RIPTIC Metal Detector with Pin Pointer 5 Modes Review: Our Definitive Verdict on This All-in-One Kit

There’s a unique magic that hums in the air when you’re out in a field, swinging a detector, listening to the quiet symphony of the earth. It’s a feeling of connection to history, a tangible link to the people who walked the same ground decades or even centuries before. I remember my first significant find—a worn, silver-plated spoon from the late 1800s, buried just six inches deep near an old stone wall. The sudden, clear tone in my headphones, the careful digging, and the moment I brushed the dirt away to reveal its ornate handle was a rush of pure discovery. This is the feeling that gets you hooked. But that moment of triumph is entirely dependent on the gear in your hands. Using the wrong detector can turn a thrilling adventure into a frustrating exercise of digging up bottle caps and rusty nails, leaving you discouraged and empty-handed.

What to Consider Before Buying a Metal Detector

A metal detector is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone with a passion for history, adventure, or simply finding lost valuables. It’s a tool that bridges the gap between the present and the past, allowing you to uncover relics, coins, jewelry, and even gold. The primary benefit is the ability to “see” beneath the soil, shoreline, or shallow water, turning an ordinary walk in the park or on the beach into a potential treasure hunt. For property owners, it’s a practical device for locating survey stakes or lost tools. Without a capable detector, these hidden objects remain lost to time, and the potential for exciting discoveries is left entirely to chance.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who feels the call of the outdoors and the pull of the unknown. This includes beginners eager to start a new hobby, families looking for a fun activity to share, and even seasoned hobbyists seeking a reliable and feature-rich backup unit. It’s for the person who sees an old field and wonders what stories it holds. Conversely, this type of all-in-one kit might not be suitable for highly specialized professionals, such as deep-earth prospectors or underwater salvage experts, who require machines with very specific frequencies and capabilities that often cost thousands of dollars. For them, a dedicated pulse induction (PI) machine or a multi-frequency detector would be a more appropriate, albeit far more expensive, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider the detector’s ergonomics. Is the shaft adjustable to fit your height? A machine that’s too long or too short will cause fatigue and back strain quickly. The RIPTIC Metal Detector with Pin Pointer 5 Modes features an impressive adjustable range from 19 to 50 inches, making it comfortable for nearly any user, from a teenager to a tall adult. Also, think about portability; a detector that breaks down easily and comes with a carry bag is far more convenient for trips to remote locations.
• Capacity/Performance: The heart of a detector is its search coil and processing chip. A larger coil, like the 10-inch one on this RIPTIC model, can cover more ground and detect deeper targets. Key performance metrics include detection depth (up to 10 inches here), discrimination ability (filtering out junk), and sensitivity settings. The inclusion of multiple modes (like All-Metal, Jewelry, etc.) is a critical feature that allows you to adapt your hunt to the specific environment.
• Materials & Durability: Metal detectors are used outdoors, so they need to withstand the elements. Look for a sturdy build of aluminum and durable plastic. Most importantly, check the coil’s water resistance rating. An IP68-rated coil, like the one included here, means it’s fully submersible, allowing you to search in shallow creeks, riverbeds, and along the surf line without fear of damage. This versatility dramatically expands where you can hunt.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: For beginners especially, an intuitive interface is paramount. A clear LCD screen, straightforward controls, and easy-to-understand audio tones can make the difference between a fun hobby and a complicated chore. Long-term care is minimal, usually involving rinsing the coil after use in saltwater and ensuring the batteries are removed during long-term storage. The all-inclusive nature of this RIPTIC kit means you don’t have to worry about immediate upgrades or missing pieces.

Choosing the right detector sets the stage for success. With these factors in mind, you can confidently select a machine that will serve you well on countless adventures.

While the RIPTIC Metal Detector with Pin Pointer 5 Modes is an excellent choice, 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: A Complete Treasure-Hunting Arsenal in One Box

Unboxing the RIPTIC Metal Detector with Pin Pointer 5 Modes felt less like receiving a single product and more like opening a complete adventurer’s starter pack. The immediate impression is one of incredible value. Where many detectors force you to purchase essential accessories separately, RIPTIC has bundled everything. Laying it all out, we had the detector itself, a separate handheld pinpointer with its own holster, a sturdy dagger-style digger, surprisingly comfortable headphones, and a well-designed backpack to carry it all. This all-in-one approach immediately addresses one of the biggest hurdles for newcomers. As confirmed by numerous users, assembly was a breeze. The instructions were clear, and we went from a box of parts to a fully assembled detector in under 10 minutes, no tools required. The build quality, a mix of aluminum and robust black-and-red plastic, feels solid and lightweight. It doesn’t have the heft of a multi-thousand-dollar machine, but it feels far from flimsy—a perfect balance for long sessions without fatigue. The locking collars on the adjustable shaft are secure, and the padded armrest is a comfortable touch. It immediately gives the impression of a thoughtfully designed product ready for the field.

