Metal detecting on the beach requires a metal detector that works well on both wet and dry sand. Most VLF metal detectors struggle to preform well on wet sand. But based on a survey of real metal detector enthusiasts who ACTUALLY hunt the beaches, these 5 metal detectors are the top 5 metal detectors for metal detecting on the beach. These results are based on user experience, depth, and performance in both wet and dry sand.
To learn more about each metal detector featured below click on the image. The images link over to Kellyco Metal Detectors where you can get a lot of great information such as product descriptions, technical specs, and more.
What Are The 5 Best Metal Detectors for the Beach Detecting?
1. Minelab Equinox 600/800
Minelab sets the bar high with their multi-frequency technology built into both of their equinox models. For the price almost any metal detector enthusiast can pick up the Equinox and have success on the beach. One added benefit is that the Equinox is 100% waterproof. You don’t need to head for cover during a rain storm.
2. Minelab Excalibur II
A close 2nd is the Excalibur II. This is the machine of choice detecting in the surf or under water. You’ll see many of these in use around ship wrecks or in use by divers but the machine is very capable on the sand as well. You won’t get any digital screen displays with this machine. This is a pulse induction metal detector. But it is a proven powerhouse detector and its been around for a long time.
3. Minelab CTX 3030
Rounding off the top 3 is the CTX 3030. Minelab has the top 3 best metal detectors for beach hunting for a reason. They are good! Until the Equinox made its mark, this machine was a close 2nd to the Excalibur.
One of the first Minelab machines to ever use multi-frequency technology, the CTX does a fantastic job on the beach. It is a little more difficult to use and understand but after watching a few videos of folks hunting the beach with this machine and you will quickly want to own one. Plus, they are just good on the beach they are great for relics, old coins, and especially deep silver coins.
4. White’s TDI BeachHunter
If you have ever used a White’s TDI before you will quickly remember that these pulse induction machines work really well and punch deep under the ground. But TDI machines also made their mark as really good beach detectors. The problem they had was they weren’t waterproof and you had to be really careful using them on the wet sand.
Fortunately, White’s figured out how to waterproof their TDI detectors and the BeachHunter is their answer. Never again will you have to worry about the water or wet sand. This pulse induction machine is great for dry and wet sand as well as metal detecting in the surf. A great machine if you are used to the White’s lineup and an easy machine to learn if you aren’t.
5. Garrett ATX
Coming in at number 5 is the Garrett ATX. By looking at this machine one would not think that this is a beach metal detector but it happens to work really well on the beach. The ATX was never really thought of being a flagship beach machine for Garrett. Instead, Garrett marketed the ATX as an all terrain machine capable of hunting in any condition. But the ATX is also a great beach metal detector.
Again, this is a pulse induction metal detector that works great on both wet and dry sand. Its only downside is that its a little heavy but the weight is balanced proportionately which makes it easier to carry around. Because its 100% waterproof you can hunt both the wet and dry sand as well as in the surf or underwater. It also folds up nicely for travel and storage.
Smaller Budget? Here is Another Beach Metal Detector Alternative.
If you are getting sticker shock from looking up the prices to some of those top beach metal detectors mentioned above, then take a look at the Minelab Vanquish. Although it isn’t 100% waterproof, it does have Minelab’s multi-frequency technology that made the Equinox #1 from the list of top 5 best beach metal detectors.
The Vanquish has the right “stuff” that makes it a good option for beach detecting. The downside is that you have to be real careful around the wet sand and surf. The machine itself is waterproof from coil up to just below the control box.
Other Beach Hunting Tools
Now that you narrowed in on one of the top 5 beach metal detectors, there are a few things you should also considered purchasing that will help you get the most out of your beach hunting adventures.
Get a Good Sand Scoop.
Sure you can take a shovel along and many folks do but if you want to quick target recovery, I highly recommend picking up a good/very well made sand scoop.
You won’t be sorry for spending a little extra money for a good one. The cheap knock offs may last a year at the most. I usually find the handle slipping off the cheaper models within a couple of hunts. So if you purchase a cheap one, you might as well pick up a couple packages of JB Weld.
However, I recommend Gold Digger Sand Scoops. They are super strong and made extremely well. In addition, you can also purchase carbon fiber shafts that make them super strong.
Pin-Pointer or Probe
More than likely you are going to run into times when you will have a difficult time finding your target especially in the wet sand. The closer to the surf the quicker your holes will fill up with water and the faster your target will sink.
Having a pin-pointer or probe will significantly shorten your time finding the target. Pin-pointers have become a must have when it comes to metal detecting on the beach, land, or even underwater.
I have used many pin-pointers over the years but there is only one that I recommend for any metal detecting in any condition. This pin-pointer is made by XP Metal Detectors. The XP M-4 or M1-6 pin-pointer are really great pin-pointers and I highly recommend either of them for the beach, land, and underwater. Both the Mi-4 and 6 are 100% waterproof and require no batteries. They are rechargeable pin-pointers that will give you up to 90 HOURS! of use on a single charge.
Still not convinced? I wrote an article about this pointer titled, “Is The MI-6 Really That Good?” you can read that article by clicking HERE.
Metal Detecting Finds Bag
There are plenty of metal detecting finds bags to choose from but I recommend getting a bag with a mesh bottom. The mesh bottom helps reduce the amount of sand that gets collected during your hunt. Believe me its more than you can imagine and you don’t want the weight of the sand weighing you down. You want the weight of those GOLD and SILVER rings in your bag NOT sand.
I highly recommend the OmegaMill Relic Elite Metal Detector Pouch. You can find this bag for sale on both Kellyco and Amazon. I like the bag because it has storage pockets, a pin-pointer holder and a strong mesh bottom. This is is the perfect bag for metal detecting on the beach or for any other type of metal detecting.
Head Lamp For Beach Detecting at Night.
Sometimes the tides just won’t come in your when you need them. Many times low tide occurs when there are too many people on the beach or during the middle of the day when its the sun is at it’s peek. Metal detecting during the middle of day when temperatures are in mid to upper 90s is brutal and you’ll end up at the first aid station for dehydration or heat stroke.
Many of us now resort to beach metal detecting at night for a couple reasons.
- The beaches are less crowded.
- The temperatures are extremely cooler.
- Less likely to have anyone bother you.
If you hunt the beach at night you are going to need a good head lamp and I recommend one with a red light. I recommend this amazon lamp called GOFORWILD. You get both the white LED light and a red light are super bright. This light even has a motion sensor so all you have to do is way your hand in front of the sensors to activate the light.
The red light is important for those beaches that have light restrictions (yes they do exist). This is mainly to project the sea turtles from coming to shore. Some beaches will only allow red lights. Check the rules before you detect at night.
Looking for More Information?
Kellyco Metal Detectors recently wrote and article titled “Metal Detecting on The Beach that has some great beach tips and a plethora of information about places to hunt, techniques, rules etc. Its a great read and I highly recommend it. There might be a section in there from MentalMetalDetecting.com.
You’re All Set!
You have one of the best beach metal detectors on the market, a great sand scoop, an excellent XP pin-pointer, a quality finds bag, and a super bright, hands free, head lamp.
The only thing that’s missing is the beach and the time to go. It’s all up to you now. Get out there find those gold and silver rings, coins, fishing weights, and all the other good things that will find their way in your scoop. Good luck!
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