Academy metal detectors are detectors sold through Academy Sports + Outdoors, with options from beginner models to more advanced machines for coins, relics, beaches, and other types of treasure hunting. The current selection includes brands such as Minelab and Garrett, with prices ranging from budget-friendly choices to high-end specialist detectors.
What Are Academy Metal Detectors?
If you search for academy metal detectors, you are not looking for a detector brand called Academy. You are looking at metal detectors sold by Academy Sports + Outdoors.
That distinction matters because Academy carries several brands and different types of detectors. Its current metal detector category lists 51 items, including models from Garrett and Minelab along with detecting accessories.
That gives shoppers plenty of choice, but it can also make the buying decision harder. A $95 beginner detector and a $400-plus detector may both find metal, yet they can offer very different controls, target identification, ground handling, waterproofing, and search features.
So the better question is not simply, “Which Academy metal detector is best?”
It is:
Which detector fits what you want to find, where you plan to hunt, and how much complexity you are ready to handle?
That is the approach this guide will use.
Academy Sports + Outdoors Is a Retailer, Not a Detector Brand
Academy Sports + Outdoors sells metal detectors from established manufacturers rather than making the detectors itself.
Current Academy listings include products from Minelab and Garrett, among other brands. For example, the selection includes the Minelab GO-FIND 11, Minelab VANQUISH 340, Garrett ACE 250, Garrett ACE 300, Garrett ACE 400, Garrett ACE Apex, and Garrett Vortex models.
This means you should compare the actual detector model, not just the retailer.
A detector’s technology, search coil, target ID system, ground balance, waterproofing, operating frequency, and available modes can matter far more than where you buy it.
For example, the Garrett ACE 250 uses VLF technology and offers five search modes, electronic pinpointing, discrimination controls, and a coin-depth indicator. The Garrett ACE 300 adds features such as increased iron resolution, adjustable notch discrimination, and eight sensitivity/depth adjustments.
Those differences help explain why simply choosing the cheapest machine can be a poor shortcut.
What You Can Expect From Academy’s Current Selection
Academy’s current selection covers a wide part of the metal-detecting market.
At the entry end, the Minelab GO-FIND 11 is currently listed at $95.99, reduced from $119.99. It has an 8-inch waterproof search coil, preset find modes, a collapsible body, and a built-in loudspeaker. Academy currently shows no customer reviews for this model.
The Garrett ACE 250 is currently listed at $224.95. It offers five search modes, electronic pinpointing, adjustable discrimination, and a large LCD target display.
Moving higher, the Garrett ACE Apex is currently listed at $429.99 and adds features such as selectable single-frequency and multi-frequency operation, high-resolution ground balance, six detection modes, iron volume control, and a rechargeable battery rated by the manufacturer for up to 15 hours.
Academy also carries more specialized and expensive machines. The Garrett Vortex VX5 is currently listed at $449.99 and is waterproof to 16 feet, while the Vortex VX9 is listed at $599.99 and adds multiple frequency options and simultaneous multi-frequency technology.
The important point is that Academy’s catalog is broad enough that price alone does not tell you which detector you need.
A beginner who wants to search a backyard for coins has different needs from someone who regularly hunts beaches, streams, relic sites, or mineralized ground.
How Much Do Academy Metal Detectors Cost?
Academy metal detectors currently span a wide price range, from around $100 for simple beginner machines to several hundred dollars for more capable detectors. Academy also lists specialist equipment at prices far above that range. Because retail prices and promotions change, treat any price in this guide as a snapshot rather than a fixed price.
Here is a useful way to think about the market:
| Price level | What to expect | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Under $150 | Basic controls and beginner-focused features | First-time users and casual hunting |
| $150–$300 | More control and target-identification features | Hobbyists who want room to learn |
| $300–$500 | More advanced detection features and ground handling | Serious hobbyists |
| $500+ | Specialized or higher-end equipment | Experienced users with specific needs |
These ranges are decision bands, not strict industry categories. A detector’s technology and intended use matter more than the price label.
For example, the current Academy catalog places the Minelab GO-FIND 11 at $95.99, the Garrett ACE 250 at $224.95, the Garrett ACE 300 at $269.95, and the Garrett ACE Apex at $429.99.
Entry-Level Metal Detectors
Entry-level machines make sense when you are still learning whether metal detecting will become a regular hobby.
The Minelab GO-FIND 11 is a good example of this approach. Its controls are built around preset find modes, and its collapsible design makes it easier to store and carry.
