Not everybody enjoys digging up old coins and soda caps. But the avid detectorist in you understands the thrills of the great hobby and the beautiful perks in case you hit something of value.
However, if you plan to get started for fun or otherwise, you might want to go for entry-level detectors. You should note, however, that most of these entry-level detectors might not have the bells and whistles you would find in their high-end counterparts.
Most expensive models boast of features like underwater capabilities and pulse induction that are great for experienced hunters. Other capabilities include multi-frequency technology that is essential for penetrating salt minerals.
Generally, you might not find these features in entry-level metal detectors but that doesn’t mean they won’t have some decent features you will find useful. So the first step would be looking out for the best metal detectors under $300 or less that will give you value for money.
[table “23” not found /]If you are not sure how to get started, we have rounded up the best metal detectors under $300 you might want to take a look at:
Best metal detector under $300 reviews
1. Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector
If you really love to get started with prospecting, this is an exciting tool that will help you discover a lot that is buried beneath the surface of the earth. There are many reasons that qualify this model as one of the best metal detectors under 300 that sensible prospector can’t ignore.
To start with, the model packs great features you would rarely find in most detectors including the expensive models out there.
Increased depth detection gives you a big advantage over most doctors out there. A depth of 4 feet for larger targets and 11 inches for coins increases your chances of hitting for targets that are buried deep under the surface. Unlike other models that can’t ‘sit well’, this detector features a sophisticated ground balance control so you can have your peace while on the job.
The manual or automatic adjustment, on the other hand, helps you keep a proper balance especially in challenging terrains or areas.
The Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector is sufficiently sophisticated, but not difficult to operate. Thanks to simple-to-operate controls and an LCD display, you have nothing to worry about, even if you are completely new to the game.
That’s not all. The dector allows you to eliminate unwanted metals, thanks to the inbuilt discrimination system. It also comes with 3-levels of iron discrimination and a 7-segment target elimination indicator.
The target identification system features 5-modes of operation that is complemented by 4-tone audio indicators. That way, even the amaterur prospector can assign unique tones for different metals types like a pro.
To help fine-tune your prospecting, the device packs 11 clear digital target id and a numeric depth indicator, while the search coil is waterproof ideal dumpy/watery searches.
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Strengths
- Great ground balance system
- Advanced target discrimination system
- Waterproof search coil
- Deep seeking pinpoint mode
- Five easy start detection modes
Limitations
- The rest of the equipment is water-resistant but not water-prrof
2. Garrett ACE 300
A newer model of the popular ACE 250, the ACE 300 is one of the best metal detectors under 300 out there.
It’s quality-built and easier to operate, making it an excellent choice for novice to veteran detectorists looking for an affordable and reliable backup detector.
The interface packs sufficient information yet it isn’t intimidating for beginners or overwhelming for experienced hobbyists. Thanks to the standards, the ACE 300 is highly reliable and efficient. The new digital target ID: 0-99 readout helps you identify different targets faster while the larger 7’’ ×10’’ coil that enables you to cover more ground faster.
If you are working in areas heavily infested with iron, the increased iron resolution will be of good help so that you can easily weed out bad targets. For better sensitivity, the ACE 300 features a 8Hz kind of sensitivity that makes it easier to detect smaller targets and low to mid- conductivity metals like lead and gold.
On top of that, Gerret’s ACE 300 comes with 5 pre-set modes – relics, coin, jewelry, custom and no-discrimination – that makes it easy for you to search for the objects of your choice. The coil is waterproof but the control box isn’t, making it not ideal for searches in ‘’fully submerged’’ cases.
Like other models retailing under 300, expect a bit of struggle, few hits and misses when hunting in wet sand, salty water and highly mineralized soils. Besides, the model lacks ground balance adjustment.
Strengths
- Comes with 5 pre-set modes so you can choose the one that suits your needs..
- New 0 – 99 Target ID that offers, newer way of retrieving target information. Larger 7’’ ×10’’ coil so you can cover more ground faster.
- High sensitivity to smaller targets, low and medium conductivity targets.
- two times iron resolution of the ACE 250, making it a good fit for use in iron infested areas.
Limitations
- No ground balance adjustment.
3. Teknetics Eurotek Pro
If you are looking to hunt in areas of highly mineralized ground or in trash-filled areas, Eurotek Pro is probably the detector for you.
There many reasons why are including this model in our list of the best metal detectors under 300. To start with, this brand is owned by First Texas Products, the same company that owns the Fisher series detectors. So you know it is a no nonsense product. Secondly, Eurotek Pro packs great features that you would find in most entry-level detectors.
Stability is everything. You don’t want to have a detector that falls off once a light wind blows. The same S-rod design and a new housing lowers the center of gravity making it more stable especially during the normal coil swings. If you love your ‘thing light’ or probably are a newbie in the game and not used to heavier detectors, this model is sort of a feather-weight. it won’t hurt your arms.
When it comes to interchanging coils, Eurotek Pro is ahead of the game. Swapping Gamma, Omega, Delta coils is a breeze. If you are working in iron infested areas, this model will be of great use. It features great tech that will help you to easily wade through the muck and pick out the good stuff you are looking for.You realize more ironimplies the presence of more people. That means you are likely to land more coin finds.
The Eurotek Pro comes packaged in a smaller box and would require assembling. Assembling the machine, however, is fairly easy. You only need a Phillips head screwdriver, 2 screws for the arm cup and 2 screws for the display housing, and you will be good to go.
Overall, it is a great detector that performs so blasted well than most models out there while being so pocket-friendly.
Strengths
- Pocket friendly price.
- Easy coil swapping.
- Great for iron infested areas.
- S-rod that lowers C.o.G there increasing stability.
- Fast recovery speed so you can hit more finds.
Limitations
- Some models have a faster recovering time.
If you are looking to get started on your prospecting mission, you might want to purchase a cheaper metal detector. However, it isn’t easy to find the right fit given the number of brands out there fighting for your attention and money.
However, we have reviewed some of the best metal detectors under $300 for you so your search becomes easier.
We loved Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector increased depth penetration and a host of great features you won’t find in most entry-level metal detectors. If you love technology, the model comes with an LCD screen that displays large 1-99 target ID readouts. .
The Garrett ACE 300 is an impressive detector featuring high sensitivity to small targets and low conductivity metals. The Teknetics Eurotek Pro, on the other hand, is great if you are looking for a more stable and reliable detector. It is also ideal for working in iron infested areas.