In this guide we’ll look at the best metal detectors for finding meteorites.
We’ve compared iron targeting capability, ground balancing, weight and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What is the Best Metal Detector for Finding Meteorites?
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More Detailed Meteorite Metal Detector Reviews
Garrett AT Max Metal Detector
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Garrett AT Max Metal Detector Review
Garrett’s AT Max is capable of finding most buried metals so its no surprise that it’s one of the best metal detectors for meteorites.
The AT Max works on a 13.6 kHz frequency which will pick up iron-filled meteorites Use its excellent target separation to ignore other metals and fiddle with the sensitivity to hone in.
There are four pro-audio modes which are true all-metal, coins, zero discrimination, and custom.
Hunting meteorites calls for top-notch ground balancing and the AT Max has both manual and automatic with a ground balancing window so you can keep an eye on your ground conditions.
The AT Max is a wireless machine with built-in Z-Lynk technology and Garrett’s new MS-3 Z Lynk wireless headphones.
Wireless makes it so much easier to maneuver – kneeling down to dig for example. The Z-Lynk tech is six times faster than Bluetooth so you’ll get a tone when you are standing over the target rather than a few feet on.
The AT Max is fully waterproof to ten feet, comes with an 8.5 x 11 inch DD PROformance coil, weighs 3.03lbs and folds down into three parts.
It’s a reliable choice and tough enough for dusty conditions – the AT in its name stands for All Terrain. The AT Max is Garrett’s best metal detector for finding meteorites (and other metals) on challenging ground.
Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector
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Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector Review
Minelab’s Equinox 800 is a popular detector for serious detectorists. It’s their best metal detector for meteorites.
Minelab uses multi-frequency tech so the Equinox 800 pulses simultaneous frequencies into the ground.
This means it’ll locate iron-filled meteorites with ease. If you’re coming up with other metals simply switch it to a single frequency best suited to iron (the lowest).
The 800 has pre-set search modes. These are a specific gold mode, beach mode, field mode, and park mode for trashy areas. Field will be the setting you’ll use most for meteorites.
These modes have eight custom search profiles so you can save a specific search mode against ‘park’ mode for example.
Of course, a Minelab metal detector will have both auto and manual ground balancing to help with mineralized conditions which are especially useful when you’re hunting meteorites.
The Equinox is a wireless metal detector with fast wireless audio on MW08 or aptX Bluetooth headphones.
It has an 11-inch DD coil, is waterproof to ten feet, and weighs only 2.94lbs – a big plus if you’re swinging it all day long in a hot environment.
This is one of the best metal detectors for meteorites in my opinion because it has everything you need to search all types of ground for iron.
XP Deus RC WS5 Metal Detector
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XP Deus RC WS5 Metal Detector Review
The XP Deus RC WS5 metal detector is exactly what you need on a meteorite hunt.
This is one of the best metal detectors for finding meteorites because it has 35 selectable frequencies ranging from 3.7 to 27.7 kHz, plus ten factory set programs with eight saveable user programs so you can set the machine to find exactly what you want – meteorites.
The XP Deus has excellent discrimination and sensitivity plus ground balancing and iron volume.
There are multiple tones – five multi tones with pitch and full tone adjustments but the real appeal of the XP Deus, other than its top-of-the-range functions, is its remote control capacity– that what the ‘RC’ in its title stands for.
The XP Zeus works on an independent 9″ carbon fiber impregnated 2D coil with a battery source, audio headphones, and remote control that communicate through a radio link. This improves the signal quality ensuring you won’t miss any targets.
The headphones are wireless backphones, meaning they sit around the back of your head rather than on top. They are waterproof, foldable, and lightweight. All functions on the detector can be controlled with the backphones so you can leave the remote at home if you want to.
Another unusual aspect of this metal detector is the S-shaped stem which gives it a more comfortable angle than standard straight shafts.
This metal detector is a great choice for meteorite hunters as it only weighs 900 grams and has long battery life.
Nokta Makro ANFIBIO Multi Metal Detector
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Nokta Makro ANFIBIO Multi Metal Detector Review
The Nokta Makro ANFIBIO multi metal detector is a well-priced multi-frequency machine that’s got to feature on the list of best metal detectors for meteorites.
It’s a great machine for meteorites because the multi-frequency capability enables you to focus on low conductivity meteorites.
The ANFIBIO offers 5/14/20 kHz frequencies. Choose the lowest to search out iron filled meteorites using the simple interface to find a mode.
For extra depth use the EUD function – that stands for ‘extra underground depth’ and blasts through tricky ground conditions to search out your target.
The modes are pretty numerous. You have nine offerings: GEN Delta, 2 tone, 3 tone, 4 tone, 5 tone, 99 tone, beach, deep, and cache, but they are easily navigated by the simple menu which is one of the most useful features of this metal detector.
There are three target depth levels for an accurate ID on targets – no more aimless digging, and it vibrates when a target is found making it particularly useful for those of us with challenged hearing.
The coil is 11 inch and it comes with 2.4GHz wireless headphones. The built-in LiPo battery can be charged via USB or the included charger and there are plenty of online firmware updates.
This is well worth considering if you’re looking for fallen meteorites, its multi-frequency tech will pick up iron no problem in difficult terrain. It’s the best metal detector for finding meteorites on a budget!
How to Decide on The Best Metal Detector For Finding Meteorites
Frequency
Because iron is the major component of meteorites, you’ll need low frequencies and the ability to pick up small objects. A multi-frequency machine or a VLF detector will do the job well.
Ground Balancing
Meteorites are often found in dry, desert-like areas. This means sand and sand means highly mineralized conditions.
Getting a detector capable of filtering through those tricky ground conditions is vital. Go for the best ground balancing you can afford and learn to use it properly.
Lightweight
Meteorite hunting will involve long days in the heat. Swinging a heavy detector is going to make it even harder work and that’s no fun.
The best metal detector for finding meteorites is a lightweight machine so you’re able to cover more ground efficiently – a lackluster swing won’t improve your chances.
Coil Size
A large coil obviously covers more ground in a single swing. Meteorite hunting is often done in large open sandy spaces and that takes time. However, a small coil gets more depth and can fit between rocks. What should you do?
Try two coils to increase your chances. Once you find a meteorite with the big coil, swap out for the smaller one and see if you can vacuum up the rest of it – they often break up on impact.
Searching for meteorites means searching for iron in hot and humid conditions. This is hard work but can be rewarding financially. Universities and collectors pay a fair amount for meteorites.
Choose your detector wisely, make it lightweight, add several coil options, with excellent ground balancing, and low frequency kHz for the best results.
We know there’s lots of options out there – but don’t worry, we’re here to help you find the best metal detector for finding meteorites. We’ve scoured the market and we recommend White’s Spectra V3i as the best of the best!