RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids Review: The Ultimate Starter Kit for Young Treasure Hunters?

In an age where screens seem to be a permanent extension of our children’s hands, finding an activity that pulls them outside into the fresh air can feel like a monumental task. I remember feeling that exact pull—the desire to share the simple joy of discovery and exploration with my nephew, to see his eyes light up with curiosity rather than the glow of a tablet. The challenge was finding a bridge between his tech-savvy world and the rugged, unpredictable fun of the outdoors. That’s when the idea of metal detecting struck me. It’s a real-life treasure hunt, a perfect blend of modern gadgetry and old-fashioned adventure. But handing an expensive, complicated adult detector to a child is a recipe for frustration. The goal isn’t just to find metal; it’s to find fun, to nurture patience, and to create lasting memories. This is the exact problem the RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids aims to solve, promising an accessible entry point into a fascinating hobby.

What to Consider Before Buying a Metal Detector for a Young Explorer

A metal detector is more than just a toy; it’s a key solution for sparking a child’s interest in history, geology, and outdoor activity. It turns a simple walk in the park or a day at the beach into a thrilling expedition. The main benefit is educational entertainment—teaching patience, observation skills, and the excitement of delayed gratification. For a child, unearthing a coin from the 1970s or a mysterious old nail is like discovering a piece of a hidden story, connecting them tangible to the past in a way a textbook never could. It’s a tool for creating adventures out of thin air.

The ideal user for a kid-centric detector is a parent, grandparent, or guardian looking to gift a child (typically aged 5-12) an engaging, hands-on outdoor hobby. It’s for families who want to spend more quality time together, away from digital distractions. This type of detector is perfect for casual hunts in the backyard, local parks, or on sandy beaches. However, it might not be suitable for those who are already serious hobbyists or for older teens who might quickly outgrow its basic features. If you’re looking to find deeply buried historical relics or prospect for gold nuggets, you’ll need to invest in a more professional, high-frequency machine with advanced discrimination capabilities.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Weight & Ergonomics: For a child, a heavy or poorly balanced detector becomes tiresome in minutes. Look for models under 3 pounds with an adjustable stem. The RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids weighs just 2 pounds and adjusts from 24 to 35 inches, making it comfortable for a small child to wield without fatigue and even allowing an adult to take a turn.
• Ease of Use & Performance: A kid’s detector should be intuitive, with minimal buttons and a clear display. One-touch operation is ideal. Performance-wise, a waterproof search coil is non-negotiable for beach or creek hunting, and decent sensitivity to find common targets like coins and jewelry within the top 4-6 inches of soil is essential for keeping a child engaged.
• Materials & Durability: This is a critical factor. Most kids’ detectors are made from ABS plastic to keep them lightweight and affordable. While convenient, this can be a weak point. Pay close attention to the joints and connection points, as these are the most common areas of failure. A model that feels sturdy, even if plastic, will withstand the inevitable bumps and drops of enthusiastic use.
• Included Accessories & Value: A detector that comes as a complete kit offers significantly more value and convenience. The inclusion of a carry bag, a small shovel or trowel, and a rake means your young adventurer can start their treasure hunt the moment the box is opened. This all-in-one approach makes for a perfect, hassle-free gift.

While the RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids is an excellent choice for beginners, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: An Adventure Ready to Unbox

Upon receiving the RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids, the first thing we noticed was the thoughtful packaging. It’s presented as a complete kit, which immediately elevates it from a simple “toy” to a serious “piece of gear” in a child’s eyes. Inside the box, we found the detector itself (in three main parts), a surprisingly durable carry bag with pockets, a small plastic sand shovel, and a matching rake. This all-in-one package is a huge win for parents; there’s no need to run out and buy extra accessories. Assembly was, as many users confirmed, incredibly straightforward. The stem pieces twist and lock together, and the search coil connects with a simple hand-tightened nut. The entire process took less than two minutes, with the only extra step being the installation of a 9V battery (not included). The detector feels exceptionally light, just as advertised, and the blue and black color scheme is vibrant and appealing to kids. While the ABS plastic construction is evident, it doesn’t feel overly flimsy for its intended purpose, though we immediately identified the twist-lock stem joints as a potential weak point to handle with care.

Deep Dive: Performance in the Field

A metal detector can look great, but its true worth is measured in beeps, buzzes, and buried treasure. We put the RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids through its paces in a variety of environments—a grassy backyard, a local park, and the shallow edge of a freshwater creek—to see if it could deliver on its promise of accessible adventure. Our findings confirmed that while this isn’t a professional-grade machine, its performance within its intended scope is genuinely impressive and, most importantly, fun.

