You’ll find both Fisher models deliver identical 10-11 inch coin depth at 7.69 kHz, but the F44’s $90 premium buys you a backlit display, 20-step sensitivity control versus 10-step, and a custom mode that saves your settings between hunts. The F22 works perfectly for predictable terrain like parks and beaches, while the F44’s finer controls excel in mineralized soil and low-light conditions. Your terrain and hunting schedule matter more than the spec sheet suggests—here’s what field testing reveals about each detector’s real-world performance.
Key Takeaways
- F44 costs $309 (41% more than F22’s $220) but offers backlit display, finer sensitivity control, and memory retention.
- Both detect to similar depths (10-11 inches), but F44 provides sharper target ID and better iron discrimination features.
- F44 features 4-tone audio with adjustable Fe-Tone; F22 uses 3-tone audio for simpler target identification.
- F22 suits beginners and predictable terrain; F44 better handles mineralized soil, low-light conditions, and requires advanced control.
- Both share 7.69 kHz frequency, 30-hour battery life, weatherproof design, and accept compatible aftermarket coils for versatility.
Coil Design and Configuration Compared
Both the Fisher F22 and F44 come equipped with an 11″ Triangulated Concentric Elliptical searchcoil as standard issue, though their operational characteristics differ in key ways.
The F22’s coil design operates at 7.69 kHz, delivering reliable ground coverage while maintaining maneuverability in confined spaces.
You’ll find the egg-like teardrop configuration comparison reveals identical physical geometry between models, with both offering fully submersible construction.
The F44’s enhanced target coverage area stems from internal processing rather than coil differences.
You can expand your detecting freedom through compatible aftermarket options: Detech’s 13″ Ultimate, Fisher’s 11″ DD Elliptical, and various 4″ to 8″ concentric configurations.
Field testing confirms larger DD coils increase depth penetration, with 11″ DD models hitting 10″ quarters versus the factory 9″ coil’s limitations.
The 13-inch Ultimate coil provides better ground balance than traditional DD configurations, making it particularly effective for users seeking improved stability in challenging terrain conditions.
Both detectors maintain lightweight portability at 2.3 lbs with batteries installed, ensuring extended detecting sessions without fatigue.
Detection Depth and Target Identification Capabilities
You’ll find the F44 delivers a 5 cm advantage in maximum detection depth, reaching 80 cm compared to the F22’s 75 cm.
This increase is primarily due to its larger 27.9 cm coil.
Both detectors share identical 9-segment visual displays and 1-99 numeric Target ID ranges for categorizing finds.
The critical difference lies in the F44’s Iron Identifier Icon, which provides sharper ferrous discrimination than the F22’s basic Fe Readout.
The F44’s ground balance feature enables better performance in mineralized soils where the F22 may struggle with false signals.
Both models operate at 7.69 kHz frequency, which affects their sensitivity to different metal types and target sizes.
Maximum Detection Depth Comparison
When examining maximum detection depth, the Fisher F44 achieves 80 cm compared to the F22‘s 75 cm—a modest 5 cm advantage that stems directly from the F44’s larger 27.9 cm coil versus the F22’s 22.8 cm configuration.
Both detectors operate at 7.69 kHz with concentric elliptical coils, delivering comparable performance in identical conditions.
You’ll find the F44’s larger coil provides superior ground coverage and enhanced target location capabilities, particularly valuable when hunting expansive sites.
The F22-11DD variant maintains the 75 cm depth while offering different terrain adaptability through its DD configuration.
Real-world testing confirms these specifications translate to 10-11 inch coin detection depths for both models.
Your choice between them shouldn’t hinge solely on this 5 cm difference—water resistance and intended hunting environments matter more.
The F44’s back-lit display proves especially beneficial during extended detecting sessions in dawn or dusk conditions when visibility becomes challenging.
Detection depth capabilities directly influence device costs, with higher detection depth typically commanding premium pricing that may limit accessibility for budget-conscious detectorists.
Target ID Resolution Systems
The F22 and F44 share identical nine-segment discrimination systems with numerical Target ID ranging from 1 to 99, yet their target identification capabilities diverge in meaningful ways that affect field performance.
You’ll find the F44’s manual ground balance and Ground Grab feature deliver superior terrain adaptability, reducing mineralization interference that compromises ID accuracy in challenging soil conditions.
While both models provide VDI identification and tone functions, the F44’s Fe-Tone Adjustable Audio and backlit user interface enhance target recognition in varied environments.
Real-world testing reveals the F22 accurately identifies silver chains at 42-44 VDI with 8-inch tone ID depth, while the F44 excels at 6-inch silver detection with sharper ID resolution.
