This is a thorough list of the essential metal detecting equipment. They come in a variety of sizes, materials, and quality, so think about them carefully. It may easily mount up in price, so put aside a budget for new equipment or buy one thing at a time in order of importance.
1. Waterproof Pinpointer
For all metal detectorists, pinpointers are a must-have. Once a target has been detected with a detector, finding it might be extremely challenging. Often, the metal object has been buried for a long time and has formed a patina that matches the environment.
Pinpointers aid in focusing on a target and may quickly guide you to the precise location of a metal object. I’ve had goods in my hand that I couldn’t see until I used the pinpointer to locate them.
Not all pinpointers are waterproof, so I recommend investing in one that is. One never knows where their hunting journey will take them, and there are a variety of times, places, and situations when water-soaked gear is a possibility. The Garrett Pro-Pointer is our favorite, and you can find it here.
Also Read: 7 Deepest Metal Detectors On The Market
2. Headphones
A nice pair of headphones is another essential item to have in your arsenal. These headphones serve a multitude of functions that will aid in the success of your metal detecting expeditions.
The first advantage of having a decent pair of headphones is that you can acquire targets faster and more accurately. While listening to the intricacies of your detector’s tones before deciding if the target is worth the effort to dig out, use headphones to drown out any ambient noise interference.
Second, they are a considerate gesture for those who may be present. Others may be out resting, reading, or doing anything else, and the resounding tones of a metal detector may be irritating.
Metal detectorists sometimes don’t want people to know they’ve discovered anything, or even what they’ve discovered. Headphones ensure that only you know what’s buried under the ground.
Finally, they can help your detector’s battery last longer. Tones played using headphones are far less exhausting than tones played over the detector’s exterior speakers.
Some people are concerned about the latency (reaction time) of cordless headphones, however investing in a decent set (if you decide to go cordless) will result in insignificant latency difficulties.
3. Carry Case
Any detectorist must be able to transport their detector from one location to another. This movement has the potential to do harm to your gear. As a result, investing in a sturdy carrying case is an excellent option.
The majority of cases on the market are cushioned, which is suitable for the majority of scenarios. Hardshell cases are available and should be considered for this use if one is planning a long or tough journey with their metal detector. The cushioned soft shell cases will suffice for the majority of us.
Consider bringing a carrying case for any other accessories you’ll be bringing. Depending on the equipment you’re bringing and the terrain you’ll be traveling to get to your hunting areas, a duffel bag or backpack could suffice. A designated bag for your accessories will also guarantee that no important items are forgotten in the drive or at home.
4. “Finds” Pouch
You’ll need a location to keep your treasure, whether it’s gold or garbage, once you’ve discovered it. These pouches are available from a variety of businesses and are frequently included in kits.
Many of these bags have many pockets to help you organize your treasures into the categories you want. Most, if not all, will have zippers to keep your treasures from falling out. For convenient access, these bags usually fit around your waist.
To aid segregate findings, some explorers have many pouches or pockets. People frequently utilize the pouch as a garbage or rubbish collection area, then place their prized possessions in a shirt or pant pocket. Just make sure these pockets have a way to close them, preferably a zipper.
5. Hand Shovel
When excavating certain targets, having the appropriate hand shovel may save you a lot of time and work. Digging can be tough at times since the dirt is hard, dry, and full of roots.
Look for a hand shovel with serrated edges when purchasing one. As you dig your plug, this will assist you to cut through any stuff that gets in the way. Look for a shovel with a cushioned handle to assist protect your hands from wear and strain.
On the side of several of these hands, shovels are rulers. When the depth of an item is known, this can be useful. Before you start digging, certain metal detectors can estimate the depth of a target.
6. Gloves
When embarking on a metal detecting hunt, a nice pair of gloves is always suggested. This will, of course, protect your hands when digging and looking in the ground.
Look for a durable, puncture-resistant glove. While searching, you’ll come across a lot of rusted metal, some of which will be sharp. Tetanus isn’t on my list of things I want to find when detecting, and neither is it on yours. This function also aids in the removal of stickers and thorns encountered along the road.
Consider purchasing ones that are minimal in weight and simple to put on and remove. You won’t want to wear them the entire time you’re hunting; only while recovering a target will you want to wear them.
In our hunts, we usually wear gloves made for mechanics. These gloves are frequently puncture-resistant while yet allowing for a wide range of motion when searching for goods. They’re simple to put on and take off, and they’re small enough to slip into a pocket when not in use.
Must See: 6 Best Metal Detecting Sand Scoop In 2022
7. Sand Scoop
This useful gizmo will be well worth the money if your hunting activities lead you to a sandy place such as a beach. These time and energy-saving shovel-like equipment can even help avoid back discomfort.