Assembly and Durability: A Double-Edged Sword

The assembly process for this detector is a major selling point. As one user noted, “Assembled it in like 1 minute, love how easy it was!” We can attest to this; the pieces connect logically and securely with a simple twist-and-lock mechanism. For a child excited to get started, this near-instant setup is a massive advantage. However, this ease of use comes with a trade-off in durability. The all-plastic construction, particularly at the threaded joints of the stem, is the product’s most significant vulnerability. We saw several user reports echoing this concern, with one parent stating, “Both broke after just 2-3 uses both in the same place… the material is not fit for use.”

During our testing, we were careful not to overtighten these joints, and they held up perfectly well. We believe the key is managing expectations and user behavior. This isn’t a tool to be treated roughly. It’s crucial to teach a child to handle it with care, avoiding using it to pry at the ground or putting excessive weight on the stem. One particularly insightful user offered a brilliant proactive solution: “After my husband read reviews how the device comes apart he put a little screw in to keep that piece from pulling apart which fixed that problem.” This simple modification can dramatically increase the longevity of the detector, transforming the weakest point into a source of stability. For the price, this is a reasonable compromise, but prospective buyers should be aware of this potential issue and either handle the device gently or consider a similar small modification.

On the Hunt: Detection Performance and Sensitivity

This is where the RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids truly shines and exceeds expectations for its category. We were skeptical at first, but this little machine has a knack for finding metal. To start, we created a test garden, burying a quarter, a nickel, and a small iron nail about 3-4 inches deep in our lawn. With the sensitivity dialed in, the detector had no trouble locating each target. The LCD screen provides a simple arrow icon that points to a general metal type, and the beeping tone increases in pitch and frequency as you get closer to the target. This immediate, clear feedback is perfect for keeping a child engaged.

Our experience mirrored that of a user who tested it similarly: “As I repeatedly swung the coil over each coin, it correctly identified the values. The secret is to swing the coil level and repeat the find several times as to indicate a real thing!” This is excellent advice. Slow, steady, and level swings are crucial. The detector is sensitive enough that it can give false signals if swung erratically or if the sensitivity is set too high for the ground conditions. Once we got the hang of it, we found it to be surprisingly accurate. Out in the real world, we found numerous bottle caps (the bane of all detectorists), several modern coins, and an old bolt. One user even reported finding their lost car keys in a field, saving them the cost of a replacement—a testament to its practical utility. Its 7.4-inch waterproof coil is another fantastic feature, allowing for worry-free searching along shorelines or in damp grass, opening up more areas for exploration.

Kid-Friendly by Design: Interface and Ergonomics

RM RICOMAX clearly understood its target audience when designing this detector. Every feature is tailored to a young user. The 2-pound weight is the most crucial element; our 8-year-old tester was able to use it for over an hour without any complaints of fatigue. The adjustable stem is equally important, allowing the device to grow with the child and ensuring a comfortable, ergonomic posture during use, which prevents them from simply dragging the coil on the ground. The handle and armrest are well-proportioned for smaller hands and arms.

The user interface is the epitome of simplicity. There’s essentially one main button to turn it on and cycle through sensitivity levels. The LCD screen is basic but effective, showing a battery level indicator and target icons. The combination of an audible beep and a vibration mode is a thoughtful touch, providing different types of feedback that cater to various environments or user preferences. The experience of one family perfectly encapsulates its success: “My dad got both of my sons (4 years and 5 years old) each one of these… Within just an hour my kiddos were able to find all this stuff and only needed help with the digging part!” For a product designed to be a child’s first metal detector, this level of immediate gratification and ease of use is precisely what’s needed to hook them on the hobby. You can see its full feature set and user-friendly design here.

The Complete Adventure Kit: A Perfect Gift

Beyond the detector’s performance, the value proposition of the included accessory bundle cannot be overstated. When you purchase the RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids, you’re not just getting a detector; you’re getting a complete treasure hunting starter pack. The carry bag is a standout component. It’s not a cheap, flimsy sack but a well-made bag with a shoulder strap and two front pockets, perfectly sized for the detector, tools, and any treasures you might find. It makes storage and transportation an absolute breeze, encouraging kids to take their new hobby on family trips or to the park.

