Bounty Hunter Tracker IV:a simple analog detector for families and kids

This Bounty Hunter Tracker IV review is for families, kids and first-timers who want to try metal detecting without learning menus. It is an entry-level analog detector with three modes, a few knobs, an 8 in waterproof coil and preset ground balance, made in the USA by First Texas. The trade-off is information: there is no numeric target ID, only a needle and tones, and some owners report inconsistent readings.

The short version

The Tracker IV is about as simple as a real metal detector gets. You turn a knob, pick a mode and swing. Owner feedback is warm on what it promises: it is easy to start with and fun for a family outing. What it cannot do is tell you much about a target before you dig, and a few owners report missed targets or erratic signals. Think of it as a way to find out whether the hobby suits you or your child, not as a long-term detector.

Best for: kids, families and first-timers trying the hobby in the backyard, at the park or on a dry-sand beach.

Not for: anyone who wants to identify a target on a screen before digging, hunters on trashy sites, or anyone working heavily mineralized soil.

Specifications

The sources do not all agree. First Texas, which makes Bounty Hunter detectors, lists a 2-year warranty in its spec table, while its own product description and the Amazon listing mention a 5-year limited warranty. Check the warranty terms with the seller before you buy. The Amazon listing also gives the weight as 2 lb and the display as LCD; the First Texas spec table says 2.6 lb and an analog meter, which this review follows.

What its strengths are worth

Almost nothing to learn. Knobs for sensitivity and discrimination, a mode switch and a meter: that is the whole interface. For a child or an adult who has never held a detector, this is a real advantage. There is no screen to decode and no menu to get lost in.

Three modes that cover the basics. All Metal mode responds to every metal and gives the most depth. Discrimination mode lets you dial out iron and some junk. Tone mode uses different tones to separate low-value and higher-value targets. That is enough to learn the core idea of the hobby: deciding what to dig.

A waterproof 8 in coil. The coil can be used in shallow water and on wet sand, according to First Texas. The control box is not waterproof and must stay dry. A round 8 in coil is a classic, balanced size for coins and small objects.

Preset ground balance. The ground balance is set at the factory, so there is nothing to adjust. That keeps things simple on ordinary soil. On highly mineralized ground, you cannot correct for it, which is one reason the detector may become noisy or lose depth in some areas. First Texas's spec table says "preset" while its product description says "automatic"; in both cases, there is no user control.

Light and easy to run. At 2.6 lb, a child can swing it for a while. Two 9V batteries give 20 to 25 hours, according to First Texas. They are not included, so buy them with the detector.

Depth claims. First Texas says the Tracker IV can detect coin-sized targets at about 6 to 8 in and larger objects deeper than a foot, especially in All Metal mode. These are the manufacturer's figures. Real depth depends on soil, target and settings.

What owners say

Owner feedback on Amazon.com is mostly positive about what the Tracker IV is designed for. Ease of learning and setup is very frequently praised, and so is the fun of using it with kids and family. Many owners report finding coins, jewelry and small relics, and value for money is a common positive. A few also mention the waterproof coil and durability.

The negatives are consistent. A few owners describe inconsistent readings, and some report missed targets, including larger objects. Amazon's summary rates accuracy and detection as mixed. On hobby forums, the Tracker IV is often described as a decent starter that you may outgrow quickly, with better features available one tier up.

Our reading: owners who bought it for a child or a casual family hobby are generally satisfied. Owners who expected to judge targets precisely before digging are the ones disappointed.

Who it suits: kids, families or serious beginners?

Kids and teens. This is its best use. The controls are simple, the weight is manageable and every beep feels like a find. An adult should handle the digging tools and help choose where to search.

Family outings. Backyards, parks and dry-sand beaches suit it well. It helps turn a walk into a treasure hunt without asking anyone to learn a manual.

Adult beginners who plan to stick with the hobby. Here the Tracker IV is harder to recommend. Without a numeric target ID, you will dig more junk and learn less about your targets. A detector such as the Garrett ACE 300 gives you a 0–99 scale and a pinpoint mode that make learning faster. Bounty Hunter's own Quick Draw Pro also adds a 0–99 target ID at an entry-level tier; see our Bounty Hunter comparison.

Mineralized ground or wet salt sand. Preset ground balance and a single frequency limit it there.

Before you take kids detecting in a park or on a beach, check the local rules. Our guide on where to metal detect legally explains what to look for; it is not legal advice.

Alternatives

• Garrett ACE 300: a 0–99 target ID, five modes and a pinpoint, for adult beginners who want to learn properly.
• Minelab Vanquish 340: almost as simple to use, but with multi-frequency and automatic settings that handle mixed soil and beaches better, according to Minelab.
• Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro: the most adjustable Bounty Hunter here, with a 0–99 target ID and manual ground balance.

All models are compared in our best metal detector guide.