Humans are generally a very creative species. We can invent and develop various items. People have been doing that for thousands of years. Numerous things have been developed throughout this history, and the largest part of those creations have been lost, abandoned, and forgotten. Today, almost every corner of the Earth is within our reach. We can go deep below sea level and reach the tops of the highest mountains.
Unfortunately, many of us are unaware that those places hide various mysteries and treasures from the past. Many locations used to be villages or small towns centuries ago; however, they disappeared from the planet’s surface because of weather or just people building over them.
At first sight, a large number of those locations are invisible. However, the ground is often an excellent conservator, and many traces of the old civilizations stayed beneath the Earth’s surface until this very day.
A lot of these traces are important historical items waiting to be found. They might not be in an ideal condition due to the passage of time. However, they often have great historical value despite everything.
Many of such items were developed from different types of metal, including gold and silver. These are virtually indestructible materials that can stay in the ground for a long time. And with the right equipment, the lucky searcher can discover such artifacts.
A quality metal detector is, of course, the most important tool for activities of that kind. It gives you a chance to investigate beneath the ground. It is good to understand that those devices have different types, so some might be more or less efficient depending on various specifications. There are stronger and weaker models, and the results might vary according to the capabilities of your device.
Metal detectors are an essential tool for treasure hunting, as they allow treasure hunters to locate and identify metal objects that may be buried or hidden. Metal detectors work by emitting a low-frequency electromagnetic field and detecting the disturbance caused by metal objects within that field, allowing the user to locate metal objects that may be buried or hidden.
Several different types of metal detectors are available, each with unique features and capabilities. VLF metal detectors are suitable for a wide range of applications and are the most popular type, while PI metal detectors are better for detecting small, deep-lying objects in areas with high mineralization, and BFO metal detectors are suitable for basic metal detection tasks.
Overall, metal detectors are an essential tool for treasure hunting. They allow treasure hunters to locate and identify metal objects that may be buried or hidden, helping them find valuable or interesting items.
Where Can I Go To Metal Detect?
People are not aware. However, the ground around them may contain numerous hidden treasuries. People think valuable items can only be found on historic sites, but that option is pretty far from the truth. There are various historically important locations that people know nothing about.
For example, many meadows and forests were battlefields in the past, and various valuable items were lost at those locations during the battles. These might include coins of different types, including gold and silver ones. Different types of weaponry could be found in such locations, as well as any other potentially valuable items used by armies and the people present there.
It is possible to find some coordinates of locations where such conflicts took place, and they are potential gold mines for valuable discoveries. It is necessary, however, to collect and investigate all the documents you can about such events. With a clear analysis of that material, you can figure out the correct location and find your potential treasure trove.
A good metal detector can help you to check a larger area efficiently so you can quickly determine if there is anything at a location. It is impossible to search a larger area like this without a device because it would take too much time and energy.
Still, one must learn good skills and enough experience to operate a useful tool. Metal detecting is a hobby that can be started at a fairly reasonable cost and does not have a steep learning curve, so gaining useful skills won’t take you too long.
Some hobbyists and archeological amateurs achieved big success following the steps below. They carefully investigated the history of particular areas and found the correct locations where some important events from the past happened. Their government awarded them for their activities and discoveries, a win-win for all parties.
However, it is useful to know that there are many other places where you can hunt for hidden treasures in the ground. Those do not necessarily need to be connected with a distant past and important historical events that happened hundreds or thousands of years ago.
That is why many detectorists, for example, go to various popular beaches when they empty. These are also locations where various valuable targets can be discovered. People often swim with various jewelry pieces, such as rings, bracelets, and necklaces.
I have yet to understand why they do that, but they do. It is a potential financial risk for the owners because those items are often lost in the water and sand during those moments.
Your body tends to shrink slightly in cooler waters, and your ring will slide right off your finger without you even noticing it. Also, if you set your valuables down on your towel and then pick up your towel and forget about the valuables, they can be quickly lost in just the lightest covering of sand, and you won’t notice they are gone until you are back home unpacking everything.
Many metal detectors are waterproof, so they can freely operate even beneath the surface of the sea, lakes, and rivers. Such conditions do not interfere with the device’s efficiency, so it is possible to find various metal items, regardless of their size, successfully. It would not be possible, of course, without appropriate metal detectors, and that’s why these devices are a must for treasure hunting across many different locations and areas.
Different Types of Metal Detectors
Metal detectors are great because you can use them for such important purposes. However, it is necessary to understand these devices well to achieve good results while hunting.
Metal detectors are generally separated into different types. They have some similar and some different abilities depending on their particular categories. Not all types are equal in their uses, and few currently dominate the market. Most metal detectors belong to one of those several categories.
A Very Low-Frequency Metal Detector
This is probably the most popular type you can currently purchase. There are several important reasons for its mass production.
This type is beginner-friendly, so it gives you a chance to learn fast while using it. A kid’s metal detectors usually belong to that category. They are lightweight and easy to use. You can handle them; they do not create serious pressure on your arms or wrists. That’s very suitable for beginners who want to get familiar with metal detecting.
The low-frequency devices do not have complicated systems and components, and basic controls are simple to learn and master. You can transfer to a more complex metal detector when you complete that initial step.
