Decide what you want your metal detector to do

You may want metal detecting at your business to keep it safer. You may want a hand held metal detector to use for individual searches. You may want portable gold metal detectors for finding lost metal items. Each of these uses will require a different type of metal detector so make sure you know what you'll be using yours for.

I recommend: If you want a hobby metal detector for gold, metal or relics, try one of Tesoro’s specialized detectors. For those who need security metal detectors, check out some of Garrett’s options, including hand held scanners and walk through detectors.

Buy the most sensitive metal detection that you can afford

The more sensitive your detector is, the more likely you'll be able to find weapons or treasures, depending on your purpose. For industrial units, you'll want one that eliminates interference and can detect weapon shapes easily.

I recommend: Find smaller and deeper items with one of White Electronic’s metal detectors. MetalDetectors has different security detectors to meet your needs.

Choose the best metal detectors with good audio signals

Audio signals alert you to the presence of what you are looking for. Walk through metal detectors need to alert personnel to the presence of weapons. Portable units need to signal where the item is. For hobby detectors, look for models with adjustable audio signals so that you can find one that you're comfortable with.

I recommend: Use Bounty Hunters Metal Detector’s buyers quiz to find the right metal detector for you. Fisher Lab’s walk through metal detectors can be customized in a number of ways for your protection and security.

Go with a waterproof housing if you plan on metal detecting near water

If you want to search for treasure on the beach, buy a beach metal detector to get into areas that regular metal detectors can't go to. You'll find more goodies because fewer people can enter the shallow water with their metal detectors.

I recommend: Kellyco Detectors sells waterproof and beach metal detectors. GovCon offers a walk through metal detector that can be used safely in outdoor situations.