The F44’s 1-20 sensitivity range provides finer discrimination control compared to the F22’s fixed settings. The F44’s rapid response time clears detected objects within seconds, proving particularly effective when hunting in cluttered areas with multiple targets.
The F22 delivers four-tone identification alongside visual cues, helping beginners quickly distinguish between target categories without complex interpretation.
Operating Modes and Search Functionality
Both detectors offer four identical operating modes—Jewelry, Coin, Custom, and All Metal—though the F44 enhances these with advanced customization options.
You’ll find the critical distinction in the Custom mode, where the F44’s non-volatile memory saves your settings between sessions. The F22 requires reconfiguration after each power cycle.
The All Metal mode functions identically on both units for maximum depth, but the F44’s 20-level sensitivity adjustment provides finer control compared to the F22’s 10-level system. The F44’s manual ground balance capability further improves target identification accuracy in mineralized soil conditions.
Both models cater to different skill levels, with the F22 serving as an excellent entry point for beginners while the F44 offers features that grow with advancing users.
Standard Detection Modes
How do these two Fisher models differ in their core detection capabilities?
Both detectors offer Jewelry, Coin, and Custom modes without All-Metal functionality.
In Jewelry mode, you’ll find rings and fine jewelry with targeted identification on both units. The F44 adds Fe-Tone adjustable iron audio for enhanced material detection control.
Coin mode reveals significant differences. You’ll work with 3-tone audio-ID on the F22, while the F44 delivers 4-tone audio-ID for superior target separation. This extra tone gives you clearer distinction between finds.
Custom mode transforms user comfort through programmable settings. The F22 provides basic customization, but the F44’s non-volatile memory saves your preferences permanently. You won’t waste time reprogramming between hunts.
The F44’s Iron Identifier icon provides real-time iron detection alerts, streamlining your discrimination decisions in iron-contaminated areas.
All-Metal Mode Difference
While the F22 relies on its Artifact mode to detect all metal targets without discrimination, the F44 distinguishes itself with a dedicated All-Metal mode that expands your operational flexibility.
Both detectors eliminate metal discrimination in their respective all-metal configurations, maximizing detection depth with the 11″ coil. However, the F44’s implementation offers critical advantages:
- 20 sensitivity levels versus F22’s 10 for precise depth tuning
- Fe-Tone audio identifies iron targets without rejecting them
- Non-volatile memory preserves your All-Metal settings between sessions
- Backlight functionality supports low-light field operations
- 4-tone ID system enhances target separation even without discrimination
The F44’s iron identifier icon provides real-time feedback while maintaining full detection coverage.
Both achieve identical core detection at 7.69 kHz, but F44’s firmware refinements deliver superior control when you’re searching unrestricted territory.
Pin-Point and Customization
The F44’s five-mode architecture expands beyond the F22’s four-mode configuration by incorporating a dedicated All-Metal mode alongside the standard jewelry, coins, relics, and custom options. This extra mode grants unrestricted target calibration capabilities when you’re hunting through challenging terrain.
Both detectors deliver identical Pin-Point functionality through dedicated button activation, operating independently from discrimination settings while providing depth determination.
However, your audio customizations differ profoundly—the F22 adjusts Pin-Point sensitivity alongside standard operations, while the F44 doubles your control with 20 sensitivity levels versus the F22’s 10.
The Custom mode on both units preserves your programmable tones and discrimination patterns through shutdown, ensuring your field-tested configurations remain intact.
Fe-Tone adjustable filters let you suppress iron audio on either model, maximizing your freedom to focus on valuable targets.
Control Features and Sensitivity Settings
When comparing control systems between these two detectors, ground balance emerges as the most significant differentiator.
The F44’s manual ground balance capability lets you fine-tune mineral compensation across challenging terrain, while the F22’s automatic-only approach limits your adjustment freedom.
Both models share essential controls—volume adjustment, sensitivity settings, and pinpoint mode—but the F44 adds threshold control and Fe-Tone audio customization for iron discrimination.
Sensitivity adjustments directly impact detection depth and interference management:
- F44 reaches 80cm maximum depth versus F22’s 75cm
- Both feature 9 discrimination segments with 99-point Target ID
- F44 provides 5 search modes including all-metals capability
- F22 offers 4 modes, excluding dedicated all-metals detection
- Visual battery indicator on F44 surpasses F22’s basic low-charge warning
These specifications affect warranty coverage and accessory options available for each model.
Display Technology and User Interface
Between these two Fisher models, display technology separates casual weekend hunters from those who’ll venture into challenging lighting conditions.
