You’ll find the most active communities at TreasureNet.com, with thousands of field reports and gear swaps, and DetectorProspector.com, hosting 68,800+ posts on equipment performance in real conditions. DankowskiDetectors.com offers direct access to NASA Tom’s technical expertise, while AmericanDetectorist.com delivers 238,000+ messages covering iron discrimination and site strategies. Regional forums like Canadian and Australian communities provide location-specific intel on terrain challenges. The sections below break down each platform’s strengths, filtering strategies, and how to extract verified techniques from the noise.
Key Takeaways
- TreasureNet.com is the largest community with extensive equipment discussions, preservation techniques, and a marketplace featuring over 14,800 trading threads.
- DetectorProspector.com offers 68,800+ posts on equipment comparisons, brand-specific forums for Minelab and XP, plus active classifieds for gear trading.
- DankowskiDetectors.com provides expert technical guidance from NASA Tom, focusing on equipment modifications and adjustments based on ground conditions.
- AmericanDetectorist.com features 238,288 messages across practical topics like iron discrimination, park hunting strategies, and genuine knowledge exchange among all skill levels.
- Gary’s Detecting Forum emphasizes beginner-friendly content with hands-on programming guides, field-tested settings, and step-by-step detector setup tutorials.
TreasureNet.com: The Largest Treasure Hunting Community
TreasureNet.com stands as the original metal detecting forum, having built the largest treasure hunting community through decades of shared discoveries and hard-won field knowledge.
You’ll find direct discussions on detector durability, weight, balance, and battery life across brands—real-world assessments that matter in the field. The community experiences span shipwrecks, gold prospecting, ghost towns, and preservation techniques, giving you access to specialized knowledge beyond basic detecting.
Members organize unofficial hunts and share critical field secrets, like keeping your coil close to ground for maximum depth.
Unofficial hunts and field secrets like proper coil height separate weekend hobbyists from serious detectorists who consistently find targets.
You’ll see threads on post-flood finds in Texas, % Fe3O4 ground scanning features, and targeting tot lots for jewelry. The Manticore gets praised as rock-solid equipment.
The platform includes a marketplace section with over 14,800 threads where members buy, sell, and swap metal detectors and treasure hunting equipment. This platform delivers unfiltered advice on coins, mapping, and techniques—essential intelligence for independent treasure hunters.
The forum’s service and repair section hosts 451 threads where users troubleshoot malfunctioning detectors and share repair solutions for technical problems.
DankowskiDetectors.com: Expert Knowledge and Open Discussions
Tom Dankowski’s forum stands apart through his direct participation in technical discussions, offering one-on-one training sessions and hands-on expertise that extends beyond typical vendor support.
You’ll find active debates on equipment modifications like Tarsacci’s 2025 audio tone upgrades and Minelab Manticore performance parameters, with experienced hunters like Tnsharpshooter and texhunter contributing field-tested insights.
The open question format encourages specific technical inquiries—from XP ORX’s 21 frequency range (13-81kHz) to threshold adjustments for void detection—creating a knowledge base that reflects real hunting conditions rather than manufacturer specifications.
The forum’s commitment to constructive dialogue helps reduce unproductive arguments while maintaining the robust technical discussions that make the community valuable to both newcomers and veteran detectorists.
Members actively discuss new releases like the Garrett Vortex series, sharing first impressions and anticipating detailed specifications as operating manuals become available.
Thomas Dankowski’s Direct Involvement
DankowskiDetectors.com operates under the direct stewardship of Thomas Dankowski—widely recognized in the detecting community as NASA Tom—who maintains an active presence answering questions and contributing technical insights alongside fellow experts.
You’ll find him sharing practical detecting techniques drawn from decades of field work, including beach trough patterns and recovery speed optimization. His April 16, 2009 document analyzing a gold coin site demonstrates his commitment to advancing treasure hunting methodologies through real excavation data.
NASA Tom regularly discusses detector settings for varying mineral conditions and target masking scenarios. He emphasizes how shell layer barriers can impede recovery of coins and jewelry, teaching members to adjust their search patterns accordingly.
He’s authored Fisher Intelligence’s 5th edition and produced instructional DVDs covering coastal hunting strategies. His direct participation guarantees you’re getting battle-tested knowledge rather than theoretical speculation—exactly what serious detectorists need when facing challenging ground conditions or site selection decisions. The forum maintains standards of good taste and encourages respectful exchanges between all participants.
Active Expert Community
Beyond Thomas Dankowski’s personal contributions, you’ll tap into a specialized community of 209 registered detectorists who’ve generated 581 posts across 101 technical threads—concentrated discussions that average 5.8 responses per topic rather than diluted chatter.
