Metal detecting is a hobby enjoyed all around the world but Its not just a hobby that adults enjoy. Kids can also enjoy digging up treasure and trash just as much as the grownups do. But how much will a metal detector cost if you decide to purchase a detector for a kid, teenager, or adult? This article will break down the cost of metal detectors for each age group and what you can expect to get for your money.
What is Average Cost For a Metal Detector For Kids Ages 4-10?
As a general rule the cost of a metal detector for a kid will cost between $60 – $150. The price will vary depending on the features of the machine and the age of the child. Most metal detectors for kid ages 4-10 will usually include an adjustable shaft that can be adjusted to the length of the child’s arm, external speaker to hear the sounds, volume control, and some discrimination option to remove unwanted targets. On average, a kid’s metal detector will operate on one frequency between 6.6 – 6.8kHz and weigh around 1.5lbs (average). Also most kids metal detectors come with at least a 1 year limited warranty. As the child grows and gains more experience, it may be necessary to upgrade to a more advanced metal detector.
What is The Average Cost For a Metal Detector For Kids 10 Years and Older?
For Kids ages 10 years and older, the average price of a metal detector will cost around $150 but the features are usually better and the metal detector graduates from looking like a toy to more of a sophisticated looking metal detector. For instance, metal detectors in the 10 and older age bracket will usually include an external speaker, volume control, a 1/4″ or 1/8″ headphone jack, better discrimination control, some will also include a water proof coil, and a better warranty. The average warranty for metal detectors in this age group is 2-5 years. Plus, the battery life increases significantly.
What is The Average Cost For a Metal Detector for Kids ages 16 and Older?
The price of metal detectors in this age group can jump significantly. The price difference can be anywhere from $200 to $400. The average price of a metal detector for kids ages 16 and older is around $374. However, we have found that the quality and capability of these metal detectors is much better and more dependable. Most metal detectors in this range will include a waterproof coil but some metal detectors can be 100% waterproof and submersible down to 10ft of water. These metal detectors will usually include a 1/8″ headphone jack but some companies offer wireless headphones and offer multi-frequency technology which puts these metal detectors in high demand.
Recommended Metal Detectors for Kids Ages 4-10.
Based on 2022 prices we’ve listed the most common and sought after metal detectors for kids ages 4-10 and broke them down by brand, weight, waterproof, warranty and price. However, prices will vary and we recommend checking current prices over at Kellyco Metal Detectors, Amazon, and Fort Bedford Metal Detectors to compare prices. Links to each of these companies and their prices are provided below for your convenience.
What Metal Detecting Features Should You Expect For Kids Ages 4-10?
For ages 4-10, metal detectors in this age bracket are usually light weight and will include the basic features such as:
- On and Off Control
- Volume Control
- Discrimination Control (eliminates some targets like iron nails).
- External Speaker
- Small Search Coil
- Adjustable Arm Length
Metal detectors for this age group are very basic machines that are designed to turn on and beep indicating that metal lies beneath the coil. Discrimination control is very basic. The higher the discrimination is turned up the less beeps or targets the metal detector will pick up. Most the machines in this age bracket are designed to look and feel like a toy.
Top 5 Recommended Metal Detectors for Kids Ages 4 -10.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Waterproof | Warranty | Check Price |
| Bounty Hunter | Junior | 1.13lbs. | No | 1 year | Kellyco, Amazon |
| Bounty Hunter | Junior T.I.D | 1.5lbs. | No | 1 year | Kellyco, Amazon |
| Noka Makro | Mini Hoard | 1.9lbs. | Yes | 2 years | Kellyco, Amazon |
| National Geographic | Pro Series | 2.3lbs. | Coil Only | Unknown | Amazon |
| Bounty Hunter | Gold Digger | 2.6lbs. | No | 5 years | Kellyco, Amazon |
Recommended Metal Detectors for Young Kids Ages 10 And older.