That simplicity can be useful.
You do not need a detector with every advanced setting on your first day. In fact, too many controls can make learning harder if you do not yet understand what each setting changes.
The trade-off is that a basic detector gives you less room to fine-tune your searches as your skills improve.
Mid-Range Metal Detectors
Mid-range detectors are worth considering when you already know you will use the machine regularly.
The Garrett ACE 250 and ACE 300 illustrate why.
The ACE 250 provides five search modes, discrimination, pinpointing, and a target display. The ACE 300 adds increased iron resolution, notch discrimination, and more sensitivity/depth adjustments.
The extra controls can matter when you encounter more trashy ground or want more information about a target before digging.
That does not automatically make the more expensive model the better choice for every beginner. It simply gives you more control.
Higher-End and Specialist Detectors
Higher-priced detectors become easier to justify when your hunting conditions demand specific features.
For example, the Garrett AT Pro currently listed by Academy is designed for both land and underwater use and can be submerged to 10 feet. It also includes ground balance and iron audio features.
The Garrett Vortex VX9 goes further with simultaneous multi-frequency technology, multiple frequency options, seven search modes, and submersibility to 16 feet.
Those features are useful only if they match your type of detecting.
A detector is not better simply because it costs more. It is better for you when its extra capabilities solve a problem you actually have.
Which Academy Metal Detectors Are Best for Different Buyers?
There is no single best Academy metal detector for everyone. A beginner looking for coins in a park needs a different machine from someone searching beaches, relic sites, or mineralized ground. The strongest choices are the ones whose features match the places and targets you actually plan to hunt.
Best for First-Time Detectorists
A simple detector with clear controls is usually the easiest place to start. You do not need advanced ground-balancing controls or multiple operating frequencies if you are still learning how target IDs, discrimination, sensitivity, and recovery work.
The Minelab GO-FIND 11 is one example. Minelab lists two search modes, three sensitivity levels, four discrimination segments, and an 8-inch coil. The coil is waterproof to 1 meter, but that does not make the entire detector waterproof.
Academy currently lists the GO-FIND 11 at $119.99.
That makes it worth considering for someone who wants a basic detector without immediately moving into a more complicated machine.
One limitation is important: the GO-FIND 11 has only four target-ID segments and does not provide a depth indicator.
If you want more information from the detector before deciding whether to dig, a step-up model may make more sense.
Best for Coin and Jewelry Hunting
The Minelab VANQUISH 340 deserves attention for coin and jewelry hunting because it uses Minelab’s Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency technology.
It has dedicated Coin and Jewellery search modes, plus All Metal mode. It also provides target IDs from -19 to 40, a four-level depth indicator, and five discrimination segments.
Academy’s current listing shows a 3.9-star rating from 16 reviews, although ratings and review counts can change.
The important advantage here is not simply that the detector costs more than an entry-level model. Its Multi-IQ system is designed to use multiple frequencies simultaneously, which is a meaningful technology difference from a basic single-frequency detector.
For someone who expects to spend regular time hunting parks, fields, or beaches, that extra capability may be more useful than buying a very basic machine and upgrading soon afterward.
Best for Relic Hunting
Relic hunting creates a different problem.
Old sites can contain a lot of iron and other metal junk. A detector that gives you more control over discrimination and target information can therefore be more useful than one designed mainly for simple switch-on-and-go operation.
The Garrett ACE 300 is one Academy option to consider. Academy describes it as using an 8 kHz operating frequency and increased iron resolution to help users work around iron trash.
Academy currently lists it at $269.95 and shows three customer reviews with a 5.0 rating.
That rating should not be treated as proof that the ACE 300 is objectively better than every competing detector. Three reviews are a small sample.
For relic hunters, the more useful question is whether the detector gives you the controls you need to separate desirable targets from the iron and junk common at older sites.
You can also explore the site’s guide to relic hunting metal detectors for a broader look at this type of detecting.
Best for Beach and Shallow-Water Detecting
Waterproofing needs careful attention because manufacturers use different terms for coils and complete detectors.
The Minelab VANQUISH 340, for example, has a coil waterproof rating of 1 meter. That does not mean you should submerge the whole control box to that depth.
The Minelab XTERRA PRO is different. Academy states that the detector is waterproof to 5 meters and uses a three-piece collapsible shaft.