You’ll find veterans like steveg, Tnsharpshooter, and NASA-Tom dissecting advanced detection techniques without gatekeeping:
- Hardware comparisons analyzing Garrett Vortex VX5/VX7/VX9 identical internals
- Frequency optimization debates on XP ORX’s 13-81kHz HF capabilities for native gold
- Firmware performance testing Minelab Legend 1.11 versus 1.09 depth metrics
- Void detection strategies using threshold and all-metal modes for cavity probability
- Tarsacci 2025 improvements including selectable tones and salt balance features
While modest activity (peak 146 users) creates community collaboration challenges, you’ll access field-tested knowledge without corporate filtering or marketing spin—genuine detectorist-to-detectorist problem-solving. Members recommend proven equipment like the Whites 808 for void detection alongside premium options for specialized applications. The forum includes advanced search functionality and quick links that streamline navigation to unanswered topics and active discussions for efficient knowledge gathering.
Open Question Format
How do you extract reliable detector performance data when manufacturers obscure specifications and marketing forums suppress critical feedback?
DankowskiDetectors.com operates differently—581 posts across 108 topics document unfiltered metal detecting techniques and equipment comparison strategies without corporate interference.
You’ll find detector customization options dissected through real-world testing data, not promotional material.
Threads analyze detector maintenance tips alongside advanced search methods, with members sharing treasure recovery stories that reveal both successes and metal detecting challenges.
The platform covers treasure hunting ethics for historical site exploration and community event planning without censorship.
Members evaluate equipment capabilities in iron-rich environments where discrimination settings determine whether you recover valuable targets or waste time on debris.
The forum’s Terms of Use establish clear guidelines that prevent arguments while maintaining an open discussion environment focused on metal detecting.
With 209 members exchanging field-tested knowledge, you’re accessing authentic performance metrics—coil behavior, recovery speed impacts, discrimination patterns—that controlled forums deliberately suppress.
This open question format prioritizes technical truth over brand protection.
DetectorProspector.com: Where Detecting Meets Prospecting
Steve Herschbach’s DetectorProspector.com stands as the premier online hub where metal detecting enthusiasts and gold prospectors converge to discuss specialized equipment and field techniques.
You’ll find 68,800+ posts dedicated to equipment comparisons, from PI units excelling in mineralized ground to VLF detectors offering discrimination capabilities. The community maintains strict forum etiquette while freely sharing detector recommendations and user experiences.
Key features include:
- Brand-specific forums for Minelab (68.8k posts), Nokta Makro (10.4k posts), and XP (13.8k posts)
- Specialized resources covering gold prospecting stability, hot rock rejection, and small target sensitivity
- Steve’s Mining Journal providing field-tested insights on new technologies like the Manticore’s discrimination features
- Detector database with thorough how-to guides and manuals
- Full-member classifieds for buying, selling, and trading prospecting gear
Registration grants you access to treasure hunting discussions spanning historical finds to modern discoveries.
Friendly Metal Detecting Forum: Comprehensive Coverage for All Detectorists
When you’re seeking a welcoming environment that spans the entire detecting spectrum, Friendly Metal Detecting Forum at metaldetectingforum.com delivers extensive coverage without the intimidation factor.
You’ll find 47.3K threads dedicated to general hobby discussion, plus specialized sections for beach and water hunting, coinshooters, and relic hunters targeting cellar holes and foundations.
The platform requires registration but keeps your email private while granting access to metal detecting tips and hunting strategies from experienced members.
You’ll connect with local detecting partners, compare equipment pricing, and tap into vendor recommendations like West Texas Detectors. Built-in messaging facilitates direct member contact without restrictions.
Whether you’re working parks, beaches, or wooded relics sites, this community supports your independent exploration with practical field knowledge and dealer sponsor support for gear decisions.
FindMall.com: Techniques, Reviews, and Magazine Discussions
FindMall.com’s General Metal Detecting Forum consolidates technique discussions across all detector brands and hunting environments, giving you direct access to field-tested strategies without brand-specific limitations.
You’ll find metal detecting techniques ranging from beginner setups to veteran approaches, with gear reviews covering everything from entry-level units like the Garrett ACE 300 to advanced detectors like the Minelab Manticore.
The platform’s magazine-style threads deliver real-world intelligence through 4.2K discussion threads and 22.2K messages:
- Today’s Finds Forum showcases recent discoveries with photographic evidence
- Whatzit Forum identifies mysterious artifacts through community expertise
- “Best of the Best” threads compile annual equipment rankings
- Long-term reliability reports from decades-old detector users
- Essential gear checklists including pinpointers, digging tools, and sand scoops
Free registration grants full participation rights and built-in messaging without advertising intrusion.
