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Fisher F44 Metal Detector Review| Is It Good for Beginners?

Fisher F44 Metal Detector

Have you ever wanted a metal detector that combines power with simplicity, giving you the freedom to explore a wide range of terrains? The Fisher F44 might just be the perfect fit for you. This metal detector is known for its lightweight design and impressive features. This detector is designed to make metal detecting enjoyable for both beginners and professionals alike.

The Fisher F44 metal detector is built to easily handle various conditions, from parks and beaches to mineralized soil and rocky landscapes. With a weather-resistant body, multiple detection modes, and a clear LCD screen, it provides everything you need to locate valuable finds. Whether you are new to metal detecting or looking to upgrade your metal detector, the Fisher F44 offers a well-rounded, easy-to-use experience without compromising on essential features.

In this detailed article, I will share my review of this metal detector with you. We will discuss its features, performance, and specifications followed by its pros and cons. So let’s begin!

History and Background

History and Background

Fisher has been a trusted name in metal detecting since 1930. It is known for creating reliable and high-quality detectors that many hobbyists and professionals rely on. With years of experience, Fisher has built a reputation for delivering detectors that make finding buried metals easier and more fun.

The Fisher F44 metal detector is part of their well-loved product line. It is designed with features that suit both beginners and experienced users. Its unique design philosophy focuses on simplicity and efficiency, making it ideal for anyone who wants a reliable metal detector that’s easy to use and packed with useful features.

You can also read my review of the Fisher F22 model.

Review of the Key Features

Review of the Key Features

Wanna buy Garrett Ace Apex? You can read my review of it.

Weatherproof Design

One of the standout features of the Fisher F44 is its weatherproof design, which makes it reliable even in unpredictable weather. This detector can handle light rain and wet conditions without any issues which allows you to continue your search without worry. In my experience, this weather resistance is really helpful, especially when exploring damp areas or when the weather suddenly changes.

Operating Modes

The Fisher F44 metal detector offers five different detection modes: Jewellery, Coin, Artifact, Custom, and All Metal. Each mode is designed to help you focus on specific types of targets. I found the Jewellery Mode helpful for finding rings, bracelets, and other valuables. 

Coin Mode is perfect for parks or old sites. It filters out unwanted signals and focuses on coins. The Artifact Mode is built for detecting older items and relics, while the All Metal Mode picks up every signal, making it ideal for open spaces or when you want to cover a wide range. 

Finally, the Custom Mode lets you create your own settings, which I found useful for fine-tuning based on the area and my preferences.

Iron Audio

The Iron Audio feature was particularly helpful in identifying iron targets. With this, I could hear the distinct sound of iron objects. It allows me to skip items like nails or bottle caps without having to dig them up. It saved me a lot of time and effort, especially in areas with lots of iron waste.

Ground Balancing

The Fisher F44 metal detector comes with an adjustable ground balance, which is great for detection on different soil conditions. I tested it on mineralized soil and sandy beaches, and the detector adjusted smoothly, reducing false signals. This feature helped me search more accurately, giving me confidence that I wasn’t missing out on valuable finds due to soil interference.

Adjustable Sensitivity

This model also has adjustable sensitivity settings, which allow you to control how deeply it detects. When searching for larger items or in cleaner areas, I set it to high sensitivity for maximum depth. In areas with lots of small junk, lowering the sensitivity minimized distractions. It gave me the flexibility to adjust based on the location, ensuring that I wasn’t overwhelmed by unnecessary signals.

Pinpoint Mode

The Pinpoint Mode made a big difference when it came to locating the exact spot of the metal object I found. After detecting a signal, I used Pinpoint Mode to focus on the target, which saved me time and made digging more accurate. This feature is especially helpful if you are working in areas with a lot of overlapping signals.

Large LCD Screen

The Fisher F44 also features a large LCD screen that’s easy to read, even in bright sunlight. It has backlighting for low-light conditions, making it useful for early morning or late afternoon detections. The screen is clear, with easy-to-understand icons and numbers, allowing me to adjust the settings and understand my targets without confusion.

