Best Security Metal Detector Wands: Comprehensive Guide

By Daniel Bernzweig

Table of Contents

• Security Wand Metal Detectors: What Are They
• How to Choose a Security Wand Metal Detector
• What Is a Security Wand Metal Detector
• Practical Uses for Metal Detector Wands
• How Security Wands Are Different From One Another
• Key Features of Metal Detector Wands
• Models With Audio, Visual, and Vibration Alerts
• Models with Visual and Vibration Alerts Only
• 6 Points to Consider When Choosing the Best Security Wand Metal Detector
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• What do metal detector wands detect?
• Is there a detector for metal on body?
• How much do metal detector wands cost?
• What are the benefits of using metal detector wands?

With crime rising, handheld security wands are becoming increasingly necessary. You will learn how to choose the right unit for your organization's security needs in this article. In this article, we will review the specific features and capabilities of modern hand-scanning metal detectors. We will conclude with a comparison of the most popular security wands. For the latest options for purchase, check out our Security Wand Metal Detectors category. There you will find a complete selection of models and our FAQ Guide.

Security Wand Metal Detectors: What Are They?

Each and every day, you see security hand handheld metal detectors being used all around us. Today, metal detectors are common in sports events, outdoor events and gatherings, airports, nightclubs, jails, schools, and manufacturing and distribution facilities. In high-volume applications, the walk-through metal detector is an excellent screening option. To determine the location of a metal object, a hand scanner should be used after identifying its presence of a metal object. Using a hand scanner alone can be an effective screening method for searches with lower volumes. To keep your line moving quickly at your security checkpoint, consider the following. It is important to have guests remove any targets that could cause nuisance alerts, such as belt buckles, coins, keys, and foil.

How to Choose a Security Wand Metal Detector?

Let's start by learning what to look for in a security wand metal detector. These devices come in a variety of sizes and shapes. You may need to consider a device like the Garrett THD if your application requires that the device is concealed. This device is used by police departments, military agencies, and security services worldwide. Approximately the size of a pen, the device is over an inch in diameter. The Garrett THD will provide the same sensitivity and capabilities as larger units but in a compact package. Your hand security checkpoint searches will be closer to the person's body on account of the THD's small size. It can be more intrusive for the person being scanned than an alternative device with a longer handle. In this regard, make sure that you choose the most appropriate sized device for the population you will be scanning. Read on for details on other options for your security personnel.

What Is a Security Wand Metal Detector?

We will now cover the most common type of device. The security wands of this type are long, narrow, and paddle-shaped in appearance. Garrett Super Scanner V and Garrett Super Wand are two of the most popular devices of this style. They are produced by the Garrett Metal Detector company in Garland, Texas in the USA. For most security applications, these devices are perfect. As such, they are built to withstand continuous use in the most demanding environments where detection is required. Both models use a single 9V battery. A rechargeable battery is an option for both. Most models will feature a sensitivity adjustment that will allow you to increase or decrease the response from various targets. Keeping a uniform sensitivity level across all of your devices will allow detection of metal from only targets you want to find.

Recently, we have seen an increase in poor-quality imitation units imported from overseas. You will know that the unit is an imitation if the price seems too good to be true. Remember that if you have an incident, you'll want to know that you purchased the most advanced and reliable unit available. The Garrett hand scanners are the world's highest quality and most popular hand scanners. Garrett products are certified for compliance by the NTSB and are used in airports. The units are built according to the latest security standards. It's also the same equipment the secret service uses to keep the president safe. In addition, they are the official devices used at the Olympics.

Practical Uses for Metal Detector Wands

When it comes to handheld metal detection, there are several different ways that metal detector wands can be used. Metal detector wands are particularly useful in high-security areas, where it's important to be able to detect even small pieces of metal. 

Some of the practical uses for metal detector wands include: 

Airport Security

Metal detector wands are commonly used in homeland security checkpoints. The high sensitivity of the wand allows security personnel to detect even small pieces of metal, such as knives or other weapons. 

