From emails to YouTube comments to Facebook messages.  I have seen my fair share of questions about metal detectors.     

 

Which detector is best?   

Should I tell my wife?

Do I need a different coil?  

 

These are questions that just cannot be answered easily.

 

The best metal detector is the one you learn to master to the best of your ability.  

Do you like sleeping on the couch?

Do you hunt trashy parks (small coil) or farming pastures (large coil)?

 

There is also one other question that is seen almost daily, more so than any other question.

 

Which metal detector is best for a beginner?   

 

While I still stand by my reasoning that the “best” metal detector for any skill level is the one you take time to master, I can at least tackle this question by showing you detectors geared towards the beginner to intermediate ranged user.  This is where Teknetics metal detectors comes up to bat, and hits a grand slam with their detector lineup.  

 

 

For price to performance - it is my opinion that nobody can compete with Teknetics.  They offer a wide variety of detectors that are perfect for beginners to learn from - but will also carry you into the intermediate range when the time comes.  This is great news for people that are just entering the hobby and do not want to break the bank in the process.

Here is their website where you can order factory direct with a 5 year warranty.  

https://www.tekneticsdirect.com/products/metal-detectors

 

Let’s take a look at a few of their offerings from the Greek series of metal detectors:

The Alpha, Delta and Gamma.

TEKNETICS ALPHA 2000 ($199)  ($169 with code!)

This is probably one of the best intro metal detectors on the market.  At $200, it is what you buy when you are not sure if you will stick with the hobby.  Then after using it a few hours - you KNOW you will be sticking with the hobby because you fell in love with it.   

 

The Alpha has an easy to read LCD display that gives you target identification with categories such as Dime - Penny - Quarter.   It even has trash categories like Foil and Aluminum that you can eliminate from detection with the notch feature.  

 

Wondering how deep your target is under the 8 inch concentric coil?  A quick glance at the depth meter on the display gives you that information.  

 

Adjustable sensitivity - adjustable volume - adjustable discrimination AND notches.  It does not get much better than the Teknetics Alpha if you are looking for your first detector.

Review video of the Teknetics Alpha at the link below:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAr6miYI71k

 

TEKNETICS DELTA 4000 ($279 MSRP)  ($199 with code!)

This one is a nice step up from the Alpha 2000 - but not a huge leap in price.  Like the Alpha, the Delta 4000 has adjustable discrimination - volume - sensitivity - notches - 1-99 ID.

 

It adds two seperate All-Metal modes, making you feel capable in any location or setting.  It also adds a pinpoint button where you can zero in on the targets beneath the coil, which is great for fast object recovery.  More objects dug per hunt equals more treasure in your pocket!

 

Colored with a green faceplate to match the green you saved from escaping your wallet.

Review video of the Teknetics Delta 4000 at the link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqWNo7K0UmE

 

TEKNETICS GAMMA 6000 ($499) ($299 with code!)

For $200 off with the code, this is a no brainer.   While it is more of an intermediate machine, it is very easy to learn so deserves a place on this list.   The more intermediate options are something that can be eased into later when you feel ready.  

 

Like the Alpha 2000 - sleek black looks are the name of the game here.   They may look similar, but there is plenty of added punch in the Gamma 6000.   It has an All-Metal mode that goes quite deep.  A good 8 inches on a coin is very doable with this Gamma.  It also has a quick and manual ground balance for when the soil gets tough to work with.  

 

Speaking of bad soil.  The Gamma has a mineralization readout that works in real time.  Always letting you know the trouble areas of the are you are detecting.

 

Depth indicator - adjustable notch - adjustable disc - adjustable sensitivity - 1-99 ID.  The Gamma 6000 has it all right at your fingertips.  

 

NOTE: The Omega 8500 is the pinnacle of the Teknetics Greek Series of metal detectors.   However, it is geared more towards the intermediate to advanced user.  I plan on revisiting it in a separate blog for such users.

 

Now let’s take a look at 2 of the 3 Teknetics Ameriteks!  These fantastics detectors have patriotic faceplates and names.  They are made in America just like all First Texas metal detectors. (Teknetics - Fisher - Bounty Hunter)

 

TEKNETICS MINUTEMAN ($249 MSRP)  ($199 with code!)

The Teknetics Minuteman is as absolute killer in iron.  It’s sole purpose is to be an affordable relic hunter.   Take it to old sites where rusty nails and bits litter the land.  This Minuteman can handle it with no problem.

 

It has adjustable iron audio, which means you can make iron objects like nails and rusty cans silent or barely audible.  A great feature for any relic hunter.  It also has a special VCO tone that is proportional audio.  Large or shallow targets give a very loud response - while deeper or smaller targets give a softer response.  

 

Let’s not forget about the visuals!   A 1-99 target ID lets you narrow down just what you are digging with great confidence.   The depth meter and pin-point option shows you exactly where the target is.  

 

Lightweight like all Teknetics metal detectors. You can spend all day using it without arm fatigue.

Performance tests on the Teknetics Ameritek Minuteman below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19mvszlZpBs

 

TEKNETICS LIBERATOR ($349 MSRP)  ($299 with code!)

The Ameritek Liberator has one of the best price to performance ratios in all of metal detecting.  I’m not sure there is any other detector at this price stuffed full of so many options.  

 

Adjustable notch - volume - V-Break - discrimination.

3 preset modes named Coin - Jewelry - Artifacts

3 custom modes you can change and save.  

Manual and preset ground balance.

Disc and All-Metal modes.

11DD coil standard.

4 tone audio

Pin-Point button

11 inch DD coil

 

The list goes on and on.  Performance is no joke with that 11 inch DD coil.  This detector will hit coins at 8 inches in most soil conditions.  While I would probably label the Liberator as an intermediate detector, it is too good to pass up if your budget allows it.  It will take you from beginner, to intermediate, to the fringe of advanced.  

 

I say it all the time - the Liberator is one of the best buys in all of metal detecting.

Performance testing on the Teknetics Liberator below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljyqZy5GTfY

 

NOTE:  The Patriot is the top end Ameritek.  I consider it a intermediate to advanced machine.   Just like I left out the Omega 8500 above - I plan on revisiting both in an upcoming blog about the more advanced detectors from Teknetics.  Stay tuned!

 

I hope you enjoyed the blog!  TheHunterGT signing off.  I will see you - on the next blog!