Minelab also explains an important difference between its VANQUISH and X-TERRA PRO lines: VANQUISH models use Multi-IQ for a more automatic approach, while the X-TERRA PRO uses selectable single-frequency operation and is designed for users who want more control over transmit frequency and tuning.
So if water hunting is part of your plan, do not compare these machines only by price. Check the manufacturer’s exact waterproof rating and understand which parts of the detector can actually go underwater.
Best If You Want Room to Grow
A detector that you can learn on and continue using as your skills improve can be a better investment than buying the cheapest available machine.
The Minelab VANQUISH 340 sits in an interesting position. It remains relatively simple, but Multi-IQ, target identification, depth information, and multiple search modes give you more to work with than a very basic detector.
The Garrett ACE Apex moves further toward the advanced end. Academy lists six detection modes, high-resolution ground balance, iron volume control, and a 15-hour battery. Its current Academy price is $429.95.
That does not mean a beginner should automatically buy the ACE Apex.
The extra money makes more sense when you know why you need those controls.
A good upgrade path is not “buy the most expensive detector you can afford.” It is “buy enough detector to solve the next problem you expect to face.”
Academy Metal Detectors Reviews: What Should You Look At?
Academy metal detectors reviews can help you spot problems and common user experiences, but review scores need context. A 5.0 rating from three reviews tells you much less than a similar rating supported by hundreds of detailed reviews.
Academy’s current category illustrates this clearly. The Garrett ACE 300 shows 5.0 from three reviews, while the Minelab VANQUISH 340 shows 3.9 from 16 reviews and the Minelab XTERRA Voyager shows 2.8 from 10 reviews.
That does not establish a ranking between these detectors.
Why Review Counts Matter
A small review sample can move dramatically when one or two new reviews are added.
It is also possible for reviews to focus on things that have little to do with actual detection capability. Buyers may comment on packaging, shipping, setup, missing accessories, or difficulty understanding the controls.
Look for repeated comments about the same issue instead.
If several independent reviewers mention the same problem, it deserves more attention than one unusual complaint.
How to Read Ratings Without Overtrusting Them
When reading Academy metal detectors reviews, look for answers to practical questions:
- Was the detector easy to set up?
- Did the buyer understand the controls?
- Were the advertised accessories included?
- Was the detector being used for the purpose the buyer expected?
- Did multiple reviewers report the same issue?
- Does the complaint involve the detector itself or the buying experience?
Also check whether the review is recent enough to reflect the current product listing.
Specifications vs Customer Feedback
Specifications tell you what the manufacturer designed the detector to do.
Reviews can tell you what buyers thought about using and buying it.
Neither source replaces the other.
For example, Minelab’s official specifications show that the VANQUISH 340 uses Multi-IQ, has three search modes, four sensitivity levels, five discrimination segments, and a four-level depth indicator.
A customer rating cannot tell you those technical facts more accurately than the manufacturer’s documentation.
On the other hand, a specification sheet cannot tell you whether a large number of buyers found the controls confusing.
Use both sources for different jobs.
Why “No Reviews” Does Not Automatically Mean “Bad”
Academy’s current catalog includes several detectors with no customer rating displayed, including the Garrett Vortex VX5 and VX7.
That does not prove those detectors are poor choices.
It simply means the Academy page does not give you much customer-review evidence to work with.
When review evidence is thin, put more weight on official specifications, independent expert testing, manufacturer documentation, warranty information, and comparisons with detectors in the same price range.
Minelab Metal Detectors at Academy: Are They Worth Considering?
Minelab is one of the important brands to examine when shopping Academy’s selection. Its current U.S. lineup includes beginner, intermediate, and advanced detectors, including GO-FIND, VANQUISH, and X-TERRA models.
The main thing to understand is that Minelab is not one type of detector.
Different models use different technologies and target different users.
Minelab GO-FIND Models
The GO-FIND family focuses on portability and simple operation.
The GO-FIND 11, for example, weighs 1.0 kg and collapses to about 55.5 cm. It operates at 8 kHz and has two search modes.
That combination can appeal to someone who wants a detector that is easy to carry and store.
The trade-off is limited adjustment. You get fewer controls than you would on a more advanced detector.
Minelab XTERRA Models
The XTERRA range moves toward more control.
The XTERRA Voyager, currently listed by Academy, provides 65 target-ID numbers and four hunting shortcuts. Academy also describes its D-coil as waterproof for shallow-water hunting and its display as backlit.
