Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro Metal Detector Review

Name: Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro Metal Detector Review
Brand: Bounty Hunter

The Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro is one of the brand's most advanced digital detectors, sitting alongside the Land Ranger Pro at the top of the lineup. It pairs a VLF platform with an LCD screen, numeric target ID, notch discrimination and preset search programs — features aimed at hobbyists who want richer, on-screen feedback rather than decoding audio and a needle alone.

In this review I'll explain what the Time Ranger Pro adds over the cheaper models, where it earns its higher price, and the honest limitations that come with any VLF machine. It's a First Texas Products detector (the maker of Fisher and Teknetics), so the underlying tech and coil compatibility are solid. Specs and pricing vary by package, so I keep numbers qualitative — check current listings for exact figures.

Check the current Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro price on Amazon

Specifications

Technology	VLF (very low frequency) single-frequency
Display	Digital LCD with numeric target ID
Modes	Motion all-metal, discrimination, notch, preset programs
Target ID	Numeric on-screen ID with category icons
Search coil	Waterproof submersible coil, interchangeable
Power	Standard batteries (see current manual)
Best for	Hobbyists wanting an advanced LCD and detailed target info

Pros

Advanced LCD with numeric target ID and icons
Precise notch discrimination
Preset programs plus full customization
Submersible interchangeable coil
Comfortable, lightweight build
Strong First Texas support and coil ecosystem
A real usability upgrade over analog models

Cons

It's among the pricier machines in the range
The control box and LCD aren't waterproof
ID reliability falls off on deep targets and heavy mineralization (inherent to VLF)
Despite being an advanced Bounty Hunter, it still won't match dedicated high-end detectors for outright depth

What the Time Ranger Pro offers

The Time Ranger Pro's appeal is its digital feature set. The LCD gives you numeric target ID for a repeatable number to judge finds, category icons to hint at what's under the coil, and notch discrimination to accept or reject precise ID ranges — far more surgical than a single discrimination knob. Preset programs help you start fast, then customize sensitivity, discrimination and notches as you learn a site.

For many hobbyists that on-screen information makes hunting easier and less tiring than reading audio alone, especially in mixed trash. If a screen and detailed target data are your priority, this is exactly the tier to shop in — compare it directly with its close sibling, the Land Ranger Pro.

Performance in the field

On typical US ground the Time Ranger Pro performs like a capable digital VLF: good hobby depth on coins and jewelry, dependable ID on shallow-to-mid targets, and effective notch discrimination for skipping known trash in busy parks. Like all VLF detectors, its ID accuracy drops on deep or edge targets and in heavy mineralization, so treat marginal numbers as a cue to recheck the target from several angles before deciding to dig.

Sensitivity and ground handling let you adapt to mineralized sites, and coil choice tailors the machine to conditions — see the search coils guide. A smaller coil sharpens separation in trash; a larger coil adds depth and coverage in clean fields.

Time Ranger Pro vs Land Ranger Pro and analog models

The Time Ranger Pro and Land Ranger Pro are the brand's two flagship digital detectors and are very closely matched — your decision usually comes down to the exact features and price at purchase. Against analog machines like the Lone Star Pro and Platinum, the Time Ranger Pro wins on the screen and notch programming, while those models win on price and tactile simplicity. See where it ranks in our best Bounty Hunter roundup, and if you're new to the brand, start with are Bounty Hunter detectors any good.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Time Ranger Pro different from the Land Ranger Pro?

Both are advanced digital Bounty Hunter detectors with LCD screens, numeric target ID and notch discrimination, and they're closely matched. Differences come down to the specific feature set and pricing at the time you buy, so compare the current listings side by side.

Is the Time Ranger Pro good for beginners?

Yes. Preset programs let newcomers start hunting quickly, and the numeric target ID makes it easier to interpret finds than audio alone. There's plenty of room to customize as your skills grow, so it won't be outgrown fast.

Is the Time Ranger Pro waterproof?

The search coil is submersible, so wet sand and shallow edges are fine, but the LCD housing and control box are not waterproof. Keep the display out of rain and never submerge the whole detector.

How much does the Time Ranger Pro cost?

As one of the brand's advanced digital models it costs more than the analog detectors, but it's still positioned as affordable in the wider market. Pricing varies by bundle, so check the current price on Amazon.

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