Minelab GO-FIND 22 Metal Detector

The Minelab GO-FIND 22 is a folding beginner metal detector that adds a three-level depth indicator and two-tone audio to the simple GO-FIND controls, made for families and first-time detectorists. It weighs 2.2 lb, folds to 21.9 inches, extends to 51.4 inches and runs VFLEX at 8 kHz through a hard-wired 8 inch rectangular coil that is waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft).

What the GO-FIND 22 gives you over a toy detector

• Two search modes. Non-Ferrous rejects iron, so you dig fewer nails. All Metal accepts every target when you want to hear everything in the ground.
• Two-tone audio. A low tone for iron and a high tone for coins and precious metals, so a new user hears the difference before digging.
• Three sensitivity levels. Three levels let you trade depth for stability; lower it near playground equipment or wherever the detector gives false signals.
• A depth indicator. Three levels give an approximate depth before you dig.
• A waterproof coil. The coil is waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft) for creek shallows and wet sand at the waterline, as long as the control box stays above water.
• A folding shaft. It folds to 21.9 inches for transport. Our GO-FIND series review covers how the GO-FIND 22 fits the lineup.

What is in the box with the Minelab GO-FIND 22

Minelab’s standard contents for the GO-FIND 22

• Minelab GO-FIND 22 metal detector with hard-wired 8 inch rectangular monoloop coil
• 2 camouflage skins (peel-and-stick)
• Owner's manual

The GO-FIND 22 runs on 4 AA batteries.

Where we would start with the GO-FIND 22

Parks, yards and schoolyards

Open grass with shallow targets is natural ground for the GO-FIND 22. We would run Non-Ferrous mode there so the detector rejects iron, with sensitivity on level 2 (level 3 on clean, open grass, level 1 near metal structures) and volume at 3 to 4.

Creek edges and wet sand

The waterproof coil lets you sweep creek shallows, wade the bank edge and work wet sand at the waterline. We would use All Metal there so you hear every target, with sensitivity on level 1 or 2 on wet salt sand and level 2 for fresh water, and volume at 3. Keep the control box out of the water.

Who the GO-FIND 22 suits

We like the GO-FIND 22 because it keeps the simplicity of the GO-FIND 11 and tells you more about each target. It is a sensible choice for someone who wants a basic detector but appreciates a little more feedback. The controls are straightforward, so you can start searching without learning complicated settings. In our experience it works well for families and occasional users.

Settings that matter on the GO-FIND 22

The three-level depth indicator gives an approximate depth for each target. Picture a signal in a park lawn: the reading helps a beginner decide how to approach the recovery, such as how deep to cut the plug before checking the hole. The reading is an estimate, not a measurement. Target size and orientation both change it.

Limits of the GO-FIND 22 and when to step up

The folding design packs small, which helps with frequent travel or limited storage. On a weekend camping trip it rides in the car with the gear and comes out at the campground or a nearby beach. The 8 inch coil is a practical size for casual detecting.

Over the GO-FIND 11, the GO-FIND 22 adds target depth information and more audio adjustment: two target tones instead of one, and five volume levels instead of three. We think that is worth it for someone who detects now and then but wants more feedback. Someone who only wants the simplest way to start may be satisfied with the GO-FIND 11. For regular detecting, consider the GO-FIND 44. It adds more sensitivity adjustment, more target information and a Pinpoint mode.

One mistake to avoid with the GO-FIND 22

Do not treat the depth indicator as a guarantee of depth. A large object can read shallower than a small object at the same depth, so dig with care even when the display says shallow.

Our recommendation on the GO-FIND 22

We would recommend the GO-FIND 22 to beginners who want a portable detector with straightforward controls and basic depth information. The biggest reason is useful target feedback without making the detector complicated.

Minelab GO-FIND 22 modes and controls

The GO-FIND 22 has two search modes, All Metal and Non-Ferrous; Non-Ferrous rejects iron. Two target tones split the signals: a low tone for iron and a high tone for coins and precious metals. Four target ID segments on the monochrome LCD show the target group, and the find icons flash to tell you what you have found. The three-level depth indicator shows roughly how deep a target sits. Sensitivity has three levels and volume has five. VFLEX is Minelab’s VLF technology, running at 8 kHz on the GO-FIND 22.

Audio comes through the built-in loudspeaker or wired headphones on the 3.5 mm jack, and the detector runs on 4 AA batteries. The shaft extends to 130.5 cm (51.4 inches) for adults and collapses to 55.5 cm (21.9 inches), and at 1.0 kg (2.2 lb) it is light enough for the whole family to swing and carry. Minelab includes two camouflage skins: peel back the sticker and apply one to match the ground you hunt. Simply unfold the shaft and go; it packs down just as fast.

Accessories for the GO-FIND 22

The Minelab GO-FIND carry bag holds the folded detector for transport and storage. For private listening, the Minelab Koss earbuds for the GO-FIND series plug into the 3.5 mm jack. For quicker recovery once the hole is open, see our pinpointers.

Minelab GO-FIND 22 specifications

Minelab covers the GO-FIND 22 with a 2-year warranty. We are an Authorized Minelab dealer with a showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and our staff help by phone or email. Our guide to the best metal detectors for kids shows how the GO-FIND 22 compares with other beginner detectors. For GO-FIND 22 accessories, see our Minelab GO-FIND 22 collection.