If you’ve ever seen someone wandering around town with a strange contraption in hand and wondered what the heck they were doing, it’s likely they were either metal detecting or engaging in some sort of criminal activity….
But for the sake of argument, let’s say they were metal detecting. You might have thought it looked strange, something you certainly wouldn’t try. Well, I’m here to tell you that if that’s the case…you’re really missing out!
Metal detecting is one of those hobbies that most people know about–but not everyone has tried it.
If you’re someone who’s never tried metal detecting before, there are a few things you’ll need to consider before embarking on your metal detecting adventure.
Buying the Metal Detector
Metal detectors range in price from around $50 to over $1000. Before purchasing a metal detector, there are a few questions you’ll want to ask yourself.
What’s Your Purpose?
Different kinds of metal detectors are made for different kinds of detecting. Are you most interested in coin collecting? If so, a multi-purpose detector will do.
Are you planning on detecting on a beach? Then make sure you purchase a detector made–you guessed it–for the beach. It’s really as simple as that.
How Much of a Detector are You?
Is metal detecting your new full-time job? Or are you going to try it just a few times a year? If you’re serious about metal detecting, a more expensive detector might be ideal. However, there are plenty of quality affordable options out there as well.
As a last point of advice, choose a well-established brand. Search online for customer reviews and consider several options before purchasing a detector.
Other Tips for Beginners
Know your area
Part of the fun in metal detecting is the opportunity to explore new areas. Map out places around town that you think might be ripe with “treasure” before embarking on your metal detecting adventure.
Enjoy the junk hunt
Let’s face it: you may find some gems, but you’re also going to find a lot of junk along the way. Metal detecting can be extremely rewarding, but it may be frustrating if you go home empty handed. The best way to overcome the frustration is to enjoy the junk hunt. It’s all part of the experience!
When and Where to Go
While you can go virtually any time, consider your personal preferences. If you hate bad weather, don’t force yourself to go just because you bought the metal detector the day before. On the other hand, if you hate crowds, a rainy day might be the perfect time to go. Metal detecting is a hobby which tends to get noticed. If the attention bothers you, go in the early morning or even nighttime when there wont be crowds.
For beginners, the best place to practice might your own backyard! That way you can get the hang of it before going out into the “real world.” After you’ve mastered the yard, venture out into town. If there’s a beach nearby, you’re in luck! Beaches are favorites for metal detector hobbyists.
Good luck!
🙂 Thanks for the advice. I bought my metal detector yesterday.
Thanks for the great article on metal detecting – it is a fun hobby that I really enjoy. I presently have a Fisher Gold Bug – it is an older model but gets the job done. I have been considering upgrading my equipment, so your post was timely.
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Hello, And thanks for the great article, because people “JUST DON~T KNOW” Metal detecting is a great and wonderful hobby! I have a white`s DFX detector, its one of the best on the market. It is a great machine! I`ve been detecting for many years, many places, and found many things, the 2009 christmas holidays comes rolling around so I tin-to give myself a break from the hobby and enjoy the season, well the new year comes in “2010”. It January, kinda cold in Maryland I got the metal detecting fever since its been awhile so I go to a place where I`ve detected before…”little hot spot with some history” Its January 1st, I start to detect just a few feet from my truck, I get a strong 82 on the VDI scale (Only some of you know what that means) which tells me that I might have me a silver dime 4 inches down!? First dig of the year! Well what do you know a 1944 mercury dime!! It`s going to be a good year for metal detecting!! SO learn the hobby and go get your detector today!! 🙂
hey there folks t. daniels from columbia sc. i’m very new to the hobby i got a prism three just b-4 christmas i’ve been here and there with it not to happy withit maybe it’s me but they say you can press on and go – yeah go get a lot of trash here one some-1 can explain to me – i’m swinging the coil all of a sudden beep-beep 2-4″ down i start digging there is a root in the way so i think the target is below the root so i keep digging now were 4-6″ down still see nothing so i check hole-dirt pile hahaha even the root the beeping vanishes what up with that ???? ( the root i’m talking about is 1-2″ i will try to cut it out of the way) i would like to try it at the beach i may have better luck there
hey folks I’m back just wanted to let you all know i just bought a whites pin pointer-2 boy does it save a lot of time. now i don’t have to pick the big clummies metal detector to search the hole dirt pile and plug it is so much easier now. just because i use want i do doesn’t mean the others ain’t no good they all work pretty much the same ???
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Hey, I live in a small town of 600 people surrounded by other small towns. Do you think I would be able to find anything of worth here? Thanks for your time.
-Leif