The very low-frequency machines are usually affordable, and the price often plays an important role for many. If you do not take this activity so seriously, there is a great chance you will select some of the cheaper models. That’s why these devices are so common on the market.
On the other hand, simplicity and affordability have their drawbacks. Very low-frequency devices are not very efficient in detecting and locating small targets. So they might stay hidden despite the fact you searched the area with the metal detector.
They are also not very efficient for investigating overly mineralized soil because they do not have appropriate settings for the function. More complex metal detectors can ignore such terrain, focusing exclusively on targets.
The very low-frequency devices are, however, good for discovering larger targets. They also usually have powerful batteries that do not need to be changed frequently. That operation allows you to perform a long search without any worries.
Multi-Frequency Metal Detectors
These are also common types of metal detectors on the market. Such devices are more efficient than low-frequency detectors, and there are different reasons for stronger abilities.
Multi-frequency devices can successfully discover all kinds of metal objects regardless of size. That’s possible because it transmits various frequencies at the same time. Low ones are suitable for big targets, and high ones are excellent for locating small targets.
Multi-frequency metal detectors are also good because they usually have Ground Balance settings. They allow you to handle the mineralized soil efficiently by making appropriate adjustments. You will need to set up these manually or automatically, depending on your particular model. Regardless of the current setting, the Ground Balance feature does the work.
Multi-frequency detectors are also great because you can increase depth detection according to your needs. The previous type does not have such an option, which is a clear advantage over the competitor’s abilities.
However, the quality has a price, so these devices are usually more expensive. The difference can be quite significant, so you must be ready to spend more money on a model of that type. To give you a rough idea, when talking about a very low-frequency detector, you are looking at something in the range of $200~$400. Multi-Frequency detectors are going to run in the range of about $600~$1,000.
They are also heavier than low-frequency detectors and might have complex features and functions. Professional detectorists commonly use multi-frequency detectors, so they should have appropriate experience operating such devices. So they might not be an ideal solution for total beginners.
Pulse Induction Metal Detectors
These are also very common on the market, and many models belong to that device. They are excellent when it comes to detecting small targets because potential mineralization does not have any influence on this machine. It is unnecessary to make any adjustments to this feature because the detector performs that type of work automatically. That’s one of the reasons why pulse induction metal detectors are an excellent choice for beach hunters.
Pulse induction metal detectors also allow deep-depth detection of different kinds of objects. They have a strong range, so they are a great solution for professional hunters. Two good examples of a PI metal detector are the Garrett ATX Pro and the Minelab Equinox 800. If you would like a breakdown and comparison of the different types, KellyCo has an excellent article detailing the differences.
Still, this type has some drawbacks, so it is useful to mention these too. A pulse induction device is excellent for gold explorations. However, the device is not suitable for areas with a lot of trash, for example. That’s because it does not have a discrimination feature, and many iron objects would interfere with the normal work of the device. It is the reason why you should not use it in city areas.
Pulse induction metal detectors are also quite heavy compared to other types, and the price is quite high. You are normally looking at at least $1,000~$3,000. So it is good to consider all those facts before making a purchase.
Beat Frequency Oscillation Metal Detectors
KellyCo and other sites discuss Beat Frequency Oscillation (BFO) metal detectors. These are normally much older detectors and are not sold in stores. These types are very basic and user-friendly, just a turn-them-on-and-go type. No settings to change or adjust; turn it on and start detecting. If it beeped, there was some metal to dig; you could not tell what it was until it was recovered.
Metal Detecting From a Legal Point of View
Disclaimer: I am NOT a lawyer, and I am certainly NOT your lawyer.
It is not forbidden to buy and possess a metal detector, and there are no legal limitations. Anyone can purchase an appropriate model to their needs. That does not mean you can research or dig into every area you want.
For example, you cannot detect in historic sites and national parks. All the properties from those locations belong to the government, and no individual or group has the right to extract any artifacts in those areas. I have another article that covers all of this in more detail here.
Federal law also forbids metal detecting on federal properties. However, there might be some exceptions to that rule. It is always recommended to check the rules and regulations for any particular area before starting any activities. If you cannot find appropriate details, contact the responsible authorities directly and resolve the issue by communicating with them.
Generally, it is allowed to go to state and local parks, forests, meadows, beaches, and riverbanks (not private property unless you get permission from the landowner first). Also, make sure you check with your local state authorities before you start digging anywhere. Some states require a $10 license before digging in local parks or lakes.
Code of Conduct
Metal detecting is usually performed in open nature, such as parks, forests, beaches, etc. It is great to spend your day in those locations. However, it is very important to pay attention to the environment. You should not leave any trash behind, always collect the garbage and put it in an appropriate bag. This includes any trash you dig out of the ground, toss in a local trash can, or carry with you until you find an appropriate place to dispose of it.
Depending on where you go detecting, your detector might signal many times, so you might need to dig many holes. However, it is not hard to fill them back when you pull out the targets, and that’s how you can leave everything in perfect order after finishing the exploration. Please, always fill your holes.
Even if you are on the beach, a small hole you left could mess up someone’s ankle if they don’t notice it. It is also important not to disturb animals, such as birds and nests, because the laws often protect these. You should also not destroy any plants, trees, or objects in your way.
Chapter 4 – The 3 Types of Metal Detectors Explained
Go here to read our Beginners Guide To Metal Detecting.
