In 1874, when the French inventor Gustave Trouvé developed an instrument capable of detecting small metal objects inside human patients, the idea of a metal detector for all purposes began to grow inside curious minds all around the world.

Later, in 1881, Alexander Graham Bell built a small device in an attempt to locate a bullet inside the chest of the American President James Garfield, and a metal detector was finally born in the U.S.

Since then, metal detectors have been used by all kinds of people for a wide variety of activities, ranging from identifying buried unexploded bombs after World War 1, to looking for gold pieces buried in the neighbor’s backyard.

Metal detectors have been used all over the world throughout History, providing their users with interesting surprises and incredibly important findings. Let’s take a look at 5 of the most famous and valuable treasures ever found using a metal detector:

Spanish Gold Coins

Found in Florida’s Atlantic Coast in 2015, gold coins from a 1715 Spanish shipwreck were discovered by the diver William Bartlett and his team.

The haul is estimated to be worth around $4.5 million.

Staffordshire Hoard

In 2009, when using his metal detector in Hammerwich, Staffordshire, Terry Herbert stumbled upon what is now considered the greatest hoard of Anglo-Saxon gold and silver objects ever found throughout History.

The Staffordshire Hoard includes more than 3.500 items, most of them military metalworks, and amounts to 11.23 lbs. of gold and 3.18 lbs. of silver. Its estimated value is around $5.3 million.

Derrynaflan Hoard

Around 1980, Michael Webb and his son found an incredible treasure while exploring the ancient Irish Derrynaflan monastic site with their metal detector.

The Derrynaflan hoard consists of 5 liturgical vessels: one chalice, commonly known as Derrynaflan Chalice, one silver paten, a strainer, a small hoop, and a bronze basin.

This is currently considered one of the most important archaeological findings in Ireland, and its value is estimated in around $7.2 million.

Grouville Hoard

In June 2012, Reg Mead and Richard Miles found an incredibly large hoard of ancient Roman and Celtic coins, while diligently searching a field in Jersey, one of the British Channel Islands. They had been searching that field for more than 30 years until they finally discovered the treasure.

The hoard weighs more than 1,650 lbs. and contains more than 70.000 coins. It’s currently valued between $15.8 and $18.3 million and is considered one of the largest masses of Iron Age coins in all of Europe.

Black Swan Project

In 2007, employees of the American salvage company Odyssey Marine Exploration used several metal detectors in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 180 miles off the west coast of Portugal, to search for remains of the Spanish navy frigate Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes.

They found around 17 tons of gold and silver coins, worth $500 million. The coins have been claimed by the Spanish government and are currently being displayed in several Spanish public museums.

Although being a very fun activity that almost anyone can do, metal detecting also requires specific equipment and special attention to a few details. So, either if you’re a beginner trying to figure out what you need, or you’re just looking to update your equipment and method, here are some simple tips that can help you choose new equipment and/or decide what equipment you should use. 

What Essential Metal Detecting Kit Do You Need?

For any successful metal detecting expedition, whether long or short, there are always essential things you need to have with you. Let’s look at the most essential gear you need.

• Metal detector

Seems obvious, right? Metal detecting without an actual metal detector might be a very hard task. However, choosing the most appropriate detector for you might be a challenge, if you don’t know what you should be looking for.

Before considering buying any, there are a few questions you should answer:

• Where do you intend to go metal detecting, and how frequently?
• Do you want to search for specific materials or items?
• What is your budget?
• What is your level of experience?

The answers to these questions are crucial, because they determine what type of metal detector will best fit your needs.

For example, if you live near water, or intend to do most of your hunting in beaches, lakes, and so on, you will need a waterproof equipment that won’t stop working as soon as it gets wet. If you need to find objects that are buried deep, either in water or land, your best option is to acquire a detector with high power. Also, if you intend to go metal detecting very frequently, and will probably carry the metal detector around or bring it with you to travel abroad, make sure it’s as light as possible, shock resistant, and that can be separated into easy-to-carry parts.

Finally, consider the two last questions. If you’re highly experienced, you can purchase a more complex equipment with tons of different functionalities, but if you’re a beginner you’ll probably be better off buying a simpler equipment with a friendly learning curve.

Finally, buy the equipment which best suits your needs within your own budget. Take your time to read reviews, specifications, ask questions and get unbiased and comprehensive answers. You won’t regret it.

• Protective case for your metal detector

Even if you’re not going hunting very far away or for a long time, an appropriate case to carry your metal detector is essential.

Besides making it easier to carry the detector, it protects against shocks or other physical aggression. It’s a good option to invest in a resistant, waterproof, and easy to carry case.