Deep Dive: Field-Testing the RIPTIC’s Performance and Features

A detector’s true worth is proven not on a spec sheet, but in the dirt. We took the RIPTIC Metal Detector with Pin Pointer 5 Modes out for extensive testing across varied environments—a local park known for dropping coins, a rocky creek bed, and a sandy beach after a storm. Our goal was to push each feature to its limit and see if its real-world performance lived up to its promising first impression.

Out of the Box and Into the Field: Assembly and Ergonomics

The transition from unboxing to first use is where many beginner-focused products fail, but the RIPTIC excels. The quick, tool-free assembly meant we were ready to hunt almost immediately. This experience was echoed by a user who noted, “This one is super easy to learn, the instructions were clear, and we were using it within 10 minutes.” In the field, the ergonomics are fantastic. At just over 6 pounds, the unit is well-balanced, and we never felt the arm strain that can plague users of heavier detectors. We adjusted the shaft length for different testers in our group, and the secure cam locks held firm without any wobble or slippage. This wide adjustment range is a significant plus, making it a great option for families where both adults and older children might want to use it. The padded arm cuff and handle provide a comfortable grip, allowing for a smooth, controlled swing pattern over several hours. One user perfectly captured this, stating, “The design is very comfortable, so I can use it for hours without feeling tired.” This focus on user comfort is critical because successful metal detecting is a game of patience and persistence; a detector you can’t carry for long is a detector that won’t find much.

Decoding the Signals: The 5 Detection Modes in Action

The versatility offered by the five distinct detection modes is arguably the standout feature of the RIPTIC Metal Detector with Pin Pointer 5 Modes. We tested each one thoroughly. The All-Metal mode is fantastic for getting a feel for a new area, as it alerts you to every metallic object under the coil, giving you a sense of how “trashy” a site is. The audio tones are distinct—a low tone for iron, a medium tone for items like pull-tabs and nickels, and a high tone for conductive metals like silver, brass, and copper. This intuitive feedback loop is easy to learn. The Disc (Discrimination) and Memory modes are where the detector truly shines for practical hunting. We were able to effectively “notch out” iron signals, which saved us from digging countless rusty nails in the park. One user offered a great tip we confirmed in our testing: for coin shooting, setting the sensitivity to a moderate level and discriminating out the lowest-value targets (like iron) yields excellent results. The Jewelry mode is pre-programmed to focus on the conductive signatures of metals like gold and silver, which worked well in our tests, hitting on a small silver earring that other modes might have missed. Finally, the built-in Pinpoint function is essential. Once we got a good signal, pressing the pinpoint button gave a steady, non-motion tone that grew louder as we centered the coil directly over the target. This drastically reduces the size of the hole you need to dig and speeds up recovery time immensely. The advanced DSP chip seems to do its job well, as we experienced fewer false signals from mineralized soil than expected for a detector in this class.

The All-Inclusive Advantage: More Than Just a Detector

The value proposition of this kit cannot be overstated. The inclusion of a separate, handheld pinpointer is a game-changer for beginners. While the main unit’s pinpoint function gets you close, the handheld device lets you probe the hole and the dirt plug to find the target in seconds. It’s a massive time-saver and reduces frustration exponentially. We found the included pinpointer to be sensitive and effective. Equally impressive was the digging tool. Described as a “dagger,” it’s a serrated, sturdy trowel that cut through turf and packed soil with ease. One happy customer noted, “The digging tool is really strong and sturdy unlike other metal detector kits which only provide a flimsy shovel which can break easy.” We agree completely; it feels like a purpose-built tool, not a cheap afterthought. The included headphones are lightweight and plug directly into the control box, allowing you to hear faint signals you might otherwise miss due to wind or other ambient noise. Finally, having a backpack designed to hold the disassembled detector and all its accessories makes transport and storage incredibly convenient. This comprehensive package means a buyer has absolutely everything they need to start hunting the moment it arrives, a feature that makes this kit an incredible gift and a perfect entry point into the hobby.

