/900 and all 3 have a purpose. I like the 11″ the best but I have found the 6″ and 15″ coils to have their own purpose and I recommend owning all of them if possible. You can also use these coils with Minelab’s X-Terra Pro. I wrote a comparison post that goes into more detail about each coil to include price differences etc. You can find that article here or by clicking the image below. (New for 2023) these same coils will also work with the Equinox 700/900 as well the X-Terra Pro.

After Market Minelab Equinox Coils

In 2021 Coiltek released 3 new search coils for the Minelab Equinox 600 and 800. However, in 2023 Minelab also released the updated versions of the Equinox 700 and 900. All of CoilTek coils will work with the Equinox 700 and 900. But they also work with the new X-Terra Pro. You can find more information about their 10×5“, 14×9” and 15DD search coils by clicking the image below.

Looking For Other Minelab Accessories?

Click this Kellyco link to see all the other accessories Minelab has to offer.

Garrett Metal Detectors

GarrettModelModelModelModelModel
Ace Series150200300400 APEX
AT SeriesAT ProAT MaxATX (pulse)

Recommended Coils for Garrett Metal Detectors

GarrettCoilCoilCoil
AT Pro5 X 8 DD Coil by GarrettNEL Storm 13 X 14NEL Snake 6.5 X 3.5
ATXGarrett 11 X 13″ DD ClosedGarrett 10 X 12″ DD
AT MaxNEL Storm 13 X 14″NEL SharpShooter 9.5 X 5.5

Recommended Garrett Accessories

XP Metal Detectors

XP is not stranger to the metal detecting community. They have the lightest and one of the most powerful metal detectors on the market. Late in 2021, XP announced their latest flagship the XP Deus II and it remains extremely popular and is one of the best metal detectors ever made. For more information on the DEUS II you can find it by clicking the image below:

DEUS II

XP Metal Detectors

XPModelModel
Deus IIDeus II w/remoteWS6-Master Setup
DeusWS4 WirelessWS5 Wirelss
ORXFX-02 Wired HeadphonesWS Wireless

Recommended Coils or Both The XP Deus and ORX

9″ Round X35 DD Coil 11″ Round X35 DD Coil 13×11 Round X35 DD Coil
9″ HF Round DD Coil 9.5″ HF Elliptical DD Coil

Recommended XP Accessories

Nokta Makro Metal Detectors

Nokta MakroModelModelModel
Anfibio1419Multi
SimplexNo WirelessWireless
*** NEW *** Legend (coming soon)

Recommended Nokta Makro Coils

Nokta MakroCoil
AnfibioNokta Makro 11″ Black Waterproof Coil
SimplexNokta Makro 11″ DD Waterproof Coil

Recommended Nokta Makro Accessories

Metal Detecting Digging Shovels

Please check out my previous article titled “6 Great Metal Detecting Shovels“. I own each one of these shovels and I highly recommend them. Each shovel has its own purpose depending on the digging conditions. Read more.

Ready For a New Detector or Piece of Gear?

When you are ready to make a purchase I recommend doing business with Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. They are great to work with and they will give you the best price available. I can’t recommend Fort Bedford Metal Detectors enough. Contact Keith John or Zack via phone 814-215-1732 or contact them via Facebook or through their website.

If it turns they can’t get you what you need feel free to use the links to the products I’ve provided. I am also an affiliate for both Amazon and Kellyco. You are not obligated to in any way to use my links but they do earn me a small fee which is at no additional cost to you. Anything I earn helps keep this web site going. Thank you for your support.

Mental Metal

Here is a little about me. I started this hobby back in the early 90's. My first detector was a Whites 5900 DI. I found enough clad the first summer (around $400) to pay it off. Then I stopped detecting... Fortunately, I didn't give it up for good. Here I am 20+ years later and I've rediscovered the joy of metal detecting.

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