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We are pleased to soon be offering the brilliant new "Garrett Guide" handheld metal detector wand from our store. Read our latest blog to learn more about this easy-to-use handheld security metal detector.
Handheld security metal detectors have grown in popularity over recent years due to a variety of key factors including advancements in metal detector technology, increasing security concerns and the practical advantages offered by these highly portable, easy-to-use screening methods.
Rising Security Threats
Stricter security measures are now far more common due to growing concerns over terrorism and violent attacks. Public spaces and establishments, including some schools and colleges, now randomly screen people entering their premises to deter anyone from carrying knives or other prohibited items.
The COVID-19 pandemic made the need for contactless security screening essential. Reliable handheld metal detector wands minimise physical contact and generally avoid the need for pat-downs.
London police have used handheld metal detector wands, along with walkthrough knife arches, during their anti-knife campaigns. It is reported that multiple ‘zombie knives’ were located and seized in these searches.
Event Security and Crowd Control
Martyns Law means that large gatherings, such as music festivals and sports events, place a requirement on organisers to efficiently and effectively screen high volumes of people without causing any significant disruption to throughput.
UK Security staff, using handheld security metal detectors, have discovered a wide range of prohibited and dangerous items when screening attendees at events and nightclubs. Dangerous items discovered include knives and blades, brass-knuckles, small firearms and taser devices. Sensitive handheld metal detector wands have also revealed concealed metal drug containers, razor blades and syringes. They have also uncovered stolen items including mobile phones and retail security tags.
Cost Effective Speedy Screening
Walk-through full body metal detectors, sometimes called knife arches, are costly and generally require fixed installations and power, although there are some useful portable models available. But effective handheld metal detector wands are far more affordable, portable and ideal for temporary or occasional use. Handheld body scanner devices are also far less intimidating than walk-through, full body-scanning devices.
Many UK schools now use hand held metal detectors to spot-check pupils to enforce their mobile phone bans. Detected phones are generally confiscated. Some schools have reported how their screening processes with hand-held metal detectors have also revealed vapes and even knives being brought onto school premises.
Improved Metal Detector Technology
Older handheld metal detectors used single-frequency technology with very broad sensitivity. The latest generation of handheld metal detecting scanners offer increased, multi-level sensitivity that can be configured as required.
The new Garrett Guide hand-held metal detector, for example, offers 7 sensitivity levels that enable the detector to be configured for various detection requirements. Importantly, the Garrett Guide metal detector is incredibly sensitive and capable of detecting even very small metal items, such as needles, that might be concealed.
Another significant development is in the batteries and charging capabilities of these portable devices. The new Garrett Guide contains a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and comes with a 3- foot USB-A to USB-C charging cable. The powerful battery technology provides more than 125 hours of use on a single charge and can be fully recharged in only 5 hours. The optional, special charging cradles can be ganged together in banks of up to 5 for easy device management and control. Alternatively, the metal detector wands can be charged by mobile phone type plug-top USB chargers, with a USB-C outlet, and ideally a 20W output power or above, for speedy charging.
Older metal detector models sometimes required manual recalibration and could be very susceptible to environmental interference caused by electromagnetic fields from other devices or rebar in building structures. The new Garrett Guide hand-held body scanner overcomes these obstacles by offering an ‘offset’ switch and adjustable sensitivity levels, along with self-calibrating technology that ensures consistent, reliable performance.
The physical design and construction of older handheld metal detectors was often bulky and not very ergonomic. The new Garrett Guide device meets military grade construction requirements and includes IP65 waterproofing. The device is also very lightweight at only 0.5kg (1lb) making it comfortable to use for prolonged periods.
Older handheld metal detectors would often offer just a beep when a metal object was detected. The new Garrett Guide device presents an audible alarm, a vibration alert and an LED indicator. The operator can select the most appropriate alert mode for their security scanning operations, which could be invaluable when used in noisy environments.
What People Say about the Garrett Guide Hand-held Metal Detector
The all-new Garrett Guide handheld metal detector was launched in June 2025. As noted above, this new model offers versatile, adjustable sensitivity levels, wet weather durability with an IP65 rating, USB recharging capability along with a lightweight, ergonomic easy-to-use design.
Many people are praising this new design for its comfortable grip and lightweight build, at only half a kilogram. Another important feature that’s gained praise is the adjustable sensitivity. This enables the detector to be configured appropriately for whatever is being targeted. People have also commented on how sensitive this new metal detector is, noting how its able to detect a paperclip from 5cm away.
Another important attribute that is making this security metal detector the goto choice for almost every security application is the cost. This detector is affordably priced yet offers performance that outstrips many higher priced detectors.
And another feature, noted by security professionals working in event security, is the long battery life. Providing 125 hours of continuous use from a fully charged battery has enabled this device to continue to be used throughout various busy festival weekend events without needing to be recharged.
If you have any questions about security metal detectors, or if you have any special requirements, remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 092921 and we’ll provide you with free, expert advice.
For more information on Garrett Guide Handheld Security Metal Detector talk to Insight Security