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Bounty Hunter is a company that sets out to design and create the world’s best metal detectors. These detectors are made in America and range from starter models all the way through to elite, professional-standard machines.
Each Bounty Hunter metal detector is well-designed, with an intuitive control box interface that’s simple to use and adjust. Many of this company’s models have built-in ground balance functions [1], while most include multiple discrimination controls and accurate depth indicators.
The aim of Bounty Hunter is to make metal detecting an accessible and enjoyable hobby for all. The affordability of its products reflects this mission while retaining the highest detection accuracy and effectiveness.
Bounty Hunter also produces a range of detectors specifically designed for kids and beginners. These are great learner tools, simple to use, and an excellent gateway to taking up metal detecting more seriously.
If you want a well-made, durable, and ergonomic metal detector with the highest accuracy and widest range of detection [2] , get a Bounty Hunter.
Our Top Pick
Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro
- Accurate and wide detection range
- Has a fully-waterproof coil
- Can distinguish iron tones
- Has comfortable arm support
Our Favorite Picks for Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors
- Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro
- Bounty Hunter Tracker 4
- Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
- Bounty Hunter Lone Star
- Bounty Hunter Quick Silver
- Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D
- Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300
- Bounty Hunter Land Star
- Bounty Hunter Pioneer 202
Image | Product | Purchase |
---|---|---|
Best Overall | Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro
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Best for Rocky, Mineralized Environments | Bounty Hunter Tracker 4
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Best for Beginners | Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
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Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors
Best Overall: Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro
Specifications
- Weight: 2.4 lbs. Dimensions: 45” x 8” x 14” (adjustable length)
- Accessories: no extras included in the package
- Type of detector: VLF, with a 7.69 kHz operating frequency
- Waterproof: Yes, for up to 1 foot
- Depth detection: Yes
- Battery type: 9V battery. Battery life: 15+ hrs
- Best for mineralized and iron-heavy environments
User-Friendly
Feature Set
Durability & Reliability
Description
When it comes to a high-quality and specialized metal detector at an affordable price, you can’t get better than the Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro.
With a lightweight, extendable length, and cushioned arm support, the Land Ranger Pro puts your comfort and ease first. You can hold it for hours at a time without getting tired.
In terms of useful features, this product has them all. The ground balance function automatically tunes out distracting signals in saltwater environments, while the flexible iron tone system distinguishes between useless and valuable metals.
Perhaps the 2 most useful features of this top-notch product are the waterproof search coil and the 4 separate identification tones. The ability to submerge the tip of the detector in shallow saltwater is useful when you’re searching on the beach, while the multiple tones help you to find the highest-quality and most valuable metals possible in your search area.
Based on metal detecting experts, it is a more advanced machine with more settings, more informative display and a great coil. However, isn’t suited for wet sand hunting.
Pros
- Has handy computerized ground balance function
- The search coil is watertight and works in saltwater environments
- Has 6 different discrimination settings
- Has a built-in pinpointer mode
Cons
- Precision point button can be erratic
Best for Rocky, Mineralized Environment: Bounty Hunter Tracker 4
Specifications
- Weight: 3.7 lbs. Dimensions: 28.25” x 10” x 6.25”
- Accessories: No extras included in package
- Type of detector: VLF, with a 6.7 kHz operating frequency
- Waterproof: Yes, in shallow saltwater
- Depth detection: No
- Battery type: 2 9V batteries. Battery life: 10+ hrs.
- Best for rocky environments
User-Friendly
Feature Set
Durability & Reliability
The Bounty Hunter Tracker 4 is an affordable device that works best in craggy, rocky environments. It is light and can distinguish between all of the metal types. Its 3-mode system means that you can choose exactly how much or little you want to narrow down your search.
The innovative All-Metal mode allows you to remain open to any metal discoveries on your search, while the Discrimination mode helps tune out signals from less valuable finds.
The Tracker 4’s 8-inch search coil is waterproof, making this a great detector to bring down to the beach or the riverbanks. Its length is adjustable, making it comfortable to hold out and use.