Prison Security

Metal detector wands are also commonly used in prisons, as they allow security personnel to detect small pieces of metal that could be used as weapons. The wand can also be used to detect contraband, such as drugs or mobile phones. 

Riot Gear & Medical Kits

Metal detector wands can also be used in conjunction with riot gear. The wand can be used to scan for weapons or other sharp objects. In addition to body arm

Key Features of Metal Detector Wands

Handheld metal detectors are useful tools for a security guard that can be used in various settings, from airports to schools. These devices are designed to detect the presence of metal, which makes them ideal for finding hidden metallic objects like weapons or other contraband. 

Metal detector wands are a type of hand held metal detector that is often used in high-security areas, such as airport security checkpoints, courthouses, and schools. These wands are a piece of active duty gear designed to be more sensitive than other metal detectors, making them better at detecting a small metallic object. 

Some of the features that make metal detector wands more sensitive than other metal detecting handheld devices include: 

Vibration Alert

Hand held metal detectors with vibration alarms allow security personnel to be alerted to the presence of metal even if they can't see it. The wand will vibrate when it comes into contact with metal, so the user can still detect it even if it's hidden from view. Vibration is another type of target identification. Vibration alerts are possibly the best for several reasons. Initially, only the operator is aware that a target has been located. When the target is a weapon, this is a good thing. This will give your security professionals the most time to react to the situation. Vibration is also very popular in noisy environments. Some models have a pinpointing tip only for extreme accuracy. Other models offer a full 360 degrees of detection field around the entire device. If you have rebar in the floor or other metal objects close by, you can always make periodic sensitivity adjustments to eliminate alerts from those items. All of the devices we offer are self-calibrating and feature automatic retuning. You can adjust the sensitivity on each device to achieve the optimum sensitivity for your setting.

Adjustable Sensitivity

Many metal detector wands have an adjustable sensitivity setting that allows users to customize the device to their specific needs. This is important in high-security areas, where the wand must be sensitive enough to detect small metal items but not so sensitive that it gives false positives. 

Highly Sensitivity Tip

The tip of the metal detector wand is the most important part of the device, as this is what comes into contact with the person or object being scanned. The tip of the metal detector wand needs to be highly sensitive to detect even small pieces of metal. Many models even offer a full 360 degrees of detection sensitivity.

Visual Display

Some metal detector wands come with a visual display that shows the user the level of metal detected. This can be useful in high-security situations, as it allows the security personnel to see if the person or object being scanned.

Optional Rechargeable Battery Kit

This feature allows the user to keep the metal detector wand powered up and ready to use at all times. The rechargeable battery kit is usually an optional extra, but it's worth considering if you'll be using the wand in a high-security environment. 

Though some utilize just a standard 9v battery, most metal detecting wands have an option for a rechargeable battery kit, ensuring you'll never be without power when you need it most. 

Structurally Isolated Coil

Isolating the coil from the wand's body, this feature reduces false positives. This ensures that only metal objects that are near the coil will be detected. This ensures that metal objects that may be nearby but are not in close enough proximity to the coil to cause it to activate. It is also important to have isolated coils to reduce the interference caused by other electronic devices, such as walkie-talkies or mobile phones.

Added Impact Absorption

This feature helps to protect the metal detector wand from damage if it's dropped or knocked. The added impact absorption helps to reduce the risk of damage to the device and ensures that it will continue to work properly even if it's dropped. 

These are just some of the features that make metal detector wands more sensitive than other handheld metal detectors. If you're looking for a handheld metal detector that can be used in high-security situations, then a metal detector wand is a good option to consider. 

