Choosing the Best Mid Range Metal Detector in the UK

Which is The Best Mid Range Metal Detector in the UK – The Top 7 Contenders Reviewed and Ranked

As an experienced detectorist who’s spent countless hours exploring British fields and beaches, I understand the importance of having a reliable effective metal detector. Today, we’re comparing seven top-tier mid-range metal detectors to determine which one reigns supreme as The Best Mid-Range Metal Detector in the UK .

But first we have to establish what we mean by mid range. Entry level or beginner detectors are generally going to be under £350, what are considered to be high end detectors probably start from maybe £600 upwards, so for this exercise in choosing the best mid range metal detector lets set us a price range of £400 to £600.

We’ll be examining the Minelab X-Terra Elite, XP ORX, Nokta Triple Score, Garrett Ace Apex, Nokta Simplex Ultra, Minelab Vanquish 540, and Garrett Vortex V5. These detectors represent some of the best options in the £400-£600 price range, each offering unique features that cater to the varied needs of UK treasure hunters.

In this comprehensive review of the best mid range metal detector in the UK, we’ll look at key aspects that matter most to UK detectorists: operating frequencies, search modes, ground balance capabilities, target identification, and overall performance in British conditions. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which detector might be the perfect companion for your metal detecting adventures.

The Best Mid-Range Metal Detector in the UK Operating Frequencies: Cutting Through British Soil Types

When it comes to operating frequencies, several detectors in our lineup offer impressive multi-frequency capabilities, catering to the diverse soil conditions found across the UK.

The Minelab X-Terra Elite, Minelab Vanquish 540, and Nokta Triple Score all lead the pack with their simultaneous multi-frequency operation. This advanced technology allows these detectors to perform exceptionally well across various UK soil types, from mineralized grounds to wet beach sand.

Minelab’s Multi-IQ technology, featured in both the X-Terra Elite and Vanquish 540, enables these detectors to transmit and receive multiple frequencies simultaneously. This provides excellent depth and sensitivity across a wide range of targets and ground conditions, making them highly versatile for UK treasure hunting.

The Nokta Triple Score impresses with its ability to operate at 4 kHz, 15 kHz, 20 kHz, and in multi-frequency mode. This flexibility allows detectorists to choose the best frequency for their specific detecting scenario or use the multi-frequency mode for optimal performance in mixed conditions.

The XP ORX takes a different approach, offering high-frequency options ranging from 13 to 81 kHz (dependent on which coil you are using it with). While not simultaneous multi-frequency, this wide range provides exceptional sensitivity to small targets and gold nuggets, making it an excellent choice for those focusing on gold prospecting or seeking maximum sensitivity to small artifacts.

The Garrett Ace Apex features Multi-Flex multi-frequency technology, allowing it to perform well in various UK detecting scenarios. While not operating multiple frequencies simultaneously like the Minelab and Nokta models, it still offers good versatility.

The Garrett Vortex V5 provides two options: multi-frequency and 13 kHz, striking a balance between versatility and specificity.

Lastly, the Nokta Simplex Ultra operates at a single 14 kHz frequency, which provides a good all-round performance for most UK detecting situations.

This variety of frequency options across our lineup ensures that detectorists can choose a detector that best suits their specific needs and the types of sites they typically hunt in the UK. Whether you’re searching in iron-rich soils, on mineralized beaches, or in relatively clean park environments, there’s a detector in this group that can handle the challenge.

Search Modes: Tailoring Your Hunt to UK Terrains

Each detector offers a variety of search modes to cater to different detecting scenarios common in the UK. The Minelab X-Terra Elite provides six search modes, including Park, Field, and Beach, making it easy to switch between detecting in various UK environments.

The XP ORX stands out with its options for gold prospecting, offering two Gold programs alongside Coins and Relics modes, which could be particularly useful for those exploring old mining areas in the UK. In addition it has coin and artifact search options called ‘Coin Fast’ and ‘Coin Deep’, so something for everyone.

The Nokta models (Triple Score and Simplex Ultra) offer four modes each, including specific settings for Park, Field, Beach, and Relic hunting, covering most UK detecting environments. This versatility ensures that detectorists can easily adapt to different terrains and target types.

Ground Balance: Tackling Tricky UK Soils

Given the varied and often challenging soil conditions in the UK, from heavily mineralized areas to wet beaches, effective ground balancing is crucial. All the detectors in this lineup offer automatic ground balancing, with many also providing manual options for fine-tuning.

