Whether you are new to the sport or a seasoned detectorist, the sheer quantity of metal detecting accessories out there can be daunting.
So we've put together this guide to help you get to grips with what you actually need, including some of our top recommendations for all the must-have kit to help you navigate the world of metal detecting accessories.
Headphones
One of the very first things you will need to start your metal detecting journey is a decent set of headphones. A good pair will block out the surrounding background noise, enabling you to better here the tones of your finds. It is possible to pick up a pair cheaply but we would suggest making sure your purchase has these key features:
- Of durable, long lasting quality
- Comfortable to wear for long periods of time- try them on before you buy!
- Actually effective at blocking out outside noise
- Compatible with both stereo and mono types of metal detector
- Come with their own volume control as often metal detectors do not
- A clear and sharp sound quality- test this out yourself as everyone hears differently and sometimes what sounds good to one person won't to another
Recommendations:
DetectorPro Gray Ghost Headphones - Best for high quality!
These headphones are at the higher end of the price range, but are definitely worth their cost if you will be getting a lot of use out of them. They are durable and comfortable and have a great sensitivity to even the tiniest of targets. With a compact carry and storage design, an adjustable padded headband and excellent speakers, the 5 star reviews all speak for themselves really. They even come with a lifetime guarantee.
Check them out HERE.
Garrett MS-2 Headphones - Best for low price!
These headphones are great if you are new to Metal Detecting or don't have a huge budget. They have a large ear shell but a nice snug fit, come with a 2 year warranty and use speakers designed for maximum sensitivity. There is one volume control and they fold down compactly for storage.
See them for yourself HERE.
Bounty Hunter HEAD-W Headphones - A great all rounder!
This pair of headphones are great for blocking out the ambient noises and enable you to hear the tones and subtle changes in sound more clearly with their true stereo sound. They are robust constructed and built to last, and feature swivel earcups as well as padded earphones to fit just about everyone.
Find out more HERE.
Digging Tools
One thing we've learnt from our foray into the world of metal detecting is how important it is to have a strong and durable digging tool with you at all times. Theres nothing worse than picking up signals and not having the means to excavate them! There are are few features to consider when selecting your digging tool, including:
- What material is the tool made of, generally the longest lasting tools are made of a high quality, heat treated steel
- Are you looking for a hand digger or a shovel? Of course there are some tools which are versatile enough to be used for both
- Which side do you want the serrated edge (for cutting through roots and weeds) to be on? Generally speaking left handed people will want a left handed serration and right handed people will want them to be on the right hand side, but try one out for yourself and see what feels most comfortable
- Or would you prefer a doubles sided serrated blade? This may seem like more obvious choice, but often the blade will be weaker as a result so isn't always as popular
- Does it come with a sheath and belt loop? Check the fit, style and comfort is to your taste
- How heavy is the tool? A heavier tool may be easier to dig with, but then you have the downside of having to carry it around all day!
- How long is the handle? You will need a decent length to enable you to dig to a decent depth and as a result you'll have to bend down much less
Recommendations:
Raven Metal Detecting Digging Spade - Best for quality!
This handmade in the UK tool is perfect for all metal detecting terrains, even including salt water environments. It is made from British grade stainless steel and has an elegant look due to it's sand blasted finish. The toothed shaped blade gives improved ground cutting, and the rubber handle gives a brilliant grip.
Read more about it HERE.
SE GP3-SS30DT 12" Serrated Carbon Steel Edge Digger - best for price!
This 12" serrated edge digger is the perfect companion for your first outing excavating treasures. It is made of heat treated steel with serrated edges and comes with it's own sheath and belt loop. The handle is comfortable to grip and for the price it is very durable.
Buy yours HERE.
Outlife Folding Shovel - Best gadget!
This digging tool is multi-functional- it can be used as a shovel, a pickaxe, a hoe, a saw, an opener and a compass, and will aid you with shovelling, digging, cutting, trenching, sawing, chopping, picking, prying, and even opening bottles. It has a long handle but folds down for storage and carrying. Unfortunately it is not suitable for use on hard grounds, but may come in handy for a beginner or as a second tool.
Find out more HERE.
Roughneck ROU68004 Micro Shovel - Most durable shovel!
There is so much to be said for a good old fashioned strong shovel. This one form Roughneck is lightweight and small enough to be easily portable, but strong enough to cut through even the hardest of grounds. The blade is made of heavy-duty pressed steel which has been hardened and heat treated to provide fast and long lasting work. A strong fibreglass handle with a full size "D" grip makes working both easy and comfortable.