Metaldetectingforum.Com: a Welcoming Community With Diverse Threads
Metaldetectingforum.com’s 47.3K general discussion posts demonstrate what makes a community thrive—veteran detectorists with 50 years’ field experience exchanging insights alongside newcomers like TheMaskedDetector (joined 2024) seeking guidance on entry-level units.
You’ll find detector comparisons cutting through marketing hype, with performance debates confirming no major technology jumps in 20 years despite price inflation.
Coin statistics threads track actual field results—56.7% pennies, 18.5% dimes—giving you real hunting tips based on member experiences rather than speculation.
Real field data beats guesswork—members document actual coin finds so you know what to expect before you dig.
Equipment sales discussions cover everything from Reflex G6 units at 250 GBP to refineries pausing silver buys until 2026.
Feature discussions address practical needs like raw data recording for target identification analysis.
Whether you’re hunting Eastern NY parks or securing UK private land permissions, you’ll connect with detectorists sharing your independence.
Regional Forums: Canadian, Australian, and Irish Communities
Regional forums deliver location-specific intel you won’t find on general detecting boards—Canadian communities share permafrost strategies and provincial regulations, Australian threads archive decades of relic ID from colonial sites, and Irish members maintain searchable finds databases linking artifacts to historical periods.
You’ll gain access to club networks like Calgary MDC or Canadian Heritage Seekers that organize group hunts and equipment loans.
These specialized communities understand your terrain challenges, from black sand beaches in Victoria to peat bog preservation in County Cork, making them invaluable for regional technique refinement.
Canadian Forum Community Benefits
Since its 2006 establishment, the official Canadian Metal Detecting forum has cultivated a robust community that demonstrates how regional specialization enhances the hobby’s practical and social dimensions.
Core Canadian Forum Advantages:
- Provincial club integration connects you with Calgary Metal Detecting Club, Durham Metal Detecting Club, and Thames Valley Metal Detecting Association for local hunts.
- Detector reviews from experienced members like Micheal (2,116 posts) provide field-tested equipment discussions on models like Whites MXT Pro.
- Regional finds documentation with 650,303 posts across 60,443 topics creates extensive searchable databases of historical relics and treasure sharing.
- Member tips from top contributors Antiquarian, Geobound, and Daverosy deliver actionable insights for community events.
- Prospecting crossover through gpex.ca partnerships adds specialized adventure stories beyond traditional detecting.
Australian Relic Hunting Expertise
Australia’s metal detecting community operates through specialized forums that reflect the continent’s unique prospecting heritage, with Prospecting Australia leading at 33,697 threads and 655,713 messages across 16,776 members.
You’ll find concentrated expertise in their Treasure, Coin & Relic section (370 threads, 6.9K messages) where relic recovery techniques specific to colonial-era sites get detailed breakdowns.
The Australian Metal Detecting and Relic Hunting Forum focuses exclusively on gold, treasure, and historical artifact identification relevant to the continent’s settlement patterns.
Regional associations like PMAV (66 topics, 650 posts) and NAPFA (59 topics, 411 posts) provide state-specific guidance through the Gold Detecting and Prospecting Forum’s 95,622 messages.
Beach detecting communities operate independently through Queensland-based Facebook groups, offering coastal hunters unrestricted access to specialized recovery methods.
Irish Detecting Knowledge Archive
Ireland’s metal detecting community lacks the dedicated forum infrastructure found in Canadian and Australian networks, forcing detectorists to rely on fragmented digital archives and general-purpose heritage databases for historical research support.
Irish detecting enthusiasts navigate scattered resources like the Irish Archives Resource Portal and National Library’s Web Archive Collections, yet these platforms prioritize institutional heritage over grassroots knowledge sharing.
Archive preservation efforts focus on academic content rather than community-generated field reports and detector-specific finds documentation.
Current challenges for Irish detecting knowledge preservation:
- No centralized forum for digital heritage specific to metal detecting finds
- Web archives capture cultural sites but miss detector community outreach discussions
- Born-digital heritage gaps leave detector logs and field data at permanent loss risk
- Community knowledge sharing depends on transient social media rather than structured archives
- Limited collaboration between detectorists and heritage preservation institutions
AmericanDetectorist.com: A Favorite Across Multiple Lists
When you’re evaluating online metal detecting communities, AmericanDetectorist.com consistently earns recommendations from detectorists across experience levels.
