When choosing a metal detector for security screening, there is no single system that is right for every application. A stadium screening thousands of guests before an event has very different requirements than a courthouse, school, hospital, manufacturing facility, or private event.

What Are the Different Types of Metal Detectors

Security metal detectors generally fall into several categories.

Walk-Through Metal Detectors

Traditional walk-through metal detectors create an electromagnetic detection field around a person passing through the screening portal.

Modern systems can divide the body into multiple detection zones, allowing security personnel to determine approximately where a metallic object is located.

These systems remain widely used at:

• Courthouses
• Government buildings
• Airports
• Schools
• Correctional facilities
• Corporate facilities
• Manufacturing plants
• Stadiums and arenas

Advanced conventional systems such as the Garrett Paragon provide up to 66 detection zones and 200 sensitivity levels, while Garrett's PD 6500i offers 33 detection zones.

CEIA also offers an extensive range of multi-zone walk-through detectors, including models capable of highly detailed target localization and configurable security programs.

High-Throughput Weapons Detection Systems

A newer category of security screening technology focuses specifically on identifying weapons and potential mass-casualty threats while reducing unnecessary alarms from common personal items.

Instead of requiring every visitor to empty their pockets before entering, these systems are designed to allow a more natural flow through the checkpoint.

Two important examples are Evolv Express and CEIA OPENGATE.

Evolv Express combines advanced sensors with artificial intelligence to identify concealed potential threats and provide security operators with information about where an alert occurred. Evolv also provides its Insights platform for statistics including throughput, alarm rates, system performance and checkpoint activity.

CEIA OPENGATE uses two independent screening pillars and is designed to screen people carrying backpacks, purses and bags for metallic weapon threats. Its freestanding architecture makes it especially useful when a checkpoint needs to be installed, relocated or removed quickly.

Handheld Metal Detectors

Handheld metal detectors are primarily used for secondary screening.

When a walk-through system generates an alarm, an officer can use a handheld detector to pinpoint the location of the metallic object instead of requiring the individual to repeatedly pass through the primary screening system.

Handheld detectors are also useful for:

• Temporary events
• VIP security
• Schools
• Clubs and entertainment venues
• Law enforcement
• Loss prevention
• Correctional facilities
• Package inspection
• Secondary checkpoint screening

Garrett, CEIA and Fisher Labs all offer handheld detection technology.

Garrett's current handheld lineup, for example, includes the Guide, Super Scanner V, SuperWand and THD. The Super Scanner V uses a large scanning surface, automatic tuning and audible, visual or vibration alerts for locating metallic objects.

Portable and Temporary Screening Systems

Not every checkpoint is permanent.

Special events, school functions, conferences, sporting events and temporary security operations may require equipment that can be transported, installed and removed quickly.

Portable systems can include:

• Portable walk-through metal detectors
• Freestanding weapons detection systems
• Battery-operated systems
• Handheld detectors
• Mobile checkpoint packages

CEIA OPENGATE is especially notable in this category because its two pillars do not require a connecting crossbar or physical connection between them. CEIA states that an OPENGATE system can be positioned rapidly and can operate using batteries or standard electrical power.

Fisher Labs also describes its security product line as including walk-through, handheld and fast-deployment portable systems.

Evolv Weapons Detection Systems

Evolv Express

Evolv represents one of the biggest changes in entrance screening technology.

Rather than functioning simply as a traditional metal detector that alarms whenever enough metal passes through the portal, Evolv Express uses sensors and artificial intelligence to identify objects that may represent concealed threats.

This approach is designed to reduce unnecessary secondary screening while maintaining high visitor flow.

Key Evolv Features

• AI-assisted weapons detection
• High-throughput people screening
• Visitors can generally continue walking naturally through the screening area
• Potential threat-location assistance for security personnel
• Reduced need to divest many everyday personal items
• Evolv Insights analytics platform
• Traffic and alarm statistics
• Indoor and outdoor configurations
• Integration with additional security technology
• Optional pairing with Evolv eXpedite AI bag-screening technology

Evolv is especially attractive for facilities where visitor experience and throughput are almost as important as the screening itself.

Common applications include stadiums, arenas, theme parks, hospitals, schools, entertainment facilities and other high-traffic entrances.

Evolv's current product platform combines Express people screening with the company's eXpedite autonomous X-ray bag-screening technology when a more complete layered checkpoint is required.

CEIA Metal Detectors and Weapons Detection Systems

CEIA offers one of the broadest security detection product portfolios available.

Its products range from highly configurable traditional walk-through metal detectors and handheld detectors to OPENGATE, a high-throughput weapons detection solution.

CEIA OPENGATE

OPENGATE consists of two independent screening pillars rather than a traditional detector arch.

The open design makes OPENGATE extremely portable and allows it to be moved between locations with minimal setup.

Visitors can pass through carrying items such as bags and backpacks while the system screens for selected metallic weapon threats.