The XTERRA PRO goes further and is waterproof to 5 meters. Academy also lists multiple tone options and a rechargeable design.
This is where your hunting environment becomes important.
If you only plan to search dry parks, the XTERRA PRO’s water capability may not justify paying more.
If water hunting is central to your hobby, that same feature can change the decision.
Minelab VANQUISH Models
The VANQUISH line is especially interesting for shoppers who want Multi-IQ technology without moving immediately into Minelab’s high-end machines.
The VANQUISH 340 uses simultaneous Multi-IQ operation, with Coin, Jewellery, and All Metal modes.
Minelab’s own current U.S. site lists the VANQUISH 340 at $199 and the VANQUISH 360 at $249, although those are manufacturer prices rather than Academy prices.
The useful comparison is not simply “340 versus 360.”
Ask whether the additional features of the more expensive model solve a problem you have.
When Minelab Makes More Sense
Minelab becomes especially interesting when you want a detector that balances ease of use with more advanced detection technology.
For example, Minelab says Multi-IQ is designed to provide more automatic performance than its PRO-SWITCH single-frequency system, while the X-TERRA PRO gives committed users more control over transmit frequency and tuning.
That creates a simple decision:
Want simpler operation? A Multi-IQ VANQUISH may make more sense.
Want more manual control and waterproofing? An X-TERRA PRO may be more appropriate.
Want the simplest possible starting point? A GO-FIND model may be enough.
Academy vs Walmart Metal Detectors: Which Should You Check First?
Neither retailer is automatically the better choice.
The smarter approach is to compare the same detector, same package, same warranty terms, and current final price at both stores.
A retailer can appear cheaper because one listing includes accessories while another sells only the detector.
Compare the Exact Model, Not Just the Brand
Suppose you find a Garrett ACE detector at Academy and another Garrett detector at Walmart.
That is not a useful price comparison.
Compare the exact model number.
Then check:
- Search coil
- Headphones
- Pinpointer
- Carry bag
- Coil cover
- Batteries
- Warranty
- Shipping
- Return policy
- Current sale price
Academy’s current listings demonstrate why this matters. Its category includes detector-only products as well as packages and accessories.
Check the Full Package
A detector advertised for $20 less is not necessarily cheaper if you later need to buy headphones, a pinpointer, or another required accessory.
This is particularly important when comparing marketplace listings.
Calculate the complete setup cost, not just the number printed beside the detector.
Compare Current Prices and Delivery
Retail prices can move quickly.
Academy’s current category shows promotions on several metal detectors, including the Minelab VANQUISH 340, XTERRA Voyager, and GO-FIND 44.
That means an older article saying one retailer is “always cheaper” can become wrong without warning.
For an evergreen guide, it is safer to teach the comparison method than to make a permanent claim about which retailer wins on price.
When Walmart May Be Worth Checking
Walmart is worth checking when:
- Academy does not carry the exact model you want.
- A Walmart listing includes a useful accessory bundle.
- The same model has a lower total cost.
- You need a particular package or seller.
- You are comparing a new detector with a marketplace or used option.
But check the seller carefully when a marketplace listing is involved.
The retailer name is only the first layer of the comparison. The exact model and package are what determine whether the deal is actually good.
Should You Buy Used Metal Detectors Instead?
Used metal detectors can be a smart option if you want a better detector for your budget. They are especially worth considering when you already know what features you need and can verify the detector’s condition before buying.
For a first detector, however, new equipment has one major advantage: you know what you are getting.
A used machine may have hidden wear, missing accessories, an older battery, damaged cables, or a coil that has seen heavy use.
When a Used Detector Makes Sense
A used detector makes the most sense when you can identify the exact model and understand its features.
For example, someone who has decided that a Garrett ACE 250 fits their needs may find more value in a clean used unit than in buying a cheaper new detector with fewer useful features.
Used equipment can also make sense when you want to step into a higher model without paying full new-retail pricing.
But there is an important rule:
Buy the condition, not just the model name.
An excellent detector with a damaged coil can be a worse purchase than a cheaper model in excellent condition.
What to Check Before Buying
Before buying a used detector, inspect:
- Search coil and cable
- Coil connector
- Shaft and locking points
- Control box
- Display
- Buttons and controls
- Battery compartment
- Headphone connection
- Included accessories
- Manufacturer model number
- Evidence of water damage
If possible, turn the detector on and test every control.
Check that the detector responds to a known metal target and that the display behaves normally.
