Choosing your first detector
What features actually matter for a beginner — discrimination, ground balance, coil size, weight, waterproofing — without the brand hype.
Start detecting the right way.
Metal detecting is one of those hobbies where the first month teaches you more than any manual. These five guides cover what actually matters at the start: picking a machine that won't fight you, hunting where you're allowed, reading different ground, looking after your finds, and keeping your gear in shape. No brand hype, no miracle-finds promises — just the practical stuff.
Beginner's guides
Permissions and where to hunt
Check the rules first: public parks, beaches, schools, and private land all have their own permissions story. Here's how to sort it out.
Beaches vs. parks vs. fields
What each type of ground is like for a beginner — digging, trash levels, target types — and which to start with.
Cleaning and identifying your finds
Gentle cleaning that won't ruin a good find, and how to research what you've dug up once it's out of the ground.
Maintenance and accessories
Detector care, storage habits, and the few extras genuinely worth having — plus what can safely wait until later.