Essential Gear Needed to Start Metal Detecting
There is no getting around the fact that you will need some equipment in order to start searching for treasure while metal detecting.
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Below is a list of essential gear needed for metal detecting that will help get you out the door and digging your first signal.
I will also give you my top pick for the “do it all” package and I’ll also include several bonus items that will make your Detecting Life a bit easier, which will hopefully lead to more finds during your hunt. Links to these items are affiliate links and help support the blog.
Metal Detectors
My Minelab Excalibur II getting ready to hunt at Grand Haven, MI
This is the almighty and essential gear item for any detectorist’s arsenal, which of course comes with no shortage of options to choose from. A few things to ask yourself: What is my budget? Do I want something that is waterproof? Does the weight of the metal detector matter (you will be swinging it a lot) while using it? Are you looking for a “turn on and go” machine or do you want a detector with all the “bells and whistles?”
You’re in luck because no matter what your answers were to these questions, I’ve included a detector that will satisfy every category and style of hunter as well as plenty of other accessories that will keep you digging for years to come.
Minelab CTX 3030
The Minelab CTX 3030 is simply a workhorse. This metal detector has set the standard for all other detectors following it.
Tesoro Silver Umax
The Tesoro Silver Umax was actually my very first metal detector and it is the machine that got me hooked on treasure hunting. This machine is no longer being manufactured, so you’ll have to find one used if you’re looking to start with something simple.
Garrett AT Pro
The Garrett AT Pro would be compared to the Swiss Army Knife if I had to use a metaphor… Which I did! It has just about an answer for everything.
Minelab Excalibur II
The Minelab Excalibur II is a speciality detector and really caters to one type of treasure hunter.
Digging Tools
Garden Trowel
The garden trowel is a basic digging tool to get you started and may already be laying around your house.
Lesche Digging Tool
The lesche is a powerful digging tool that is easy to carry and extremely durable in even the toughest digging conditions.
Anaconda Digger Shovel
The anaconda shovel is great for harder, more compact soil and keeps diggers from having to bend down as much while also giving you more leverage when you dig.
Water Scoop
If you intend to metal detect in the water, invest in a good scoop like this one from CKG to help you recover those targets from the depths.
Bonus Items
While these following items are not necessary in order to be successful as a metal detectorist, they can be very beneficial if you choose to get in to this great hobby.
Finds Pouch
It’s always nice to have a place to store both your treasure and your trash while detecting throughout the day. Here are a couple of options below.
Pinpointer
This tool is not always necessary when out digging, but it can make recovery times quicker and allow for more precise digging to help eliminate damage to lawns.
Batteries
Face it… you can never have enough batteries when your out digging for treasure!
Display Case
Every pirate needs a way to display those beautiful bounties, so why not showcase them with pride?
Knee Pads
Some of the terrain is not so friendly to kneel down in when recovery a target or inspecting your treasure you just found. Plus, they can help keep the pants a little bit cleaner!
Gloves
I always recommend wearing gloves to help eliminate the risk of cuts on your hands. With rusty metal, nails, and even glass in the ground, you never know what you’ll be pulling out, so please protect yourself.
The Package
If you’re new to the hobby or a long time pull tabber, my recommended package for success would be to bundle the Garrett AT Pro, the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT, the Lesche Digger, a pair of gloves, a tool finds belt, and a set of knee pads.
The reason behind this recommendation is that the Garret AT Pro is so versatile as you are able to detect with it both on land and in the water should you wish to go that route, since it is rated up to 10 feet in depth (stock headphones not waterproof however). If it starts to rain on you and you’re out in the field, you don’t have to run back to the car to protect the machine. It’s quite durable so don’t worry about getting it muddy or sandy because again, you can just dip it in the water for a quick bath and we’re all clean!
If you do choose the AT Pro for water hunting, you’ll obviously want to grab yourself a solid water scoop and possibly a set of waterproof headphones, but until then, the above package of essential metal detecting gear will get you digging treasure in no time and you’ll also have some accessories for creature comfort to make digging just a little bit more enjoyable.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
