Metal Detecting Equipment and Gear: The Complete UK Guide

Choosing the Right Metal Detector
The detector itself is the cornerstone of your kit. Your choice should reflect your budget, preferred sites, and level of experience.
Entry-level detectors
Great for beginners, priced around £150–£300. Examples:

• Garrett Ace 250 / 300i – simple, reliable, and very popular with newcomers.

• Minelab Vanquish 340 – lightweight with good discrimination.

• Nokta Simplex+ – waterproof and packed with features at a low price.

Mid-range detectors
Better discrimination and depth, priced £400–£700. Examples:

• Garrett ACE Apex – multi-frequency, strong on coins and relics.

• Minelab Vanquish 540 – excellent performance for its price.

• Nokta Legend – fully waterproof, with advanced features.

High-end detectors
Advanced machines for experienced detectorists (£800–£1,200+). Examples:

• Minelab Equinox 900 – popular all-rounder, strong on beaches and inland sites.

• XP Deus II – lightweight, wireless, extremely customisable.

• Minelab Manticore – cutting-edge performance, designed for serious users.

What to look for

• Ground balance – essential for mineralised soil and wet sand.

• Discrimination modes – to distinguish good targets from iron.

• Operating frequency – single vs multi-frequency affects sensitivity.

• Coil size and shape – smaller coils for trashy areas, larger coils for depth.

• Waterproofing – vital for beach and river detecting.

• Weight and ergonomics – lighter detectors reduce fatigue.

Search Coils
The search coil plays a huge role in performance.

• Standard coils (8–11 inches) – good balance of depth and coverage.

• Small coils (4–6 inches) – great for iron-infested sites or tight spaces.

• Large coils (12+ inches) – ideal for depth and field coverage, but heavier.

• DD coils – provide better ground coverage and depth.

• Concentric coils – more precise pinpointing, but less effective in mineralised soil.

Many detectorists own multiple coils to adapt to different environments.
Pinpointers
A pinpointer is a handheld mini detector used to locate the exact position of a target once the hole is dug.
Popular models include:

• Garrett Pro-Pointer AT (“Carrot”) – waterproof and highly reliable.

• XP MI-6 – integrates wirelessly with XP Deus detectors.

• Minelab Pro-Find 35 – features ferrous tone ID.

Pinpointers save time, reduce soil disturbance, and make target recovery much faster.
Digging Tools
A sturdy digging tool is essential.
Spades

• Choose a flat-bladed spade, often shortened for easier use.

• Stainless steel is durable and resists rust.

• Serrated edges help cut through roots.

Trowels

• Useful for smaller holes and delicate recovery.

• Brands like Lesche and Draper are well-known among detectorists.

Sand scoops

• For beach detecting.

• Stainless steel or aluminium scoops with mesh holes allow sand to fall through, leaving the target behind.

What to avoid

• Garden forks – they risk damaging finds.

• Poor-quality spades – they bend or snap in hard soil.

Finds Storage and Protection
Once you’ve recovered a coin or artefact, it’s important to store it safely.

• Finds pouch or bag – keeps small items handy while you detect.

• Coin flips and envelopes – prevent coins from rubbing together.

• Plastic containers with padding – for fragile artefacts.

• Silica gel packs – help reduce moisture damage.

• Acid-free bags – recommended for long-term storage.

Never clean valuable finds immediately — especially coins. Over-cleaning can destroy patina and reduce historical and monetary value.
Clothing and Footwear
Detecting often means long hours outdoors in variable weather.

• Sturdy boots or wellies – waterproof with good ankle support.

• Waterproof trousers and jackets – essential in the British climate.

• Gloves – protect from sharp objects and cold weather.

• Knee pads – reduce strain when kneeling repeatedly.

• Hat and sunscreen – for hot summer days.

Comfortable clothing makes detecting more enjoyable and keeps you safe in all conditions.
Headphones and Audio Gear
Many detectors come with built-in speakers, but headphones provide clearer audio and help identify faint signals.

• Wired headphones – reliable and affordable, though can snag.

