If you’ve been into treasure hunting for a while (or even if you’re just getting started), you’ve probably heard about long-range metal detectors and regular metal detectors. They sound similar, but they actually work in very different ways — and choosing the right one can make or break your search.
Let’s break it down in plain English, so you know exactly when to use a long range metal detector and when to stick with a regular one.
What is a Long-Range Metal Detector?
A long-range metal detector is like your scout. Instead of sweeping the ground coil-by-coil, it can detect metal from a distance — sometimes hundreds of meters away.
- Best for: Large treasures, gold veins, or caches buried deep underground.
- How it works: Uses directional antennas or sensors to pick up signals from a distance, guiding you toward the general location of a target.
- Where it shines: Big open spaces, deserts, hillsides, or anywhere you can’t cover every inch of ground with a coil.
📍 Example: The BR SYSTEMS Gold Step Pro Max is a well-known long-range detector for professional treasure hunters.
What is a Regular Metal Detector?
A regular metal detector is your precision tool. You need to physically pass the coil over the target to detect it.
- Best for: Coins, relics, jewelry, small gold nuggets, and shallow to medium depth finds.
- How it works: Sends electromagnetic signals into the ground and reacts when it passes over metal.
- Where it shines: Parks, beaches, known gold patches, and smaller search areas.
📍 Example: The Garrett Axiom Lite is a powerful pulse induction detector that excels in mineralized soils and pinpoint gold hunting.
When to Use a Long Range Metal Detector
Go long-range if:
- You have a large search area and no exact starting point.
- You’re after big, deep treasures (like gold deposits or buried hoards).
- You need to survey terrain quickly before committing to digging.
When to Use a Regular Metal Detector
Grab your regular detector if:
- You’re in a smaller area or a known hotspot.
- You want precise pinpointing before digging.
- You’re hunting small or shallow targets.
Pro Tip: Use Both for Best Results
Professional treasure hunters often combine both types:
- Start with a long-range detector to find a general location.
- Switch to a regular detector to confirm the target and pinpoint the exact spot.
This combo saves time, energy, and keeps you from digging in the wrong place. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to the long range vs regular metal detector debate, at Metal Detectors Pro, we do have a few professional metal detectors combine both long range and regular with search coil. Here are the recommendations:
GER Detect Titan 1000
Capable of reaching depths up to 45 meters and distances up to 2,500 meters, it’s one of the most complete systems on the market.
Ajax Detection Primero
Featuring 9 integrated detection systems, including 3D ground imaging, long-range locating, and magnetometer scanning, the Primero is your all-in-one tool for uncovering deeply buried treasures, gold veins, relics, and voids. up to 50 meters underground and over 2,850 meters away with precision.
If you have limited budget, here is the one might fits you well: Ajax Ares
It has 4 searching modes. It can reach a depth of 20 meters and a distance of 1000 meters maximum.
See All-in-One Professional Metal Detector collection.
Still have questions? Please contact us.
