Bounty Hunter Quicksilver QSI Metal Detector Review

Written By: Marc McDermott
Last Updated:

If you’ve always wanted to try metal detecting but you can’t afford a higher-priced machine, there’s no reason you have to sit on the sidelines. With the Bounty Hunter Quicksilver (see latest price) you’ll be able to begin detecting at a very low buy-in cost.

What we like:

  • A great, affordable option for beginners or kids.
  • Easy to learn how to operate.
  • Easy-to-read screen.

What we don’t like:

  • Won’t have any higher-end features, like adjustable ground balancing, but it will have enough features to get you started on your basic treasure hunt.

The best features on the machine are the visual target identification and visual depth indicator, which aren’t found on the lower-priced Bounty Hunter models.

Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of the Quicksilver:

Features

Let’s look at some of the features the Bounty Hunter Quicksilver offers.

Digital target identification

The 4-segment digital target identification on the Bounty Hunter Quicksilver detector is one more feature that will help you figure out what the buried targets are likely to be before you spend time digging them.

If you know ahead of time that the signal is likely to be junk, like a nail, you’ll save yourself a lot of time by not digging it!

Visual depth indicator

This metal detector has a visual depth indicator, which means you’ll know how deep you have to dig to reach your target.

While it won’t give you the exact number of inches you’ll need to dig, it will let you know if your find is at a shallow, medium or deep depth.

You’ll be able to reach a maximum coin depth of up to 7 inches if the soil conditions are perfect.

That’s a decent depth for a machine in this price range.

Discrimination

You’ll be able to discriminate some of the junk signals you don’t want with one simple push of the button.

That will help you avoid some of the frustration that new detectorists can feel when they keep digging up nail after nail.

Audio

With this detector, you’ll get three-tone audio identification.

As you become more experienced with your targets, these three tones of audio will help you decide which signals you should dig and which ones you can confidently pass by.

Ground balancing

While this detector doesn’t have the capability to let the detectorist manually adjust for highly-mineralized ground conditions that can contribute to false signals, it does come with a preset ground balance.

Detector comparisons

Let’s take a quick look to see how this Bounty Hunter detector compares to others in the Bounty Hunter line.

Quicksilver vs. Tracker IV

The two big differences between these detectors are that the Quicksilver has a visual depth indicator and the LCD display screen and the Tracker IV doesn’t have either.

Since there isn’t much of a difference in cost between these two detectors, you’ll want to spend the extra money to get the Quicksilver instead of the Tracker IV.

It’s nice to have a screen to look at while you’re metal detecting. I’ve used detectors without screens and I absolutely hate it!

I like having something to look at when I’m detecting.

The visual depth indicator is also useful to have while detecting, so that’s one more reason you’d want the Quicksilver over the Tracker IV.

In addition, you’ll get one more audio tone with the Quicksilver, since the Tracker IV only has two tones.

Quicksilver vs. Lone Star

The Lone Star is similar both in price and function to the Quicksilver.

But the Lone Star gives you three modes of operation instead of the one discrimination mode the Quicksilver has. Lone Star has all-metal, discrimination and auto notch modes.

It also offers 6-segment digital target identification instead of the 4-segment identification the Quicksilver has.

Quicksilver vs. Quick Draw II

The Quick Draw II has four search modes instead of the one Quicksilver has. You’ll get motion all-metal, progressive discrimination, notch and auto notch modes with the Quick Draw II.

The Quick Draw II also has 9-segment target identification instead of 4-segment identification, including categories for nuisances like iron/foil and pull tabs.

Plus, instead of three vague depth descriptions, you’ll get a screen that shows a range of depth, such as 4 to 6 inches, so you’ll have a better idea of how deep to dig.

But many of the other features on the Quick Draw II are the same as the Quicksilver, including preset ground balance and three-tone audio.

FAQ

What comes in the box?

You’ll get the easy-to-assemble metal detector and a guide that will show you how to use your new detector. Your detector will come with an 8-inch coil.

It’s easy enough to operate that you can run outside to try it first and read about it later!

How much does it weigh?

Compared to some other beginning detectors, which can weigh 3 pounds and under, the Quicksilver is a little heavier at 4 pounds.

It is still light enough though that you’ll be able to go out on an all-day hunt and not regret it the next day!

Is it waterproof?

The coil is waterproof, but the control box is not.

That means you’ll only want to use it in really shallow water — you definitely shouldn’t submerge it!

What kind of batteries does it take?

The Quicksilver uses two 9-volt alkaline batteries.

The batteries last a long time — you’ll definitely wear out before the batteries do!

What is its operating frequency?

The operating frequency of this detector is 6.6 kHz, which is a decent operating frequency for all-purpose metal detecting.

You won’t want this detector, however, if your primary interest is gold prospecting.

What accessories will I need?

You’ll want a treasure pouch when you go detecting so you can put all your finds into it.

A good shovel or heavy-duty hand trowel is also necessary.

And, although it’s not a necessity, a good pinpointer makes your life a lot easier as a metal detectorist! It helps you hone in on your targets and saves you a lot of search time.

Final thoughts

The Quicksilver is a good option for the beginning detectorist or if you have a teenager at home who wants to begin detecting.

It’s inexpensive and easy to use. But don’t let the price tag fool you — you’ll be able to find quality items with this detector!