Choosing the right handheld metal detector can make all the difference in your security screening operations. At Garrett, we’ve helped organizations of all sizes, from stadiums to schools to correctional facilities, find the perfect balance between performance, durability, and ease of use.
Whether you’re new to screening tools or upgrading your current lineup, we’ll walk you through exactly what to look for based on your environment, goals, and budget. With decades of experience in security detection and a full lineup of trusted handheld models, our team is here to help you make the right call, every step of the way.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right handheld metal detector depends on your specific environment, usage goals, and available budget.
- Sensitivity, detection range, and interference control are critical technical factors for effective screening.
- Alerts can be auditory, visual, or silent vibration, offering flexibility across different security scenarios.
- Battery type and runtime play a major role in day-to-day reliability, especially for high-traffic environments.
- Durability, ergonomic design, and weather resistance are essential for long-term use in tough conditions.
- Total cost of ownership includes maintenance, battery replacement, and long-term reliability, not just the upfront cost.
- Garrett offers a full lineup of handheld detectors, each tailored for unique needs, from high-volume venues to covert field operations.
Why the Right Detector Matters
Handheld metal detectors are frontline tools in security. Their job is simple: help screen people quickly and accurately without slowing things down. You’ll find them used in all kinds of places:
- Airports and transit stations
- Courthouses and government buildings
- Schools and universities
- Stadiums and concert venues
- Prisons and correctional facilities
In each setting, you’re balancing multiple needs. You want a handheld unit sensitive enough to detect small items, but not so sensitive it constantly gives false alarms. You want speed, but also accuracy. And you want something comfortable and easy for staff to use throughout long shifts.
Key Technical & Operational Criteria
Sensitivity & Detection Type
The core job of any handheld metal detector is to detect any kind of metal. Look for a unit that can detect:
- Ferrous metals (like iron or steel)
- Non-ferrous metals (like copper or aluminum)
- Stainless steel and small metal objects like razor blades or handcuff keys
Detection depth is also important. Deeper scanning can catch hidden threats under thick clothing or in bags. A larger scan surface helps cover more area, faster.
Adjustment Controls & Interference Handling
Not every screening environment is the same. A school hallway and a busy stadium entrance are two very different places. Your detector needs to adjust. Features to look for include:
- Adjustable sensitivity settings to control for different environments
- Interference rejection to ignore background metal or nearby electronics
- Self-calibrating detection to make setup quick and reliable
- Offset adjustment to avoid cross-talk between nearby handhelds
Our handheld metal detector models come with advanced interference suppression and automatic self-calibration, so they adapt fast, even in noisy or crowded conditions.
Alerts & Feedback Methods
Once a threat is detected, your team needs to know, fast and clearly. Common alert features include:
- Audible alarms to notify both operator, other nearby security staff, and subject
- LED indicators to confirm detection visually
- Silent or vibration alerts for discreet scanning in quiet or high-security settings
In many cases, having all three, sound, light, and vibration, gives your team the most flexibility. On the other hand, our Tactical Hand-Held Detector (THD) is a good example of a device built for quiet, covert operations.
Power, Battery & Runtime
Your detector is only as good as its battery. If it dies in the middle of a rush, that’s a problem. Important factors include:
- Battery type: some use standard disposables, others have built-in rechargeable batteries
- Runtime: look for 60+ hours of operation per charge for all-week use
- Recharge time and backup battery options
Our handheld detectors offer both options. Some use easy-to-swap 9V batteries, while others feature USB rechargeable packs with long life and quick recharge time, like the 125-hour rechargeable battery of the Garrett Guide.
Durability & Physical Design
Security teams work in all kinds of conditions, indoors, outdoors, in the rain, or under pressure. A detector has to keep up. Look for:
- Rugged construction and drop resistance (some meet military durability standards)
- Moisture resistance or waterproofing (IP ratings help here)
- Comfortable grip and lightweight design for all-day use
Our detectors like the Super Scanner® V are known for their ergonomic design and tough build, making them ideal for high-throughput environments.
Garrett’s Handheld Model Lineup: Features at a Glance
We offer a trusted lineup of handheld metal detectors at Garrett, each designed to meet different security screening needs. Whether you’re working at a stadium, a courthouse, a school, or out in the field, there’s a model that fits your environment. Below is a quick overview of each device, what it does best, what to expect from its features, and what types of situations it’s best suited for.
