Fisher Research Labs has been making metal detectors since 1931. That makes them the oldest continuously-operating metal detector manufacturer in the world. While Minelab pioneered multi-frequency and Nokta is racing to ship new platforms, Fisher has stayed in their lane: rugged single-frequency VLF detectors that just work, made in the U.S. and built to last.
The Fisher trade-off: single-frequency in a multi-frequency world. Their lineup is mostly VLF (the F-series for general detecting and the Gold Bug series for prospecting), with the Impulse-AQ as their saltwater PI offering and the CZ-21 as the legacy waterproof choice. For buyers who want simplicity, U.S.-made build quality, and a detector that will outlast multiple iPhones, Fisher is the answer.
Below: top picks by use case, the full Fisher lineup, the Gold Bug variants explained (Gold Bug, Gold Bug Pro, Gold Bug 2, Gold Bug DP), and where Fisher beats the multi-frequency competition.
Quick Verdict: Best Fisher Metal Detectors of 2026
| Best for... | Pick | Why it wins |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | F75 | 13 kHz, deep, fast recovery, lightweight (3.5 lb). Fisher’s flagship coin and relic detector. |
| Best for beginners | F22 | Weather-resistant, 4 modes, $229. The cheapest serious Fisher. |
| Best for gold prospecting | Gold Bug Pro | 19 kHz, dual gold and coin modes. The classic VLF gold machine. |
| Best for the smallest gold | Gold Bug 2 | 71 kHz, the highest-frequency consumer detector available. Finds gold no other detector hears. |
| Best for mid-budget all-around | F44 | 7.7 kHz, weather-resistant, full feature set at sub-$300. |
| Best for saltwater (PI) | Impulse-AQ | Pulse induction for the salt beach where VLF gets defeated. |
| Best waterproof Fisher | CZ-21 | Submersible to 250 ft. The Excalibur II competitor for divers. |
| Best Fisher pinpointer | F-Pulse | Pulse induction pinpointer. Goes deeper than VLF pinpointers in mineralized ground. |
Why Choose a Fisher Metal Detector?
Fisher Research Labs was founded in 1931 by Dr. Gerhard Fisher, the inventor of the first portable metal detector. They are the oldest continuously-operating metal detector manufacturer in the world. While newer brands chase technology trends, Fisher has stayed focused on rugged, dependable single-frequency detectors that hold up to decades of field use.
Five reasons detectorists choose Fisher:
- Build quality and longevity. Fisher detectors regularly hit 15- and 20-year lifespans. The F75 has been in production since 2007 and original units are still in service.
- Made in the USA. Designed and manufactured in El Paso, Texas (since the 2006 First Texas acquisition) with U.S.-based support.
- Best-in-class gold prospecting VLF. The Gold Bug 2 at 71 kHz is the highest-frequency consumer detector ever made. No competitor matches it for the smallest gold.
- Simple controls. Fisher detectors have menus you can learn in 15 minutes. No 200-page manual required.
- Real value. The F22 at $229 is one of the best detectors under $250 from any brand.
The Complete Fisher Metal Detector Lineup at a Glance
| Model | Use & Skill Level | Technology | Waterproof | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F11 | Casual (Beginner) | VLF 7.69 kHz | Coil only | 2.3 lb |
| F22 | Best for Beginners | VLF 7.69 kHz | Coil only (weather-resistant) | 2.3 lb |
| F44 | Best Mid-Budget | VLF 7.69 kHz | Coil only (weather-resistant) | 2.6 lb |
| F19 | All-around (Intermediate) | VLF 19 kHz | Coil only | 2.5 lb |
| F75 | Best Overall | VLF 13 kHz | Coil only | 3.5 lb |
| F70 | All-around (Intermediate, legacy) | VLF 13 kHz | Coil only | 3.5 lb |
| Gold Bug | Gold (Beginner) | VLF 19 kHz | Coil only | 2.5 lb |
| Gold Bug Pro | Best Gold (VLF) | VLF 19 kHz | Coil only | 2.5 lb |
| Gold Bug 2 | Best Smallest-Gold | VLF 71 kHz | Coil only | 2.9 lb |
| Gold Bug DP | Gold (Intermediate, deep) | VLF 19 kHz | Coil only | 2.7 lb |
| Impulse-AQ | Best Saltwater PI | Pulse Induction | Submersible to 10 ft | 4.5 lb |
| CZ-21 | Best for Diving | VLF (dual-freq 5/15 kHz) | Submersible to 250 ft | 5.7 lb |
| 1280X | Beach (legacy) | VLF | Submersible | 3.0 lb |
| Gemini 3 | Two-box deep cache (specialty) | Two-box VLF | No | 5.5 lb |
| F-Pulse Pinpointer | Pinpointer (PI) | Pulse Induction | Waterproof to 6 ft | 0.5 lb |
Best Fisher Metal Detector by Use Case
Best Overall: Fisher F75
The F75 is Fisher’s flagship coin and relic detector. Operating at 13 kHz with the famous "double filter" processing that gives the F75 its trademark fast recovery, it remains one of the most respected single-frequency detectors in the world.