Do not assume that “works great” means the detector has been fully tested.
Red Flags With Used Detectors
Be cautious when a seller:
- Cannot provide the exact model
- Refuses to show the detector powered on
- Provides only stock photos
- Cannot explain what accessories are included
- Claims exceptional depth without evidence
- Says the detector is waterproof but cannot identify its official rating
- Offers a price that seems too good to be true
Also watch for old detectors being described as newer models.
The name on a detector can look similar across generations, while the actual technology and features may be different.
If you are specifically comparing second-hand options, the site’s guide to best second-hand metal detectors can provide another starting point.
How to Choose the Right Academy Metal Detector
The best way to choose an Academy metal detector is to start with your hunting plan, not the product page.
Think about where you will hunt, what you want to find, how often you expect to detect, and which features solve an actual problem.
Start With What You Want to Find
For coins and jewelry, target identification and discrimination are useful because you will often encounter ordinary metal objects alongside desirable targets.
For relic hunting, iron handling and target separation become more important.
For gold prospecting, look at detectors specifically designed for that purpose rather than assuming an ordinary coin detector is suitable.
Academy’s current catalog illustrates the difference. It includes general-purpose detectors such as the Garrett ACE series but also specialized equipment such as the Garrett Goldmaster 24K and Axiom Lite.
Those products exist for different jobs.
A beginner looking for coins does not need to choose a gold-prospecting machine simply because it costs more.
Match the Detector to Your Location
Your location can change the best choice.
Dry parks, old fields, saltwater beaches, freshwater shorelines, and highly mineralized ground can present different detection challenges.
This is one reason a detector that works well for one person may not be the right choice for another.
If you mainly hunt ordinary parks and yards, a straightforward detector can be enough.
If you plan to spend significant time around water, waterproofing deserves much more attention.
And if relic hunting is your main goal, target separation and iron handling may matter more than features aimed at simple coin hunting.
Check the Search Coil
The coil is one of the most important parts of a detector because it is the component that interacts with the ground.
Do not assume a larger coil is always better.
A larger coil can cover more ground, but coil size also affects how the detector handles trashy ground and targets that are close together.
A smaller coil can be useful when working around obstacles or dense targets.
The correct coil depends on the detector, the ground, and your hunting goal.
Understand Target ID and Discrimination
Target ID gives you an estimate of what type of metal the detector has detected.
Discrimination lets you reject or reduce responses from selected types of targets.
These features can save time, but they are not magic filters.
A detector cannot guarantee that a particular target is a coin simply because the screen shows a coin-like number.
Ground conditions, target orientation, depth, nearby metal, and the detector’s technology can all affect the signal.
That is why experienced detectorists often dig uncertain targets rather than trusting one number completely.
Consider Waterproofing Carefully
“Waterproof coil” and “waterproof detector” are not interchangeable descriptions.
A detector may have a waterproof search coil while the control box must remain above water.
Other models are designed to be fully submerged to a stated depth.
If you plan to hunt in water, read the manufacturer’s exact instructions before entering the water.
Never treat a retailer’s general product description as permission to submerge equipment beyond its stated rating.
Decide How Much You Actually Need to Spend
The current Academy catalog gives you a useful illustration of how wide the market is.
The Minelab GO-FIND 11 is currently listed at $95.99, while the Minelab VANQUISH 340 is $199.99, the Garrett ACE 300 is $269.95, the Garrett ACE Apex is $429.95, and the Garrett AT Max is $759.95. Academy also lists specialist equipment above $1,000.
There is no rule saying that spending $700 makes a detector seven times better than a $100 detector.
Higher prices often buy more control, more specialized technology, broader operating capability, or features designed for demanding conditions.
The question is whether you will use those features.
Where Can You Legally Use a Metal Detector in the USA?
Buying a metal detector does not give you permission to search anywhere you want.
Land ownership, federal rules, state laws, local ordinances, park regulations, and archaeological protections can all affect where detecting is allowed.
The safest approach is to check the rules for the exact property before you start.
Private Property and Permission
If the property belongs to someone else, get permission before detecting.
A simple written agreement can prevent misunderstandings about where you may search and what happens if you find something valuable or historically important.
Do not assume that being allowed to walk on someone’s land also gives you permission to dig.
National Parks and NPS Lands
National Park Service rules are particularly important.
The NPS states that using a metal detector to locate archaeological resources in National Park System units is prohibited, and possession of a metal detector with the intent to locate archaeological resources is also prohibited.
