What You Need To Take Up Metal Detecting

Apparently, metal detecting is popular again. I know this because it is the subject of a recent profile in America’s “paper of record” and also because I saw people doing it with my own eyes when I was at the beach a few weeks back.

The New York Times article makes the case that the rise of the “new detectorists” can be attributed to a desire for activities that can be done while social distancing. There is merit to this argument, especially when looking at the sales of metal detectors in 2020 compared to previous years. But I think it goes beyond that. I see metal detecting as an inherently atavistic act. People don’t spend their time hovering over the ground with a fancy magnet simply to kill time; they do it to find clues of a lost world that has long been forgotten.

If this sounds appealing to you, then by all means take up metal detecting yourself. Although some of the equipment can get expensive, it does not need to be. Here is a list of some of the best products available, as well as some cheaper alternatives.

To start, the article lists the most popular metal detector as the French-made XP Deus:

XP DEUS Metal Detector + Wireless WS5 Full Headphones + Controller and 11 inch Coil — $1,299

As you can see, including the headphones and the controller, that will set you back $1,300. If you are a beginner, you do not need to spend nearly that much. Amazon is rife with metal detecting equipment in all price ranges. Instead of the XP Deus, you might start with this $100 model from Bounty Hunter:

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector — $102.39

The Bounty Hunter model, despite not having the added accessories, has earned 8,600 (mostly 5-star) reviews.

The article also mentions a specific model for kids, the Nokta Mini Hoard:

Nokta Makro Mini Hoard Kids Waterproof Metal Detector — $119.95

Although $120 would be a deal on an adult metal detector, there are other specialty kids versions for much less. For example, this set by RICOMAX is available for half the price:

RM RICOMAX Metal Detector for Kids – 7.4 Inch Waterproof Kid Metal Detectors Gold Detector Lightweight Search Coil (24″-35″) Adjustable Metal Detector for Junior & Youth with High Accuracy – Yellow — $59.99

Notice that set comes complete with a miniature shovel and hand claw, as well as a carrying case.

Speaking of these tools, in addition to the device itself, a true detectorist needs a hori-hori (a speciality serrated knife/shovel) as well as a “finds pouch.” Luckily, both of these items can be found on Amazon at relatively low prices:

Nisaku NJP650 Hori-Hori Weeding & Digging Knife, Authentic Tomita (Est. 1960) Japanese Stainless Steel, 7.25″ Blade, Wood Handle — $20.23

Large Metal Detector Shoulder Bag/Pouch, Treasure Hunting Finds Pouch/Bag. for Garrett, Minelab, Bounty Hunter etc. Features Bottom with Leak Holes, Adjustable Belt Clips & 2 Pinpointer Holders. — $14.99

This brings us to our last piece of essential metal detecting equipment, a “pinpointer.” For the uninitiated, a pinpointer is a handheld precision detector used after you’ve already located the general area of your buried treasure. The top-of-the-line pinpointer is made by a brand called Garrett:

Garrett 1140900 Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Pinpointing Metal Detector, Orange — $127.35

But as with the other products, you can get a perfectly suitable one for a significantly lower price, such as the one below:

UNIROI Pinpointing Metal Detector, Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer IP65 , LED Indicators & Vibration,for Adults and Kids , 9V Battery — $22.99

However much you want to spend on metal detecting equipment, remember that it is an investment. After all, you never know what you might find.