Back in the 70s, U.S.-based company Pacific Northwest Instruments began the production of metal detectors for treasure hunters under the brand name Bounty Hunter.
Their products hold integrity, and their designs from the 80s are still relevant and workable today! Bounty Hunter metal detectors have earned the trust of treasure hunters and gold miners for their reliability, simplicity, and functionality.
In the 90s, Bounty Hunter occupied the largest part of the metal detector market in the USA, and in 1999, Bounty Hunter, Inc. was sold to the famous company First Texas Products. With the change in ownership, new investment in their metal detector models led to brand improvements across the board.
Bounty Hunter Detectors have become the go-to option for simple, inexpensive, reliable detectors.
With positive consumer reactions, Bounty Hunter rose to occupy a large part of the metal detector market in the United States. These devices were famous among regular users not only for their high level of functionality but also for their fantastic reliability.
Top Bounty Hunter Detectors
1. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector has automatic detuning from the ground and is suitable for searching objects made of ferrous, non-ferrous, and precious metals in the thickness of the ground. Thanks to the built-in discriminator, it can determine the type of metal of the detected object, even when it is in the ground.
The depth of search for products the size of a coin is up to 20 cm, and it can detect an object the size of a military helmet at a depth of up to 90 cm.
The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV uses a round mono coil with a diameter of 203 mm, protected from moisture. The ability to adjust the sensitivity level of the coil allows the user to choose the maximum depth of search for metal objects.
This device using the VLF detection method is powered by two Krona batteries. Fresh batteries guarantee up to 20 hours of battery life.
- Waterproof
- Comfortable handling pole
- LCD screen display is difficult to see in sunny weather
2. Bounty Hunter GOLD DIGGER Metal Detector
This compact Gold Digger metal detector can detect a coin at a depth of 15 cm and a large object at a depth of 65. The design features include ergonomic, lightweight construction which makes the metal detector attractive for those who are used to a long search.
We can say that Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector is a good option for beginners who are going to do beach searches. In addition, the detector has good data on minimally littered soil and on grass. However, it is worth considering that the sound response of the device is monophonic. That is, for any purpose, the metal detector will sound the same which can create confusion.
- Easy to use
- Automatic ground balancing
- Analog readout
3. Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector
If you follow the ratings of the best metal detectors, you’ve seen that Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro appears frequently. Reviews herald it as the best of the Bounty Hunter Line for novice searchers, and we support this sentiment to an extent.
As you can see, the Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro metal detector is classically designed. It has a rod with a control unit and coil. The weight of the metal detector is small at 1.1 kg, and it’s important to note the adjustable bar.
If the bar is positioned longer than necessary, you will have to bend your arm which can lead to fatigue. We’ve made this mistake and were please to find that the problem was solved by simply shortening the bar!
- Two-tone detection range
- Detects aluminum
- Adjustable bar length
- Bulky despite its lightweight
4. Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior Metal Detector
The Bounty Hunter Junior metal detector replicates the primary functions of an adult metal detector. It is compact and ideal for use by a child.
The handle of the Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior Metal Detector is very convenient for a child’s small stature. Thanks to the lightness of the detector, you can search with one hand.
The ergonomic handle of the Bounty Hunter Junior is also a battery pack, and everything in this device is made to create the correct weight distribution of the metal detector and ensure maximum search comfort for small treasure hunters!
It has lightweight, compact dimensions; thus, it is easy to transport. It is equipped with an accurate search system which allows you to narrow the search area and easily focus on a specific area.
Information about the search object is displayed on the arrow monitor, and the collection of unnecessary metals is limited which saves time and does not pick up extraneous noise.
- Comfortable handling pole
- Good search depth
- Pricey for a junior device
5. Bounty Hunter Lone Star Metal Detector
The Lone Star metal detector is versatile making it suitable for searching for coins, relics, and artifacts. It is designed for ordinary searches as well as military archeology. It has automatic Ground-Trac detuning without loss of sensitivity and three dynamic modes of operation:
- Discriminate – automatic detuning from the iron
- All metal – all metals
- Auto-notch – excluding unwanted metal groups from the search
It also features adjustable sensitivity and discrimination as well as automatic battery charge control when the detector is turned on.
This VLF powered device has visual identification of objects and their depth using indicators on the LCD display and three-tone sound identification. The Bounty Hunter Lone Star Metal Detector has the ability to set a custom discrimination scheme.
- Easy to use
- Automatic ground balancing
- Analog readout
Brand Guide
Where Can I Buy a Bounty Hunter Metal Detector?
You’ll find countless sites offering Bounty Hunter products at a low price, but don’t waste your time and risk throwing away your money on subpar, knock-off goods. Visit our item reviews and choose the best for you. We offer not only quality guides and will point you in the direction of quality suppliers.
Where Can I Repair a Bounty Hunter Metal Detector?
The warranty period for these models is five years, one year for search coils. In Bounty Hunter’s official service centers, repairs are carried out in as little as 1-2 days.