Key features:
- 13 kHz operating frequency: Strong on coin and relic-sized targets, sensitive enough for jewelry
- Lightweight at 3.5 lb: All-day comfort, well-balanced shaft design
- Fast recovery speed: Industry-leading target separation in iron-trash sites
- Advanced display: 0-99 target ID, 4-digit numeric, signal strength
- Multiple search modes: Discrimination, all-metal, jewelry, coin, artifact
- Made in USA: El Paso, Texas manufacturing with 5-year warranty
The F75 is the detector serious relic hunters reach for when they want depth and target separation without the multi-frequency complexity. After 18+ years in production, it remains a benchmark.
Best for Beginners: Fisher F22
The F22 is Fisher’s entry-level pick at $229. Weather-resistant (not submersible, but rain and splash-proof), 4 search modes, digital target ID, and the same Fisher build quality you’d expect at twice the price.
Why beginners choose the F22:
- Simple controls: 4-button interface, learn in 15 minutes
- 4 search modes: Jewelry, Coin, Artifact, Custom
- Digital target ID: 0-99 scale
- 9-segment notch discrimination: Tune out specific trash IDs
- Weather-resistant: Rain and splash-proof control box
- Lightweight: 2.3 lb for kids and adults alike
- 5-year warranty: One of the longest in the industry at this price point
Best for Gold Prospecting (VLF): Fisher Gold Bug Pro
The Gold Bug Pro is the classic Fisher gold detector. 19 kHz operation, dual gold and coin modes, and the simple manual ground balance that experienced prospectors prefer. Lighter than competing PI detectors and roughly one-quarter the price of the Minelab GPX 6000.
Gold prospecting features:
- 19 kHz frequency: Strong on small to medium gold
- Manual + auto ground balance: Full control in mineralized soil, with auto for fast setup
- Two modes: Discrimination mode for coins, all-metal mode for gold
- Lightweight: 2.5 lb for long days in the field
- Made in USA: 5-year warranty
Shop the Fisher Gold Bug Pro →
Best for the Smallest Gold: Fisher Gold Bug 2
The Gold Bug 2 operates at 71 kHz, the highest frequency in any consumer detector ever made. At 71 kHz, the detector finds gold pieces smaller than a grain of rice, in mineralized ground that defeats lower-frequency machines. No competitor matches it.
The trade-off: 71 kHz is laser-focused on small gold and not great for anything else. Coins read poorly. Discrimination is minimal. The Gold Bug 2 is a specialist tool for prospectors who already have a primary detector and want a dedicated micro-gold machine.
Best Mid-Budget: Fisher F44
The F44 sits between the F22 and F75. Same weather-resistant build as the F22, more refined feature set, larger coil, and a more capable target ID system. Sub-$300 and one of the best value mid-tier detectors available.
Best Saltwater: Fisher Impulse-AQ
Saltwater conducts electricity, which makes single-frequency VLF detectors light up like Christmas trees on the wet sand. The Impulse-AQ is Fisher’s pulse induction answer. PI ignores salt entirely. The trade-off: PI has no real discrimination, so you dig more iron.
For dedicated saltwater hunters, the Impulse-AQ competes with the Minelab Excalibur II and the Garrett Sea Hunter. Fully submersible, U.S.-built, and priced competitively.
Best Diving Detector: Fisher CZ-21
The CZ-21 is Fisher’s waterproof flagship for serious divers. Submersible to 250 ft (Fisher claims this in their official specs), the CZ-21 has been the diver’s pick for decades when the Excalibur II is unavailable. Dual-frequency VLF with manual control over discrimination and ground balance.
The Gold Bug Variants Explained
Fisher sells four detectors with "Gold Bug" in the name and the differences confuse buyers. Here is the short version.
| Model | Frequency | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Bug | 19 kHz | Entry-level VLF gold | Auto ground balance only |
| Gold Bug Pro | 19 kHz | Most prospectors | Manual + auto ground balance, dual modes |
| Gold Bug DP | 19 kHz | Deeper detection | Larger 11" DD coil for more depth |
| Gold Bug 2 | 71 kHz | The smallest gold | Specialist tool. Not for general detecting. |
Short answer: for most gold prospectors, the Gold Bug Pro is the right pick. The Gold Bug 2 is a specialist tool for buyers who already own a primary detector.