Models With Audio, Visual, and Vibration Alerts:

Garrett Superscanner V

Price: $179.95

The specifications for the Garrett Superscanner V are:

• Clear Audible or Silent / Vibrate LED Alarm Signal.
• Ultimate Sensitivity: Used in prisons to detect tiny, hand-crafted weapons and in mass transit screenings to detect guns, knives, razor blades, box cutters, foil-wrapped drugs, and other forbidden items.
• New Energy-Efficient Design offers Extended Battery Life.
• Rugged, High-Impact ABS Case with Reinforced Coil Compartment.
• Large 10" Scan Surface.
• Momentary Push-Button Temporarily Eliminates Detection of Nearby Ambient Metal.
• The optional Garrett SuperScanner Rechargeable battery kit is a popular option
• 2 Year Warranty

As we noted in our article comparing models in the Garrett Security Wand series from Garrett metal detectors: "A favorite with law enforcement and security personnel, the Garrett Superscanner V has a large scan surface for quick scanning. It also features a reduction switch to help manage interference from rebar when scanning around ankle level."

Garrett Superwand

Price: $189.95

The specifications for the Garrett Superscanner are:

• Clear Audible or Silent / Vibrate LED alarm signal.
• Self-Calibrating
• Elongated Profile - Provides 8.75" scan area 360° detection coverage plus tip pinpointing for easy scanning from head to foot.
• Simple Operation - With a one-touch button and three-color LED lights.
• Rugged Injection Molded Construction.
• Ergonomic Design.
• Power switch and LEDs Positioned for Easy Access and High Visibility.
• The optional Garrett Rechargeable Battery Kit for Superwand and THD is a popular option
• 2 Year Warranty

As we noted in our article comparing models in the Garrett Security Wand series of handheld metal detector wand detectors: "With a 360° detection field and a pinpointing tip, the Garrett Superwand offers uniform sensitivity and extreme accuracy. With an easy-grip design, lightweight, audible or silent alarm, and self-calibration, the Superwand makes screening simple for new and experienced security personnel."

Fisher CW-20 Hand-Held Security Metal Detector Wand

Price: $109.00

The specifications for the CW-20 are:

• Detects Ferrous & Non-Ferrous Metals
• Operating Frequency 7.1 kHz (choice of 3 settings)
• Choice of Audio or Silent Vibrate Alarm
• Requires One 9 Volt Battery
• Momentary Low Sensitivity Toggle Switch
• Low Battery Indicator
• Visual LED lets you visually checkout your targets in the field
• 5 Year Warranty

As we noted in our article comparing Fisher CW-20 vs. CW-10 Hand-Held Security Metal Detectors: "The Fisher CW-10 is designed to work as a standalone wand or in conjunction with the Fisher M-Scope Walk-Through Security Metal Detector. It features an easy to use three -position switch that turns the unit on and sets the unit for vibrating or audio alerts."

Fisher CW-10 Hand-Held Security Metal Detector Wand

Price: $139.00

The specifications for the Fisher CW-10 are:

• Detects hidden metal, both Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal
• Operating Frequency: 110 kHz
• Choice of Audio Alarm or Silent Vibrate Alarm
• Easy to Use, 3 Position Switch for Power, Audio, and Vibrate
• High Sensitivity Setting at Optimum Level - No Tuning Required
• Balanced and Lightweight - Under 12 oz
• Requires One 9 Volt Battery
• Low Battery Indicator
• Visual LED
• 5 Year Warranty
• By First Texas products. Maker of Fisher, Teknetics and Bounty Hunter brands.

As we noted in our article comparing Fisher CW-20 vs. CW-10 Hand-Held Security Metal Detectors: "... the Fisher CW-20 offers users the choice of three frequencies to eliminate interference. It also includes a "momentary low" switch to reduce interference from rebar often found in concrete floors. It also features the option of an audible or silent vibrating alert."