The only issue with this detector is the fact that it can sometimes pick up false-positive signals, which are signals from less valuable metals. You might need to work on adjusting the sensitivity [3] and discrimination settings if you get too many of these distorted indicators.
Based on our research, this is mostly recommended starter option out there for beginners and children with low price range.
Pros
- Simple and effective user interface on the control box
- Adjustable power and sensitivity settings
- Has adaptable Discrimination, Tone, and All-Metal modes
- Has a headphone jack to listen to signals
Cons
- Sometimes can display false-positive signals
Best for Beginners: Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
Specifications
- Weight: 2.2 lbs. Dimensions: 6” x 9” x 20.5” (adjustable length from 34.5” to 45.5”)
- Accessories: Over-ear headphones
- Type of detector: VLF, with a 6.6 kHz operating frequency
- Waterproof: No
- Depth detection: No
- Battery type: 2 9V Alkaline batteries. Battery life: 20-25 hrs
- Best for beginners starting with metal detecting
User-Friendly
Feature Set
Durability & Reliability
Image Credit: Jay Add
If you’re looking for a product for a beginner or a kid starting with their metal detecting hobby, the Bounty Hunter Gold Digger is ideal.
Perhaps its greatest feature is its straightforward and clear user interface because you can adjust the knobs to increase or decrease detection levels easily. This operating system makes the Gold Digger a perfect match for people who are getting used to tuning and controlling their detector’s sensitivity and power range.
The Gold Digger has 3 discrimination tones and a control function for tuning out non-valuable signals if needed.
The search coil itself is weather-resistant, but not waterproof. Be careful when using this detector near water to avoid lasting damage.
The Gold Digger’s range of detection is also quite limited, especially compared to more expensive models. For that reason, it’s probably not the product for more experienced detectorists.
Pros
- The control box interface is straightforward to use
- Can find all types of metal
- Ideal for kids
- Includes 3 types of tone discrimination
Cons
- Range of detection is relatively limited
- The search coil is not waterproof
Best For Digital Target Identification: Bounty Hunter Lone Star
Specifications
- Weight: 4lbs. Dimensions: 28.5” x 10.25” x 6.25”
- Accessories: No extras included in package
- Type of detector: VLF, with a 6.6 kHz operating frequency
- Waterproof: Yes, in shallow waters
- Depth detection: No
- Battery type: 2 9V batteries (not included). Battery life: 20-25 hrs
- Best for tuning out non-valuable signals and zoning in on your target
User-Friendly
Feature Set
Durability & Reliability
Description
The Bounty Hunter Lone Star has several exciting features that can help you choose your target metal.
If you’re open to any metal discoveries, switch on the All-Metal mode. For more specific targets, simply switch the knob to Discrimination mode and work through the frequency options to find the range you want.
The auto-notch mode is particularly useful. If you click to this setting, the Lone Star automatically tunes out the signals from uninteresting and non-valuable metals. This focuses your search area significantly.
The Lone Star’s user interface may seem daunting to some, but once you get used to it, you’ll appreciate the 5-section targeting display on its screen. This allows you to better identify your metallic targets before you find them.
Given its futuristic interface, however, it’s slightly odd that the Lone Star doesn’t include a depth indicator on its control box screen.
Pros
- Auto notch tab tunes out non-valuable signals
- Digital targeting display is exceptionally thorough
- Can manually adjust the sensitivity of the detector toward different metals
Cons
- No depth-indicating function
- Not as comfortable to use as other models
Best Bounty Hunter Metal Detector for Simple User Interface: Bounty Hunter Quick Silver
Specifications
- 2.5 lbs., 50.5” maximum Weight: 4 lbs. Dimensions: 28.5” x 10.25” x 6.25”
- Accessories: No extras included in packet (Quick Silver QSIGWP model includes Pin-Pointer)
- Type of detector: VLF, with a 6.6 kHz operating frequency
- Waterproof: Yes, in shallow waters
- Depth detection: No
- Battery type: 2 9V batteries (not included in packet). Battery life: 20-25 hrs
- Best for beginners who are getting used to the control box interface of a detector
User-Friendly
Feature Set
Durability & Reliability
Description
The Quick Silver Metal Detector is ideal for beginners and people who like a simple, but effective, LCD.