With 23,616 threads and 238,288 messages, you’ll find substantial metal detecting tips covering coin and relic hunting techniques. The forum’s 3,806 members provide detector comparisons ranging from budget Bounty Hunter models to advanced E-Trac setups.
You’ll access practical information without gatekeeping—discussions cover iron discrimination, multi-tone programs, and park hunting strategies. The community shares cheat sheets for specific models and addresses real-world concerns like Ace 250 pinpointing accuracy.
Whether you’re researching foundations or shallow water detecting, you’ll encounter field-tested advice from veterans who remember their first machines. The forum’s reputation as the “friendliest detecting forum” stems from genuine knowledge exchange rather than elitism, making it valuable for independent hunters seeking unfiltered perspectives.
Gary’s Detecting Forum: Practical Knowledge for Beginners
Gary’s Detecting Forum operates as a streamlined platform where beginners extract practical field knowledge without maneuvering through the information overload common to larger communities.
Gary’s forum emphasizes hands-on detector programming rather than theoretical discussions, with particular strength in XP DEUS programming and tone configuration strategies that translate directly to field performance.
Beginner resources you’ll access include:
- Step-by-step detector setup guides eliminating guesswork from initial configuration
- Community engagement focused on answering specific technical questions without condescension
- Field-tested settings shared by experienced detectorists who prioritize results over complexity
- Video tutorials demonstrating real-world applications of programming adjustments
- Troubleshooting threads addressing common beginner mistakes with actionable solutions
You’ll appreciate the forum’s no-nonsense approach—members share what works without gatekeeping information behind unnecessary jargon or elitist attitudes.
Online metal detecting forums present a paradox: while 93.42% of members actively participate in the hobby, the signal-to-noise ratio varies dramatically between threads, with quality information often buried beneath enthusiastic speculation and vendor marketing disguised as advice.
You’ll need solid information filtering strategies. Cross-reference claims against multiple experienced users—those 87.5% who actually record finds with official schemes typically provide verifiable data.
Watch for forum etiquette violations like sock-puppet accounts pushing specific brands. The demographics matter: UK forums skew heavily toward over-65 club members (17.2%), bringing decades of dirt time but sometimes outdated technology perspectives.
Meanwhile, survey response rates hovering at 34% suggest the most active contributors aren’t necessarily the most experienced field operators.
Focus on threads documenting actual recovery techniques, soil conditions, and target identification rather than endless equipment debates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Register to Read Posts on Metal Detecting Forums?
You don’t need registration for reading most metal detecting forums—they’re openly accessible. However, you’ll gain registration benefits like posting finds, accessing classifieds, and messaging members. Forum accessibility varies, but lurking’s usually free; participation requires signing up.
Are There Mobile Apps Available for Popular Metal Detecting Forums?
Like hunting without proper gear, you’ll find no dedicated mobile apps for major forums—only progressive web apps with limited mobile app features and basic user interface design. TreasureNet and Findmall rely on browser access, restricting your on-the-go freedom.
How Do I Report Spam or Inappropriate Content on Detecting Forums?
You’ll find a “Report Posts” button or grey flag icon on most forums—click it and select “Submit Report.” These reporting guidelines help with spam detection, protecting our community while staff reviews flagged content at their discretion.
Can I Sell My Used Metal Detector Through Forum Classified Sections?
Yes, you can sell your used detector through forum classifieds after registering. Follow selling tips like checking sponsor prices for accurate detector pricing. Forums like TreasureNet and Find’s Treasure Forums offer dedicated classified sections for members.
What Forum Etiquette Rules Should New Members Follow When Posting?
Don’t burn bridges—you’ll need this community long-term. Follow posting guidelines carefully, use respectful communication with veterans, search before asking redundant questions, stay on-topic in threads, and contribute value. Your reputation matters in tight-knit detecting circles.
References
- https://www.tubetubb.com/2020/11/20/our-favorite-metal-detecting-forums/
- https://www.metaldetectingworld.com/metal_detecting_forums.shtml
- https://metaldetectorquest.com/best-metal-detecting-forums/
- https://www.findmall.com/threads/metal-detecting-magazine-which-one-is-best.245860/
- https://detecthistory.com/metal-detecting/friendly-metal-detecting-forums/
- https://metaldetectingforum.com/index.php?threads/aside-from-this-site-what-other-websites-do-you-visit-for-good-metal-detecting-info.312709/
- https://www.treasurenet.com/forums/
- https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/6766-best-detecting-and-prospecting-forum-on-the-internet/?do=findComment&comment=70207
- https://www.treasurenet.com/forums/metal-detecting.31/
- https://www.treasurenet.com/categories/metal-detecting-forum.4/
