First, you need one that will be versatile. The hand wands that have adjustable sensitivity will be more flexible, ensuring that you will only be detecting weapons, and not small personal effects. On the other hand, if you want it to be sensitive enough to detect a small weapon such as a pen knife, you can adjust it accordingly. Some hand scanners are more versatile than others, so be sure to check their operating frequencies. Various models range in sensitivity as well. If you are looking for something that is capable of detecting ultra small targets you may want to check out the most sensitive security wand.
Another feature to look for in hand wands is comfort. Some are much more easy on the hands than others. The weight, and the type of handle they have will play into how comfortable the hand wand will be to hold for hours on end. Depending on what you are using it for, this may be vital. A lightweight product with a soft-grip handle will ensure optimum comfort. Some are much more easy on the hands.
One option to look at is an auto-balancing wand. Most hand wands need to be adjusted manually. But there are a few on the market that do not have any dials; they adjust automatically. These may be preferable depending on what they are being used for. However, if you need a manual adjuster because you work in many different situations, the auto-balancing wand may not be optimal.
Find one that does not require continuous movement to stay operational. Some hand wands will switch off alarms to avoid false negatives. These models can sometimes be frustrating to the professional.
Models that have both audio and vibration alarms are recommended. These guarantee that you will notice the alarm, even if you are working in an environment that is extremely noisy. Look for a hand wand that detects metal without having to be held close to the subject’s body. A typical hand wand will detect metal from six to eight inches away.
All these features play into what will make for an ideal hand wand scanner. These features include; the comfort and weight of the scanner, it’s adjustability, and the auto-balancing feature. Also, look for one that does not require you to constantly move it. With these features, you will be satisfied with the performance of your hand wand.