Bounty Hunter Tracker IV vs Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100

Should you buy the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV or Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100?

Bounty Hunter metal detectors are an excellent choice for entry level metal detectorists. Often, intermediate metal detectorists enjoy them for their simplicity. Bounty Hunter metal detectors are simple to use, simple to learn, and a great bargain.

Bounty Hunter is part of the First Texas company, the same parent company that owns Teknetics and Fisher metal detectors. The Tracker IV and Discovery 1100 are both fantastic detectors for those just starting out, or for anyone who wants a simplistic metal detector. This article will compare the 2 models, and ultimately decide who wins in the battle of Bounty Hunter Tracker IV vs Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100.

Model	Price	Features
Garrett AT Max	$$$	Waterproof to 10 feet
Fisher F22	$$	9″ Triangulated Concentric Coil
Garrett Ace 400	$$$	8.5 x 11" DD coil
Minelab Vanquish 540	$	Search Modes: Coin, Relic, Jewelry, Custom, All Metal

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV

The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is a great choice for a beginning detectorist or for teenagers. This detector is easy to use, has a low price point, and is simple and straightforward. The Tracker IV features an analog meter display, where the needle will point to the likely type of metal detected. This screen is easier to see than some LCD screens, especially in bright sunlight. The stem is adjustable so it can be used by detectorists of all sizes. This model weighs 3.7 pounds, so it is lightweight for most teens and adults. It may be a bit heavy for smaller children.

The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is a single frequency VLF (very low frequency) metal detector that operates at 6.6 kHz. This is not the best frequency for detecting small gold but is a good range for general treasure hunting. This detector can find objects up to 7” deep in good soil conditions. It comes with an 8” concentric search coil.

The search coil is waterproof, but the control box is not. Therefore, it should never be fully submerged in water. You can, however, use the Tracker IV in shallow waters if you are careful This model features 2 tone audio, low and high, which are only available in Tone Search Mode.

Tone Mode eliminates signals for iron and gives high and low tones for all other metals. This is the Tracker IV’s discrimination mode, where you can use the discrimination knob to further eliminate unwanted metal targets and focus solely on certain metal types. If you are coin shooting, use a nickel to assess the detector.

Nickel is naturally low conductive and is a good benchmark to set discrimination while coin shooting, especially in trashy areas. The other search mode on the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is All Metal Mode. This mode will have no discrimination and will provide a single audio tone when it detects any type of metal. This mode gives users the most depth. Discrimination modes typically lower the search depth.

One drawback to this detector is factory set ground balancing. Ground balance can be a huge help in areas with high soil mineralization, hot rocks, and saltwater. Preset ground balance is good for new detectorists, however, because it is one less setting you must worry about. Be aware, though, that his detector will not function well in saltwater areas because of the high conductivity of salt.

It will also struggle in areas with high soil mineralization. You may also have more ground noise and chatter because the ground balancing cannot be adjusted. The Tracker IV operates on 2 9-volt batteries.

This model does lack some of the entry level features of other beginning metal detectors. However, for its price point, this detector is a great option. This is the first metal detector I ever used, and eventually gave it to one of my sons.

He has had a blast learning the detector and finding metals in the woods. He even found a substantial chunk of silver while detecting in the forest! So, this detector may lack so me features commonly found on entry level detectors, it no doubt finds metal! This detector is a strong contender in the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV vs Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100 battle!

Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100

The Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100 is another great option for beginning detectorists or teenagers. This model features a small LCD screen. It has a bar on the left side showing the potential metal found, which will correspond with a target arrow identifying iron, mid-range, and silver or copper. Sensitivity is adjustable on the right side of the analog face. This model also features a depth indicator.

The Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100 features 4 Mode control, with high tone, low tone, medium tone, and low & medium tone. High tone is all metal with nothing discriminated. Low tone eliminates iron targets. Medium tone eliminates mid-range targets. Low & medium tone eliminates both iron and mid-range metals. This detector can find small objects up to 6” deep. With large objects, it can find objects up to 2 feet deep.

The audio feedback is 3 tone. Audio feedback helps you determine what type of metal you have found so you can decide to dig or leave the target. The detector stem is adjustable so it can be used by detectorists of all sizes. The Discovery 1100 is a single frequency VLF metal detector that operates at 6.6 kHz.

Again, this is not a good frequency for finding small gold nuggets. It is a good range for general treasure hunting, though. This detector weighs 1.5 pounds, so it is easier for younger detectorists to use. It

The low operating frequency of this detector will not be good for use in saltwater areas or areas with high soil mineralization. It operates on 2 9-volt batteries. Ground balancing is automatic and preset, like the Tracker IV. This means it will struggle to compensate in certain soil conditions. The Discovery 1100 comes with a 7” search coil. The coil is waterproof, but the control box is not so the detector should never be submerged in water.

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV vs Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100

Both the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV and Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100 are VLF detectors operating at 6.6 kHz. The Tracker IV has a slightly larger search coil than the Discovery 1100. The Discovery 1100 has an LCD screen, whereas the Tracker IV’s screen is analog. The Discovery 1100 has one more search mode than the Tracker IV. Both detectors have audio feedback settings depending upon the search mode chosen.

Neither detector is fully waterproof so they should not be submerged. The Discovery 1100 is lighter weight than the Tracker IV. The weight is over 2 pounds difference, so you will be able to swing the Discovery 1100 for much longer without arm fatigue. The Discovery 1100 features a depth indicator, which the Tracker IV does not have. Neither detector has a pinpoint mode. Both have adjustable stems so they can be used by detectorists of all sizes.