The F44’s backlit screen delivers vital display contrast when you’re detecting at dawn, dusk, or under forest canopies—environments where the F22’s non-backlit display becomes difficult to read.
Both detectors share an identical interface layout: 99-point numerical Target ID resolution and 9-segment visual target categories. You’ll get the same detailed target information regardless of which model you choose.
The F22’s simple interface works perfectly for beginners, while the F44 adds advanced features like Fe-Tone visibility without sacrificing intuitive operation.
The backlit screen represents the F44’s primary display advantage.
If you’ll hunt exclusively in daylight, the F22’s screen performs adequately.
Need visibility flexibility? The F44’s backlighting becomes essential, not optional.
Physical Specifications and Battery Performance
Despite identical 2.3-pound frames, these detectors diverge considerably in coil geometry—a difference that directly impacts your coverage patterns and recovery depth.
Coil geometry variations between these models fundamentally alter detection patterns, creating measurable differences in ground coverage and target recovery capabilities.
The F44’s 11-inch elliptical coil reaches 35 cm on coins versus the F22’s 25 cm capability through its 9-inch configuration.
Both deploy triangulated concentric designs for pinpoint accuracy.
Battery efficiency remains consistent across models:
- 30-hour runtime from standard 2xAA batteries
- Low-charge indicator prevents field surprises
- No proprietary cells required—grab replacements anywhere
- Identical power consumption despite coil size differences
- Rechargeable compatibility not manufacturer-specified
Material durability shows weatherproof construction on both units, with fully submersible coils and scuff-resistant housings.
You’ll adjust shaft length from 105–130 cm without added weight penalty, maintaining balance throughout extended sessions.
The control box lacks submersion rating—keep it topside.
Price Point and Best Use Cases
Street pricing separates these models by approximately $90, with the F22 hovering around $220 while the F44 commands $309—a 41% premium that buys you manual ground balance, Fe-Tone audio discrimination, and that backlit display.
You’ll maximize value with the F22 if you’re entering the hobby or hunting predictable terrain where theoretical performance gains don’t justify extra investment. Its weatherproof construction and four detection modes handle parks, beaches, and fields without complexity getting in your way.
The F44 justifies its price when you’re pushing into mineralized soil, hunting at dawn or dusk, or demanding finer target separation. Brand reputation holds strong for both models—scarce used listings indicate owners rarely abandon either detector.
Choose based on where you’ll actually hunt, not features you’ll never activate in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use F22 Coils on the F44 Detector?
Yes, you’ll enjoy complete coil compatibility between F22 and F44 models. They share identical connector designs, letting you swap coils freely as hardware upgrades. This gives you detection flexibility without manufacturer restrictions—field-tested across all Fisher F-series accessories.
Which Model Performs Better in Saltwater Beach Hunting Conditions?
The F44 delivers superior saltwater performance with manual ground balance to handle beach mineralization and deeper target detection. However, beach hunting durability proves identical—both models share weatherproof construction and submersible coils for unrestricted coastal detecting.
Are Aftermarket Coils Available for Both Fisher Models?
Yes, you’ll find excellent aftermarket coils for both models. Coil compatibility extends across F22 and F44, with accessory options like Detech’s 13″ Ultimate and various DD configurations giving you freedom to customize your detecting setup based on terrain needs.
Does Either Model Have Wireless Headphone Compatibility?
Neither model offers native wireless compatibility—both rely on wired connections. The F22 features a 1/4″ jack for headphone connectivity, while the F44 lacks any mentioned audio port. You’ll need aftermarket Bluetooth adapters for wireless freedom on either detector.
Which Detector Is Easier to Repair if Damaged?
Neither detector offers significant repair advantages, as both share similar construction complexity. You’ll find identical coil compatibility simplifies replacement, but internal repair complexity remains comparable between models. For field freedom, consider durability over repairability when choosing your detector.
References
- https://e-catalog.com/cmp/36611/f22-11dd-vs-f44/
- https://www.metaldetector.com/blogs/new_blog/fisher-f11-f22-and-f44-metal-detectors-comparison
- https://www.metaldetectingforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=85482
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxid2FlP_50
- https://www.findmall.com/threads/f22s-f44s.341813/
- https://www.treasurenet.com/threads/f22-vs-f44.644716/
- https://detecthistory.com/reviews/fisher-f11-f22-f44-review/
- https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/8090-fisher-metal-detector-lineup-fall-2018/
- https://bigboyshobbies.net/detech-13-ultimate-search-coil-for-fisher-f11-f22-f44
- https://seriousdetecting.com/products/fisher-11-dd-elliptical-waterproof-coil-for-the-fisher-f11-f22-and-f44
