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Hobby: Metal Detecting – Researching Historic Sites

Now that you have your gear, you need to find a location to metal detect. Any successful metal detectorist will tell you that research will save you time and energy and can greatly increase your chances of finding treasure

Visit your local library. There you can find information about nearby places. Most libraries will have a section that references materials with each city’s establishment date, the first buildings, popular locations, and maps of no longer used roads. Try using old maps and even new maps. Google Earth and other online maps are a wonderful reference for finding long-forgotten locations. If you come across a location that is private property be sure to contact the owner and request permission to metal detect their land. Also be aware that metal detecting on federal lands, historical sites and native American Indian burial grounds is a felony.

Search online for metal detecting forums or message boards. Usually these have metal detecting finds stories and can be a great resource for finding places to metal detect. You can also find great advice and tips for metal detecting beginners this way. It’s also a great way to make friends to go metal detecting with.

Online map resources:

http://www.oldmapsonline.org/

https://www.smarterhobby.com/recommends/ancestry/

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Hobby: Metal Detecting – Rechargeable Batteries

Rechargeable batteries will save time, cause less waste, and over time are much more affordable than non-rechargeable batteries. Most metal detectorists use rechargeable batteries and you should too! It just makes sense. Use them for your pinpointer too! Let’s look at some of our options below.

The Garrett rechargeable battery kit comes in at under $30 online. It offers a wall charger and comes with 2 9V Ni-MH batteries. This charger can be used with any Garrett metal detector that uses 9V batteries. This also works for other metal detectors that make use of the 9V batteries. The wall charger has an LED indicator light to let the user know when the unit is fully charging. Charging generally takes 8-10 hours for a full charge.

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Hobby: Metal Detecting – Carrying Case

Metal detectors can be expensive. Some detectors cost upwards of $10,000! Regardless if you’re metal detecting for the first time or you’re a veteran, Finding the correct bag for your detector is very important.

While out metal detecting its common to come across trash. Paper, plastic, and or scrap metal. It is always courteous and responsible to pick up and dispose of any trash you find. Finding the correct carrying case can be very important. Let’s take a look at some options.

Let’s first look at the Winbest Metal Detector Carrying Case. BARSKA manufactures great metal detectors already. Let’s see what their carrying bag has to offer.

The Winbest Metal Detector carrying case comes in at 45″ x 11″ and will fit most metal detectors. It’s been crafted in a soft but durable material. This reduces weight and protects your detector from scratches. It offers two zippered pouches and an adjustable shoulder strap. Two handles at the center if you’d prefer to carry it. Coming in at around $30 online, it’s a great and affordable purchase.

Let’s next take a look at the Garrett Soft Case,Universal Detector bag. It comes in at 50″ x 11″x so it too will fit most metal detectors. It’s material is lightweight and has been padded for extra protection. It offers a carrying handle and the option to use backpack straps. It also has 5 velcro pockets large enough to hold recovery tools, pin pointers , or even search coils. Coming at $85 online it is a bit more expensive but also offers more storage options.

Next up we’ll look at our options for rechargeable batteries.

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Hobby: Metal Detecting – Sand Scoops

Metal detectorists hunting beaches or in other sandy areas definitely need to have a sand scoop. It is vital for this environment as it allows to user to easily sift through sand to find their item. Whether you’re hunting the dry sand, the surf at low tide or ankle deep in salt water you will need a sand scoop.

A major thing to consider when buying a sand scoop is will your equipment resist the harsh elements. Sand scoops generally come in plastic , aluminum , or steel. Let’s take a look at a few options.

First off we’ll look at the Garrett Metal Sand Scoop. It comes in at 10 x 8 x 6 and weighs about 2 pounds. While 2 pounds might not sound like much; do keep in mind that you’ll be lugging it around the entire hunting trip. It comes with a short handle and is incredibly durable. The shorter handle allows the user to easily sift through sand to find their item. The shovel blade itself is very sharp and cuts through the sand with ease. It comes in at under $40 and if you’re hunting the beach or any other sandy environment it is an ideal tool.

Next up we’ll check out a plastic sand scoop option. Pro Hand Held Plastic Sand scoop comes in at a very affordable $13. It measures 14 x 3 x 5.5 and weighs only 11.8 ounces. The sifting holes are specifically designed to be smaller diameter than most coins. It does not offer sifting holes on the sides though. For being made of plastic it is surprisingly durable. I would recommend this scoop if you’re only an occasional beach hunter.

Finally, let’s look at an aluminum option. Whites Aluminum Sand Scoop weighs only 1 pound and it 12.6 x 9.8 x 7.9 inches. It offers a rubber grip and a reversible handle. The reversible handle is a really great feature as it gives users to option to dig in any direction. It works well in dry or wet sand and offers sifting holes on the bottom and sides. While the aluminum lessens the weight of the tool it isn’t quite as strong as steel. Avoid rocks are other materials other than sand or risk denting the shovel scoop.

