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Handheld Underwater Metal Detectors Assessment Report


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Just found this report online.. it's by the US Department of Homeland Security.. 

Handheld Underwater Metal Detector Assessment Report (2014)

 

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Posted previously here but it never hurts to bring it up again! :smile:

The key thing is this is for emergency responders and they want something simple to operate. They want something that goes beep, no discrimination and minimal controls. What that means is that if the detector offers discrimination it has more controls and is therefore downgraded in this report. Probably most users here would rate discrimination higher on the list of desired capability - a plus instead of a minus. I usually break detectors into two categories due to this difference in desires - all metal pulse induction or VLF discrimination.

Pulse induction is generally more powerful, goes deeper, and handles saltwater and mineralized beaches more effectively. It does however mean you dig everything, and pulse machines love ferrous items more than non-ferrous metals. If you like bobby pins and nails you will love pulse induction.

VLF detectors offer discrimination and further split into single frequency and multifrequency. Multifrequency is a clear winner in saltwater environments but single frequency can offer very good performance in freshwater.

Here are the summary charts from the report listing detectors in order of how the report rates them. Most people have never heard of J.W. Fishers. I used to be a dealer. They offer heavy duty commercial gear but their pulse machines, while they work well enough, are actually really old designs, built like tanks and rather expensive for what they do. But as this report shows they target a certain market very well.

Click for larger versions....

handheld-underwater-metal-detector-assessment-report-table-4-2-2014.jpg

handheld-underwater-metal-detector-assessment-report-table-5-1-2014.jpg

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