The sensitivity setting on a metal detector controls how reactive the metal detector will be towards metals. The highest possible sensitivity setting is usually recommended, though conditions will dictate just how high you will be able to set it. You will run into many situations while metal detecting that will warrant lower sensitivity settings for optimal performance and ground penetration. In most cases your metal detector will let you know when to kick it back a bit.

A general rule of thumb for setting the sensitivity on your metal detector is this. Turn up the sensitivity setting on your metal detector just until the metal detector begins to become erratic, at this point you want to back it off by a click or two, just until your metal detector stabilizes again. This will be an optimal setting. Keep in mind that the ground can change drastically from one area to the next in a very short distance. I like to say there is no such thing as setting it forgetting it when it comes to metal detecting. You may have to make several adjustments on each outing.

As mentioned above the highest sensitivity setting is not always the best option. There are some situations that will call for lower settings. One of these situations would be when metal detecting an area that contains an overwhelming amount of metal targets or if you are metal detecting an area that has very hot ground. Taking the sensitivity down a bit in hot ground will actually increase depth in most situations. Again your metal detector will most likely give you a heads up by acting erratic. Another situation that comes to mind is while metal detecting in close proximity to large metal objects. Fences, benches and concrete with rebar just to name a few. By dropping the metal detectors sensitivity in these situations you decrease the chance that the larger metal objects are going to interfere with the ground you are metal detecting.

Many newer metal detectors come packaged with an auto sensitivity feature, while technology has come along way I will still suggest that you do not opt to use this feature. To get the most out of your metal detector you should should learn it inside and out. By using auto sensitivity options you not only miss out on truly learning your metal detector, but are also letting a computer chip do the thinking and distinguishing for you. Computers are very helpful, but there are still some things better done by humans, setting the sensitivity on your metal detector is one of them!