Having the proper tool for the job is ever apparent with sand scoops. Be sure to find the right job for you and your environment. Next up we’ll take a look at protective gear for your metal detector.

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Hobby: Metal Detecting – Pouches and Bags

By now you’ve spent a good bit of money finding the perfect metal detector , a pinpointer , digger , and shovel but how are you going to carry all this and still be comfortable while hunting? The answer is clear! Find the best metal detecting bag you can find! Today we’ll look at a the relic metal detector pouch.

The Relic Elite Metal Detector pouch is always open. This allows the user to easily contain their tools while also leaving them easily accessible. The outside of the pouch offers a zippered pocket that can be used for smaller items such as your car keys or cell phone. On the inside of the pouch it has a 2 smaller pockets which can used for toothbrushes or other minor items. The bottom of the pouch has the option to have a mesh bottom or leather bottom. The mesh bottom while initially may not be the best option for users in more rugged environments but it does allow sand,mud , or other debris to fall from the items while you’re out hunting. The pouch has an over the shoulder option or a waistbelt option. Made from durable materials the Relic Elite Metal Detector Pouch can be found for around $50 online.

Next up we’ll look at sand scoop options..

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Hobby: Metal Detecting – Shovels

Once you’ve acquired your metal detector, your digger or trowel, the next step is finding a proper shovel. Shovels allow the user to dig wider and deeper holes. A proper shovel also allows the user to make a quick and clean recovery of items and allows the user to make less of a mess. This is especially important if you’re hunting in a park or a well-maintained lawn.

Lesche offers over 20 variants on their shovels. This is perfect for picking the correct tool for the job you’re faced with. Today we’ll focus on the Lesche Sampson Shovel.

The Lesche Sampson Shovel is lightweight and not bulky. It’s made from Aircraft quality Steel and is generally half the weight of a regular gardening shovel. It’s also smaller and shorter than your average gardening shovel. Using high quality aircraft steel also will cause less interference for your metal detector. It offers serrated edges that will cut through dirt and roots like a knife through butter.

The blade of the Lesche Sampson is at a right angle and allows the user to easily dig straight down. This produces smaller more exact digs while allowing the user to refill their holes much easier. It also has the option of a ball handle, a loop handle, or a T handle.

Because of it’s lightweight and blade design, using the shovel requires less energy to use. Which ultimately allows the user to hunt longer. Coming in at $70 it will pay for itself!

Next up we’ll check our storage options for our shovel and other equipment..

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Hobby: Metal Detecting – Diggers and Trowels

For the beginner metal detectorist, after acquiring your metal detector the next step is finding the right digger or trowel. Do not make the mistake of buying a cheap digger. The worst thing is being out in the middle of nowhere with a lot of hits and your digger breaking. Most general use trowels or diggers are made for lightweight gardening and simply aren’t durable enough for busting roots, thick weeds, and dry dirt.

One of the most popular digging tools on the market today is the Lesche Digging Tool. It offers a serrated blade on either the right or left side. Typically right-handed users will want the serrated blades on the right side and left-handed users will want the blades on the left side. This digger is specifically made for treasure hunting. Let’s take a closer look at the Lesche Digging tool.

The Lesche Digging Tool offers a large, comfortable, plastic handle. The handle is also ribbed so it doesn’t slide in your hand while digging. The handle is also bright red so its easier to see in the dark. It also offers a handle guard that protects your hand from sharp objects. The natural stabbing motion is also a lot easier on your hands. The blade is made of aircraft-quality steel and is incredibly durable.

The Lesche Digging Tool is 100% American made. It’s manufactured in Bridgeton, NJ and comes with a 5-year warranty. Lesche has been family owned since the 1950s by Walter Lesche and family. The Lesche Digging Tool can be found online for around $45.

Next we’ll look at shovel options..

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Hobby: Metal Detecting – Pinpointers

Most brand-new metal detectorists buy a metal detector, something to dig with, and maybe a pair of headphones. While these are the bare essentials of metal detecting one may want to consider buying a pinpointer.

A pinpointer allows the user to do exactly that. Pinpoint smaller items that a metal detector finds in a broad sweep. It allows the user to dig more precisely where the item is hidden. This also allows the user to fill in a smaller hole rather than one dug without the use of a pinpointer. In all, it will save you a lot of time and energy.

When choosing a pinpointer to be sure to take into account the area you’ll be hunting. Are you going to be metal detecting in poorly lighted areas or even at night? How deep do you think the items will generally be? Are you hunting in a public area? Maybe a pinpointer that has a vibration alert may be the best choice. Let’s take a look at a few options.