Garrett Guide
For sophisticated security operations, the Garrett Guide is a great match. It’s designed for maximum flexibility and performance while maintaining hallmark Garrett ease-of-use, perfect for locations that want superior security with a refined aesthetic.
- Detection Field: Large scan area with pinpoint tip
- Sensitivity: Ultra-sensitive; 7 selectable sensitivity levels to serve any application
- Indicators: Audible alarm and bright LED; vibration mode available for silent screening
- Battery: USB-C rechargeable lithium; up to 125 hours of use
- Design: Elegant and durable with microtextured rubber grip and simple control interface
- Weight: 0.5 kg
Ideal for courthouses, government facilities, national monuments, secure office buildings, data centers, and loss prevention, as well as any customer looking for maximum sensitivity and superior aesthetics.
Garrett SuperWand
If you’re looking for full-body coverage with consistent accuracy, the SuperWand is a top choice. It’s a favorite for high-security locations that need thorough yet fast screening without making subjects feel uncomfortable.
- Detection Field: Full 360° coverage along the scan area
- Sensitivity: High; detects ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless steel objects
- Indicators: Audible alarm and bright LED; vibration mode available for silent screening
- Battery: 9V (standard or rechargeable); up to 80 hours of use
- Design: Sleek, long wand for precise scans without getting too close
- Weight: 0.5 kg
This model shines in high-traffic, high-security settings like airports, stadiums, and large venues. If you need reliable performance with a wide scan area and a professional design, the SuperWand is a solid bet.
Garrett SuperScanner V
When speed and accuracy are equally important, the SuperScanner V offers dependable performance. Known worldwide for its durability and efficiency, it helps operators scan large numbers of people quickly without missing threats.
- Detection Field: Large scan area with pinpoint tip
- Sensitivity: High; internally adjustable
- Indicators: Audible tone, red LED alarm, and silent vibrate option
- Battery: 9V; operates 100+ hours on one battery
- Design: Rugged, durable body with easy grip
- Weight: 0.5 kg
This model is ideal for high-volume venues like concert arenas, festivals, and theme parks. It balances durability with ease of use, making it a trusted tool in many screening situations.
Garrett THD (Tactical Handheld Detector)
If you need a compact, rugged detector for mobile or outdoor use, the Garrett THD is your go-to option. It’s designed for quick inspections and covert operations where space and silence matter.
- Detection Field: 360° coverage around the tip
- Sensitivity: Ultra-sensitive; finds even tiny metal objects
- Indicators: Silent vibration and LED alert for covert use
- Battery: 9V; 80+ hour battery life
- Design: Compact, rugged, weather-resistant; built-in LED flashlight
- Weight: 8.4 oz
Best suited for law enforcement, security patrols, nightclub security, or mobile checkpoints, the THD is small, powerful, and ready for field use. Its stealthy design and LED light also make it ideal for nighttime or low-visibility scenarios.
Budget & Total Cost of Ownership
Choosing a hand-held metal detector isn’t just about the price tag. The total cost of ownership includes both what you pay up front and what it costs to operate and maintain the device over time. That’s why smart buyers think beyond the initial cost.
Some detectors may seem more affordable at first, but they require frequent battery changes or replacements. Others come with built-in rechargeable batteries that reduce long-term costs. You should also consider how rugged the unit is. A cheaper detector that breaks easily can end up costing more in the long run.
Also, think about how long the detector is expected to last. Our hand-held metal detectors are known for their long lifespan, even in busy, high-traffic environments like stadiums and airports. Investing in one solid, reliable model now can save time, money, and hassle later.
Recap: Choosing The Right Security Screening Handheld Metal Detector
Selecting the right hand-held metal detector isn’t just about specs, it’s about finding a tool that supports your mission, keeps your team efficient, and ensures reliable performance day after day. At Garrett, we’ve built our reputation on helping security professionals choose solutions that work in the real world. Whether you need help comparing models, understanding features, or placing a bulk order, our team is here to support you. We’re ready to guide you through the process so you can make a confident, informed decision. Contact us today to speak with a Garrett representative and find the right hand-held detector for your needs.
