Why Choose the Fisher F22 Metal Detector?
The Fisher F22 metal detector stands out in the entry-level market with its impressive combination of advanced features and user-friendly design. This detector offers exceptional value for both beginners and experienced users who want reliable performance without breaking the bank.
Built with a weatherproof housing and coil, the F22 can handle challenging conditions that would damage lesser detectors. The 9-inch concentric search coil provides excellent depth and target separation, while the lightweight design (just 2.3 pounds) ensures comfortable all-day detecting sessions.
Key Features That Set the F22 Apart
The Fisher F22 boasts several standout features that make it a top choice in its price range:
– 9-Segment Visual Target ID System: Displays target information on an easy-to-read LCD screen, helping you identify coins, jewelry, and relics before digging
– Four-Tone Audio ID: Different audio tones correspond to different target types, allowing you to distinguish valuable finds from trash without looking at the display
– 10 Sensitivity/Depth Adjustments: Fine-tune your detector’s performance based on ground conditions and target depth
– Notch Discrimination: Eliminate unwanted targets while accepting desired ones
– Fast Recovery Speed: Quickly responds to multiple targets in close proximity
Performance in Real-World Conditions
The Fisher F22 excels in various hunting environments, from parks and beaches to old homesteads and battlefields. Its 7.69 kHz operating frequency provides excellent sensitivity to a wide range of targets, including small gold jewelry and larger relics.
In field tests, the F22 consistently detects coins at depths of 8-10 inches in moderate soil conditions. The detector’s ground balancing capabilities help minimize false signals in mineralized soil, allowing you to focus on legitimate targets.
Weatherproof Design Benefits
Unlike many detectors in this price range, the F22’s weatherproof construction means you can detect in light rain and wet grass without worry. The control housing and search coil are sealed against moisture, though the control box itself is not fully submersible.
This weather resistance extends your detecting opportunities and protects your investment from the elements. Many users report using their F22s for years without any weather-related issues.
Target ID and Audio Features
The F22’s 9-segment visual target ID system displays a number from 0-99 on the LCD screen, corresponding to the type of metal detected. Common targets fall into predictable ranges:
– US coins typically register between 40-80
– Pull tabs usually appear around 65-75
– Iron and steel register below 40
The four-tone audio system complements the visual ID by providing distinct sounds for different target categories. This audio discrimination allows you to hunt without constantly watching the display, perfect for when you’re scanning large areas quickly.
Ground Balancing and Discrimination
The F22 features automatic ground balancing that adjusts to soil conditions as you detect. For most users, this automatic mode works excellently, though manual ground balancing is available for advanced users in highly mineralized areas.
The notch discrimination system lets you accept or reject specific segments of the target ID scale. This feature proves invaluable when hunting areas with lots of trash, allowing you to focus on desirable targets while ignoring common junk.
Who Should Buy the Fisher F22?
The F22 suits several types of detectorists:
Beginners benefit from the detector’s straightforward operation and helpful visual/audio cues. The learning curve is gentle, but the advanced features provide room to grow as skills develop.
Experienced users appreciate the F22 as a lightweight, reliable backup detector or a specialized tool for particular hunting scenarios. Its fast recovery speed makes it excellent for trashy sites where multiple targets cluster together.
Comparing the F22 to Similar Models
When compared to other entry-level detectors like the Garrett Ace 300 or Minelab Vanquish 340, the F22 holds its own with competitive depth, accurate target ID, and superior weather resistance. The F22’s 9-segment ID provides more detailed information than some competitors’ 0-5 scale systems.
The F22’s lightweight design (2.3 lbs) compares favorably to heavier models, reducing fatigue during long detecting sessions. Its ergonomic S-rod design and padded armrest enhance comfort.
Accessories and Upgrades
While the F22 performs excellently with its standard 9-inch coil, several accessories can enhance its capabilities:
The Fisher 5-inch coil improves target separation in trashy areas and increases sensitivity to small targets. The 11-inch coil extends depth on larger targets but reduces sensitivity to small items.
A quality set of headphones enhances audio target identification and extends battery life. The Fisher audio-enhanced headphones or similar models with volume control work well with the F22.
Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance ensures years of reliable service from your F22:
After each use, wipe down the detector with a soft cloth to remove dirt and moisture. Store in a dry place away from extreme temperatures. Check the battery compartment periodically for corrosion, and replace batteries before they leak.
The F22 uses four AA batteries, typically providing 25-30 hours of detecting time. Rechargeable batteries offer an economical and environmentally friendly power option.
Tips for Maximizing F22 Performance
To get the most from your Fisher F22:
– Start with medium sensitivity settings (around 8) and adjust based on ground conditions
– Use the all-metal mode initially to understand your hunting area’s target profile
– Pay attention to the numerical target ID rather than just the icon for more accurate identification
– In trashy areas, use discrimination judiciously to avoid rejecting good targets
– Practice pinpointing by moving the coil in an X-pattern over targets
Common Questions About the F22
Is the Fisher F22 good for gold prospecting?
While not specifically designed for gold prospecting, the F22 can find small gold items like jewelry. For serious gold nugget hunting, a specialized gold detector would perform better.
Can the F22 detect underwater?
The search coil is waterproof, but the control box is not. You can search in shallow water with the coil submerged, but keep the control housing dry.
How does the F22 compare to the F44?
The F44 offers additional features like adjustable frequency and more sophisticated notch discrimination, but the F22 provides similar core performance at a lower price point.
Conclusion
The Fisher F22 metal detector delivers impressive performance and features that belie its affordable price point. Its weatherproof construction, accurate target ID, and user-friendly operation make it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced detectorists.
Whether you’re searching for coins on the beach, relics at old homesteads, or jewelry in parks, the F22 provides the tools needed for successful detecting. Its combination of depth, discrimination, and durability ensures you’ll spend more time finding targets and less time fighting with your equipment.
For those seeking a reliable, versatile metal detector that won’t break the bank, the Fisher F22 deserves serious consideration. It’s a detector that will grow with your skills and continue delivering results for years to come.