This is Infologue’s annual rankings of the best handheld metal detector security wands available in the UK this year. The rankings are based on research conducted by Interconnective Security Products who have tested every metal detector wand on this list. The rankings take into account sensitivity, price, reliability and suitability for use by UK security personnel.
1.) RISK SW1 Rechargeable Search Wand
Description: The RISK SW1 is a compact, professional-level rechargeable search wand that manages to offer a surprisingly high level of sensitivity for its size and price. It has been designed as a practical security detector rather than simply another copy of an existing wand. Its combination of high sensitivity, adjustable settings, rechargeable operation and low price pushes it into first place in this year’s rankings.
The RISK SW1 is considerably smaller than larger paddle-style security wands such as the Garrett Super Scanner V, making it easier to carry and manoeuvre. Despite the smaller body, it still has a reasonably large 6.5-inch detection area and feels sturdy enough for regular professional use.
Features: The RISK SW1 has adjustable sensitivity and offers audio, visual and vibrating detection alarms. This gives the operator the choice of an audible alert during standard searches or a discreet vibration alert when working in noisy environments or when silent screening is required.
It can be supplied with rechargeable batteries and a robust upright charging dock, allowing the wand to be stored and charged between shifts. It can also use standard AA batteries, which is useful if the rechargeable batteries run out during an event or security operation. A built-in belt clip makes the device easy to carry when it is not being used.
Sensitivity: This is a highly sensitive security wand, particularly considering its compact size and low price. At max sensitivity it can just beat out the Garrett Super Scanner V with things like sim cards at close range. The adjustable sensitivity makes it suitable for both standard weapon searches and operations where smaller masses of metal need to be detected. Reducing the sensitivity can help prevent the wand from constantly alerting to coins, jewellery and other small personal items when the operator is primarily searching for knives or firearms.
Price: £75 ex VAT
Summary: The RISK SW1 offers a level of performance and functionality that would normally be associated with a considerably more expensive security wand. It is sensitive, rechargeable, adjustable, easy to carry and can be supplied with a proper charging dock. The ability to fall back on standard AA batteries is also a particularly useful feature for security teams operating long shifts.
The Garrett models remain better established and have longer track records, but the combination of performance, features and price makes the RISK SW1 the best all-round option in this year’s list.
2.) Garrett Super Scanner V Security Wand Metal Detector
Description: It is no surprise that the Garrett Super Scanner V remains near the top of the list this year. It is the world’s most recognisable, and most copied, handheld metal detector wand for a reason. Used in almost every country in the world, it is the go-to security wand for many major international organisations.
When buying, always ensure that it is a genuine Garrett and that it is the Super Scanner V rather than a generic device simply described as a “Super Scanner”. There are a huge number of cheaper copies on the market with widely varying levels of sensitivity, construction quality and reliability.
Features:
The Garrett Super Scanner V has a very wide and long ten-inch detection area, with audio, visual and vibrating alarms. It is highly robust and one of the most reliable handheld metal detector wands on the market, capable of being used for years without issue. It is designed to take a fair amount of wear and tear and has a level of longevity that most competitors do not. There is also a headphone jack in the side of the device should the operator want to hear alerts discreetly. It uses a standard 9V battery and is manufactured in the USA.
Sensitivity: This was the surprising part about our tests with this security wand. In terms of sensitivity, it was able to surpass many supposedly ultra-sensitive metal detectors when searching for small masses of metal in a person’s pockets. It was second only to the RISK SW1 at detecting small items in pockets.
Price: £155 ex VAT
Summary: While more expensive than many of the other options on this list, the Garrett Super Scanner V is well worth the money. Just holding it, you can feel the quality of its construction. Garrett products are made in the USA and the Super Scanner V has one of the strongest reputations of any handheld security detector. It only loses the top position this year because the RISK SW1 offers rechargeable operation, adjustable sensitivity and a charging dock package at a fraction of the price. However, if you are looking for a proven, long-term and highly reliable security wand metal detector with excellent sensitivity, the Garrett Super Scanner V remains one of the best options available.