The included plastic shovel and rake are perfectly suited for soft soil and sand, allowing kids to do their own digging (with supervision, of course) without the risk of handling sharp metal tools. This empowerment is a key part of the experience. The fact that everything comes in one box makes it an ideal and impressive gift for a birthday or holiday. It eliminates the friction of having to source accessories separately and allows the adventure to begin immediately. This all-in-one approach demonstrates a clear understanding of the customer—a busy parent or relative looking for a convenient, high-value, and exciting gift that encourages outdoor play and discovery. For anyone looking for a complete and ready-to-go adventure kit, this is an excellent choice that delivers outstanding value.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from other users largely confirms our findings. The positive feedback consistently centers on the detector’s exceptional value and its effectiveness as a child’s first foray into the hobby. One happy customer summed it up perfectly: “Great metal detector for kids or adults! I have a more expensive detector and this little one hits targets just as well as the more expensive one.” Many, like the user who found a 20-year-old can of Dr. Pepper and a nail in his yard within minutes, were impressed by its out-of-the-box performance and ease of setup.

On the other hand, the most common point of criticism is, unsurprisingly, the durability of the plastic stem. The experience of the user whose detector stem broke at the joint after only a few uses is a cautionary tale that prospective buyers should heed. One user reported their first unit arrived with a broken stem, and the replacement had an issue where the stems wouldn’t attach, highlighting potential quality control inconsistencies. However, it’s also worth noting that the brand appears to have responsive customer service, with one user who initially had a problem updating their review to praise the company for their “fantastic customer service” in resolving the issue.

How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?

While the RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids carves out a strong niche as a starter kit, it’s important to see what else is on the market. Depending on your budget and the age of the user, a different model might be a better fit.

1. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector 8″ Coil

The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV is a classic and highly respected entry-level detector that serves both older kids and adults. Its primary advantage over the Ricomax is its more robust construction and American-made pedigree. It features an 8-inch waterproof coil and analog knob controls, offering a more traditional detecting experience with three different detection modes. While it’s significantly more durable, it’s also heavier and lacks the all-in-one accessory kit that makes the Ricomax such an appealing gift. This is a better choice for a teenager or an adult who wants a serious, no-frills beginner machine that prioritizes build quality over kid-friendly features.

2. MIYAY Metal Detector for Adults LCD Waterproof

The MIYAY detector represents a clear step up in technology and features. Designed for adults but still lightweight, it boasts a larger 10-inch waterproof coil for greater depth and coverage, five distinct operating modes, and a more advanced LCD display. This model is ideal for the family that wants to share a detector or for an older, more tech-savvy child who would quickly master and grow bored of the Ricomax’s simplicity. You’re trading the plug-and-play nature and accessory bundle of the Ricomax for superior performance, pinpointing accuracy, and customization, making it a better long-term investment for a budding, serious hobbyist.

3. MINELAB Vanquish 440 Metal Detector

The Minelab Vanquish 440 is in a different league altogether and represents the high-end alternative. Its key feature is Minelab’s revolutionary Multi-IQ technology, which uses multiple frequencies simultaneously to detect all metals in all soils, all the time. This provides performance that single-frequency detectors like the Ricomax simply cannot match, especially in challenging environments like wet salt sand. It comes with a larger 10″x7″ coil, wired headphones, and more advanced settings. This is the perfect choice for a family that is committed to the hobby and wants a high-performance machine that everyone, from a supervised older child to a seasoned adult, can use to find truly remarkable things.

Our Final Verdict: Is the RM RICOMAX Right for Your Young Adventurer?

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids is an outstanding choice for introducing a young child to the world of metal detecting. Its greatest strengths lie in its thoughtful, kid-centric design. It’s incredibly lightweight, simple to operate, and comes with every accessory needed to start hunting right out of the box, making it an unbeatable value proposition and a perfect gift. While its performance won’t challenge high-end adult models, it is more than sensitive enough to find coins, jewelry, and other interesting objects in the backyard or at the beach, providing the “Aha!” moments that are crucial to keeping a child engaged.

The primary caveat is its plastic construction, specifically the stem joints, which require gentle handling. However, for its intended audience and price point, this is a reasonable trade-off. We wholeheartedly recommend it for children aged 5 to 12 as a gateway into a wonderful, screen-free hobby. It’s a tool that doesn’t just find buried metal; it finds excitement, builds patience, and creates cherished family memories. If you’re ready to start your own family treasure hunt and watch your child’s eyes light up with the thrill of discovery, we believe this is the perfect place to start. You can check the latest price and get one for your little explorer today.