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With so many metal detectors on the market, it can be difficult to choose one that’s perfectly suited for you.
In terms of entry-level detectors, the Fisher F22 rules the roost. It offers a lot of useful features at a fantastic price point.
The Fisher F22 is an upgraded version of the F2, which was a popular machine that ruled the pre-2015 entry-level category.
The F22 brings even more functionality to what was already a great device.
Lets review this popular product.
Page Contents
Features and Benefits of The Fisher F22
The first thing that will hook you about the Fisher F22 is the price.
It’s usually priced around the $200 range, which makes it one of the most affordable detectors on the market.
Note: The price can go up or down, so check the current price to compare it with other detectors.
It also has a wide range of features that many other detectors don’t have, even those at higher price points. Most notably:
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the F22 can be set to between 1 and 10. This can enhance the detection of smaller pieces of metal, although this comes with some drawbacks.
Low sensitivity results in a poor and inaccurate detection experience, while high sensitivity causes a low detection rate.
Moderate sensitivity works best.
Target Depth Indicator
A useful tool found in most metal detectors that helps the operator to discern how deep the target object is in the ground.
Pinpointer
The pinpointer functionality is a favorite of metal detectorists thanks to its ability to give enhanced information about the location and size of an object.
A higher-pitched tone is emitted as the object is passed over which assists with better locating of the target.
Search Modes
The Fisher F22 is capable of using four search modes, which are there to help get you up and running.
These include:
Jewelry Mode
This mode is useful in discriminating all iron targets from detection. Perfect for treasure hunters with some experience in metal detecting.
Coin Mode
In addition to discriminating against iron targets, aluminum-based objects are also ignored. Suitable for finding nickel and copper coins.
Artifact/Relic Mode
Nothing is discriminated against, as many artifact items (such as around shipwrecks) may be composed of iron.
Custom Mode
Perfect for manually setting the tone for the type of target metal you are seeking. A great option for intermediate level detectorists to finetune what they want from a device.
Battery Powered
In contrast to many other metal detectors, the Fisher F22 does not require any fancy battery types.
Rather, by using two inexpensive AA batteries, you can expect to go 20 to 30 hours without worry.
Appearance and Ease of Use
The Fisher F22 is technologically superior to the F2, and also looks significantly different than its predecessor.
The coil has also undergone a makeover. It now possesses a triangular-shaped elliptical concentric nine-inch coil.
This new shape helps it pinpoint and distinguish metals from trash, in areas where they are found together.
The coil is waterproof and submersible in water, which is a standard trait of all good metal detectors across the board.
Even the control is said to be waterproof, but in practice, it is more realistically water-resistant since submerging is not advised.
You can rest easy using the detector in less than ideal weather but avoid having the device fully covered by water.
In fact, many other aspects of the Fisher F22 were designed with weather resistance in mind.
The headphone jack is one such example. The simple addition of a rubber covering around the jack is great at preventing water and other debris from seeping in and damaging it.
The F22 isn’t that heavy either. Coming in at just under three pounds means you won’t feel excessive fatigue from usage.
The presence of cushioned armrests and grips is also a big selling point for detectorists who may choose to embark on long trips in one outing.
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Weatherproof build
- The LCD screen is very detailed
- Fast processing speed
- Two code (1-99) accurate IDs
Cons
- Inability to set manual ground balance
- Depth readings not always accurate
- Does a poor job at detecting small pieces of gold
Real-World Performance of The Fisher F22 Reviewed
While having great specs on paper is one thing, it’s far more important for it to actually perform well in the real world.
The Fisher F22 excels at this. At its price point, it even functions better than its higher-priced counterparts.
For starters, it has a much higher performance than its predecessor the F2. One of the major reasons for this is because of the enhanced processing speed.
Processing speed can make detection as close to real-time as possible, meaning that you do not miss out on valuable targets simply because your machine is too slow.
One of the major draws of the Fisher F22 metal detector model is the target ID mode.
- ALL PURPOSE METAL DETECTOR: Weatherproof metal detector that can detect Jewelry, Coins, and Artifacts on land and shallow water. Finds metal targets on the surface and buried up to nine inches deep.
- TREASURE HUNT IN ANY CONDITION: This metal detector is weatherproof for use in the harshest weather and environments. Rain or shine, this metal detector can find treasure.
- JUST TURN-ON-AND-GO: A metal detector made for adults but easy enough for a child to operate. Easy-to-use features like discrimination, sensitivity, notch, and pinpoint make finding treasures buried deep underground a breeze.
