Bounty Hunter Tracker IV Review
The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is one of the most popular entry-level metal detectors in the US, and for good reason: it is simple, affordable, and gets first-time hobbyists finding coins and relics within minutes of switching on. It uses Bounty Hunter's proven VLF technology with a straightforward two-knob control layout, motion all-metal detection, and a discrimination mode to help you skip trash. If you want a durable, no-nonsense detector to learn the hobby without a big investment, the Tracker IV is a natural starting point. See how it ranks against other Bounty Hunter models.
Specifications
| Type / technology | VLF (Very Low Frequency) motion detector |
| Modes | Motion all-metal, discrimination, 2-tone audio |
| Target ID | Audio tone ID (no numeric/visual ID) |
| Search coil | Waterproof concentric coil (interchangeable) |
| Best for | Coins, relics, jewelry in parks and yards |
| Skill level | Beginner |
Pros
- Extremely affordable — one of the lowest-cost ways into the hobby.
- Easy to learn; almost no menu or setup time.
- Lightweight and comfortable for long hunts.
- Durable, simple electronics with few things to break.
Cons
- No numeric or visual target ID — you rely entirely on tones.
- Limited depth compared with mid-range and pro detectors.
- Not ground-balancing to mineralized soil, so highly mineralized or wet-salt beaches can cause chatter.
Overview: a true entry-level workhorse
The Tracker IV is designed to remove the intimidation from metal detecting. Instead of menus and numeric readouts, you get a clean interface with knobs for sensitivity and discrimination, plus a mode toggle. Power it up, sweep it low and level over the ground, and dig the good tones. Because it relies on audio target identification rather than a screen, you learn to read the machine by ear — a skill that transfers well if you upgrade later.
It handles typical hunting ground — parks, school fields, backyards, and beaches (dry sand) — comfortably. As a VLF detector it is a general-purpose coin and relic machine, not a specialist gold-nugget or deep-relic tool. For a broader look at the lineup, browse our Bounty Hunter reviews hub.
Key features
- Two-knob simplicity: sensitivity and discrimination controls make setup fast and forgiving.
- Motion all-metal + discrimination: hunt everything, or dial out common trash like foil and pull-tabs.
- Tone-based target ID: different targets produce different audio responses so you can judge before digging.
- Waterproof search coil: the coil can be submerged in shallow water, though the control box cannot.
- Interchangeable coil: swap the stock coil for a larger one for depth or a smaller one for trashy sites — see our guide to Bounty Hunter search coils.
Who it's for
The Tracker IV is ideal for absolute beginners, kids supervised by an adult, gift buyers, and anyone who wants a low-risk way to try metal detecting before committing to a pricier machine. Casual detectorists who mostly hunt parks and yards will be happy with it long-term. If you already know you want numeric target ID or serious depth, consider stepping up to the Land Ranger Pro or the Time Ranger Pro instead.
Tips and coils
Start in all-metal mode to understand what your site contains, then add discrimination only enough to skip the worst trash — over-discriminating will make you miss good targets. Keep the coil low and sweep slowly; because this is a motion detector, it needs the coil moving to detect. Ground with high iron mineralization may require lowering the sensitivity to reduce false signals. When you're ready to experiment, a larger coil adds ground coverage and depth on open sites. New to swinging a detector? Read our how-to guide first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV good for beginners?
Is the Tracker IV waterproof?
Can the Tracker IV find gold?
What can you find with a Tracker IV?
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