DR.ÖTEK MT12

With all this glorious weather we have had recently I’ve been visiting the beach a lot and noticed so many people with metal detectors. Whether it’s the tv show The Detectorists, the more affordable prices or the chap who recently found £63k worth of silver coins that’s driving the popularity, it is definitely a hobby on the rise.

If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at treasure hunting, then the MT12 from DR.ÖTEK is a capable metal detector that won’t break the bank. It feels well-built yet surprisingly lightweight (about 2.8 lbs), which is great for relaxed days of detecting or letting kids have a go.

The MT12 comes with a 12″ IP68-rated waterproof Double-D coil, giving you up to 10 inches of detection depth and covering about 20% more area than standard coils. It operates at 18 kHz, a good all-round frequency ideal for mixed targets.
There are five search modes to choose from: All‑Metal, Discrimination, Notch, Beach, and Pinpoint, so you can fine-tune your hunts for coins, relics, jewellery or dig through seaside debris. The built-in ground balance function automatically adapts to different soils including wet sand and mineral-rich ground, reducing false signals by around 50%.

The LCD screen is backlit and displays Target ID (0–99), depth estimates, and battery level. You also get 99 sensitivity levels and nine adjustable volume settings to tailor your experience. The shaft adjusts from about 31.5″ to 51.2″, and the rapid-lock design makes setup fast and easy.

When you take the MT12 out it is intuitive and rewarding to use. The coil response is clear and stable and the pinpoint mode helps locate items precisely. The waterproof coil adds some versatility in your location, beaches, rivers, or gardens, you name it.
On the not-so-great side, the control box isn’t waterproof, and the manual can be skimpy, so newcomers might need a few tutorial videos. Assembly is easy, but fully understanding all modes takes time.

Overall, the DR.ÖTEK MT12 offers powerful features like depth, waterproofing, ground balance, and multiple modes, all packed into an approachable, beginner-friendly package. It’s a fantastic entry-level choice for families, weekend treasure hunters, or those dipping a toe into metal detecting. RRP $119.69

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