Performance in Different Conditions

Performance in Different Conditions

After using the Fisher F44 metal detector in various environments, I found it to be quite dependable across a range of conditions. In parks, it performed very well, allowing me to pick up small items like coins and jewellery with ease. The different modes made it easy to filter out unwanted signals, which is helpful in trashy areas where there might be a lot of trash.

On beaches, the Fisher F44 also worked well, especially when set to handle sand and wet ground. The weatherproof design proved useful near the water, as I didn’t have to worry about light splashes or dampness affecting it. For areas with high mineral content, like some beaches and rocky soils, the ground balancing feature was a big help. Adjusting the ground balance allowed me to focus on real signals and avoid the false ones that often come from mineralized soil.

In rocky soil, the detector handled changes in areas smoothly, although I found it best to adjust the sensitivity based on how much interference I encountered. The F44 managed wet conditions without any issues, staying accurate even after light rain. Overall, the Fisher F44 metal detector proved itself to be a flexible detector, able to handle common detecting challenges while still offering reliable and accurate results.

You can read my thoughts on Garrett 200.

Specifications of F44

SpecificationDetails
Operating Frequency7.69 kHz
Weight2.5 lbs (1.13 kg)
Depth CapabilitiesUp to 10 inches (depending on target size and soil conditions)
Battery LifeApproximately 25-30 hours
Search Modes4 (All Metal, Discrimination, Jewelry, Coin)
Sensitivity SettingsAdjustable
Audio Tone3-tone audio feedback
Target IDVisual target ID display
Ground BalanceAutomatic and manual
Coil Size11-inch elliptical coil
Water ResistanceWaterproof to 10 feet (3 meters)
Included AccessoriesHeadphones, instructional manual

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • The Fisher F44 metal detector is easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. The controls are straightforward, allowing for quick adjustments while detecting.
  • Its weather-resistant design means you can use it in light rain or damp conditions without worry, which adds to its flexibility.
  • With five detection modes, you can customize your search based on what you are looking for. This feature is particularly useful in different environments, helping to improve target detection.
  • The ability to distinguish between iron and non-iron targets is a significant time-saver. It helps reduce unwanted digs, making your search more efficient.
  • Adjustable Ground Balance enhances its performance in challenging soil conditions, allowing the detector to adapt and minimize false signals.
  • The pinpoint function makes it easier to locate targets accurately, which is especially helpful in crowded areas.
  • The display is clear and easy to read in various lighting conditions, including bright sunlight, which is a big plus.

Cons

  • While the Fisher F44 is generally lightweight, some users may find it a bit heavier than other models after extended use.
  • Compared to more advanced models, the depth range on the F44 may not be as deep. This might be a drawback for users specifically looking for deep targets.
  • Unlike some modern detectors, the Fisher F44 does not come with Bluetooth capability for wireless headphones, which could limit convenience for some users.
  • While the adjustable sensitivity is a benefit, it requires some trial and error to find the right settings, which may take time for beginners.

Conclusion

The Fisher F44 metal detector is a great choice for both beginners and experienced users who want a reliable, flexible tool for various environments. With its weatherproof design, multiple search modes, and helpful features like Iron Audio and adjustable ground balance, the F44 handles different terrains with ease. These features make it flexible for exploring parks, beaches, and other challenging areas, allowing users to focus on valuable targets without distraction.

Despite its versatility, the F44 does have some limitations, like its depth capabilities, which might not satisfy those searching for deeply buried items. The lack of Bluetooth connectivity for wireless headphones may also be a minor inconvenience. 

However, with a straightforward design, user-friendly controls, and a helpful pinpoint function, the Fisher F44 delivers a rewarding metal-detecting experience that balances simplicity with functionality, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to enjoy this hobby.

FAQs

The best coil for the Fisher F44 is the standard 11-inch waterproof elliptical search coil. It provides good depth and sensitivity, ideal for general use and various areas.

The Fisher F44 is weatherproof, meaning it can handle light rain and wet conditions, but it is not fully waterproof. Only the search coil is submersible.

The Fisher F44 is used for detecting coins, jewellery, relics, and other metal objects. It performs well in parks, beaches, and mineralized soil, making it flexible for professionals and beginners.

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