Check it out HERE.
Harnesses
There are different kinds of harnesses available on the market, but most fall into the category of strap on hip or shoulder harness. Both will help to bare the weight of your metal detector, by reliving weight from your arms and transferring it to your body frame. This may not feel like a necessity if you have only been hunting for short times so far, the weight may not have bothered you yet. But if you are planning to be out in the field on a say trip or even for several hours at a time, you'll want to do all you can to avoid any muscle strain. It's very important to try out a metal detecting harness before you buy to make sure you get one that is going to be a good fit ad provide you with optimum comfort. Here are a couple we think are worth a try though!
Recommendations:
Minelab Pro-Swing 45 - Best for quality!
The Minelab Pro-Swing 45 is an ergonomic harness exclusively designed for detection. It significantly reduces the weight of the detector, preventing pain in the arm and shoulders that occur after several hours of detection. The Pro-Swing 45 is fully adjustable to best fit your body.
Check it out HERE.
OUNONA Convenient Double Breasted Shoulder Harness - Best for price!
With padded shoulders for comfort and a waist band which can be adjusted to suit with a simple easy to use buckle, this harness is a great buy for a first time detectorist as it really won't break the bank. It takes the strain away from your hands and wrists, and distributes the load evenly across your shoulders.
Buy yours HERE.
Bags
A decent bag is a must have when you go out on a hunt- how else are you going to bring all your finds back? Qualities to look for in a metal detecting carry bag include:
- Big enough size without being cumbersome
- Waterproof
- Comfortable to carry
- With multiple separate compartments
- Zippered- you don't want to be dropping your finds once you've discovered them!
- Belted attachment to leave your hands free
Recommendations:
shrxy Drawstring Digger's Pouch - Most stylish!
Made from environmentally friendly materials, the belt on this carry bag can be adjusted to fit any size. It is lightweight, waterproof, easy to store coins and other treasures in separate pockets, and when not in use the pouch folds away to save you space.
Get yours HERE.
DR.ÖTEK Metal Detectors Waterproof Diggers Pouch - Most practical!
This is a fantastic portable and lightweight storing bag, exactly what you need on your treasure hunt. The pinpointer and shovels can be easily attached to the bag. The waist belt is adjustable, with an easy-to-operate buckle for easy wear. It is made of a high quality waterproof fabric and is of a durable design, and contains an inner zipper pockets for hiding away finds.
See it HERE.
Waterproofs
Die hard detectorist will tell you that there is no delaying a hunt for a spot of rain! In fact often this can be a great time to get out there as the soft wet ground is often easier to dig up. Plus great spots for hunting are often just wet places anyway, beaches and river beds etc. So a good, reliable set of waterproofs is essential! Here are a few we've found great reviews for:
Recommendations:
Result Waterproof Jacket/Trouser Suit - Best for price!
This set is medium duty and resistant to most rainfalls, but lightweight enough to not be restrictive. For the price it is a great buy! Reviewers say it lasts a long time and is very quick to dry.
Get yours HERE.
Navis Marine Rain Suit - Best for heavy duty!
This highly durable PVC/PU with backing tricot fabric is comfortable for all day wear and gives great protection against even the roughest of storms! It really is built to last with a full-cut hood rolls that up into the collar, with draw cord adjustment, two hand pockets and a storm flap. Front closure is double secure with zipper and velcro and there are double sleeves with inner elastic cuffs.
Treat yourself HERE.
Pinpointer
Often metal detectors come equipped with their own pinpoint function, so that the detectorist can simply press a button a zero in on their target. However, an in-built pinpoint feature is rarely as fast and as precise as a separate handheld pinpointer. Experts all seem to agree that after you've worked with a handheld pinpointer, you'll notice how much faster it is possible to retrieve a coin, relic or other treasure.
Recommendations:
Longruner Pinpointer - Budget pinpointer
This pin-pointer is of a compact size with it's own holster, to be more portable and convenient. It is easy to operate and allows users to quickly turn on the detection, without having to step through multiple sensitivity settings. It has a high sensitivity for improved detection of small targets.
Buy yours HERE.
Minelab Pro-Find 35 Pinpointer - Best for quality!
This top gadget is fully functioning up to a whopping 3 metres deep and has an adjustable sensitivity on 5 levels. With two different answers help identify ferrous waste from non-ferrous targets, it is also great for use with metal detectors without discrimination. The bright yellow PRO-FIND handle is clearly visible, so you don't forget it after digging, and it has a handy holster and strap included.
Check it out HERE.