- ACCURATE ALL METAL DETECTORS: This underground detector distinguishes between valuable targets and unwanted metals. Quickly identify all types of buried targets by Target Categories and a 0-99 numeric Target-ID, enhanced with a 4-Tone Audio-ID System.
- LIGHTWEIGHT ERGONOMIC & COMFORTABLE: This well-balanced weatherproof metal detector weighs approximately 2 pounds and has a padded hand grip and arm cup for comfortable treasure hunting.
Last update on 2024-04-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
There are a total of nine target categories, but in total it can detect 99 different target sub categories.
For instance, target ID number 1 to 19 are all iron-based, while 20 to 29 are aluminum type metals. Similarly, 30 to 39 represents nickel.
Numbers 50 to 59 represent US coins, numbers 60 to 69 denote US copper coins, and numbers 70 to 79, US silver coins.
The range of numbers also considers the actual size of the target and its relative position in the ground.
There is also better detection of gold and silver as the indicator around these categories flashes when they are encountered.
You can see why hobby treasure hunters and professionals alike approve of this machine.
Lastly there are four different types of tones emitted by the machine – base, low, medium, and high.
When used with visual identification shown on the monitor, you will quickly develop an appreciation of the type of metal encountered.
The iron audio feature, sometimes called FeTone, is a very useful audio setting not usually found in machines of this price range.
What it does is amplify the tone emitted when it encounters iron-based targets allowing you to bypass these and save time.
As you can guess, this feature is very useful when hunting specifically for coins and higher value metals.
How Does The Fisher F22 Compare to Other Metal Detectors?
You may be wondering how the F22 ranks against other similar devices. Let’s check that out now.
FAQ
Will the Fisher F22 Detect Gold?
The Fisher F22 is not specifically a gold detector, although it is capable of doing so for reasonably sized items. It will not detect smaller pieces very well.
Fisher F22 vs. Garrett ACE 300
Both are very good beginner to intermediate level metal detectors. However, the F22 would have to be the better choice.
This primarily boils down to the enhanced processing speed possessed by the F22, and the greater water resistance it possesses.
Fisher F2 vs Fisher F22
Prior to the F22 becoming commercially available, the F2 was the best entry-level metal detector on the market.
Mind you, one of the main things that makes a device entry-level is the price point. Higher price points usually indicate advanced features better suited for intermediates.
Visually, the two models look very similar even though there are some significant differences.
For instance, the F22 allows for a greater degree of customization of detection settings, as well as saving your preset configuration.
Previously, the F2 model would reset every time the detector was turned off. Processing time is also notably better.
The shape of the coil has also been improved which gives you a better detection experience, along with improved water resistance to safeguard your investment.
Fisher F22 vs F44
Again, another comparison within the same brand, this time the F22 is overshadowed by the more advanced F44.
In fact, when you are ready to take the next step the F44 is what you should be looking for.
Among the enhanced features are the ability to set manual ground balance, a larger 11-inch coil, and improved sensitivity for metals.
These, of course, do carry a higher price point which is why they are more suitable for intermediate to advanced detectorists.
Does The F22 Come Assembled?
No, it does not. The individual pieces come in a box, but putting it together is simple and should only take a few minutes.
Is It Suitable For Kids?
While not explicitly built for kids, the lightweight nature may allow for this. The many features can be overwhelming, so be sure to offer guidance.
Does It Come With Any Accessories?
No, the Fisher F22 does not come with any accessories or carrying cases.
How Deep Down Will The Fisher F22 Identify Targets?
Given that the overall condition of the soil is decent, the F22 can detect items the size of a quarter up to eight inches deep.
Can I Change The Coil Type?
Some people just don’t like the shape of the new triangulated coil. If you feel this is you, then you can check out the classic round coil.
There is alternatively an even larger triangulated coil which gives better coverage and depth detection.
Does The Fisher F22 Come With A Warranty?
As is common in most reputable metal detector brands that stand behind their products, the Fisher F22 comes with a five-year warranty.
Conclusion
The Fisher F22 delivers great value if you’re new to metal detecting or looking to upgrade from a simpler model.
The price is not the lowest on the market, but it still brings a lot to the table for what it costs.
The large range of target IDs and the fact that it possesses a pinpoint mode are major features that tend to place it atop the entry-level category.
The lightweight build is always welcome since even though it is not considered a child model, it can be a great learning tool for younger enthusiasts.
The only thing this metal detector really lacks is the ability to manually calibrate ground balance.
Apart from that, it’s a very good metal detector chock full of features to give you an enjoyable metal detecting session.