Built for Adventure: The IP68 Waterproof Coil

The 10-inch IP68 waterproof search coil significantly expands the hunting grounds available to you. We tested this feature extensively along a creek and at the beach. The coil performed flawlessly when submerged in a few inches of fresh water, allowing us to scan the creek bed where coins and other items often settle. On the beach, we could sweep right along the surf line in the wet sand, a prime location for finding lost jewelry. The coil’s 10-inch diameter provides a great balance of ground coverage and sensitivity to smaller targets. We were able to consistently get clear signals on coins buried up to 8 inches deep in packed soil, which is excellent performance for a detector at this price point. The cable is securely attached and well-sealed, and we had no concerns about water ingress. This rugged, go-anywhere capability confirms what users have discovered: it’s “perfect for searching along the shoreline” and empowers you to explore environments where many other entry-level detectors can’t go. This versatility ensures the detector will grow with your adventurous spirit.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among users is overwhelmingly positive, with most feedback centering on the incredible value and beginner-friendly nature of the RIPTIC Metal Detector with Pin Pointer 5 Modes. One user captured this sentiment perfectly, saying, “I absolutely love this metal detector! From the moment I started using it, I was impressed by how easy it was to set up and operate… It’s incredibly sensitive and accurate—I’ve already found coins, jewelry, and even some unexpected treasures.” Another highlighted the complete package: “It comes with everything you need—headphones, bag, even a dagger. I’ve already found a few cool treasures and can’t wait to go out again!”

However, no product is perfect. To provide a balanced view, we looked at the critical feedback as well. One user had a frustrating experience, stating they were unable to find their lost wedding bands in their yard over a three-week period, even though the detector did find nails and other junk metal. This highlights a potential limitation: while excellent for general hobby use, its ability to pinpoint specific, high-value targets in all conditions isn’t guaranteed and can be affected by ground mineralization and target depth. Another isolated report mentioned a “missing a part, wont extend,” pointing to rare but possible quality control issues. These instances appear to be outliers but are important considerations for any potential buyer.

How the RIPTIC Metal Detector with Pin Pointer 5 Modes Compares to the Competition

While the RIPTIC kit is a formidable package, it’s crucial to see how it stands against established names and similar competitors in the market. We’ve analyzed three key alternatives to help you make the most informed decision.

1. Garrett Metal Detectors ACE 200 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil

The Garrett ACE 200 is an iconic entry-level detector from one of the most respected brands in the industry. Made in the USA, its primary strength is its simplicity and reliability. It features three search modes and a digital target ID, offering a very straightforward user experience. Compared to the RIPTIC, the ACE 200 is a bare-bones machine; it does not come with a pinpointer, digging tool, or carrying case. Someone might prefer the Garrett if brand reputation is their absolute top priority and they prefer to build their accessory kit piecemeal. However, for sheer out-of-the-box value and versatility, the RIPTIC Metal Detector with Pin Pointer 5 Modes provides a far more complete and feature-rich experience for a similar or lower investment.

2. DR.ÖTEK MTXR-Red Metal Detector Waterproof Professional Gold Detector

The DR.ÖTEK MTXR-Red is the most direct competitor to the RIPTIC, boasting a very similar feature set: a 10-inch IP68 coil, five detection modes, and an advanced DSP chip. Like the RIPTIC, it is often sold as a kit with accessories. The choice between these two may come down to subtle differences in design, user interface, or current pricing. In our analysis, the RIPTIC’s inclusion of a quality “dagger” style digger and a dedicated pinpointer often gives it an edge in overall package value. A user might opt for the DR.ÖTEK if they find a better promotional deal or prefer its specific aesthetic, but functionally, the two offer a very comparable and highly capable experience for beginners and intermediate users.

3. Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil

The Garrett ACE 300 represents a step up from the ACE 200 and a move towards the intermediate hobbyist level. It offers more advanced features than the RIPTIC, including a higher operating frequency (better for gold), more discrimination segments, and Garrett’s Iron Audio feature. While it often comes bundled with headphones and a coil cover, it typically lacks the full suite of accessories like a pinpointer and digging tool found in the RIPTIC kit. A detectorist who has some experience and is looking to get more serious about the hobby, particularly with coin and relic hunting, might prefer the ACE 300 for its enhanced performance. However, for the best all-around value and a complete, ready-to-go package for a beginner, the RIPTIC remains the more compelling and budget-friendly choice.

Our Final Verdict: Is the RIPTIC Metal Detector Worth It?

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis, our conclusion is clear: the RIPTIC Metal Detector with Pin Pointer 5 Modes is an outstanding choice for anyone looking to dive into the world of metal detecting. Its greatest strength lies in its thoughtful, all-in-one design. It eliminates the confusion and extra expense of buying accessories separately, providing a high-quality, complete kit that is ready for adventure right out of the box. The combination of its lightweight, ergonomic build, versatile five-mode operation, and waterproof coil makes it a powerful tool that is both easy for beginners to learn and capable enough for seasoned enthusiasts to enjoy.

While it may not have the specialized nuance of a professional-grade machine for finding specific targets like lost gold rings in all soil types, its performance for general treasure hunting—finding coins, relics, and jewelry—is exceptional for its price class. For families, aspiring adventurers, and curious beginners, it represents one of the best values on the market today. If you’re ready to stop wondering what treasures lie hidden beneath your feet and start discovering them for yourself, we wholeheartedly recommend this kit. You can check the current price and get your own all-inclusive RIPTIC kit right here.