For kids who are 10 years of age and older, the weight of the metal detector will still play a significant role when deciding to purchase the right machine. But the metal detectors in this age bracket tend to be constructed better and begin to look and feel like a real metal detector. They also include a few more features like, headphones, a waterproof coil, better discrimination features etc., but as you will see, the price tends to be a higher because of the extra features.
What Features Should Expect From Metal Detectors for Kids ages 10 and Older.
As mentioned earlier, at this age the metal detectors begin to look and feel like real metal detectors. Some of these metal detectors will offer some advanced features like:
- LCD Display
- Better Discrimination Control
- Headphones or a 1/4″ Headphone Jack
- Some waterproofing or water resistance
- Larger Search Coil
- Pin-pointing Capability (zeroing in on targets).
- Better Warranties
Metal detector for this age group may come with more features but the weight also increases as well as does the price. Weight still plays an important factor at this age but as the kids get older they should be able handle one of these metal detectors for a couple of hours before getting fatigued. Also, kids at this age tend to be exploring and if there is water near by, you may want to consider metal detector with a search coil that is waterproof.
Top 5 Recommended Metal Detectors For Kids Ages 10 and Older.
| Brand | Model | Weight | Waterproof | Warranty | Check Price |
| Fisher | F11 | 2.3lbs. | Coil Only | 5 years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford |
| Fisher | F22 | 2.3lbs. | Coil Only | 5 years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford |
| Garrett | Ace 200 | 2.75lbs. | Coil Only | 2 Years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford |
| Garrett | Ace 250 | 2.7lbs. | Coil Only | 2 years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford |
| Garrett | Ace 300 | 2.8lbs. | Coil Only | 2 years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford |
Metal Detectors for Young Adults 16 years and older.
The price of metal detectors in this age group can jump significantly. However, we have found that the quality and capability of these metal detectors is much better and more dependable. The table below lists some of the most popular yet most dependable metal detectors for young teenagers and adults. All of the metal detectors listed below can be used in water (coil only) but the Nokta Makor Simplex and Minelab Equinox can be fully submerged underwater down to 10 feet making them 100% waterproof.
Note: All of the metal detectors listed below have been proven to be very good metal detectors. I have owned and personally handled all of these machines except the Garrett Ace 400. I provided links under the “Model” column that take you over to my review videos. You can also find corresponding articles on this website by checking the Metal Detector Reviews section of my website located here.
Top 7 Recommended Metal Detectors For Young Adults Ages 16 and Older
| Brand | Model | Weight | Waterproof | Warranty | Check Price |
| Garrett | ACE APEX | 2.5lbs. | Coil Only | 2 Years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford (call) |
| Nokta Makro | Simplex | 2.9lbs. | 100% | 2 Years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford |
| Minelab | Vanquish 340 | 2.6lbs. | Coil Only | 3 Years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford (call) |
| Minelab | Vanquish 440 | 2.6lbs. | Coil Only | 3 Years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford (call) |
| Minelab | Vanquish 540 | 2.8lbs. | Coil Only | 3 Years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford (call) |
| Garrett | ACE 400 | 2.9lbs. | Coil Only | 2 Years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford |
| Minelab | Equinox 600 | 2.96lbs. | 100% | 3 Years | Kellyco, Amazon, Fort Bedford |
Is Your Kid Ready For a Metal Detector?
If you think your kid is ready for their first metal detector we recommend reaching out to Fort Bedford Metal Detectors for all of your metal detecting needs. They offer excellent service, fast and free shipping, and if you are a veteran or active duty military ask them about their military discount. Please give them a chance to earn your business.
I hope this article was informative and helpful for you and your decision to purchase a metal detector. There are many metal detectors on the market choose from. Be careful of Chinese rip offs that you will commonly see on Amazon. If you stay with companies like, Minelab, Garrett, Fisher, Bounty Hunter, Nokta Makro etc., you should be fine. But choose wisely and when you do, take the time to watch YouTube videos about your metal detector. Spend some time learning how to use the detector. Trust me, It will save you a lot of time and heartache for you and your loved one. Thanks for stopping by. -Scott MentalMetalDetecting.com
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