Fisher F22 Metal Detector

Fisher F22 Metal Detector Overview

The Fisher F22 runs at 7.69 kHz and Fisher designs it for dry land and damp conditions, for coin shooting, relic hunting, jewelry and general-purpose detecting. It has four search modes (Jewelry, Coin, Artifact and Custom), notch discrimination plus a Custom mode, and a 1 to 99 numeric target ID. A 4-tone audio ID works with FeTone, which lets you set the volume of iron signals instead of only silencing them, and overall volume adjusts from 0 to 20. Sensitivity has 10 levels, ground balance is preset, a 3-segment depth bar shows target depth, and the F22 saves its settings when you turn it off. The control box is weatherproof but not submersible, and the 9 inch triangulated elliptical searchcoil is waterproof (Fisher’s product page and F22 manual give 9 inch; the F22 spec sheet prints 7 inch). The F22 weighs 2.3 lb (1.04 kg), runs 25 to 30 hours on two AA batteries, takes headphones with a 1/4 inch plug and carries a 2-year Fisher warranty. First Texas builds it in the USA.

Fisher F22 vs F44: Which Should You Buy?

The F22 and F44 share the 7.69 kHz frequency, the 1 to 99 numeric target ID, FeTone, the weatherproof control box, two AA batteries for 25 to 30 hours and the 2.3 lb (1.04 kg) weight. The F44 adds a fifth mode (All Metal), manual and automatic Ground Grab ground balance, sensitivity from 1 to 20, a backlight with 0 to 5 levels and an 11 inch stock coil, either elliptical concentric or DD.

If you hunt maintained parks and yards with ordinary soil, the F22 covers it. If your ground is mineralized, such as red clay or soil with hot rocks, or you hunt at dawn and dusk, we recommend the F44 for its ground balance and backlight. Below the F22, the F11 drops the numeric target ID and the weatherproof control box and runs on one 9V battery.

Fisher F22, Best For:

• First-time buyers who want a numeric target ID and four preset modes
• Coin, jewelry and relic hunting in damp weather
• Light, all-day swinging at 2.3 lb (1.04 kg)

Fisher F44, Best For:

• Mineralized soil, where manual or Ground Grab ground balance steadies target ID
• Relic fields and old home sites, where All Metal mode hears every metal target
• Early morning and evening hunts with the backlit display

Fisher F22 vs Garrett ACE 300

The F22 and the Garrett ACE 300 are both single-frequency starter detectors. The F22 runs at 7.69 kHz with a 1 to 99 target ID, four modes, a 9 inch coil, a weatherproof control box, two AA batteries and a weight of 2.3 lb (1.04 kg). The ACE 300 runs at 8 kHz with frequency adjust, a 0 to 99 Digital Target ID, five modes plus Pinpoint, a 7 x 10 inch concentric coil, four AA batteries and a weight of 2.8 lb (1.27 kg); Garrett says its coil is submersible but its control housing is not, and it carries a 3-year warranty. If you hunt in damp weather and want the lighter detector, we recommend the F22. If you want frequency adjust for interference and the ACE coil range, look at the ACE 300.

Key Features That Matter in the Field

FeTone is the F22 feature that matters most on trashy ground. Instead of choosing between hearing all iron or none, you set iron to a lower volume, so you still know iron is there while good targets stand out. The 1 to 99 numeric target ID and the 4-tone audio work together: learn the numbers your local coins and pull tabs give, and you can decide what to dig before you dig it. Custom mode lets you build your own discrimination pattern once the preset Jewelry, Coin and Artifact modes feel familiar. We recommend learning a preset mode first, because too much discrimination can reject targets you want. Sensitivity has 10 levels; we recommend setting it where the detector runs quietly rather than at maximum near power lines or other detectors. The F22 keeps your settings when switched off, so a custom setup is still there on the next hunt.

Where the Fisher F22 Works Best and Its Limits

The F22 is at home in parks, yards, school grounds and fields, and the weatherproof control box means a passing shower does not end the hunt. The waterproof 9 inch coil can work wet grass and shallow puddles, but the control box is not submersible, so the F22 is not a wading or underwater detector. Ground balance is preset, so heavily mineralized ground and wet salt sand are outside its design. For mineralized ground, the F44 is the next step. For saltwater beaches and wading, see our waterproof metal detectors. For iron-heavy relic sites, the 19 kHz Fisher F19 adds a 40-point iron discrimination scale.

Coils and Accessories That Fit the Fisher F22

The F22 shares its coil fit with the F11 and F44. The Fisher 11 inch DD elliptical waterproof coil adds coverage, and we recommend a DD coil for mineralized or iron-heavy ground. The Fisher 11 inch concentric teardrop coil is the other larger option. Protect the stock coil with the 9 inch teardrop coil cover, or use the 11 inch teardrop coil cover on an 11 inch coil. For the shaft, the Fisher 26.5 inch replacement lower rod fits the F22, and the Anderson 12 inch carbon fiber lower rod is for detectors fitted with an Anderson shaft. The Fisher F22 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 F22 Metal Detector from Serious Detecting?

• Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your Fisher F22 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 F22 questions by phone or email.