CEIA announced commercial availability of OPENGATE 2.0 in 2026, expanding the platform's high-throughput weapons-screening capabilities.

Key CEIA Features

• OPENGATE high-throughput weapons detection
• Traditional multi-zone walk-through detectors
• High-resolution target localization on applicable systems
• Handheld metal detectors
• Portable security checkpoints
• Multiple configurable security programs
• Network management
• Transit counting
• Alarm statistics
• Smartphone/tablet configuration for OPENGATE
• Indoor and outdoor deployment options
• Solutions for high-security environments

One of CEIA's biggest advantages is product variety.

An organization can use OPENGATE when rapid visitor screening is the priority while choosing a traditional CEIA walk-through detector when precise metal detection or a more controlled screening environment is required.

Garrett Metal Detectors

Garrett is one of the most recognized names in conventional security metal detection.

Its security portfolio includes advanced walk-through detectors such as the Paragon and PD 6500i, along with an extensive line of handheld detectors.

Garrett Paragon

The Garrett Paragon represents the company's premium walk-through security platform.

Key features include:

• 66 detection zones
• 200 sensitivity levels
• Detailed target-location information
• Advanced discrimination technology
• High-throughput screening capabilities
• IP65 construction
• Security management options
• Zero Touch NFC configuration
• Advanced checkpoint software capabilities

Garrett PD 6500i

The PD 6500i is another widely used Garrett walk-through detector and provides 33 detection zones along with certifications and configurations designed for demanding security environments.

Garrett Handheld Metal Detectors

Garrett also has one of the industry's most complete handheld detector selections.

Options include:

• Garrett Guide
• Super Scanner V
• SuperWand
• THD

These units can be used either as standalone screening tools or as secondary screening devices alongside a walk-through metal detector.

Garrett is an excellent option when an organization wants a proven conventional metal-detection checkpoint with detailed location information and straightforward security procedures.

Fisher Labs Security Metal Detectors

Fisher Research Labs has been developing detection technology since 1931 and today offers products covering recreational detection, utility locating and security applications.

Its security category includes:

• Walk-through security screening
• Handheld concealed-weapons detection
• Portable and fast-deployment screening equipment

Fisher systems can be a good solution when organizations need reliable conventional detection without the infrastructure associated with a larger advanced screening platform.

Portable and handheld Fisher products can also complement a larger security checkpoint by providing secondary or temporary screening capability.

Feature-by-Feature Metal Detector Comparison

Choosing between technologies becomes easier when the systems are compared by the job they need to perform.

Evolv vs. CEIA vs. Garrett vs. Fisher Labs

The best metal detector depends on what an organization wants its checkpoint to accomplish.

Choose Evolv when:
High visitor throughput, reduced divestment and a streamlined visitor experience are major priorities. Evolv is particularly well suited to environments where large numbers of people need to enter during short arrival windows.

Choose CEIA when:
You want maximum flexibility. CEIA offers both advanced high-throughput weapons detection through OPENGATE and sophisticated traditional walk-through metal detection for more controlled checkpoints.

Choose Garrett when:
You need proven multi-zone metal detection, detailed target localization and a large selection of walk-through and handheld security equipment.

Choose Fisher Labs when:
You need straightforward security metal detection, portable equipment or handheld screening technology for temporary, supplemental or smaller-scale applications.

Which Metal Detector Is Best

There is no universal "best metal detector."

The best system is the one that matches the facility's threat profile, number of visitors, entrance configuration, staffing level and security procedures.

Before selecting a system, consider:

• How many people must be screened per hour?
• What types of threats need to be detected?
• Will visitors carry bags?
• Can visitors empty pockets before screening?
• How much secondary screening is acceptable?
• Is the checkpoint permanent or temporary?
• Does the equipment need to operate outdoors?
• Are detailed traffic and alarm analytics required?
• How many security officers will operate the checkpoint?
• Does the facility require specific certifications?
• Will handheld secondary screening also be needed?

A high-volume entertainment venue may benefit most from Evolv Express or CEIA OPENGATE, while a courthouse may prefer the detailed multi-zone screening of a Garrett or CEIA walk-through detector.

In many environments, the best solution is not one detector at all. It is a layered security checkpoint combining primary screening, secondary handheld screening, bag inspection and trained security personnel.

Find the Right Metal Detector with Security Detection Solutions

Security Detection Solutions provides metal detection and weapons-screening technology for facilities, organizations and events of all sizes.

Our available technologies include solutions from:

Evolv • CEIA • Garrett • Fisher Labs

Whether you need a single handheld metal detector, a traditional walk-through system, a temporary security checkpoint or a high-throughput weapons detection solution, our team can help determine the right equipment and configuration for your application.

Security screening should never be based solely on the name on the equipment. The most effective solution begins by evaluating your facility, traffic patterns, threat level, operating procedures and security goals.

Contact Security Detection Solutions today to discuss your security screening requirements and compare the metal detector technologies that best fit your application.