LOLARAN Metal Detector Extended Runtime Review: The Ultimate Beginner’s Treasure Hunting Kit?

There’s a unique thrill that comes with walking across a seemingly ordinary field, beach, or patch of woods, knowing that just inches beneath your feet could lie a forgotten piece of the past. It could be a colonial-era coin, a Civil War relic, or simply a lost piece of jewelry holding a personal story. For years, I’ve been captivated by this idea, but the world of metal detecting often seemed intimidating—a hobby reserved for seasoned experts with complex, expensive equipment. The fear was always the same: investing in a complicated machine that would end up collecting dust in the garage. This is the barrier that keeps so many potential hobbyists from taking that first step, a hurdle the LOLARAN Metal Detector Extended Runtime aims to completely eliminate.

What to Consider Before Buying a Metal Detector

A metal detector is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking a world of exploration and discovery. It bridges the gap between the present and the past, turning a simple walk in the park into a potential treasure hunt. The primary benefit is, of course, finding metal objects, but the applications are surprisingly diverse. For some, it’s a practical tool for locating lost property markers on a large plot of land or, as one user found, clearing a long gravel driveway of tire-popping nails. For others, it’s a relaxing, meditative hobby that gets them outdoors and moving. It’s an activity that combines patience, technology, and a little bit of luck into an incredibly rewarding experience.

The ideal customer for a product like this is someone new to the hobby or an intermediate user looking for a highly portable, all-in-one solution without a hefty price tag. It’s for the curious adventurer, the history buff, the parent looking for a fun activity to share with their kids, or the practical homeowner. However, it might not be the best fit for professional treasure hunters or relic seekers who require specialized deep-seeking technology for highly mineralized ground or saltwater prospecting. Those individuals often look at multi-frequency machines that cost several times more. For them, a more advanced unit from a specialized brand might be a better investment, but for the vast majority of aspiring detectorists, a feature-rich, user-friendly model is the perfect starting point.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Portability: How and where will you be using your detector? A lightweight, foldable design is a game-changer for transport and storage. Models that collapse down to fit in a backpack, like the LOLARAN Metal Detector Extended Runtime, are ideal for hiking to remote locations or simply saving space in your car. Consider the adjustable length (from 26 to 49 inches in this case), which ensures ergonomic comfort for users of all heights, preventing back strain during long sessions.
• Detection Performance & Features: The heart of any detector is its ability to find metal accurately. Look for key performance indicators like the search coil size (a 10-inch coil offers a good balance of depth and coverage), sensitivity levels (8 levels provide great control), and discrimination modes. Discrimination allows you to filter out junk targets like iron nails and bottle caps, so you can focus on more valuable signals like silver, gold, and coins. A pinpoint feature is also invaluable for narrowing down a target’s exact location before you start digging.
• Materials & Durability: Metal detecting exposes your gear to the elements. The shaft should be made of a sturdy but lightweight metal, and crucially, the search coil must be waterproof. An IP65 rating means the coil can be submerged in shallow water, perfect for searching along shorelines or in creeks. While the main control box is rarely fully waterproof on beginner models, knowing the coil is protected gives you immense flexibility.
• Ease of Use & Battery Life: A complicated interface can ruin the fun. A large, backlit LCD screen with clear icons is essential for beginners. More importantly, consider the power source. Older models chewed through expensive 9V batteries, but modern units with internal, USB-C rechargeable lithium batteries are far more convenient and cost-effective. A battery life of 20+ hours means you can go on multiple long hunts without ever worrying about running out of power.

While the LOLARAN Metal Detector Extended Runtime 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: Unboxing the All-in-One Adventure Kit

Opening the box for the LOLARAN Metal Detector Extended Runtime immediately felt different from my experiences with older, clunkier models. Instead of a jumble of poles and wires, everything was neatly contained. The star of the show is the detector itself, which unfolds with a satisfying series of clicks. There’s no complex assembly; you simply unfold the shaft, tighten the locks, and attach the arm cuff. The entire process takes less than two minutes. The unit feels surprisingly light at just under 3 pounds, a critical feature we appreciated after hours in the field. The materials feel solid, with a professional black finish. It comes with a complete accessory package that truly makes it a ready-to-go kit: a sturdy backpack for transport, a small digging shovel, comfortable wired headphones, and a USB-C charging cable. This all-inclusive approach is a massive plus for beginners, as it removes the guesswork and additional cost of buying necessary accessories separately. For anyone starting out, this comprehensive package is a standout feature.