The Tracker IV and Discovery 1100 both operate on 2 9-volt batteries, so the operating costs of both detectors is low. Both are simple to master and both detectors can be turned on and used immediately after assembly. Bounty Hunter offers a 5-year warranty on both the Tracker IV and the Discovery 1100.

Conclusion

For a beginning detectorists, you really cannot go wrong with either of these metal detectors. If I had to recommend one over the other, I would recommend the Discovery 1100. It has a few more features than the Tracker IV like depth indicator, LCD screen, and more search modes. It is also lighter weight, which means you can metal detect longer with less arm fatigue. This is also helpful when detecting with children as the lighter weight is easier for them to manage.

If you are detecting with children, the Discovery 1100 will be the best option because of the lower weight. The Tracker IV is easier to learn, but it is heavier than most entry level metal detectors. If you are looking for a no-frills metal detector, one that you can just turn on and detect with without adjusting settings, the Tracker IV will work well for you.

The price is very reasonable for a basic metal detector so you will not be out much. But, if your budget can accommodate it, I would still recommend the Discovery 1100. It does not have any complicated settings, has more search mode options, is lower weight, and will be a fantastic option for beginners.

Bounty Hunter also offers a 5-year warranty on both metal detectors. This is great because if anything goes wrong during normal use, it will be covered under warranty. Normal wear and tear or improper usage or storage will not be covered, so always treat your metal detector kindly, keep it clean, and store it properly.

Keep In Mind

Regardless of which metal detector you choose to purchase, I suggest evaluating the detector when it arrives. Read your manual and keep it with you when you go detecting. You can assess the detector right in your own home by using several types of metals found around your home. Simply wave them over the search coil and listen to and watch the response from your metal detector.

This is extremely helpful for new detectorists because it helps you recognize and differentiate diverse types of metals and their signals. You can also take some metallic items from home to an outside location and assess the detector that way. Simply bury your targets, mark them so you know where they are, and swing your detector.

Aside from that, make sure you have a decent quality digging tool. It is worth spending a little bit more on a better-quality digging tool than to have a cheap one break in the field. It is extremely frustrating to lose a digging tool while you are still digging for your target. I suggest a hand trowel and a full-sized shovel.

This way you can dig small and larger plugs, depending on what you need. It is also a good idea to have a finds pouch, or a bag or some kind to store your finds in. This way they are kept safe. A trash bag is another good idea because I can guarantee you will find trashy targets! We should always pack out any trash we find and try to leave an area better than we found it.

FAQ

There are laws and rules at every level that apply to metal detectorists. You will encounter these at the local, state, and federal levels. Some cities have few restrictions for detectorists, while others require permits or outright forbid the hobby in public spaces. Check with your local city and county for a full list of rules for your area. As far as federal level laws, these must be followed everywhere, save for private property.

Federal laws include following the Antiquities Act and Archaeological Resources Protection Acts. The Antiquities Act limits the examination of ruins, excavation of archeological sites, and gathering of objects of antiquity. It is your responsibility to follow all laws, rules, and regulations when metal detecting. If you simply say, “I did not know,” you will still be found liable and can be fined, have your equipment, and finds confiscated, and may even serve jail time. Take some time and do your homework!

A pinpointer is not necessary to metal detect. The biggest benefit for having a pinpointing metal detector is to narrow down your search area. They can be extremely helpful in this way because you can narrow down where your target is and dig a smaller hole than you may have with a full-sized metal detector.

Also, when digging for a target, the handheld pinpointer is easier to check the sides and bottom of the hole. You can pick up an inexpensive handheld pinpointer for very little, or you can find ones that are several hundred dollars, depending on your needs.

This is a loaded question for many reasons. For all metal detectorists, we can verify, you will find more trash than treasure. This is just the way it is. But with some dedication, and perseverance, you will eventually find something worthwhile. Countless metal detectorists have searched fields and old homesteads only to come away with nothing.

Still others have searched in similar areas and come away with hoards of ancient coins, jewelry, and gold. In fact, the largest gold nugget ever to be found in the western hemisphere, The Boot of Cortez, was found in the Sonora desert by a detectorist who purchased a cheap detector from Radio Shack. While such exquisite finds are rare, they do happen. I recently read an article of a metal detectorist in England finding a cache of Viking age coins and treasures. You must keep searching and you will eventually find your treasure!

This depends on many factors. There are areas that are inherently dangerous, such as near busy roads, trails, near water, and forests. It is easy to be metal detecting, especially with headphones, and just tune out the rest of the world. This is not always a good idea! If you are in a forested area, you could easily get turned around and lost, or you could come upon a predatory animal without being aware.

When near heavy traffic, you need to have headphones off, so you can ensure your safety. Headphones are helpful in many scenarios, like a fenced field, park, or yard. They can prove dangerous when you are so engrossed in your detecting you lose track of the rest of the world. Always pay attention and keep your focus on your surroundings. If you trespass on someone’s private property, you may be in danger, too.

Again, ensure you know where you are and that you are not on private property without permission. This will help keep you safe. Another thing to consider is your surroundings before you kneel to dig. You may kneel on a sharp rock or piece of debris and cut yourself. Wearing gloves and knee pads can help alleviate this worry.

As a rule of thumb, national parks and state parks do not allow metal detecting. There are some that will allow detecting in certain areas or with the proper permits. But these are the unicorns among the bunch.

Most state and national parks will strictly forbid metal detecting. National forests, however, are usually open to metal detecting. It is up to you to do some research and see if the area you wish to detect will allow you to.

The national forests near me allow metal detecting, but the state and national forests and national monuments forbid detecting. You can typically stop in at any ranger station and ask whether the area allows metal detecting and if you need a permit.

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