The Minelab X-Terra Elite shines here, offering auto, manual, and tracking ground balance options. This level of control allows detectorists to adapt to rapidly changing soil conditions, a common scenario when detecting across diverse UK landscapes.

The XP ORX offers both manual adjustment and a fast grab automatic option, along with a specific salt mode for beach detecting – a valuable feature for UK coastal hunts. This combination of options makes it well-suited to handle the varying mineralization levels found in British soils.

Target Identification: Deciphering UK Finds

Clear target identification can save UK detectorists valuable time when deciding whether to dig. The Minelab X-Terra Elite offers an impressive 119-segment notch discrimination, providing highly detailed target information.

The XP ORX takes a unique approach with its iron probability feature, which can be particularly useful when dealing with iron-contaminated sites common in the UK. This can help detectorists avoid wasting time on unwanted ferrous objects.

The Nokta models and the Garrett detectors use a 0-99 scale, providing good resolution for identifying targets. The Garrett Ace Apex stands out with its five distinct audio tones, offering more nuanced audible target identification, which can be especially helpful when detecting by ear.

Effortless Performance in UK Conditions: From Ancient Fields to Sandy Beaches

When it comes to versatile detectors for UK metal detecting, all seven perform admirably across various terrains. The Minelab X-Terra Elite, with its Multi-IQ technology, excels in handling the diverse soil conditions found across the UK, from ancient Roman sites to Victorian-era dump sites.

The Garrett detectors, particularly the Ace Apex with its Multi-Flex technology, offer excellent all-round performance, from muddy fields to urban parks. This versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of UK detecting scenarios.

The Verdict: Ranking The Best Mid-Range Metal Detector in the UK

After extensive testing across various UK detecting environments, here’s my ranking from top to bottom, along with detailed explanations. In reality the top 3 are so close and very difficult to separate:

1. Minelab X-Terra Elite (£460): This detector takes the top spot due to its exceptional versatility and advanced features. The Multi-IQ technology allows it to perform consistently across various UK soil types. With six search modes, high-resolution ground balance, and impressive target ID capabilities, it’s the ideal all-rounder for UK conditions. Its ability to handle everything from ancient sites to modern beaches makes it the best choice for serious UK detectorists.
2. XP ORX (£599): While pricier, the XP ORX secures second place due to its multipile frequency capabilities, its incredible lightness and all round effectiveness. The iron probability feature is particularly useful in the iron-rich soils common in many UK sites. This is my go to daily use metal detector and in ‘Coin Deep’ mode with the 11″ x35 coil misses nothing and loves to find silver.
3. Nokta Triple Score (£469): This detector offers excellent value with its multiple frequency options. Its four search modes cover most UK detecting scenarios, and its lightweight design (1.2kg) makes it comfortable for long detecting sessions. The Triple Score’s versatility and affordable price point make it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced detectorists.
4. Garrett Vortex V5 (£477): This detector has solid performance and simple, intuitive controls. While it lacks some of the advanced features of higher-ranked models, its dual-frequency operation (Multi-Frequency and 13 kHz) still makes it capable of handling various UK detecting scenarios. It’s main selling point is its ability to be easily upgraded to V7 and V9 specification. The V7 version would come in at just under £600 and the V9 outside of the scope of this test at over £600.
5. Garrett Ace Apex (£530): The Ace Apex impresses with its Multi-Flex technology and wireless capabilities. Its six detection modes and high-resolution ground balance make it well-suited to UK conditions. The five distinct audio tones provide nuanced target information, which can be particularly useful in trash-heavy sites.
6. Minelab Vanquish 540 (£430): While it’s a solid detector with Multi-IQ technology, it ranks lower due to fewer search modes compared to the X-Terra Elite and isn’t waterproof. However, it still offers good all-terrain performance and could be an excellent choice for those on a tighter budget.
7. Nokta Simplex Ultra (£476): This detector offers a user-friendly interface with good features for the price. Its fully waterproof design and multiple search modes make it a versatile choice for UK detectorists. The built-in flashlight is a nice touch for early morning or late evening hunts. A capable machine but beaten by the versatility of the multiple frequencies of the other ones here.

Remember, the best mid-range metal detector in the UK for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the types of sites you typically hunt. Each of these detectors has the potential to unearth amazing finds in the hands of a skilled and knowledgeable detectorist.

Minelab X-Terra Elite vs XP ORX vs Nokta Triple Score vs Garrett Ace Apex vs Nokta Simplex Ultra vs Minelab Vanquish 540 vs Garrett Vortex V5