Newsletter

Join The Club!

metal detecting basics
Treasure Topics

FAQ: What is Discrimination in Metal Detecting?

When someone is talking about discrimination in metal detecting it has nothing to do with age, sex, race, religion, marital or familial status, or country of origin.  No, most of the people that are involved in the sport of metal detecting are very welcoming to outsiders coming in and learning the hobby.  The fact is, it is such a small group of people, we welcome anybody and everybody who is willing to sit down and bend an ear to discuss finding treasure.  "Discrimination," when discussing metal detecting, is the action of eliminating or "Notching Out" certain types of targets on a metal detector so as only to display a visual or audio cue when a desired target is found.  

For instance, on certain metal detectors, when the detector's coil is swung over an iron object, it will display differently than, say, a silver coin will.  The audio output for the coin will typically emit a higher pitched tone than the iron target and the digital readout will typically register a higher numerical output than the iron target.  If the detectorist is hunting in a place where there are a lot of less desirable targets (iron nails for instance) the metal detector's operator can choose to discriminate out the iron targets so as not to wast too much time digging up nails.  They can then focus on the more desirable targets.

Below is an example of two of the Garrett Ace Series metal detector's display face plate.  

The coin mode below shows that the user has chosen the coin mode.  This mode automatically eliminates all targets but those that would typically be displayed as a coin.  The LED indicator, and numerical read out may still display when the detector is swung over a small iron piece or a pull tab, but the audio will not output.  The user can accept or reject additional "target ID segments" but this mode will not save the altered user settings when the mode is changed.

Another mode (face plate shown below) is custom mode.  Different metal detectors have different predetermined modes that will eliminate certain objects.  With the Garrett series of metal detectors displayed, in the custom mode, you can notch out whatever targets you like.  When you switch to another mode and back to custom mode, the user settings will be saved.

Typically for those who are new at metal detecting, I suggest hunting in "all metal' or "zero discrimination" mode.  This allows the user to learn how to understand the metal detector the best.  Just like when a person is communicating with you.  It is best to understand everything they are saying and choose what you listen to.  When you start out it is best that you learn how the thing speaks.  Then, after a while, you can decide what you want to listen to.  But, until you learn how it communicates, you won't know what to hear and what to ignore.

 

Stay tuned to our blog for upcoming articles and episodes by following us on your favorite social media outlet to stay informed of releases:

YouTube:  HighPlainsProspectors

Facebook:  @highplainspropsectors

Instagram:  #highplainsprospectors

Twitter:  @HProspectors

You Might Be Interested In

Equinox 900 Bundles

Choose from multiple different moneys saving bundles and get the gear you need.

Sand Scoops & Beach Gear

Check out our sand and beach scoops. Several different styles available.

Coin & Relic Cleaning Supplies

Pair text with an image to focus on your chosen product, collection, or blog post. Add details on availability, style, or even provide a review.
Used Minelab Equinox 800 Waterproof Metal Detector With Wireless Headphones
24% off
Used Minelab Equinox 800 Waterproof Metal Detector With Wireless Headphones

Used Minelab Equinox 800 Waterproof Metal Detector With Wireless Headphones

Sale price
$685
Regular price
$899
Used Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector with LOTS of extra gear!
Sold out
Used Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector with LOTS of extra gear!

Used Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector with LOTS of extra gear!

Sale price
$1,200
Regular price
$1,999
Returned Desert Fox Gold Panning Machine with Variable Speed Control
used desert fox spiral wheel gold prospecting maching

Returned Desert Fox Gold Panning Machine with Variable Speed Control

Price
$345
Refurbished - New Garrett AT Max Metal Detector With Z-Lynk Pro Pointer AT
24% off
Refurbished  - New Garrett AT Max Metal Detector With Z-Lynk Pro Pointer AT
1

Refurbished - New Garrett AT Max Metal Detector With Z-Lynk Pro Pointer AT

Sale price
$685
Regular price
$894.06
Returned Unused Garrett AT Gold + Pro-Pointer + 5 x 8 Coil Cover and NEL Storm
Returned Unused Garrett AT Gold + Pro-Pointer + 5 x 8 Coil Cover and NEL Storm

Returned Unused Garrett AT Gold + Pro-Pointer + 5 x 8 Coil Cover and NEL Storm

Price
$699
Returned Desert Fox Gold Panning Machine - Single Speed
15% off
used desert fox spiral wheel gold prospecting maching

Returned Desert Fox Gold Panning Machine - Single Speed

Sale price
$325
Regular price
$379
Amazon Return Minelab Gold Monster Metal Detector and Pro-Find 35 Pinpointer
6% off
Amazon Return Minelab Gold Monster Metal Detector and Pro-Find 35 Pinpointer

Amazon Return Minelab Gold Monster Metal Detector and Pro-Find 35 Pinpointer

Sale price
$900
Regular price
$949
Used and Demo Metal Detectors For Sale

Shop All

Used and Demo Metal Detectors and Gold Prospecting Equipment