A Deep Dive into the LOLARAN’s Field Performance

An impressive spec sheet is one thing, but the real test is how a detector performs in the wild. We took the LOLARAN Metal Detector Extended Runtime through its paces in various environments—a grassy local park, my own nail-ridden backyard, and the wet sand of a freshwater beach—to see if its real-world capabilities matched its promises.

Portability and Ergonomics: The Fold-and-Go Advantage

The single greatest advantage of this detector is its design. Many older or even some contemporary entry-level models are cumbersome beasts that are a pain to transport and store. LOLARAN has solved this brilliantly. The telescopic shaft and folding mechanism allow the unit to collapse from a full 49 inches down to a compact 26 inches. It slides effortlessly into the included backpack, with room to spare for the shovel, headphones, and a water bottle. This portability completely changes the game. I could easily take it on a bike ride or a hike, ready to deploy it in minutes if I stumbled upon a promising location. One user perfectly captured this sentiment, noting they got rid of their old detector because it was “so cumbersome and used tons of 9v batteries.” This model is the polar opposite.

In use, the ergonomics are excellent. At just under 3 pounds, arm fatigue is minimal. I spent a solid three-hour session sweeping the detector without needing a break, a feat that would have been impossible with heavier units. The arm cuff is comfortable and provides good stability, and the ability to adjust the shaft length means both my taller friend and I could use it comfortably without stooping. This thoughtful design ensures that the focus remains on the hunt, not on managing unwieldy equipment. For beginners who might be put off by physical discomfort, this lightweight and adjustable build is a massive confidence booster.

Detection Performance and Accuracy: Sifting Treasure from Trash

Of course, a detector is useless if it can’t find metal. We started our testing with a simple “coin garden” in the backyard, burying a modern penny (zinc), a silver dime, and an iron nail at about 4-6 inches deep. Firing up the detector, the large 3″ x 2″ backlit LCD screen was immediately impressive—bright, clear, and easy to read even in direct sunlight. Swinging the 10-inch waterproof coil over the targets, the LOLARAN Metal Detector Extended Runtime performed admirably. It correctly identified the penny with a high tone and a “ZINC” icon, the dime with a crisp, higher tone and a “SILVER” icon, and the nail with a low grunt, as expected in its default all-metal mode.

The real magic for beginners lies in the discrimination and pinpoint features. By tapping the “DISC” button, we could easily notch out iron, eliminating the signal from the nail entirely. This is crucial for avoiding frustrating hours spent digging up junk. This function echoes the experience of a veteran user who noted this model “has better discriminators that help avoid much of the trash that was so frustrating” with older machines. The “PP” (Pinpoint) button is another essential tool. Once we got a good signal, holding down the PP button caused the detector to emit a steady tone that grew louder and more intense as we moved the coil closer to the target’s center. This allowed us to narrow down the digging area to a few square inches, saving time and leaving a much smaller hole. While some users reported inconsistent results, we found that performance was directly tied to taking the time to learn the settings. Lowering the sensitivity in areas with lots of trash or mineralized soil helped reduce false signals significantly. Patience and practice are key, but the detector provides all the tools you need to succeed.

Battery Life and Usability: Powering Your Longest Hunts

The “Extended Runtime” in the product name isn’t just marketing fluff; it’s arguably its most defining feature. The internal 2000mAh lithium battery is a true workhorse. After a full charge via the universal USB-C port, we used the detector for three separate sessions totaling over 8 hours, and the battery indicator still showed more than half its life remaining. The advertised 20+ hours of continuous use feels entirely achievable, which is a monumental quality-of-life improvement. Gone are the days of carrying spare, expensive batteries and worrying your hunt will be cut short. You can charge it in your car, from a power bank, or with any standard phone charger.

This long-lasting power, combined with other usability features, makes for a seamless experience. The backlit LCD is perfect for hunting in the low light of dawn or dusk when parks are often empty. The included headphones are basic but effective, plugging directly into the control box so you can hear faint signals without disturbing others. The audio tones are distinct for different metal types, and after a short while, you begin to identify targets by sound even before looking at the screen. From the intuitive button layout to the clear on-screen indicators for depth and metal type, the entire interface is designed to be user-friendly. It successfully demystifies the process, making it accessible for someone who has never held a detector before.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our positive experience is largely mirrored by the user community, though it’s important to acknowledge some reported issues. Many new users are thrilled, with one calling it a “fun hobby” and another exclaiming, “I’ve wanted a metal detector since I was a kid… it works and it’s easy to use.” A particularly compelling story comes from a user who isn’t searching for treasure but for practicality: “So far, we have a soup can full of tire popping nails. … This metal detector has paid for itself by saving us tire repairs.” This highlights the versatile utility of the device beyond just a hobbyist tool.

