Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector Review 2024

There are times when an amateur detectorist wants to upgrade and test the waters with a pro metal detector. 

Similarly, there are days, when a seasoned detectorist prefers carrying a handy, affordable metal detector instead of risking an expensive one. 

This is exactly where the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 metal detector comes in. 

It’s the perfect mid-tier bounty metal detector that’s suitable for both – amateurs and pros. 

It acts as an upgrade for amateur detectorists and a capable substitute for professional detectorists.  

Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector Review

The Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 metal detector is a real steal. The machine has features that are hard to find in other detectors.

It is suitable for hunting treasure, lost items, and coins. 

The discovery 3300 has a lightweight construction that supports easy handling and is very comfortable for regular treasure hunters. 

If you want to find something that is buried deep underground, look no further. 

Additionally, the metal detector comes with a ground balance feature that can differentiate between valuables and iron. 

You can also use the sensitivity feature to reduce electromagnetic interference.

Pros

• Waterproof coil
• A smart ground balance system
• Deep seeking pinpoint mode
• Five easy detection modes
• Advanced discrimination system

Cons

• It is partially water-resistant

Who Should Choose the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector?

The many functions and a simple interface make the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 a good choice for anyone interested in metal detecting. 

Its ability to detect coins, precious metals, and lost items makes it amongst the most competitive detectors. 

Things to Consider Before Buying the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector

The Bounty Hunter 3300 Metal Detector works at 6.6kHz and is a VLF single frequency unit. 

Owing to this low-frequency output, it can detect metal buried deeper in the ground. 

It has a minimum coin detection ability of 8-inches, but you can penetrate deeper by adjusting the sensitivity, discrimination, and ground balance. 

The detector has a comfortable design with a solid and adjustable armrest. 

The Bounty Hunter 3300’s padded armrest can help first-time metal hunters who often have arm pain from holding a detector for too long.

Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Specification and Features

If you are considering buying the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300, here are some features that might grab your attention. 

Waterproof

Prospecting in some places can be highly rewarding, but it can sometimes come at a cost. 

For instance, if you’re not cautious when hunting for metals near or inside water bodies, you might end up ruining your detector.

Most metal detectors don’t have a waterproof coating on the coil and the body, which makes them susceptible to damage when used underwater. 

Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300’s waterproof body can help you scan underwater with ease. 

You can search for gold and other items without experiencing any issues in performance. 

The Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 can withstand rain or even powerful splashes of water, and its waterproof coil works well on damp lands and shallow waters. 

Pinpointing Deep Objects

Only good metal detectors can point to the exact location of the metal. There are times when objects buried in the soil can blend with the soils color and make it difficult to tell the difference. 

The Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 has a Digital coin depth indicator that shows the precise depth of the object. 

With this technology, you can save time on digging and also avoid losing the object. 

Its tone audio feedback makes it easier to pinpoint the precise location of the target.

Multiple modes of operation

This advanced metal detector gives you the benefit of four modes that can be controlled with a touch-pad. Due to these modes, metal detection becomes a lot more convenient. 

• All-metal Mode – When this mode is activated, the machine will detect all kinds of metals buried in the ground and water at a considerable depth. 

• Discrimination Mode – With this mode, you can make your search more specific. For instance, if you want the machine to detect only gold, this mode ignores other metals like iron and other unwanted trash saving you a lot of time. 

• Notch Mode – In this mode, the metal detector enables you to find or eliminate objects that are in a particular range. This mode programs the metal detector to ignore certain items helping you save time and energy. 

• Pinpoint mode – This mode helps you find the precise location of all kinds of metal buried in the soil. You can choose from the ones you want to dig out and save time on your overall search. 

Last update on 2024-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4-Tone audio detection system

It is not possible to keep looking at the LCD screen of a detector at all times. You have to pay attention to the surroundings too. 

Bounty Hunter has included an audio target identification system to eliminate the need for continuously looking at the display.

It has an intelligent sound diversification that plays different sounds based on the metal detected. The detector has up to four different sounds. 

Though the audio system works great, it does come with a drawback. The machine only makes the sound when it is used in the motion mode. 

In the pinpoint mode, the machine only produces a monotone sound.

Replaceable batteries

The Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector works on two 9v batteries that can be replaced when needed. 

The batteries included with the metal detector are long-lasting. Thus, you don’t need to carry spares when traveling.  

The Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 can save you a lot on batteries compared to other metal detectors in this range. 

The installation process is very simple, but you have to be very careful when installing them.

If you install the batteries wrong or non-alkaline ones, the product might start to malfunction. 

Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector Headphones

This is another remarkable feature of the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300; you can do your metal hunt anywhere without disturbing anybody. 

Headphones come in handy when prospecting in an area with a lot of disturbance. They can help you hear the minor changes in the tones. 

Ergonomic design

Discovery 3300’s ergonomic design is what sets it apart from other detectors. The S-shaped handle where the detector has to be held while searching is well padded. 

It also has an adjustable armrest which is one of the important features of metal detectors. 

