Metal detecting can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, offering the chance to uncover hidden treasures and explore history. Whether you're combing the beach for coins, searching fields for relics, or just enjoying a day outdoors, metal detecting provides endless possibilities. In this detailed guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about metal detecting for beginners, from choosing the best beginner metal detector to understanding key techniques and tips for getting started.
What is Metal Detecting?Â
Metal detecting involves using a handheld electronic device called a metal detector, which emits electromagnetic fields and detects metal objects buried underground.Â
The metal detector signals the presence of metal objects, allowing the user to dig and uncover the target. Hobbyists and treasure hunters alike use metal detectors to search for coins, jewellery, relics, and even artefacts from ancient times.
Why Metal Detecting is a Great Hobby for Beginners
Metal detecting is easy to learn but hard to master, making it perfect for beginners. It’s a hobby that offers both relaxation and excitement, as you never know what you might find.Â
Plus, metal detecting allows you to get outdoors, explore new places, and enjoy physical activity. It’s also an inexpensive hobby to start, with many affordable and high-quality metal detectors available for beginners.
Choosing the Best Beginner Metal Detector
When starting out, selecting the right metal detector is key. The best beginner metal detector should be user-friendly, lightweight, and reliable. It’s essential to find a detector that fits your needs, budget, and the type of treasure hunting you plan to do.Â
1. Minelab Vanquish 340Â
The Minelab Vanquish 340 Starter Bundle is one of the most popular metal detectors and kits for beginners, offering ease of use and top-notch performance at an affordable price. Featuring Minelab’s Multi-IQ technology, it allows you to detect multiple types of metals at once, making it suitable for searching beaches, parks, and fields. Its lightweight design and intuitive control panel make it an excellent option for those just starting out.
2. Garrett Ace 200i
The Garrett Ace 200i is another strong contender in the world of beginner metal detectors. Known for its durability and precision, the Ace 200i comes with several detection modes, including coin and jewellery modes, making it ideal for those focusing on specific treasure types. It also offers 4 adjustable sensitivity settings, which is perfect for beginners learning to fine-tune their detecting experience.
2. Garrett Ace 200i
The Garrett Ace 200i is another strong contender in the world of beginner metal detectors. Known for its durability and precision, the Ace 200i comes with several detection modes, including coin and jewellery modes, making it ideal for those focusing on specific treasure types. It also offers 4 adjustable sensitivity settings, which is perfect for beginners learning to fine-tune their detecting experience.
3. Minelab Go-Find 11
The Minelab Go-Find 11 is a fantastic option for younger beginners or those just starting out in the hobby. This lightweight and easy-to-use metal detector is designed for people of all ages, making it an excellent entry-level device.Â
The Go-Find 11 features intuitive controls, so you can get detecting right away without any complicated setup. Its compact and collapsible design also makes it highly portable, perfect for those who want to take it on family outings or holidays. Though it’s a more basic model, it still offers reliable performance in parks, beaches, and back gardens, making it an ideal starter detector.
Key Features to Look for in a Beginner Metal Detector
When deciding on the best beginner metal detector, there are several key features to keep in mind.
Weight: Choose a lightweight detector to avoid fatigue during long detecting sessions.
Sensitivity: Adjustable sensitivity settings allow you to search for different metal objects and filter out unwanted items like rubbish. - Sensitivity is how hard the detector is listening to the ground. When you turn up the sensitivity the detector listens more carefully to the soil, and in most cases listens to a deeper area of the soil. Turning the sensitivity up increases the likelihood of hearing deeper targets, but also increases all of the noise in the soil and so you have to set it in a balance each time you detector.Â
Discrimination: This feature helps you differentiate between valuable metals (like gold and silver) and less desirable metals (like iron).
Ground Balance: Ground balance helps the detector adjust to different mineral levels in the soil, improving detection accuracy.
Waterproofing: A waterproof detector allows you to search in shallow water or on wet ground.
Where to Go Metal Detecting as a Beginner
Once you’ve chosen your metal detector, the next step is deciding where to start hunting. Here are a few beginner-friendly locations.
1. Beaches
Beaches are a fantastic spot for beginners, as sand is easy to dig through, and they often yield jewellery, coins, and other valuable items. Coastal beaches, in particular, are popular for treasure hunters, but even freshwater lakes and riverbanks can offer exciting finds. - always check permission with your local authority as each county, and in some cases beach, is different.Â
2. Parks and Public Fields
Public parks and fields are accessible and safe places for beginners to practise metal detecting. Over the years, people drop coins, keys, and even jewellery, which can be easily detected. - this is not allowed in the UK without permission. This info mush be from America where the laws are different.Â
3. Old Settlements and Historical Sites
With the right permissions, hunting in areas near old settlements or historical locations can yield relics like coins, buttons, and even old tools. However, always check local laws and obtain permission before detecting on private or protected land.
Metal Detecting Tips for Beginners
As experts in metal detecting, we’ve got a few tips for budding treasure hunters to help get you started with Crawfords.Â
1. Start with the Basics
Before diving into advanced settings, start with the basic modes on your metal detector. Many of our beginner detectors come with preset modes like “coins” or “jewellery,” making it easier to get started. Over time, you can experiment with more advanced features such as manual sensitivity adjustment and ground balancing.
2. Practice Swinging the Detector Correctly
The way you swing your detector can make a big difference in your success. Keep the coil close to the ground and make smooth, even sweeps from side to side. Ensure that the coil stays parallel to the ground throughout the motion for the best results.
3. Use a Pinpointer
A pinpointer is a smaller hand-held metal detector that helps you locate your target once you’ve dug a hole. Using a pinpointer will save you time and effort by accurately pinpointing the item’s location within your dig.Â
4. Be Patient and Persistent
Metal detecting requires patience. Not every signal will lead to treasure, and it might take time to get used to the sounds your detector makes. Be persistent, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t find something valuable right away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I Need a Licence to Metal Detect?
In many countries, you do not need a specific licence to metal detect. However, there are often restrictions on detecting in certain areas, such as historical sites, protected lands, or private property. Always check local regulations and obtain permission if necessary.
2. Can I Metal Detect Anywhere?
No, you cannot detect anywhere. Some places, like national parks or private property, require special permission or prohibit metal detecting entirely. Always research the area and ensure you are allowed to detect there.
3. How Deep Can Metal Detectors Detect?
The depth at which a metal detector can find objects depends on factors like the type of metal, the size of the object, and soil conditions. Most beginner metal detectors can detect objects buried up to 6–12 inches deep. Larger and more advanced models may detect objects deeper.
4. How Do I Identify My Finds?
Once you’ve uncovered an item, you can research it online or consult metal detecting forums to help identify the find. Books and guides on metal detecting can also be valuable resources for identifying coins, relics, and artefacts.
Start Your Metal Detecting Journey with Crawfords
Metal detecting is a fun and rewarding hobby that’s accessible to everyone. By choosing the best beginner metal detector and learning some essential techniques, you can start uncovering treasures in no time. Whether you’re hunting on a beach or exploring a historic site, the thrill of discovery awaits you!
For those just getting started, consider investing in a user-friendly detector like the Minelab Vanquish 340 or the Minelab Go-Find 11 to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience as you embark on your metal detecting adventures.
Browse our range of beginner and child-friendly metal detectors, or get in touch with us to get started today.