Metal detector enthusiasts often say they wish they had started earlier in life. They would love to find those old coins, lost jewelry, and historical relics in areas no longer accessible due to the growth and construction of new communities that were once open land.
Before exploring and digging into any piece of land, take time to invest in these essential tools for metal detecting:
- Metal Detector
- Search Coil
- Digging Tools
- PinPointer
- Headphones
- Finds Pouch
- Gloves
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Water/Snacks
- Maps
Metal Detector
Metal detectors find valuable metals like gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, iron, nickel, platinum, aluminum, etc. They work by sending pulses through the ground at various frequencies. The waves bounce off metallic objects buried below the surface, allowing metal detectors to pick up the signals, display depths and metal ranges, and sound off a beep alert to notify the detectorist.
The most basic and inexpensive model will work fine for finding coins and jewelry. However, it won’t pick up everything else you’ll encounter along the way.
Recommended Metal Detectors Under $600:
- Garret Ace 200
- Nokia Makro SIMPLEX +
- Minelab Vanquish 640
- Garretts Ace Apex
- Garrett AT Pro
If you buy a new detector, you’ll probably spend at least $500-$1,200, depending on its features and capabilities. Many factors are involved in deciding what kind of detector you should purchase, including sensitivity, frequency response, depth range, and signal strength.
Sensitivity refers to how sensitive the unit is to detecting low-level electromagnetic fields like those emitted by metals.
Frequency Response measures the rate at which the device detects changes in field intensity over time.
Depth Range indicates how deep the unit goes down into the ground.
Signal Strength tells you how strong the detected signal is relative to background noise levels.
Look into the many metal detectors available today, including hand-held models and self-contained unit options. Get the one that works well for your needs and has features that meet your preferences.
I recommend the Garrett AT Pro because it is incredibly versatile, durable, user-friendly, and still within a friendly budget when purchasing a metal detector for hobby use.
I’ve been using my AT Pro for several years and still find new treasures each time I go out metal detecting.
Digger
You’ll probably need at least one shovel with a metal detector if you plan to do serious hunting. Metal detectors are sensitive enough to detect objects like coins, toys, jewelry, and other metallic items at varying depths.
Metal detectors work well at locating buried objects. Digging tools like shovels can be necessary for uncovering deeper finds or breaking through challenging terrain when allowable. Hand shovels, full-size shovels, spades, and picks can be commonly found among the assortment of tools serious metal detectorists use.
If you’re looking for something lightweight, many tools are available at any hardware store or sporting goods shop. However, if you plan to dig frequently, you’ll probably want to invest in a quality set of metal-detecting tools. They should be sturdy enough to withstand frequent use and offer excellent sensitivity.
Pinpointer
Pinpointers work like full-size metal detectors but on a smaller scale. They are primarily used to locate smaller items within a hole or are more difficult to see and locate with just the eyes.
If you’re looking for a high-quality pinpointer, look no further than the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Pinpointer. At just about $120, this device offers everything you’d expect from a top-of-the-line pinpointer, including waterproof construction, adjustable sensitivity settings, an integrated LED flashlight, and even a lost alarm function should you leave your pinpointer behind.
Finds Bag
You’ll inevitably find something valuable or invaluable during your adventures. A Finds Bag is another must-have accessory for those looking to add to their collection and help remove hazardous items from natural settings.
I began looking into options for carrying around my treasures safely. After researching, I decided to purchase a Garrett Camo Diggers Pouch.
Considerations when choosing a bag include:
A tool pouch
A waterproof apron with double-stitch pockets
A backpack
A fishing vest
Whether you prefer using a hand detector or a magnetized wand, there are many reasons why owning a finds bag is essential. A bag that works well for your detection style allows you to focus on finding treasures instead of struggling with getting everything into a single place.
Gloves
Metal detectorists often overlook the importance of having a good pair of gloves, but they’re genuinely indispensable tools. Metal detectors work best without interference from outside sources like dirt, grime, and oils. Gloves protect against these elements and prevent your hands from getting dirty during detection sessions. And lastly, they add a sense of style to any hobbyist’s attire.
Gloves protect detectorists’ hands from being covered in mud, oil, scraped, cut, burned, sliced, pierced, stabbed, and other potential injuries. There are numerous versions of gloves on the market, but cut-proof gloves are highly recommended for metal detecting due to the risk of rust, sharp objects, and unseen items hiding in the ground.
Hands are too important to leave unprotected. I have been using DEX FIT Level 5 Cut Resistant Gloves for years and would not go anywhere without them.
Water & Snack Pack (Optional Bonus)
Metal Detecting has become an addictively fun hobby, and you could easily dig through the dirt all day long.
Food and water are always good ideas when planning extended adventures in the wild, even if the wild is the city park or only thirty miles from home.
You’ll find yourself thirsty after hours of hard work in the hot sun. Keep hydrated regularly throughout the day using water bottles filled with fresh drinking water. If you don’t plan adequately, you’ll likely have problems during hot weather. So pack plenty of fluids before heading off on any hunt.
In Summary
The right tools and supplies are essential to any activity, even for weekend hobby metal detecting.
