Pulse Induction Vs VLF: Choosing The Best
Choosing between Pulse Induction (PI) and Very Low Frequency (VLF) metal detectors can be a challenge for many. Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses, making the decision crucial for finding the best treasures.
If you’ve ever struggled to detect deep or small targets, understanding these two types of detectors could be the key to solving your frustration.
In this guide, I’ll help you understand which technology will help you unearth more finds and make your detecting experience more rewarding.
“I suggest you should do comprehensive research on different types of metal detector technologies to select the most suitable device for yourself”.
Understanding pulse induction metal detector vs VLF
Pulse Induction (PI)
First up, we have Pulse Induction detectors. If you’re looking for something that can go really deep, PI might be your best bet.
These detectors send powerful pulses into the ground and measure the pulse’s echo. The cool thing about PI detectors is that they’re fantastic at ignoring mineralization in the soil.
That means if you’re searching on a beach with salty, mineral-rich sand, a PI detector won’t get confused.
In my experience, PI detectors are like the strong, silent types – they don’t chatter much with false signals, so when they beep, you know you’ve probably found something.
But remember, they’re not great at telling different metals apart. So, if you’re hunting for gold specifically, it might be a bit of a guessing game.
Very Low Frequency (VLF)
On the other side, we have VLF detectors. These are like the Swiss Army knives of the metal-detecting world.
VLF detectors use two coils to send out a frequency and listen for its return, allowing them to detect metal objects.
What’s great about VLF detectors is their ability to discriminate between different types of metals.
This means if you’re looking for something specific, like coins or relics, a VLF detector can be a real time-saver by ignoring junk metals.
I prefer VLF detectors when I’m in an area with a lot of trash because it helps me find the good stuff without digging up a lot of pull tabs and bottle caps.
However, they can get a bit chatty in highly mineralized soil, giving more false signals than a PI detector.
Pulse induction Vs VLF
| Feature | Pulse Induction (PI) | Very Low Frequency (VLF) |
| Depth Penetration | Superior, reaching depths of up to 6 meters / 20 feet or more | Moderate, effective for detecting shallow targets up to 2-3 meters/ 6.5-10 feet |
| Target Discrimination | Variable, some models offer advanced discrimination capabilities | Generally good, able to distinguish between different types of metals |
| Ground Conditions | Less sensitive to mineralized soil, suitable for a wider range of environments | More susceptible to interference from mineralized soil |
| Cost | Generally more expensive than VLF detectors | More affordable and widely available |
What Should You Choose?
So, which one should you choose? Well, it depends on where you plan to hunt and what you’re looking for.
If you’re heading to the beach or areas with high mineralization, I suggest going for a PI detector. They’ll go deeper and won’t get thrown off by the ground conditions.
But, if you’re planning to hunt in parks, old houses, or places where you might find a lot of trash, I recommend a VLF detector. They’ll help you sort through the junk and find the treasures.
Regardless of which type you choose, remember to always respect the environment and follow local laws when metal detecting.
And, of course, patience is key! Metal detecting is a bit like fishing – some days you catch the big one, and other days, you just enjoy being outdoors.
In Conclusion
Whether you go for a Pulse Induction or a Very Low-Frequency detector, the real joy comes from the hunt itself.
Each type has its own strengths, and choosing the right one can lead to some amazing discoveries.
Howard rockse
Hey there, I am Howard a deeply committed individual who likes to share my knowledge and insights in this field, having spent over ten years as a metal detectorist.
My experience with GoldXtra Detector has allowed me to provide trustworthy and informative advice to both new and experienced metal-detecting enthusiasts. I’m committed to assisting others in exploring and enjoying the world of metal detecting with the same enthusiasm and dedication that I have.
Howard Rockse
Senior Content Writer at GoldXtra
