Super Metal Detectors Top 10 Review: White's Coinmaster (Discontinued)

The White’s Coinmaster positions itself as a user-friendly and affordable option for coin hunters and relic maniacs. With a focus on basic functionalities and straightforward operation, it’s pitched as those who are new to the hobby. It’s basically a no-frills detector for casual treasure hunting.

White’s were always considered a family business and one that put out solid product. After 70 years of operation, it came as some surprise when they sold out to Garrett in 2021. But it made sense as there were issues with Whites finances, i.e. they had none. But Garrett is a big dog in the metal detecting space and it probably hasn’t harmed the brand at all.

Sounds like you are stuck between a rock and a hard place then, because White’s is dead and gone. You guys may think they were the greatest, and they were at one time. But they did not go under because they were making cutting edge products. They went under because they were not keeping up, and sales were suffering as a result. Anything else in business is just excuses.
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A Closer Look: Practical Design with a Focus on Coins

The White’s Coinmaster differentiates itself from some rivals in a few key ways:

Target Conductivity (ID) Mode: This feature displays a numerical identification of detected targets, helping users distinguish between desirable targets like coins and jewelry and less interesting trash.
All-Metal Mode: In addition to the target ID mode, the Coinmaster offers an all-metal mode that detects all types of metals. This can be helpful for beginners to get a feel for the detecting process and uncover various targets.
FeTone®: This functionality emits a distinct audio tone for ferrous (iron) targets, allowing users to identify and potentially ignore unwanted iron trash, especially in areas with high iron mineralization.
Lightweight Design: Weighing in at just 2.5 lbs (1.3 kg), the Coinmaster is comfortable to swing for extended periods, reducing user fatigue.

While these features cater to coin hunters, it’s important to remember that high-end detectors might offer more advanced functionalities and finer control over settings.

Who Is It For: Coin Hunters and Treasure Hunting Newbies

The White’s Coinmaster is best suited for two main groups:

Coin Hunters: The target ID mode, FeTone for iron identification, and all-metal mode make the Coinmaster a practical choice for those specifically interested in finding coins and relics.
Beginners: The user-friendly interface, lightweight design, and basic functionalities make the Coinmaster an approachable option for newcomers to the world of metal detecting.

While experienced users might find the Coinmaster lacking in advanced features, its simplicity and focus on coin detection make it a good fit for these two target audiences.

Ease of Use: Straightforward Operation for Beginners

The White’s Coinmaster prioritizes user-friendliness for a smooth detecting experience. Here’s a breakdown of its usability:

Display: The LCD display is clear and informative, showcasing target ID numbers, battery life, and a basic depth indicator. While not as detailed as some advanced detectors, it provides sufficient information for beginners to understand detected targets.
Handling: The lightweight design and well-balanced construction ensure comfortable operation for extended periods. The controls are conveniently positioned and easy to access with gloved hands.
Parts: The Coinmaster comes with a standard 9-inch concentric search coil, suitable for most general coin detecting scenarios. Assembly is straightforward, requiring minimal tools.

Overall, the White’s Coinmaster prioritizes ease of use. The clear display, simple controls, and lightweight design make it easy for beginners to pick up and start detecting quickly.

Terrain Compatibility: Parks, Fields, and Beyond (with Limitations)

The White’s Coinmaster performs well in some terrains, but its limitations should be considered. Here’s a breakdown of its suitability:

Parks and Fields: This is where the Coinmaster shines. The open spaces and minimal ground mineralization make it easier for beginners to identify coin signals with the target ID mode and FeTone audio.
Woods (Limited): While the Coinmaster can function in wooded areas, the lack of ground balancing might make it challenging to differentiate targets from ground noise in highly mineralized soils.
Beaches (Not Recommended): The Coinmaster is not submersible and doesn’t perform well in saltwater environments.

For optimal performance, the Coinmaster is best suited for open areas with minimal ground mineralization. More advanced features like ground balancing, found in other detectors, are crucial for tackling challenging terrains like beaches and highly mineralized soils.

Pros:

Affordable Price: A budget-friendly option for beginners or casual treasure hunters.
Target ID Mode: Provides basic target identification to help distinguish coins and relics from trash.
FeTone®: Audio identification of iron targets allows users to focus on desired finds.
All-Metal Mode: Enables beginners to experience detecting all types of metals.
Lightweight Design: Comfortable to swing for extended periods, reducing fatigue.

Cons:

No Ground Balancing: Can struggle in highly mineralized soils, leading to false signals and difficulty pinpointing desired targets.
Limited Discrimination Control: While the target ID mode offers basic identification, some users might find it less precise compared to detectors with more advanced discrimination options.
Single Coil Option: No additional search coil options are available for purchase, limiting customization for specific terrains.
Not Waterproof: Not suitable for underwater exploration or wet beach environments.
Limited Audio Response: The audio response might be less nuanced compared to more expensive detectors with multiple tones for target identification.

Other Detector Options:

The White’s Coinmaster caters to beginners and coin hunters, but here are some alternatives to consider depending on your needs:

For Beginners Who Want Ground Balancing: Garrett Ace 150: Offers a slightly higher price point but includes a ground balancing mode, helpful for tackling more challenging terrains.
For Coin Hunters Seeking More Advanced Discrimination: Makro Racer: Provides a wider range of discrimination options and superior target identification capabilities at a comparable price point.
For Experienced Coin Hunters Who Want Depth: Minelab Vanquish 540: Offers a significant step up in performance with multi-frequency technology, ground balancing, and superior depth range, but at a higher cost.
For Beach Hunters: Fisher F75: A waterproof detector specifically designed for saltwater environments, boasting excellent performance in wet sand and superior depth for beach treasures.

Final Thoughts:

While no longer available, except on the second-hand market, White’s Coinmaster lives up to its reputation as a user-friendly and affordable option for would-be treasure hunters. Its budget-friendly price tag, target ID mode, FeTone for iron identification, all-metal mode, and lightweight design have just enough peanuts to keep the hunting interesting.

You need to get real, though, as Coinmaster is a basic detector lacking the depth range, advanced discrimination control, and ground balancing capabilities found in more expensive machines. This can be frustrating for users who are charging straight into challenging terrains.

White’s Coinmaster provides a basic introduction to metal detecting and can be a fun way to find coins and relics in parks and fields. But if you’re serious about the hobby, invest in a detector with ground balancing, advanced discrimination features, and potentially a deeper depth range.