Minelab GO-FIND 22 Metal Detector with PRO-FIND 40

The Minelab GO-FIND 22 with a Minelab PRO-FIND 40 pinpointer suits beginners who want a rough depth reading on the detector and a pinpointer to find the target once the hole is open. The GO-FIND 22 from Minelab runs VFLEX at 8 kHz with two search modes, two target tones and a three-level depth indicator. It weighs 2.2 lb, folds to 21.9 inches and has a hard-wired 8 inch coil that is waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft).

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

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

This Minelab GO-FIND 22 bundle also includes

• Minelab PRO-FIND 40 pinpointer with holster, lanyard and 9V battery (Minelab part 3226-0005)

What the add-ons in this Minelab GO-FIND 22 bundle do

PRO-FIND 40 pinpointer: the depth indicator on the GO-FIND 22 tells you roughly how deep a target sits, and a handheld pinpointer finds it in the open hole. Minelab gives the PRO-FIND 40 five sensitivity levels, Ferrous Tone ID, vibration and an LED flashlight, rates it waterproof to 3 meters (10 feet) and lists up to 20 hours on its 9V battery. It is 24.7 cm (9.7 inches) long and weighs 234 g (8.3 oz) with its battery.

A pinpointer is the natural partner for a beginner’s first digs. The GO-FIND 22 tells you roughly how deep a target sits, and the PRO-FIND 40 shows exactly where it is once the plug is open. In our experience that keeps holes small in a park lawn and keeps a child from giving up on a target sitting just off to the side of the hole.

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.

Where the GO-FIND 22 works well, and where it does not

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. It is hard-wired and not meant for coil changes.

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.

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. To compare the GO-FIND 22 with other first detectors, see our beginner and intermediate detectors.

For our full GO-FIND 22 guide, settings advice and comparisons, see the Minelab GO-FIND 22 collection.