If you’re not a fan of overly complicated analog displays on your metal detector, you’ll love this screen.
One simple press of the button allows you to discriminate between good and non-valuable finds, while the 4-segment number display also helps to distinguish metals and help you find the most lucrative bounty in the surrounding environment.
There’s also no need to adjust settings and functions on this model. There’s only one search mode, and the ground balance technology is preset.
Because of the simplicity of its user interface, the Quick Silver is an ideal detector for beginners and kids.
Although the 8-inch search coil [4] is waterproof, the control box and its connections aren’t, so be careful when around water.
In terms of features, there’s no depth indication or extra pinpoint mode, and the singular search mode (discrimination) can be limiting if you want to find a wider variety of metals.
Pros
- Accurate, thorough digital identification display
- Screen is easy to see, even in bright light
- Easy single-push function for changing sensitivity and power levels
- Adjustable length helps with ease of use
Cons
- Can give false positives if not adjusted properly
- Audio alarm can be aggressively loud
Best for Kids: Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D
Specifications
- Weight: 1.5 lbs. Dimensions: 31” x 6.25” x 5.25”
- Accessories: No extras included in the packet
- Type of detector: VLF with a 7.69 kHz operating range
- Waterproof: No
- Depth detection: No
- Battery type: 2 AA batteries
- Best for kids from ages 5 and up
User-Friendly
Feature Set
Durability & Reliability
Description
The Junior T.I.D. has been designed specifically for kids, and its LCD screen is child-friendly and fun to use. There are 2 buttons below the screen. One is for a simple power reset and another to activate the fixed discrimination mode, which helps to tune out a whole range of non-valuable targets.
This detector also comes with a Target Identification (T.I.D.) function, which includes 3 different modes. The ferrous conductor picks up iron targets, while the non-ferrous low and high modes can pick up more valuable pieces. Kids love detecting copper and silver jewelry. The LCD screen lights up with a smiley face icon when this happens.
In terms of design, the Junior T.I.D. is light and ergonomic. The length is adjustable, and the body is easily foldable.
The Junior T.I.D. is not waterproof, which can be an issue. If your kid wants to take his or her detector around the rockpools or along the riverbanks, this might not be the right model for their adventures.
Although it is made for kids, it functions well enough that it can find some coins and things. Also the price is reasonable.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy for kids to hold and carry
- Highly affordable price tag
- Ferrous, non-ferrous low and non-ferrous high conductor modes available
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Non-adjustable discrimination mode
Best for Pinpointing Deep Objects: Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300
Specifications
- Weight: 2.5 lbs. Dimensions: 28.3” x 10” x 6”
- Accessories: No extras included in package
- Type of detector: VLF, with a 6.6 kHz operating frequency
- Waterproof: Yes
- Depth detection: Yes
- Battery type: 2 9V batteries. Battery life: 20+ hrs
- Best for searching for deep targets and metals
User-Friendly
Feature Set
Durability & Reliability
Description
The Discovery 3300 is a professional-standard model with the deepest detection capability of any other products on this list.
It has an impressive built-in pinpoint mode for when you want to zone in on your target’s precise location, while the digital LCD also includes an accurate depth indicator.
The 11-segment target identification system may seem excessive to some, but it can be helpful if you’re open to discovering a wide range of metals and materials on your search.
The Discovery 3300 has 4 different discrimination tones for helping to point you in the right direction for a top-notch find. You can also choose to switch on the All-Metal mode to pick up the signals from any metal in the nearby area.
Another great feature is the manual ground balance option. In particularly mineralized conditions, you can take control of the ground balance jewelry to tune out the surrounding signals to the extent that best suits you. It has a single frequency VLF with a concentric coil.
