Independently researched Settings Guide
Metal Detector Recovery Speed Explained
Recovery speed controls how quickly a detector resets between responses. Faster settings separate adjacent targets but shorten audio and often reduce depth; slower settings preserve signal energy in sparse ground but smear targets together in trash.
Bottom line
Use the lowest recovery speed that still separates the site
Start near the middle, sweep representative adjacent targets, then increase only until the good target becomes distinct. Lower it again in sparse clean ground. Brand numbers are not comparable and some machines, including Vortex VX5, use fixed recovery.
Field setup
Starting points—not universal presets
| Situation | Starting choice | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| Sparse clean field | Low to medium | Preserve deep/faint response |
| Modern park trash | Medium to high | Separate adjacent targets |
| Dense iron with small coil | Increase gradually | Avoid excessive clipped audio |
| Mineralized ground | Site test | Ground response and stability can dominate |
Adjustment method
Test the setting instead of copying it
1. Establish stability
Noise cancel and ground balance before judging recovery.
2. Test adjacent targets
Use a known coin beside iron at realistic spacing.
3. Raise only as needed
Stop when separate responses become repeatable.
4. Recheck sweep speed
Fast recovery does not excuse uncontrolled swinging.
Decision analysis
What actually changes the result
High recovery is not free performance. It shortens the detector’s response window, improving separation but commonly weakening deep/faint audio.
Coil size interacts with recovery. A small coil narrows the detection footprint; combining it with moderate recovery often separates better than maxing speed on a large coil.
Numbers are platform-specific. Equinox 900 offers 1–8, Equinox 700 offers 1–3, Triple Score 1–5 and VX5 fixed recovery. “6” on one detector has no universal meaning.
FAQ
Seven questions specific to this page
Does higher recovery speed increase depth?
Usually the opposite: it improves separation while often reducing response strength on deep targets.
What is the best recovery speed for parks?
The lowest setting that clearly separates representative trash and good targets at your sweep speed.
Should recovery speed be maxed in iron?
Not automatically. Excess speed can clip useful audio and depth; combine a small coil with controlled testing.
How does sweep speed affect recovery?
Fast sweeping compresses responses and can worsen masking; maintain the manufacturer’s recommended controlled pace.
Are recovery numbers comparable between brands?
No. Scales, processing and mode defaults differ.
Does every detector have adjustable recovery?
No. Garrett VX5, for example, uses a fixed fast recovery response.
How can I test recovery at home?
Place a coin and iron object at measured spacing on clean ground, sweep from both directions and compare repeatable separation.
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Use stable, repeatable settings
Test on representative targets and change one control at a time.