3.) Garrett Guide Hand-Held Metal Detector
Description: The Garrett Guide is the newest handheld security metal detector from Garrett and is effectively the next generation of the company’s security wand range. It takes many of the qualities that made the Garrett Super Scanner V so successful and adds adjustable sensitivity, rechargeable operation, improved ergonomics and significantly better environmental protection.
It is a more advanced and modern security detector than the Super Scanner V, although this comes with a considerably higher price. It has been designed for professional security operations where the wand may be used continuously and needs to be adapted for different types of screening.
Features: The Garrett Guide has seven adjustable sensitivity levels, allowing it to be configured for anything from standard searches for knives and firearms to high-sensitivity screening for much smaller metal objects. There are three detection alarm options: audio and visual alerts, a silent vibration mode, or an LED-only visual alert. It also includes four offset settings designed to reduce environmental and electronic interference. Of particular interest is its ability to reduce interference from reinforcing bar in floors and walls, which can cause false alarms with some highly sensitive metal detectors.
The Garrett Guide uses an integrated rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can provide more than 125 hours of operation from a single charge. It can be recharged using USB-C and is available with an upright charging dock. The device is IP65 rated, making it dust-resistant and suitable for use in wet or outdoor environments. It is manufactured in the USA and has a rugged body with a textured grip.
Sensitivity: The Garrett Guide offers a higher maximum sensitivity than the original Garrett Super Scanner V and can be adjusted across seven levels. This makes it considerably more versatile than a fixed-sensitivity wand. Maximum sensitivity will be useful for prisons, loss prevention searches and other operations where very small metal objects need to be identified. Lower settings can be used for routine event security or door searches where the operator primarily needs to detect larger offensive weapons without being overwhelmed by alerts from every coin, buckle or small item of jewellery.
Price: £213.17–£291.50 ex VAT, depending on whether the charging dock and battery package are selected.
Summary: In purely technical terms, the Garrett Guide is arguably the most advanced handheld detector on this list. It combines Garrett’s established build quality with adjustable sensitivity, rechargeable operation, multiple alarm modes, water resistance and interference-reduction features. The reason it sits in third place is price. It costs considerably more than the RISK SW1 and the Garrett Super Scanner V, and many security teams will not require all of its additional features. However, for high-security sites, prisons, infrastructure, stadiums or organisations that require adjustable sensitivity and dependable all-weather operation, the Garrett Guide is an excellent choice.
4.) Adams AD11-2 and Adams AD11-V Hand Metal Detector Wands
Description: Adams metal detectors have been widely used in the UK security arena for decades, with the majority of their devices assembled in Britain. The Adams AD11-2 and Adams AD11-V are the next step up from the AD10-2.
We have put these devices together because they are fundamentally the same detector, with the principal difference being the secondary alert setting. The AD11-2 allows the operator to mute the audible alarm and use a visual alert, while the AD11-V replaces this with a vibration mode. The models can also be distinguished by their different-coloured rocker switches.
Features: These hand metal detector wands are fairly straight forward with a preset sensitivity and single rocker switch to turn on/off and alternative alert mode. They are much more narrow than most of their competitors which is a double edged sword. They require more motion to cover the same area but are easier to manoeuvre.
Sensitivity: The Adams AD11-2 and the Adams AD11-V are not high sensitivity hand metal detector wands. They are pre-set to detect larger masses such as knives and guns.
Price: £107 ex VAT
Summary: Adams metal detectors are more reliable than most Chinese metal scanners and while they are not the most sensitive, they do the job and they come in at a reasonable price.
5.) Detect-X High Sensitivity Search Wand
Description: The Detect-X is one of the more unusual-looking security wands on this list. It has a distinctive X-shaped paddle rather than the traditional rectangular body used by the Garrett Super Scanner and most of its copies.
The shape is not purely cosmetic. The entire paddle acts as the detection area, including both sides of the device, making it easier to detect concealed metal regardless of which side of the wand is closest to the target. It is a lightweight, rechargeable and highly sensitive detector that offers a useful set of features for a comparatively low price.
Features: The Detect-X has two sensitivity levels, High and Low, which can be changed at the press of a button. This allows it to be used for high-sensitivity searches or reduced to a more general weapon-detection setting.