When you buy an official or “gray” device, you run the risk of many disadvantages:
- The Manufacturer’s Warranty involves sending repairs directly to the factory, abroad, with a repair period of up to 2 months
- Risk of customs duties or loss of the device when shipped from abroad
- Risk receiving a reconditioned device instead of a new—case and external elements may be new with reconditioned/used internal parts sold at a discount (a common practice in the USA)
- Poor quality service by individuals importing devices by mail or smuggling
- Imported devices may be smuggled; smugglers may be prosecuted by law enforcement agencies and buyers are at risk of being charged with smuggling
- Lack of access to spare parts and accessories
Where Can I Buy Parts for Bounty Hunter Metal Detector?
As well as the metal detector itself you can purchase parts for your device in online stores, via Bounty Hunter official website or on Amazon. However, in our opinion online stores significantly outweigh the advantages of Bounty Hunter’s website due to their fair information and reviews from real customers with no advertising.
Bounty Hunter vs Garrett
Now let’s compare the flagships between Bounty Hunter and the good-old Garrett metal detectors, the Bounty Hunter Lone Star Pro, and the Garrett ACE 150.
While the Bounty Hunter Lone Star Pro is effective and worth the money, the Garrett ACE 150 is strictly for beginners. The ACE 150 is an excellent device for traveling out of town to places where there is no garbage. Upon purchase, set to no tornado as the depth of detection with standard coil settings is unsuitable for most searches.
Bounty Hunter Pros and Cons
- Lightweight construction
- Suitable for beginners
- Relatively low price
- Handle design needs improvements
Garrett Pros and Cons
- Simple functions and startup
- Quality for the low price
- Loudspeaker volume (important if you work near the road or near the water)
- Good tone separation
- Decent sniper coil in the kit
- Ability to use large and high-quality coils without huge costs.
- No volume control
- Rusty iron rings like a color-metal
- Depth decreases by 15-20 percent when sectors are deactivated
- No moisture protection
- No polyphony.
Bounty Hunter vs Fisher
We compared the Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro and Fisher F44 and found both detectors feature PinPoint mode, sensitivity setting, tone identification, VDI / Target ID, volume control, and low charge indicator.
The maximum battery life is slightly less in the Fisher model with only 25 hours next to the Bounty Hunter’s 30.
The Bounty model has a New Ground Grab manual ground balance system. The new V-Break technology (Variable Tone Breakpoint) allows you to recognize the deepest goals. The device has seven discrimination modes, adjustable by pressing the corresponding touch button.
The Fisher F44 creed is compactness multiplied by good functionality. It’s an all-weather device with a curb weight of only 1.04 kg. The Fisher F44 has an expanded target indication in the form of a digital indicator VDI, which displays the conductivity of the target in the range 1-99. Also included is an additional nine-segment scale for visualizing the target’s conductivity. The target depth indicator works in both dynamic search mode and in PinPoint mode with four tones of sound indication of target conductivity.
Bounty Hunter Pros and Cons
- Very good depth of target detection due to the function of manual detuning from the ground and 4-tonal scoring of targets
- High-speed response from the target
- Very lightweight
- Manual can be too irresistible for non-professionals
Fisher Pros and Cons
- Presence of automatic/manual ground balance and DD equipment with a larger coil 11 “
- Chip F44 is all-weather capability, so the device survives without damage in the rain/snow without the use of additional protection.
- Poor graphic scale
Bounty Hunter vs Whites
This brand might not have the best metal detector in the market, but there are functions worth noting.
Fans of Bounty Hunter devices appreciate them because they are such workhorses. They fulfill their function in any conditions without most of the bells and whistles characteristic of other detectors.
Bounty Hunter makes instrument search affordable for all potential treasure hunters, and especially for those who don’t have much money for hobbies. The Land Ranger Pro weighs only a kilogram.
It is a very light detector. You will be able to search all day without fatigue. The machine is equipped with an 11-inch waterproof coil—the optimal size for quickly covering the search area or the search for items in shallow water.
The coil can be changed to others at will. Target identification scale, from 0 to 99, helps to determine whether to dig into the signal or not. The operating frequency is 7.69 kHz, which is good for searching for coins and artifacts.
While it cannot search for gold nuggets, it has the capacity to locate gold or silver coins. The approximate depth of detection of coins is 25-30 centimeters, and this is exceptional for a metal detector in this price range.
The average Whites model boasts the same 0-99 identification scale as most other metal detectors. This range allows for determination of valuable items under the reel. With three-tone audio, you’ll have enhanced information about the target under the coil. Whites devices have a pinpoint mode which helps to accurately determine the position of the target underground.
These detectors are equipped with a 10-inch waterproof elliptical coil. The weight of the MD is the same—1 kg. It operates at a frequency of 7.69 kHz, and the volume control allows the sound to be turned off completely or diminished for quieter operation.
Bounty Hunter Pros and Cons
- PinPoint mode clarifies target’s exact location
- Signal distinguishes between iron and non-ferrous signals
- Soil balance eliminates false signals from minerals in the soil
- Large screen allows for easy readings
- Limited capabilities means you’ll outgrow this metal detector quickly and need to invest in more advanced equipment
White’s Pros and Cons
- Selective discrimination allows search category elimination to avoid unwanted goals
- Convenient armrest design
- Accurate target identification
- Weaker PinPoint technology
Bounty Hunter metal detectors are a popular metal detector option providing standard features and accurate searches. With brand recognition and a solid reputation, you know what you’re getting with Bounty Hunter. To learn more about Bounty Hunter and other metal detector brands, contact the Base Outdoor Team.