Models with Visual and Vibration Alerts Only:

Garret THD

Price: $179.95

The specifications for the Garrett THD metal detector pinpointer are:

• Powerful 4-inch length, 360 degree Detection Area
• Silent vibrating with Red LED alarm indicator.
• Bright LED flashlight for low light and night operations.
• Sealed Waterproof Construction.
• High quality, Impact resistant case with Molded Rubber Grip.
• Easy ON / OFF Battery Cover.
• Ballistic weave belt holster.
• The optional Garrett Rechargeable Battery Kit for Superwand and THD is a popular option
• 2 Year Warranty

As we noted in our article comparing models in the Garrett Security Wand series: "The Garrett THD is a compact, rugged metal detector with a highly sensitive detection area with 360° coverage. It also features a silent vibrating alarm and red indicator light, along with a bright LED flashlight at the tip. It offers a quick response time and detects ferrous, nonferrous, and stainless steel objects."

Garrett CSI Pro-Pointer II

The specifications for the Garrett CSI Pro-Pointer II security scanner are:

• Easy One-Button Operation: Turn on and go. Automatic tuning when the unit is turned on
• Fast Retune: Shrinks the detection field to tune out mineralized ground or saltwater quickly. Pro-Pointer II uses a quick power off/on
• Auto-Off Feature: After 1 hour of warning chirps, pinpointer shuts off automatically
• 360° Side Scan Detection: The detection tip locates targets in every direction
• LED Light: Perfect for night hunting and low-light conditions
• Audio/Vibration Pulse: Alerts you to the target with both vibrate and audio
• Web Holster and Lanyard: Holster secures pinpointer to standard size belts. The lanyard attaches to your belt, digging pouch, or detector. Popular for law enforcement and treasure hunting
• Water Resistant: Can be used in the rain and washed in running water. *It is not an underwater pinpointer
• 2 Year Warranty

6 Points to Consider When Choosing the Best Security Wand Metal Detector

Let's review what we have learned so that you can choose the best security detector for your environment.

1. You should determine how many people you need to screen before choosing which device to purchase.
2. You will need a walk-through metal detector if your throughput requirements are large.
3. Individual screening with a hand scanner wand is practical when your throughput volume needs are smaller.
4. You should choose a device that offers the target response that is best suited for your environment.
5. Take into consideration the size of the security wand detector you need. A smaller device might be appropriate if you have a lot of gear to carry.
6. The security wand can alert you to a target through an audible tone, a target identification light, a vibration or a combination of all three.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do metal detector wands detect?

Each and every security situation can be unique. For this reason, you need to select a model that will locate all metal objects that you may encounter, from congealed weapons like knives and guns to contraband like switchblades and foil packets of illicit drugs. For this reason, all of the security wands on our list are designed with extreme sensitivity to both ferrous and nonferrous metals. Each will provide a full range of detection for both small and large targets produced from any type of metal.

Is there a detector for metal on the body?

When conducting hand searches with metal detectors, it is important to search for metal on a person's body thoroughly. Typically after an individual has passed through a walk through metal detector, they will be hand searched using a wand. Some wands are very short and will require close contact, whereas other wands have a longer handle to allow searches from a distance. You will need to select the most appropriate design for the needs of your organization and the population that you will be scanning.

How much do metal detector wands cost?

Metal Detector wands come with a variety of styles and features. Quality units produced to ISO standards are produced by Garrett Metal Detectors and Fisher Research Labs, and each ship with a return policy. Models range in cheapest for the Fisher CW-2 to to the more expensive Garrett Superwand model. As you review your needs, be sure to review our 6 Points to Consider When Choosing the Best Security Wand Metal Detector for your organization.

What are the benefits of using metal detector wands?

Each event and location where you will be using metal detectors at for security is unique. Security wands offer many advantages, including ease of use and quick setup. A hand wand metal detector may be sufficient if you are scanning a relatively small number of people. A walk-through detector is the best general screening device if you have many people to scan, and a hand-held device for spot checks. A key advantage of the hand wand is its ability to pinpoint the target on the person's body quickly and precisely. In locations where a large walk-through metal detector is not an option, this unit can be used.

Copyright 2011 Detector Electronics Corp. - Revised September 2022