Fisher F75 vs. Minelab Equinox 900
The classic single-frequency vs. multi-frequency question. Both are flagship-level detectors at meaningfully different prices.
| Feature | Fisher F75 | Minelab Equinox 900 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$799 | $999 |
| Technology | Single-frequency 13 kHz VLF | Multi-IQ+ multi-frequency |
| Weight | 3.5 lb | 2.8 lb |
| Waterproof | Coil only | IP68 16 ft |
| Saltwater performance | Limited (single-frequency) | Excellent (multi-frequency) |
| Inland coin/relic | Excellent | Excellent |
| Build / longevity | 15+ year units common | 8+ year units (newer platform) |
| Best for | Inland hunters who want simplicity | Beach + inland buyers who want flexibility |
Short answer: the F75 is the better single-frequency detector ever made. The Equinox 900 is the better all-rounder thanks to multi-frequency and full submersibility. For inland coin and relic only, the F75 holds its own. For buyers who’ll ever hunt salt water, the Equinox 900 wins.
How to Choose the Right Fisher Metal Detector
Step 1: Define your primary use
- Coins, relics, parks, fields: F75 (advanced), F44 (mid), F22 (entry)
- Gold prospecting: Gold Bug Pro (most prospectors), Gold Bug 2 (smallest gold), Gold Bug DP (depth)
- Beach (saltwater): Impulse-AQ (PI) or CZ-21 (waterproof VLF)
- Diving: CZ-21 (250 ft submersible)
- Cache hunting: Gemini 3 (two-box deep)
Step 2: Pick by experience level
- Beginner: F11 or F22
- Intermediate: F44 or Gold Bug Pro
- Advanced: F75, Gold Bug 2, Impulse-AQ, or CZ-21
Best Fisher Metal Detector FAQ
Which Fisher metal detector is best for beginners?
The Fisher F22 at $229 is the best beginner Fisher. Weather-resistant, 4 search modes, digital target ID, and the same Fisher build quality you would expect at twice the price.
What is the best Fisher for gold prospecting?
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro is the best Fisher for most gold prospectors at 19 kHz. The Gold Bug 2 at 71 kHz is the specialist pick for the smallest gold no other detector can find. The Gold Bug DP adds depth via a larger 11" DD coil. For pulse induction depth in heavily mineralized ground, look at the Minelab GPX 6000 or Garrett Axiom (Fisher does not make a competitive PI gold detector).
Are Fisher detectors waterproof?
Most Fisher detectors have waterproof coils only. The CZ-21 is the exception, fully submersible to 250 ft for diving. The Impulse-AQ is Fisher’s pulse induction submersible for saltwater hunting. The 1280X is the older waterproof choice.
How does Fisher compare to Minelab and Garrett?
For multi-frequency, Minelab leads. For single-frequency VLF, Fisher is competitive with Garrett and built to last just as long. Fisher’s strength is at the extremes: the F75 for refined inland VLF, the Gold Bug 2 for small gold (no competitor matches 71 kHz), and the CZ-21 for diving. For everyday all-around use, Minelab Equinox 900 or Nokta Legend 2 offer more capability per dollar at the flagship tier.
Is the Fisher F75 worth buying in 2026?
Yes for inland coin and relic hunters who want refined single-frequency performance, fast recovery, and a detector that will last 15+ years. No for beach hunters or buyers who want multi-frequency flexibility. The Equinox 900 or Manticore are better for that use case.
What is the difference between the Fisher F11, F22, F44, F70, and F75?
The F-series ascends in features and capability. F11 is the cheapest. F22 adds weather-resistance and modes. F44 adds a larger coil and refined target ID. F70 (legacy) and F75 (current flagship) operate at 13 kHz with advanced display, fast recovery, and multiple search modes. F19 is the high-frequency variant at 19 kHz, useful for gold and small targets.
What is the Fisher warranty?
Fisher provides a 5-year limited warranty on most current detectors when purchased through an authorized U.S. dealer. Always buy through an authorized dealer to keep the warranty intact.
Is the Fisher F-Pulse pinpointer worth buying?
Yes, especially for prospectors and beach hunters. The F-Pulse is a pulse induction pinpointer, which means it goes deeper in mineralized ground than VLF pinpointers like the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT. The trade-off: less discrimination. For coin hunters in cleaner ground, the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT remains the industry standard.
Where to Buy Fisher Metal Detectors
Shop Fisher metal detectors at Serious Detecting:
- Browse the full Fisher collection →
- Shop the F75 →
- Shop the F44 →
- Shop the F22 →
- Shop the F11 →
- Shop the Gold Bug Series →
- Shop the Gold Bug Pro →
- Shop the Gold Bug 2 →
- Shop the Impulse-AQ →
- Shop the CZ-21 →
- Shop the F-Pulse Pinpointer →
- Shop the Gemini 3 (Two-Box Cache) →
Or call us at (844) 771-0707 to talk through your specific use case.
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