That means you should not treat a national park like an ordinary public park.
Check the specific federal rules before carrying detecting equipment onto protected land.
BLM Lands and Local Restrictions
Bureau of Land Management land is more complicated because rules can vary by location and by the type of activity.
Some recreational prospecting and collecting may be allowed under certain conditions, while archaeological resources, historic sites, claims, wilderness areas, and other protected locations can have additional restrictions.
The safest decision is to check the current BLM rules for the specific field office and location.
Check State and Local Rules Before You Detect
State parks, beaches, forests, historic sites, and city parks can all have different rules.
Before detecting, check:
- Who owns the land?
- Does the managing agency allow metal detecting?
- Are digging tools allowed?
- Are there restrictions around archaeological or historic resources?
- Are there seasonal or area-specific closures?
- Do you need written permission?
A few minutes of checking can prevent a good hobby trip from becoming a legal problem.
Common Mistakes When Buying a Metal Detector
Many poor buying decisions happen because shoppers compare detectors using one number or one feature.
Choosing Based Only on Price
The cheapest detector may be a good purchase if it has everything you need.
It may also become an expensive mistake if you quickly discover that it lacks a feature you actually need.
Decide your hunting style first.
Then set your budget.
Assuming More Depth Guarantees Better Finds
Depth is important, but deeper is not automatically better.
A detector’s ability to identify a target depends on the target itself, its size and orientation, the soil, nearby metal, coil, sensitivity settings, and detector technology.
A detector that can locate a deep target but gives unreliable identification may not be more useful than a detector that gives clearer information on shallower targets.
Ignoring Ground Conditions
The same detector can behave differently in different ground.
Mineralized soil can interfere with detection. Saltwater beaches can create another set of challenges.
That is why features such as ground balance and multi-frequency operation can matter when your hunting environment requires them.
Confusing a Waterproof Coil With a Fully Waterproof Detector
This mistake can destroy equipment.
Always identify exactly what part of the detector is waterproof and the maximum stated depth.
If the manufacturer says the coil is waterproof but does not rate the control box for submersion, keep the control box out of the water.
Buying Accessories You Do Not Need Yet
A detector is only part of the hobby, but you do not need to buy every accessory immediately.
Start with the equipment required to detect and recover targets safely.
A pinpointer can become useful once you understand how target recovery works, but buying a large collection of accessories before you have even learned the detector can waste money.
What Else Do You Need With an Academy Metal Detector?
You can start with a detector, but a few accessories can make target recovery easier.
Pinpointer
A handheld pinpointer helps narrow down the target after you have located it with the main detector.
Academy’s current selection includes the Minelab PRO-FIND 35 and Garrett Pro-Pointer models.
A pinpointer is not a replacement for the main detector.
It is a recovery tool.
Digging Tool
You need a suitable way to recover targets without causing unnecessary damage to the ground or the target.
The right tool depends on the environment.
A small hand digger may be enough for parks and soft soil. A tougher digging tool may be needed for harder ground, subject to local rules.
Headphones
Headphones can make faint signals easier to hear and reduce the need to broadcast detector sounds to everyone nearby.
Check compatibility before buying.
Wireless systems can also add cost, so they are not essential for every beginner.
Coil Cover and Carrying Gear
A coil cover can protect the bottom of the search coil from scratches and abrasion.
A carrying bag can make transport easier.
Neither is likely to improve detection performance directly, but both can help protect your equipment.
Academy Metal Detectors: Quick Buying Checklist
Before buying, ask yourself:
- What am I hunting for? Coins, jewelry, relics, gold, or general targets?
- Where will I hunt? Parks, fields, beaches, yards, or water?
- How often will I use it? Occasionally or every week?
- Do I need waterproofing? If yes, how much?
- Do I need manual control? Or would simple preset modes be better?
- What is my complete budget? Include useful accessories.
- Have I compared the exact model elsewhere?
- Have I checked current reviews?
- Is the detector new or used?
- Can I legally detect where I plan to go?
If you can answer those questions, the product list becomes much easier to navigate.
You can also use the site’s guide to how deep a metal detector can detect to understand why advertised depth should not be treated as a guaranteed field result.
The best purchase is usually the one that fits your actual detecting conditions rather than the one with the longest feature list.