Pros
- Can identify and distinguish between a large range of metals
- Fully waterproof search coil
- Signals targets with effective audio and visual alarm
Cons
- Interface can be overly complicated for new detectorists
- No batteries or extra accessories included
Best for Effortless Detecting: Bounty Hunter Land Star
Specifications
- Weight: 4.4 lbs. Dimensions: 28.5” x 10.25” x 6.25”
- Accessories: No extras included in the package
- Type of detector: VLF
- Waterproof: Yes, to depths of 8 inches
- Depth detection: Yes
- Battery type: 2 9V alkaline batteries. Battery life: 20+ hrs
- Best for finding useful targets quickly
User-Friendly
Feature Set
Durability & Reliability
Description
The Land Star is a high-quality detector which is best for seasoned detectorists. If you have plenty of detecting experience, you’ll be thrilled by the model’s adjustable sensitivity function and its multiple modes of iron discrimination.
You may also like the adjustable and fully submersible 8-inch search coil with its built-in Ground Trac technology. This feature adjusts the detector’s overall balance by neutralizing the surrounding ground minerals.
You can turn on the No-Motion mode in order to find more targets without the extra effort of moving around. If you’re standing near or over a valuable metal, the detector transmits an audio signal. You won’t have to move at all.
Although some people might love this feature, others might find that it takes a lot of the fun out of the target-search itself. That’s because it takes less skill to find an underground target with the No-Motion mode activated than it does without it. You deny yourself the chance to move around your environment and scope out places where there might be an abundance of valuable finds.
One thing we like about this detector is that it has a waterproof coil. It works great and can get fairly deep in mid-west soil.
Pros
- Intuitive touchpad
- Has fully automated discrimination mode available
- Contains comprehensive depth and type indicating systems
Cons
- Takes the fun out of searching for the most valuable targets
- Expensive in comparison to other Bounty Hunter models
Best for Iron Discrimination: Bounty Hunter Pioneer 202
Specifications
- Weight: 1.84 lbs. Dimensions: 25” x 10” x 8”
- Accessories: Comes with headphone connector and instructions
- Type of detector: VLF
- Waterproof: Yes, up to 8 inches
- Depth detection: Yes
- Battery type: 1 9V battery. Battery life: 20+ hrs
- Best for progressive and effective iron discrimination
User-Friendly
Feature Set
Durability & Reliability
Description
The Pioneer 202 is a well-designed machine. The handgrip is lined with soft material for extra comfort, while the armrest is extendable to cater for any need.
However, where this detector really stands out is with its mineral and metal discrimination capabilities. It has 3 tone modes, which can help you go after the most valuable metal available. It also has built-in Ground Trac technology, which automatically tunes out distracting signals in heavily mineralized environments.
The depth indicator function is accurate and useful because you’re able to tell exactly how far below ground your target is. There’s also in-built progressive iron discrimination technology, which allows you to adjust the extent to which you tune out signals from nearby ferrous materials.
The Pioneer 202 is perfect for those with intermediate levels of experience. It may not have the pinpoint technology or wide detection range of some of the other models on this list, but its distinguishing capabilities set it apart from beginner machines.
Pros
- LCD screen contains useful depth indicator function
- Automatic, preset Ground-Trac technology included
- Ergonomic and comfortable design
Cons
- No pinpoint mode for precisely locating deeper targets
Conclusion
No matter what type of metal detector you’re looking for, be it one with multiple discrimination modes or one that’s lightweight and child-friendly, you’ll find the ideal product from Bounty Hunter.
This company produces all its detectors to the highest standard, with accurate and innovative technology and ergonomic, comfortable designs. If you want a top-notch metal detector, choose a high-quality device from Bounty Hunter.
Have you ever wondered how metal detector actually work on land and in water? And what to find out about the amazing find people all over the world have made to fuel your enthusiasm? We have an in-depth guide that will answer all this and more. Also, if you are still looking for more options of metal detectors to buy, we have curated a list of our top favorite that you should definitely check out.