A little scoop at the end of a pole is used for this gadget. The sides of this scoop are pierced by several holes. Simply scoop up the sand where the signal was and shake once you’ve found an object with the metal detector. The metal item remains in the scoop while the sand flows out.
These can be portable or mounted on a pole and can be made of metal or plastic. Metal choices will undoubtedly last longer, and a pole-mounted option will be more convenient.
If you’re using a metal one, make sure it’s as far away from the detector as possible to avoid false indications. These are mostly used in sandy areas and are nearly useless in other applications. Leave this tool behind if your trip does not take you to a sandy dig spot. It’s a must-have if you’re going to Sand.
8. Extra Batteries
Nothing is more annoying than setting out on an epic treasure search only to have to call it a day owing to dead batteries. This is especially true when there are a lot of wonderful finds. Keep additional batteries in your metal detecting gear at all times.
For their metal detectors and pinpointers, several people suggested using rechargeable batteries. While these batteries will save you money in the long term, the advantages do not outweigh the disadvantages in this scenario. Although rechargeable batteries have greatly improved over the years, they still run out of power.
If this is all you have, you’ll have to either find a power source or wait for your batteries to recharge, or you’ll have to call it a day. Both of these possibilities are equally aggravating.
It’s also possible that your battery will be destroyed or just worn out while you’re on a quest. This situation will put an end to your day if you don’t have backup batteries on hand.
Consider where you’ll keep these batteries as well. Your spare batteries should be kept in a waterproof container or a sealable plastic bag. Keeping these extra power sources away from the elements is a smart practice because your activities may take you to some dirty, dusty, and/or damp locales.
9. Knee Pads
Knee pads are an optional addition that some people enjoy and use, while others do not. We don’t use them ourselves, but we recognize the utility of having a pair in certain settings and with certain people. So, here’s a quick rundown of the “benefits and disadvantages” of knee protectors.
Knee pads might assist reduce discomfort when digging because the terrain you’re working on is often rough or muddy. They can also protect your knees from being pricked by stickers, burrs, and thorns. Some knee pads contain additional padding on the back to assist support your body, which may be particularly useful for people who have knee or back difficulties.
Knee pads can also assist you to avoid getting wet or wearing out your clothes while searching.
Despite all of these advantages, there are also disadvantages to knee protectors. They are frequently clumsy and hefty, making walking from one target to the next difficult. They can also have objects like tiny twigs and rocks wedged between the pad and the skin, causing greater pain than the ground itself. Consider the strange tan lines you could get if you’re out hunting in shorts.
Must Read: 8 Best Waterproof Work Gloves
10. Boots/Snake Guards
When going on a metal detecting hunt, a decent pair of waterproof hiking boots is a must. Although a decent pair of boots is a bit heavier than a pair of tennis shoes, they provide superior overall comfort.
Consider both comfort and functionality while selecting a boot for metal detecting. You may be trekking or walking for an extended period of time, so select a pair that is made for this purpose. Consider obtaining some that are waterproof to avoid moist socks and other issues.
If you live in a region where snakes may be present, consider purchasing snake boots or snake guards. These are typically worn higher on the shin, but the discomfort is preferable to being bitten. If you’re detecting at the beach, there are even stingray guards.
Steel-toed boots are one thing to avoid. At first glance, it appears to be a smart idea to consider them for increased security. Steel, on the other hand, is a metal that may and will send you misleading signals.
11. Cutting Tool
Your metal detecting search will most likely bring you to a field or riverbed, but you may want to venture a bit deeper into the woods. A cutting instrument may be required in this instance.
Small machetes are a fantastic option to have on hand. When not in use, make sure your blade is protected by a sheath. Also, be sure you have the legal right and/or permission to go chopping down trees on land you don’t own.
In our bag, we have a pair of little gardening shears. These are useful for chopping down tiny tree limbs and shrubs so that we may dig closer to impediments. Just remember to put them carefully in your backpack.
12. Flashlight
Many folks forget to bring a flashlight with them when they go metal detecting. Because most hunts take place in strong sunshine, it does not appear to be essential. There are, nevertheless, a few compelling reasons to have a flashlight in your luggage.
Some hunts go until dusk, especially when they are highly successful. When it becomes dark, having a flashlight on hand will make it simpler to travel back to your starting point.
While searching, you can come upon little caverns, ancient water wells, or even abandoned houses. Because these spots are inherently gloomy, carrying a flashlight will assist you in exploring these fascinating locales.
In our pack, we have an LED flashlight with additional batteries. Small flashlights would suffice, but for a few dollars extra, you can get a high-powered LED light. This, in my opinion, is worth the extra money. Consider using a headlamp to free up your hands while exploring or returning to your car.
