Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector Review

What I Wish I Knew Before Buying the Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector

The Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector promises an accessible entry point into the world of metal detecting, boasting user-friendly operation and affordability. Marketed towards beginners and those seeking a simple, no-fuss device, the Fast Tracker aims to deliver reliable performance across various terrains. Bounty Hunter aims to offer effective detection in a lightweight and easy-to-use package.

I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of uncovering history, of finding forgotten treasures buried beneath our feet. My interest was piqued by stories of local beachcombers finding old coins and relics, leading me to consider purchasing a metal detector myself. The Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector caught my eye because of its low price point and seemingly straightforward design, promising a simple experience for a novice like myself.

Upon unboxing the Fast Tracker, I was immediately struck by its lightweight construction. The plastic housing felt a bit basic, but surprisingly sturdy for a budget-friendly detector. The 7.25″ waterproof search coil seemed adequate for general-purpose detecting, and the overall design gave the impression of a tool built for simplicity, not necessarily ruggedness.

I briefly considered the Garrett Ace 250 and the Fisher F2, both popular entry-level detectors with more advanced features. However, the Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker’s significantly lower price and promises of ease of use were the deciding factors. I figured it was a good starting point to gauge my interest in the hobby without a significant financial investment.

Initially, I was excited by the prospect of discovering hidden treasures, but also a bit skeptical about the performance of such an affordable machine. I hoped the claims of accurate detection and ease of use would hold true, but I prepared myself for potential limitations in sensitivity and target identification. The question lingered: could this budget-friendly device truly deliver a worthwhile metal detecting experience?

Real-World Testing: Putting Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector was to a local park known for its historical significance and frequent public use. I wanted to test its performance in a controlled environment with a good chance of finding some relatively shallow targets. The weather was dry, with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for detecting.

The Fast Tracker proved easy to operate right out of the box, with its minimal controls requiring little to no learning curve. The sensitivity and discrimination knobs were intuitive to adjust, and the two-tone audio feedback was clear enough to differentiate between potential targets. However, the lack of a digital display made pinpointing targets a bit challenging initially.

During that first session, I unearthed several bottle caps, pull tabs, and a few modern coins, providing a good test of the detector’s capabilities. While it accurately detected these items, the lack of precise target identification meant digging up a fair amount of trash. The Fast Tracker did struggle a bit in areas with high iron content in the soil, resulting in frequent false signals.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use in various environments, including beaches and wooded areas, the Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector held up reasonably well. While the plastic housing showed some minor scratches from encounters with rocks and branches, the detector remained fully functional. The waterproof coil performed admirably in shallow water, with no signs of leakage or damage.

Maintaining the Fast Tracker was simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. The battery life was consistent with the manufacturer’s claims, providing approximately 15-20 hours of use on two 9V batteries. The Fast Tracker, while basic, proved more durable than I initially expected, and with a 5-year warranty, that shows how much the manufacturer believes in it too.

Compared to my previous, albeit limited, experience with a borrowed mid-range detector, the Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector certainly fell short in terms of sensitivity and target discrimination. However, given its significantly lower price, it offered a respectable level of performance for casual detecting. Its simplicity and ease of use made it an enjoyable tool for leisurely outdoor exploration, but its limitations became apparent when searching for deeper or more valuable targets.

Breaking Down the Features of Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector

Specifications

The Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector features a 7.25″ interchangeable, waterproof search coil, allowing for use in various environments, including shallow water. It operates on a single frequency, utilizing dual-tone target identification to differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The sensitivity adjustment allows users to fine-tune the detector’s response to different ground conditions, while the discriminate adjustment helps to filter out unwanted targets like iron.

The detector is powered by two 9V batteries, providing an estimated battery life of 15-20 hours. It features a basic sensitivity adjustment, allowing the user to compensate for ground mineralization and interference. The Fast Tracker also has a discriminate control, which can filter out iron and other undesirable targets. Weighing in at just over 2 pounds, the Fast Tracker is designed to be lightweight and comfortable to use for extended periods.

Performance & Functionality

The Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector performs adequately for basic metal detecting tasks, such as finding shallow coins and relics in relatively clean environments. Its simple operation makes it easy for beginners to learn the fundamentals of metal detecting. The two-tone audio feedback provides a basic level of target identification, but lacks the precision of more advanced detectors with visual displays.

The Fast Tracker’s strengths lie in its ease of use and affordability, making it an accessible entry point for those new to the hobby. Its weaknesses include limited sensitivity, poor target discrimination, and a lack of advanced features found in more expensive detectors. While it can detect a variety of metal objects, it often struggles to differentiate between trash and valuable targets, requiring users to dig up a significant amount of unwanted material.

Overall, the Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector meets expectations for a budget-friendly detector designed for casual use. However, those seeking more precise target identification or deeper detection capabilities may find it lacking. Its performance is adequate for basic metal detecting tasks, but it is not a substitute for more advanced and expensive detectors.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector features a lightweight and simple design, prioritizing ease of use over advanced features. The plastic housing feels relatively durable for its price point, and the adjustable stem allows for comfortable use by users of different heights. The pistol-grip handle provides a secure and comfortable grip, even during extended detecting sessions.

The detector is user-friendly, with intuitive controls and a minimal learning curve. The lack of a digital display or advanced settings simplifies operation, making it accessible to beginners. The Fast Tracker’s ergonomic design and lightweight construction make it comfortable to use for hours at a time, reducing fatigue.

Durability & Maintenance

The Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector is designed for basic durability, with a plastic housing that can withstand typical outdoor use. The waterproof search coil allows for use in shallow water without damage. However, the plastic components are susceptible to scratches and wear from rocks and branches.

Maintaining the Fast Tracker is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. The battery compartment is easily accessible for quick battery changes. With proper care and storage, the Fast Tracker should last for several years of casual use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector comes with a standard 7.25″ waterproof search coil. There are no included accessories and customization options are limited. Aftermarket accessories, such as headphones or alternative search coils, are generally compatible with the Fast Tracker, but compatibility may vary depending on the specific brand and model.

Pros and Cons of Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector

Who Should Buy Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector?

The Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector is perfect for beginners who are new to metal detecting and want an affordable and easy-to-use detector. It’s also a good option for casual users who enjoy leisurely outdoor exploration and are not concerned with finding deep or valuable targets. This detector is also suitable for families looking for a fun and engaging outdoor activity.

Those seeking more advanced features, greater sensitivity, or more precise target identification should skip this product. Experienced metal detectorists or those who plan to search for valuable or deeply buried targets will likely find the Fast Tracker’s capabilities limiting. Anyone looking for a rugged and durable detector for use in harsh environments should also consider a more robust and expensive model.

A must-have accessory for the Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector is a good quality digging tool, such as a sturdy trowel or a metal detecting spade. Headphones can also be beneficial for blocking out external noise and improving target detection.

Conclusion on Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector

The Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector is a decent entry-level detector that offers a good balance of affordability and functionality. While it lacks the advanced features and sensitivity of more expensive models, its simplicity and ease of use make it an appealing option for beginners. The Fast Tracker is a great tool for teaching children about history.

The price of the Fast Tracker is justified for those who are looking for a basic detector for casual use. Its limitations in sensitivity and target discrimination are offset by its affordability and ease of operation. Bounty Hunter delivers a product that does what it says it will do.

I would personally recommend the Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker Metal Detector to beginners who are curious about metal detecting and want to try it out without investing a lot of money. While it may not uncover hidden treasures, it offers a fun and engaging way to explore the outdoors and learn the basics of metal detecting. Get yours today and start your treasure hunting adventure!