The newest pinpointer by Garrett is the Garrett Pro Pointer AT. The AT stands for all-terrain. This pinpointer can be used in up to 10 feet of water. Making it the perfect pinpointer for hunting creeks, rivers, lakes, ocean surf hunting, and even mud puddles in woods. The Garrett Pro Pointer AT provides three sensitivity modes. It also offers to ability to “retune” itself. Returning shrinks the detection signal for even more precise detection. It comes in at 6.5oz, has a 30-hour battery life and comes with a two-year warranty.


Next up is the Deteknix XPointer. Much smaller in size compared to the Garrett Pro Pointer AT. The price reflects this coming in at only $89. The strongest feature it offers is its ability to never give false positives. Not even when you apply pressure to the tip. It also offers an LED light that is much brighter than the Garrett. It comes in a variety of colors including black, orange, camo, or gray. The XPointer weights 4.7oz and comes with a one year warranty.

Pinpointers save time and energy. They’re generally inexpensive and will pay for themselves. Next up we’ll look at our options for diggers and trowels!

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Hobby: Metal Detecting – Headphones

Headphones are essential for metal detector enthusiasts. Many aspects need to be considered when choosing what pair to buy. Do the headphones offer stereo and mono capabilities? Not every metal detector has the option. Generally, metal detectors have a 1/4″ plug for headphones so you’ll need to ensure your headphones have that size plug. Many metal detectors don’t have a volume switch so finding headphones with a volume switch is very important. Good audio quality is important in allowing the user to hear hits on the metal detector. Some headphones offer dual volume controls for both ears. This is particularly useful if the user is deaf in one ear or you’re out with friends and want to stay social. Make certain that you like your headphones fit. You’ll be wearing them for some times hours at a time. Most importantly though, headphones need to be durable.

So which headphones are right for you? Let’s take a look at a couple.

1. Bounty Hunter metal detectors are favorites among hunters and the headphones they build are rated just as high. One thing to remember, though, is that Bounty Hunter headphones do not work with other brands of detectors, nor are they compatible with the brand BH Junior.

They are priced a little over $30. They have awesome sound quality and two volume controls. The headphones block outside noises very well.

On the negative side, the headphones don’t always arrive with a coiled cord. The straight cord may pull out of your detector easily and the volume control is not in a place that many people would find convenient.

2. The Treasure Wise headphones are only $20 so you can’t go wrong with this purchase. They feature the stereo/mono switch that you will want and can be used with any metal detector. There are two volume controls on them and a six-foot coiled cord makes it easy to lay down your detector and dig without unplugging your headphones.

While the sound quality is awesome, they are not quite as sturdy as some of the other headphones.

Whites is a name that many hunters know and trust. These headphones cost about $50, so they are a little more expensive than others we have talked about. However, they allow you to hear the tones for objects that are small and buried deep. There is a right and left volume control so you can adjust it to your needs and they are also very sturdy. One thing to keep in mind is that if you are using a White metal detector that was built before 1995, you will need a stereo/mono adapter.


Headphones are key to a successful and longer treasure hunting experience. They help conserve the battery life of your metal detector and give you a better listen when hunting for smaller objects. Keep in mind though, If you’re in an area where there is wildlife or other potential dangers it’s always a good idea to keep an open ear.

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Hobby: Metal Detecting – Essentials

  • Headphones – The use of headphones blocks out ambient noise. Doing so allows the user to hear alert tones easier. Headphones also provide the detectorists some privacy as the alert tones are played through the headphones and not out loud.
  • Pinpointer – Metal detectors are great for wide range scans but a pinpointer allows the user to know exactly where the alert tone is positioned. Using a pinpointer also allows the user to determine how deep the item is underneath the soil.
  • Trowel or Digger – Having the right tool for the right job is essential. Detectorists will want something for digging deep and straight down. This also allows the user to replace the removed soil and return the area to its original appearance.
  • Shovel – Shovels allow the user to dig wide holes. This is necessary for large finds. As a cardinal rule – Detectorists should always fill in holes that you dig and leave the area looking as though you were never there.
  • Pouch – Necessary to hold essential items or carry the loot you’ve found. Keep weight in mind.
  • Sand Scoop – Sand scoops are primarily needed for beach hunts or in other sandy areas. Imagine a ladle with holes in it. Sand scoops allow the user to sift through sand to find items.
  • Bag for Detector – Metal detector cases aren’t necessary but they do allow the detectorists to store other items and protect their gear.
  • Rechargeable Batteries – Be sure to have rechargeable batteries. In the long run, they’re more cost efficient and you wouldn’t want to find yourself in the middle of a great hunt only to run out of batteries.