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. A recurring theme in negative reviews points to quality control. Several users reported receiving units with broken parts, such as a “broken bottom latch” or a “cross-threaded” shovel, straight out of the box. Another user expressed frustration after their unit “fell apart” after a short period of use. While these appear to be outliers, it suggests that manufacturing consistency can be a concern. A few others found the detection to be inconsistent, with one user stating it “beeps at random times and makes no discovery.” This can sometimes be attributed to user error—like setting sensitivity too high in mineralized soil—but the possibility of receiving a defective unit is a valid concern for any potential buyer to consider. For those who do receive a fully functional unit, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, making it a compelling choice if you’re willing to engage with customer service in the rare event of an issue. You can read more user experiences and weigh the feedback for yourself.

How Does the LOLARAN Compare to the Alternatives?

The LOLARAN Metal Detector Extended Runtime occupies a sweet spot in the market, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your specific needs, one of its competitors might be a better fit.

1. RM RICOMAX Metal Detector for Kids Adjustable Waterproof

If your primary goal is to introduce a younger child to the hobby, the RM RICOMAX is a purpose-built alternative. It is significantly lighter and simpler than the LOLARAN, with a smaller 7.4-inch coil and a more basic interface designed for kids. While the LOLARAN is adjustable and can be used by older children, the RICOMAX is specifically scaled for them. It lacks the advanced discrimination, pinpointing, and massive battery life of the LOLARAN, but it excels in its role as a “first detector.” For a family looking for a dedicated unit for a child under 10, this is an excellent choice, but for an adult or teen wanting a machine they won’t outgrow in a season, the LOLARAN offers far more capability and longevity.

2. VVinRC 13″ Waterproof Metal Detector

The VVinRC represents a step up in search coil technology. Its key feature is the large 13-inch Double-D (DD) waterproof coil. A DD coil provides better ground coverage per sweep and generally performs better in highly mineralized soil compared to the LOLARAN’s concentric coil. This makes the VVinRC a strong contender for hobbyists who plan to search in more challenging ground conditions or want to cover large fields more efficiently. However, the larger coil can make it slightly heavier and potentially less adept at picking through trashy areas compared to the LOLARAN’s more focused 10-inch coil. If you anticipate searching in tough soil or open spaces, the VVinRC is worth considering; otherwise, the LOLARAN’s excellent portability and battery life might be more practical.

3. Garrett Metal Detectors Super Scanner V Metal Detector

The Garrett Super Scanner V is in a completely different category and serves a different purpose. This is not a hobbyist detector for finding treasure underground; it is a security wand designed for scanning people or objects at close range. Made in the USA and trusted by security professionals worldwide, it excels at locating metal items on a person’s body. While it could theoretically be used as a handheld pinpointer to help locate a target in a hole you’ve already dug, that is not its primary function. It lacks the long reach, ground-penetrating coil, and discrimination features of the LOLARAN. This is an alternative only if your goal is security screening, not treasure hunting.

Final Verdict: Is the LOLARAN Metal Detector Extended Runtime Worth It?

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is a resounding yes, with a small caveat. The LOLARAN Metal Detector Extended Runtime is an exceptional value proposition and one of the best entry points into the metal detecting hobby we have seen. Its combination of a lightweight, foldable design, a ridiculously long-lasting rechargeable battery, and a user-friendly interface with a full accessory kit is a winning formula. It removes nearly all the traditional barriers to entry: high cost, complexity, and inconvenience. It’s perfect for the beginner who wants to get out and start hunting immediately, the casual hobbyist who values portability, or the practical homeowner looking for a versatile tool.

The only hesitation comes from the user reports of quality control issues. While our test unit was flawless, potential buyers should be aware of this possibility. However, for its price point and feature set, it stands as a top recommendation. If you’ve ever felt the pull to uncover what lies hidden beneath the surface, this machine offers an accessible, fun, and highly capable way to start your journey. It has the power and features to grow with you as you learn, ensuring it will be a trusted companion on many adventures to come. If you’re ready to start unearthing your own discoveries, we highly recommend you check the latest price and grab this fantastic all-in-one kit.