It has both audio and vibration alarms, allowing operators to choose between a conventional audible tone and a discreet vibration alert. Once switched on, the operator does not have to continuously hold down a button while searching.
The wand uses a rechargeable 9V battery and is supplied with a UK mains charger. The full 25cm paddle detects on both sides, and the device can detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It weighs approximately 305g and has a durable plastic body.
Sensitivity: On its highest setting, the Detect-X can identify smaller metal items such as vapes and coins as well as conventional threats such as knives and firearms.
Price: £50 ex VAT
Summary: The Detect-X offers a lot for its price. Its dual-sided, full-paddle detection area means that the operator does not have to be as conscious of which face of the wand is pointing towards the person being searched. The two sensitivity settings and choice of audio or vibration alerts also make it more flexible than most low-cost security detectors. Its construction is not at the same level as the Garrett or RISK models, and it does not have the established reputation of those brands. However, its high sensitivity, rechargeable battery and unusual but effective detection area earn it fifth place in this year’s list.
6.) Garrett Superwand 360° HandHeld Metal Detector
Description: The Garrett SuperWand is a long, probe-style metal detector that detects metal on all sides of the probe. This confusingly named Garrett wand is not a traditional paddle-style security wand but works well for conducting more precise searches where moving around bends, corners and curves is required.
Its narrow design also makes it useful for searching bags, boxes, furniture, vehicles and other areas that would be more difficult to inspect with a conventional flat security wand.
Features: The Garrett SuperWand is a single-sensitivity metal detector with a choice of audio and vibrating alerts. The audible alarm is accompanied by a visual LED alert, while the vibration setting can be used for quieter or more discreet searches.
It has a 360-degree detection area covering the full 9.5-inch length of the shaft, including the tip of the device. It also has an ergonomically designed grip and is extremely well made. The SuperWand uses a standard 9V battery, offers up to 80 hours of normal operation and is supplied with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Sensitivity: t has decent sensitivity, although it is less sensitive than the Garrett Super Scanner V. As it has only one preset sensitivity level, it is primarily designed to find concealed weapons and other reasonably sized metal objects rather than extremely small masses of metal.
Price: £192.50 ex VAT
Summary: The Garrett SuperWand is excellent for specific types of search. If you need to inspect boxes, crates, bags or other objects with corners, bends and narrow spaces, it may be the best option on this list.
While it can double as a security wand for standard searches of people, there are more practical and less expensive options for routine door security. Its excellent build quality and unusual 360-degree detection area earn it sixth place.
7.) Adams AD10-2 Handheld Security Metal Detector
Description: The Adams AD10-2 is a straightforward, professional handheld security metal detector from one of the most established manufacturers on this list. It has been designed to be simple to operate, with a preset sensitivity that allows it to be deployed without the user having to configure or calibrate it first.
It is narrower than most paddle-style security wands, making it easier to manoeuvre around a person’s body or into restricted spaces. The trade-off is that the operator will need to make more passes to cover the same area as a wider detector.
Features: The Adams AD10-2 uses single-button operation and produces simultaneous audio and visual alerts whenever metal is detected. Unlike the AD11-V, it does not offer a vibration alarm, and unlike the AD11-2, the audible alert cannot be muted. This makes it a more basic detector than the AD11 models, but also an extremely simple one to use.
Sensitivity: It is primarily intended for everyday security searches and provides a good balance between identifying concealed objects and avoiding excessive alerts from extremely small items.
Price: £88 ex VAT
Summary: This item makes the list due to its interesting shape and low-price. It functions much in the same way as other security wands except with a two-pronged search area.
8.) EasyNew PD-140 Metal Detector Wand
Description: This is one of the first Chinese security wands on the list. We were very careful about which of these metal detectors to include because they can be very hit and miss between brands, with many being copies of copies and having little consistency between them. If you look online, you will see a massive range of prices for apparently identical metal detector wands sold under different names and with different levels of quality. The EasyNew PD-140 is thankfully more recognisable and has a consistent design.
The device is clearly based on the general design of the CEIA and Nokta security detector ranges. It is, however, smaller and lighter and is available at a fraction of the price.