It has an extendable rod that can reach a considerable height. This keeps you from bending or slouching, thereby preventing back pain issues at the end of the day. 

The LCD is another notable feature in terms of convenience. It is sizable and the numbers, indications, and brightness is enough to be visible in broad daylight. 

There are different buttons for every function on the control panel which makes it a lot easier to use. 

Limitations of the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300

Just like every other product in the market, this metal detector has some limitations that you should know about. 

Build Quality

Many users have complained about the build quality of the product. The detector does feel a little flimsy while holding due to its plastic body. 

This can be a major concern for detectorists who prefer using it regularly.

Only the coil and rod are coated with waterproof paint, the display is not water-resistant.

You have to make sure not to drop it in the water when prospecting on beaches or near creeks.

Electromagnetic Interference

The only thing that discourages a detectorist from buying a metal detector is its vulnerability to electromagnetic interference. 

The Discovery 3300 is not as weak as any low range metal detector. 

Note: The electromagnetic interference only occurs when the sensitivity of the detector is pushed towards the maximum limit. 

Zap Mode

It is among the most interesting features of the Discovery 3300, but it also has some limitations. 

The zap mode allows you to select specific materials that you want the detector to ignore such as bottle caps, pull tabs, and other metal objects. 

The problem is you can only select items that fall in the range of iron and zinc. This limitation might not be an issue for many hobbyists. 

Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector Alternatives 

Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 vs Garrett Ace 300 

If the Discovery 3300 is not what you need and you want to try a product that is either similar or has the same caliber, you can try the Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector. 

The Garrett Ace 3300 Metal Detector offers similar levels of protection from the weather. It comes with a kit that can help you start metal hunting instantaneously. 

The most important things included in the kit are an all-weather protection coil cover and device compatible headphones. 

As a competitor, Garrett Ace 300 has some advantages and disadvantages too. 

It has five search modes and eight sensitivity settings. Garrett has also included depth detection and digital target ID which is present in Discovery 3300. 

Playing it smart, Garrett added its trademark 7”x10” PROformance search coil. The coil is more sensitive and points to the location of the object precisely. 

It has an 8khz frequency for enhanced sensitivity, which helps detect targets with low conductivity such as gold. 

One of the main disadvantages of the Garrett Ace 300 is the lack of adjustable ground balance. Due to this, the user might get false readings on the mineralized surface. 

Unlike the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300, the Garrett Ace 300 does not have any distinctive sound for iron detection. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bounty Metal Hunter Discovery 3300 Waterproof?

The Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 has a plastic shaft and waterproof search coil that make it suitable for shallow water detection. 

However, some areas like the control box and its wire connection are not waterproof. 

It is better to keep safe when metal hunting in water, avoid splashes, and be careful not to drop it in the water. 

Is The Discovery 3300 Suitable for Beach Use?

The waterproof quality of the Discovery 3300 makes it very suitable for beach use. 

Here’s what you need to do to use it around the beach. 

First, you need to adjust its ground balancing setting to saltwater manually with the knob on the control panel. 

You will get a lot of chatter when the coil is in the water or around the beach soil, so you will have to decrease the sensitivity. 

You might get some false readings and errors in depth measurement but with a little persistency, there is a chance of finding great things.

Before you put the detector away after finishing the hunt, rinse the search coil well and make sure there are no sand or salt residues on it. 

This will save your detector from getting damaged.

Last update on 2024-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to install batteries in the Discovery 3300?

Installing batteries in the Discovery 3300 is quite easy. It has a separate compartment for batteries with a cover that has to be removed to get access to battery slots. 

You have to use two 9v batteries and for best results use alkaline batteries only. 

Place the batteries with the contact point facing inside of the slots, and with a little pressure push the batteries forward to connect them with the retaining tabs. 

Once the batteries are inserted in the compartment, replace the cover to close it. 

Is it possible to use headphones with the Discovery 3300 metal detector?

The discovery 3300 has a headphone jack that you can use to plug your headphones. 

If your kit does not come with a pair of headphones, you need to buy one that is compatible with your devices and has a ¼ inch jack.

There are benefits of using a metal detector with headphones such as privacy and clear audio interpretation.

You can also use it without the headphones, as it does come with an external speaker. 

I would recommend you use headphones when in public, as the speaker is loud and there are no volume controls in the metal detector. 

Final verdict

The Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 is a top-level offering from the company. Its outstanding features and abilities make it the best product in this price range. 

The machine has a commendable coin depth of 11 inches, and it can detect larger items by 4 feet. 

Combining it with a pinpoint-accuracy system can yield great results. You can set the ground balance on manual or automatic settings, based on your preference. 

Its inbuilt microprocessor-controlled discrimination system saves you from spending your time on unwanted metal items and locates the target more precisely. 

You can also differentiate between the metals when prospecting with its three levels of iron discrimination. 

All of these features combined into one system which works incredibly well and is easy to use make the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 the best option for beginners and seasoned detectorists alike. 

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