Fisher F19 Metal Detector

Fisher F19 Metal Detector Overview

The Fisher F19 runs on a 19 kHz VLF platform that Fisher optimizes for low-conductivity targets such as gold and small relics, and Fisher lists it for coin shooting, relic hunting, gold prospecting, general-purpose detecting and dry sand beaches. It has two modes, All Metal and Discrimination, with notch discrimination and the V-Break audio breakpoint, which sets where the tones change. Iron control is the F19's strength: a 40-point iron discrimination scale and FeTone, which sets the volume of iron signals instead of only silencing them. Target ID is a 2-digit number from 1 to 99, and audio uses multiple tones with V.C.O. audio in both modes. Ground balance is manual or computerized Ground Grab, and an Fe3O4 bar graph shows ground mineralization. The non-motion pinpoint and signal strength bars show depth, and the backlight is adjustable. The stock coil is a 10 inch elliptical DD, and Fisher also lists the F19-11D with an 11 inch DD coil. The control box is not weatherproof, and Fisher offers an optional rain cover for it. The F19 weighs 2.75 lb (1.25 kg), runs 15 to 20 hours on one 9V alkaline battery, takes headphones with a 1/4 inch plug and carries a 2-year Fisher warranty. First Texas builds it in the USA.

Fisher F19 vs F75: Which Should You Buy?

The F19 and the F75 are Fisher's two higher-end single-frequency detectors in the F-Series. The F19 runs at 19 kHz, which favors small, low-conductivity targets, and it has the 40-point iron discrimination scale, V-Break tone control and manual or Ground Grab ground balance, at 2.75 lb (1.25 kg) on one 9V battery. The F75 runs at 13 kHz with DST to suppress electrical interference, FASTGRAB ground balance with manual override, Motion and Static All-Metal modes and a trigger pinpoint, at 3.5 lb (1.6 kg) on four AA batteries for about 40 hours.

If your hunting is small relics, buttons and gold in iron and mineralized ground, we recommend the F19. If you hunt near power lines or other electrical interference, want longer battery life, or want the F75 LTD's Boost and Cache modes for deep targets, look at the F75. For a lighter weatherproof detector with simpler controls, the F44 runs at 7.69 kHz with a weatherproof control box at 2.3 lb (1.04 kg).

Fisher F19, Best For:

• Relic hunters on nail-filled home sites who want fine iron control
• Small gold and low-conductivity targets, where 19 kHz helps
• Hunters who want V-Break to set where the tones change

Fisher F75, Best For:

• Sites with electrical interference, where DST keeps the threshold steady
• Long hunts on four AA batteries rated about 40 hours
• Cache and deep target hunting with the F75 LTD's Boost and Cache modes

Key Features That Matter in the Field

The 40-point iron discrimination scale is what sets the F19 apart. The F19 lets you choose how much iron to reject in 40 steps, so you can stop just short of the targets you want. FeTone works alongside it: set iron to a low volume and you still hear the nails, but a button or cut coin between them stands out. V-Break moves the point where the audio changes tone, so you can put the tone change where your local trash and good targets split. Ground Grab balances to the ground automatically, manual ground balance fine-tunes it, and the Fe3O4 bar graph tells you how hot the soil is. We recommend checking ground balance again when you move to new ground, and running gain where the F19 stays quiet rather than at maximum. All Metal mode hears every metal target, which we recommend for gold and for relic sites where you dig everything. The backlight helps at dawn and dusk.

Where the Fisher F19 Works Best and Its Limits

The F19 is at home on old home sites, relic fields, farm ground and in gold country, and Fisher also lists it for coins and dry sand beaches. The control box is not weatherproof, so we treat the F19 as a dry weather detector unless you fit Fisher's optional rain cover, and it is not a wading or underwater detector. The 9V battery is rated 15 to 20 hours, so we recommend carrying a spare alkaline battery. Fisher does not list wet salt sand for the F19; for saltwater beaches, see our beach metal detectors. For a dedicated Fisher gold detector, look at the Fisher Gold Bug Pro.

Coils and Accessories That Fit the Fisher F19

The F19 comes two ways in this collection: with the 10 inch elliptical DD coil, or as the F19 11DD with an 11 inch DD elliptical coil. We recommend the 10 inch coil for tight, iron-heavy sites and the 11 inch coil for covering open fields. Spare coils listed for the F19 include the Fisher 10 inch DD white elliptical closed coil for the F5 and F19, the Fisher 10 inch solid BiAxial DD white elliptical coil that also fits the Gold Bug and Gold Bug Pro, and the Fisher 11 inch black coil with screw-in connector. The Anderson 12 inch carbon fiber lower rod is for detectors fitted with an Anderson shaft. The F19 takes headphones with a 1/4 inch plug, and the Fisher F19 digital manual is a free download. For recovery, add a pinpointer from our Fisher pinpointers.

Fisher F-Series Comparison: F11, F19, F22, F44 and F75

All five models share a waterproof stock coil, a 1/4 inch headphone jack and Fisher's 2-year warranty, and First Texas builds them in the USA. The differences are frequency, target ID, ground balance, weatherproofing, power and weight.

Our Fisher metal detector buying guide compares the wider Fisher lineup, including the Gold Bug and water detectors.

Why Buy the Fisher F19 Metal Detector from Serious Detecting?

• Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your Fisher F19 ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
• Authorized Fisher Dealer: Showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, full 2-year manufacturer warranty and product registration support.
• Help Before and After You Buy: Our staff answer setup, coil and Fisher F19 questions by phone or email.