Features: Designed to look like an analogue CEIA-style security detector, the EasyNew PD-140 has a control panel with a dial that allows the operator to move between three sensitivity levels. There is also a rocker switch controlling the power and audio or mute settings. The detector provides audio, visual and vibration alarms and has separate LED indicators for power, detection and low battery status. It has a secure twist-to-close battery compartment, although the device is not advertised as waterproof.
The PD-140 requires one standard 9V battery and can provide up to approximately 40 hours of continuous use. It is compact at around 34cm long and weighs approximately 270g without its battery.
Sensitivity: This security detector performed well in sensitivity testing. It can detect smaller masses of metal than many standard security wands, although performance will depend on the selected sensitivity and the distance between the wand and the object. At its highest sensitivity, it can detect small items such as SIM cards through fabric. The lower sensitivity options allow the operator to scale the detector back and concentrate on larger items such as knives and firearms while reducing alerts from smaller personal objects.
Price: £80 ex VAT
Summary: The EasyNew PD-140 is a good option for anyone who needs a relatively low-cost device with high, adjustable sensitivity. Its build quality is not up to the level of the Garrett or Adams detectors, but it is well made compared with many generic Chinese security wands. It also does not have the environmental protection, rechargeable operation or established long-term reliability of the higher-ranked models. Nevertheless, its three sensitivity settings and low price make it a capable detector and earn it eighth place.
9.) Gold Centry GC-1001 Handheld Security Scanner
Description:
The Gold Centry GC-1001 Handheld Security Scanner is a Chinese security wand, although it is significantly better made than many devices in the same price range. It has a reasonably large detection area and feels more substantial than many of the cheapest generic metal detector wands available online.
Features:
This handheld security scanner emits a different audio pitch depending on the size or proximity of the metal mass detected relative to the selected sensitivity. It has two preset sensitivity levels, a reasonably sized search area and a low-battery indicator. The Gold Centry GC-1001 provides audio and visual detection alerts. It requires one standard 9V battery and is sold as a white-label product manufactured in China.
Sensitivity: This performed slightly better than some basic, preset security wands during sensitivity testing. It cannot be described as an ultra-high-sensitivity detector, but it is more than capable of identifying offensive weapons and other reasonably sized metal objects at a practical searching distance.
Price: £35 ex VAT
Summary: If you need a decently built handheld security scanner with reasonable sensitivity for less than £40, the GC-1001 remains a good choice when available.
A word of warning: the high-pitched squeal it produces when detecting a large mass of metal can be somewhat amusing. Its build quality, two sensitivity settings and low price earn it ninth place.
10.) Garrett SuperWand 360° Handheld Metal Detector
Description:
This takes us deeper into the generic Chinese metal detector wand market. The Super Scanner Handheld Security Detector was the best of the cheap Garrett-style Super Scanner copies tested for the original list. It is designed to look like a Garrett Super Scanner, although it is smaller and less refined in its construction. The words “Super Scanner” appear across the detection area instead of the Garrett branding. Buyers should be aware that this is not a Garrett product.
Features: It works in much the same basic way as a Garrett-style detector, with a similar paddle shape and one preset sensitivity level. It offers a choice between audio and vibration alerts and can detect ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The full face of the paddle acts as the detection area, with detection available on both flat sides. It also comes with a belt holster and requires one standard 9V battery, which is not included.
Sensitivity: This detects in a similar general range to other basic, preset security wands. It is not designed for finding extremely small masses of metal but instead aims to detect larger objects such as knives, firearms and box cutters.
Price: £22 ex VAT
Summary:
If you are not a large security company that needs a detector for continuous, long-term use and simply require a security wand for an indoor event, this will work adequately. It is unlikely to last as long as a professional Garrett or RISK detector, but it is more reliable than many of the extremely cheap products sold through online marketplaces. It is not a replacement for a professional security detector such as the Garrett Super Scanner V, but it will do the job on a limited budget.
Its combination of basic performance and extremely low price keeps it on the list at number ten.
*Disclaimer: These rankings represent the personal opinions of the Interconnecvtive team who tested the metal detectors above and not that of Infologue.com.