Frequently Asked Questions About Academy Metal Detectors
1. Does Academy Sports sell metal detectors?
Yes. Academy Sports + Outdoors currently sells metal detectors from brands including Minelab, Garrett, Bounty Hunter, Fisher, and Teknetics. Its current category includes beginner machines, general-purpose detectors, specialist equipment, and accessories. The selection changes over time, so check the exact model and current price before buying.
2. What is the cheapest Academy metal detector?
The current Academy category lists the Minelab GO-FIND 11 at $95.99, reduced from a listed regular price of $119.99. Prices can change because Academy runs promotions and adjusts its catalog. The cheapest detector is not necessarily the best choice, so compare its features with the type of detecting you plan to do.
3. Are Academy metal detectors good for beginners?
Yes, Academy carries several beginner-friendly models. The right choice depends on how simple you want the controls to be and how much you expect to learn and upgrade later. A basic GO-FIND model can suit casual users, while something such as the VANQUISH 340 offers more detection technology and control for someone who expects to use the detector regularly.
4. Does Academy sell Minelab metal detectors?
Yes. Academy currently sells several Minelab models, including the GO-FIND 11, GO-FIND 44, VANQUISH 340, and XTERRA Voyager. Its current listings also include other Minelab equipment and accessories. The models differ substantially, so compare their technology, waterproofing, controls, and intended use rather than treating all Minelab detectors as equivalent.
5. Are Academy metal detectors better than Walmart metal detectors?
Not automatically. The better comparison is between the same detector model and the same package at both retailers. Check the final price, included coil and accessories, warranty, seller, shipping, and return terms. A lower advertised price may not be a better deal if another package includes useful accessories that you would otherwise need to buy separately.
6. Does Academy sell used metal detectors?
Academy’s main metal detector category is primarily a new-product retail selection. If you want a used detector, compare dedicated second-hand listings and local sellers as well as new retail options. When buying used, verify the exact model, condition, coil, battery compartment, controls, and included accessories before paying.
7. Which Academy metal detector is best for coins?
There is no universal winner, but the Minelab VANQUISH 340 is one model worth considering because it uses Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency technology and includes a Coin mode. Academy currently lists it at $199.99, although that price can change. Your local ground, hunting style, and experience still matter more than a simple “best” label.
8. Can you use an Academy metal detector at the beach?
Some can, but you must check the exact detector’s waterproof rating and technology before entering the water. A waterproof search coil does not necessarily mean the entire detector can be submerged. For example, Minelab’s VANQUISH 340 includes a waterproof V10 coil, while the detector itself is not designed to be completely submerged.
9. How deep can Academy metal detectors detect?
There is no single depth figure for Academy metal detectors. Detection depth depends on the detector, coil, target size and composition, target orientation, soil conditions, mineralization, sensitivity, and other factors. A manufacturer’s stated depth feature or indicator should not be treated as a guarantee that every target will be detected at that depth.
10. Do you need permission to use a metal detector?
Often, yes. You should know who owns or manages the land and follow its rules before detecting. National Park Service areas are a particularly important restriction: the NPS states that metal detecting and possession of metal detectors in NPS parks are prohibited, subject to limited exceptions such as authorized research.
BLM-managed land is more varied. Some areas allow recreational prospecting with hand tools and metal detectors when the activity causes only minor surface disturbance, but restrictions apply to developed recreation sites, mining claims, protected areas, and cultural resources. Always check the local BLM office and current rules for the exact location.
Final Verdict: Is Academy a Good Place to Buy a Metal Detector?
Academy Sports + Outdoors is a useful place to shop for a metal detector because its current selection covers a wide range of brands, prices, and detector types. You can find simple beginner machines, multi-frequency models, waterproof detectors, relic-oriented equipment, and specialist gold detectors in one catalog.
But the size of the selection is also the challenge.
Do not choose a detector simply because it has the highest rating, deepest-looking specifications, or biggest discount. Start with your intended targets and hunting locations. Then compare the detector’s technology, waterproofing, controls, coil, reviews, and complete purchase cost.
For a casual beginner, spending less can make sense. For someone who expects to detect regularly, paying more for features that solve a real problem can be worthwhile.
And if you are comparing new and used machines, do not overlook the second-hand market. A clean used detector from a proven model can sometimes be a better fit than buying a new machine that lacks the features you actually need.
The most useful next step is simple: decide what you want to find and where you want to hunt before choosing the detector.
If you already use an Academy metal detector, share the model and what you use it for. That makes it easier for other detectorists to compare real-world choices.
