Don’t Underestimate the Power of Basic Analog Metal Detectors. High Praise for Bounty Hunter and Tesoro Machines

Embracing Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors While Overlooking the Value of Analog Technology

When multi-frequency metal detectors came on the market, many of us eagerly bought them, quickly favoring them over our analog machines. In the last eight years, newcomers to the hobby often choose to buy a multi-frequency detector as their first machine if their budget permits.

Many of us with analog detectors set them aside, allowing them to collect dust in favor of multi-frequency machines. But should we have done so? Trust me; they are worth pulling out or purchasing and using for park and relic detecting. From my extensive observations and tests, basic, inexpensive analog metal detectors are finding items that multi-frequency detectors are missing.

Criticizing Analog Metal Detectors Without Ever Trying One

In metal detecting social media groups, it’s common to see someone with a limited budget ask, “Is a Bounty Hunter a good metal detector? This is all I can afford.” Or, “I found a Tesoro metal detector at a garage sale. Should I buy it?” Sadly, people who have probably never used a Bounty Hunter, Tesoro, or any quality analog detector often respond, “Save your money and get a multi-frequency machine.” Some even go as far as mocking those who buy them, claiming they are worthless, despite never having tried an analog detector themselves or not having given it enough time to appreciate the power and beauty of an analog metal detector.

Below is a sample of coins found with a Tesoro Mojave

Expensive Multi-Frequency vs. Inexpensive Basic Analog Metal Detectors

Take it from me: I own five multi-frequency detectors across various price points, from affordable to expensive, and have spent hundreds of hours using them in diverse environments. Like many metal detectorists, I started with an analog detector but set it aside when I got my first multi-frequency detector, a Minelab Equinox 800, in 2019.

This transition occurred primarily because I began focusing on beach detecting in Southern California, where the abundance of black sand necessitates the advanced capabilities of Minelab, XP, and Nokta multi-frequency machines. Their superior performance in such conditions made them indispensable. Subsequently, my interests expanded to include old coin hunting in parks and, eventually, relic hunting in areas often dismissed as lacking relics, where deep research is imperative to find worthwhile locations, along with knowing your metal detector and listening for deep whisper signals.

While relic hunting and park hunting, we’ve repeatedly swung various high-end multi-frequency machines in All Metal Mode and Iron Discrimination, with various coil sizes, various programs, stock, custom, and beach-to-land, and so on, swinging the Deus II, Minelab Equinox, Minelab Manticore, Minelab X-Terra Pro, Nokta Legend, Nokta Simplex Ultra BT, Garrett Apex, and Garrett AT Pro. Yet, the basic, inexpensive analog metal detectors consistently found items that the multi-frequency detectors missed swinging the exact same ground. This undeniable performance proves the value and effectiveness of analog metal detectors.

I pulled out my analog detector and bought a second one after I was astonished by what a friend found with their $75 Bounty Hunter IV Tracker in the same locations where we were using multi-frequency detectors. This prompted me to bring out my Tesoro Mojave, purchased in 2018, and I began finding cool deep or really small finds that my multi-frequency machines were missing. Another friend dusted off their Bounty Hunter Quick Draw II, acquired 13 years ago, and also found items that their multi-frequency machines missed. Consequently, I also bought the Bounty Hunter Legacy 2500 Metal Detector new on sale for $50—a deal too good to pass up.

Relic hunting in Southern Orange County is challenging due to extensive development and limited historical sites. Below is a sample of coins unearthed in this region using a basic Bounty Hunter Tracker IV metal detector, showcasing its effectiveness despite the area’s difficulties.

Learning How To Metal Detect Using An Analog Metal Detector

I firmly believe that there are significant benefits to learning metal detecting with an analog metal detector. My success in the hobby is largely due to starting with an analog Tesoro. It honed my ability to appreciate and understand the nuances of tones, which proved invaluable when I upgraded to my first multi-frequency detector. Those who begin with analog detectors often develop a keener auditory sense, relying more on listening to the subtle differences in tones rather than focusing solely on VDI numbers on a display.

Experimenting with Analog Metal Detectors: A Challenge Worth Trying

You might think I am criticizing multi-frequency machines, but I am not. They are great, absolutely great, and as I mentioned, I own several. However, if you want to have some fun or can’t afford a multi-frequency detector, consider a basic analog metal detector such as a Bounty Hunter or Tesoro. Since Tesoro is out of business, find one second-hand or consider a new or used Bounty Hunter.

Here’s an experiment: Detect a site with your multi-frequency machines, using every coil you own, from small to large. Use the stock programs and custom programs, and get the site to where you feel it is essentially hunted out. Then, take an analog machine to the same site and see what you can find. You might be surprised.

Fun with Analog Day

From time to time, a group of local metal detectorists does what is called“Analog Day,” where we exclusively use our analog metal detectors. We visit parks commonly perceived as thoroughly searched, and some would argue they are hunted out or relic sites with dwindling finds. To our amazement, we often uncover quality finds that our multi-frequency machines had previously missed. These days are particularly cherished, filled with laughter and excitement over our discoveries, knowing we’ve previously covered the same areas with our advanced multi-frequency detectors.

Mastering the Art of Metal Detecting: It’s About Multifaceted Skills, Not Equipment Cost

Some might argue that the true key to successful metal detecting lies in the skill of the detectorist and the choice of location. Indeed, meticulous research to identify promising sites and mastering your detector’s tones and swing technique are crucial. However, it’s important to remember that even those with less expensive detectors can achieve similar success through diligent research, a good swing technique, and a thorough understanding of their equipment. The cost of a detector does not necessarily correlate with success. Avoid getting caught up in the mentality that more expensive means better; instead, focus on honing your skills and knowledge.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re detecting with a multi-frequency metal detector or an analog model, it’s essential to appreciate that both technologies are effective and capable of finding items. The success of your hunts depends more on the detectorist than the price tag of the equipment. Patience in mastering your detector and thorough research of promising locations are crucial. If you haven’t used an analog detector before, consider borrowing or purchasing one to familiarize yourself with it. Doing so will enhance your detecting skills, providing a deeper understanding of metal detection technology, and you will get some quality finds along the way.