• Wireless headphones – give more freedom of movement.

• Bone-conduction headphones – allow awareness of surroundings, useful for beach detecting.

Look for headphones designed specifically for metal detecting — they’re often waterproof, rugged, and have volume controls tailored to detectors.
Backpacks and Carrying Gear
Carrying your detector and accessories requires organisation.

• Detector backpacks – padded and sized for machines and coils.

• Finds pouches – hip-mounted for easy access.

• Utility belts – keep pinpointers, spades, and bags within reach.

• Rally bags  – larger packs for all-day digs, including water and food.

GPS and Recording Tools
Accurate recording is vital for responsible detecting.

• Handheld GPS units – give precise coordinates of find spots.

• Smartphone apps – e.g., OS Maps, What3Words, or dedicated detecting apps.

• NCMD app – includes digital membership cards and a logging feature.

• Field notebooks – useful backup for recording grid references, notes, and sketches.

This information is important for both your own research and reporting to FLOs.
Cleaning and Conservation Tools
While finds should not be over-cleaned, some gentle tools help stabilise items.

• Soft brushes – for removing loose soil.

• Toothpicks or bamboo picks – for cleaning crevices gently.

• Distilled water – safe for rinsing many finds.

• Conservation waxes – protect bronze or copper items after cleaning.

• Magnifying glasses or loupes – useful for coin detail inspection.

If in doubt, consult an FLO before cleaning significant finds.
Specialist Gear for Beaches
Beach detecting requires dedicated kit.

• Waterproof detectors – e.g., Minelab Equinox or Nokta Legend.

• Sand scoops – stainless steel or lightweight carbon fibre.

• Waders or waterproof boots – for working in surf zones.

• Waterproof headphones – vital for machines used in shallow water.

Wet salt sand is challenging, so multi-frequency detectors are usually best.
Insurance and Paperwork
Equipment also means carrying the right documents.

• NCMD membership card – provides £10m liability insurance.

• Permission letters – always carry a copy when detecting.

• ID and contact details – recommended in case of emergencies.

Advanced Gear for Serious Detectorists
For those who want to go further:

• Drone cameras – to survey fields for crop marks and features.

• Magnetometers – specialist archaeological kit (not common for hobbyists).

• Extra coils – switching between sizes for different conditions.

• Battery packs and chargers – essential for long digs and rallies.

• Headlamps or torches – useful if finishing late in the field.

Building Your Detecting Kit: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Start with the basics – detector, spade, pouch, NCMD membership.

2. Add a pinpointer – saves time and effort.

3. Upgrade your digging tools – invest in quality stainless steel.

4. Protect your finds – carry coin flips and small containers.

5. Improve your comfort – headphones, gloves, and knee pads.

6. Expand your gear – sand scoop for beaches, GPS for accurate logging.

7. Refine over time – tailor your kit to your sites and style.

Common Questions About Equipment and Gear
Do I need an expensive detector to start?
No. Entry-level machines around £200 are excellent for beginners.
What’s the most important accessory?
Most detectorists agree a pinpointer is the single most useful accessory after the detector itself.
Can I use a normal spade?
You can, but detecting spades are stronger, lighter, and easier for cutting neat plugs.
Do I need waterproof gear?
In the UK, yes — weather changes fast, and many great sites are on wet land or beaches.
How should I store my finds at home?
Use acid-free bags, coin flips, or plastic containers. Avoid harsh cleaning.
Conclusion: Equip Yourself for Success
Metal detecting is more enjoyable and productive when you have the right gear. From your first detector and spade to pinpointers, headphones, and storage solutions, each item adds to your comfort, efficiency, and responsibility in the field.
The best kit is not necessarily the most expensive — it’s the gear that matches your sites, your experience level, and your style of detecting. Start simple, upgrade gradually, and always keep the basics covered: a good detector, reliable digging tools, safe storage for finds, and insurance through the NCMD.
With the right equipment and respect for the law, every trip into the field becomes a chance to discover history. Prepare well, carry the right gear, and enjoy the thrill of uncovering Britain’s hidden past.