• Batteries

Having extra batteries for your metal detector is important. Choose rechargeable batteries, which prevent you from having to keep buying new ones.

• Digging and/or scooping tool

If you’re planning to hunt on land, you’ll most definitely need a shovel. Choose one that’s light and not very large (so it’s easy to carry, or drag), but at the same time strong, resistant, and relatively long. It may help if you know exactly which type of soil you’ll be digging in, but still these are basic characteristics you need to look for.

Also, choose one with a small head; it’s not advisable to dig huge holes on the ground. For small areas, consider having a trowel.

For metal detecting on the beach, bring a scooping tool with you. They’re generally smaller than a shovel, don’t need to be as strong or resistant, but you should choose a material that is resistant to salt water.

• Backpack/pouch/bag

There are two items here:

• Choose a pouch to store your findings, but first consider what type of objects you’re looking for. You can have a small pouch if you’re searching for, say, gold or coins, but you’ll need a bigger bag for larger items.
• Have a backpack/bag to carry the rest of your equipment. Consider the size and shape of your equipment. Also, pay attention to whether the bag material is resistant (water resistant even, if you’re planning to hunt in beaches or near-water sites), and how light it is; remember, you’ll have to carry it along with the rest of the gear.
• Appropriate clothing and accessories

Choosing the appropriate clothing and accessories is also essential. Safety first!

• Look for a nice, resistant, comfortable pair of gloves, to keep your hands clean and safe. Also, if you’re planning to visit a rocky region, tunnels or caves, consider taking a protective helmet.
• Remember to have resistant and comfortable shoes that will allow you to walk for hours on all types of terrain, step on the shovel to dig if necessary, and, as a golden rule, that don’t have any metal on them.
• For near-water hunting, take appropriate shoes (rubber boots are always a good choice, since they’re waterproof and tall, but don’t forget they have to be comfortable) and waterproof clothes, if possible.
• If you’re going to spend a lot of time in very dusty or windy places, protective goggles can also be useful. And if you’re planning to stay under the sun for a long time, a hat and sunglasses can be helpful and make your journey more comfortable and safer.
• Also, if you want to keep small things at hand (like batteries, a first-aid kit, GPS, pinpointer, or just a small pouch), consider buying a nice utility belt that serves your needs.

Optional equipment

If you have the budget, the means, and want to bring your metal detecting activities to the next level, there are a few additional pieces of equipment that can make your life easier and your hunts more efficient.

• Pinpointer

Although not essential, a pinpointer is always a very useful piece of equipment to complement your gear. It works as a precision tool, to help locate smaller items or simply just pinpoint an item’s exact location.

Since it’s usually small and light (two very important features you should be looking for), make sure it has distinctive identifying features like, for example, a shocking color and/or a mode that emits sound if not handled for some time while on ON mode, so it can be easily located if you drop it in the water or any other place where it’s difficult to see.

Also, when choosing a pinpointer, it’s always best to choose one that is waterproof. Especially if you intend to hunt at high depths, make sure you choose an equipment that is appropriately submersible, and not one that just slightly resists being dropped on water.

If you have some experience in the field or are planning to hunt in different kinds of terrain, having different sensitivity modes that can be manually adjusted is also very helpful.

Moreover, some pinpointers also have nice features like a built-in scrapping tool and/or a flashlight (you may also consider buying these items in separate, since they’re useful) to help you locate and dig items with more precision.

• Headphones

Having an appropriate and comfortable headphone set allows you to keep the sounds to yourself, not bothering anyone that is around you, but also allowing you to easily hear more subtle sounds coming from the detector.

The main features to look for in a good set of headphones are comfort (usually translated in extra ear cushioning, that fits your ear shape well) and a considerable cord length (around 6ft or more), so you can move freely and still connect to the detector. Also, choose a set that allows you to manually control the sound volume.

One better option, if you have the means, is to buy a metal detector with headphones included (ideally, wireless), or one with a Bluetooth function that allows you to purchase a set of wireless headphones to use in your hunts.

• Cutting tool

Imagine finding an item buried among tree roots. In this scenario, among others, having some kind of cutting tool with you is essential. Usually, a serrated knife works best; make sure it’s a resistant and sturdy material, but not very big, so you can use it in small holes and objects.

On the other hand, if you know you’re going to need a bigger tool, you can opt for a small axe. Don’t forget to make sure it’s portable and easy to carry around.

Although these are the most important pieces of equipment you can have in a metal detecting expedition, it’s important to always choose what best fits your needs. You don’t necessarily have to have all of them, but when you decide to choose, it’s best to be well-informed and take your time to review and compare your options. Consider reading other users’ reviews, ask more experienced hunters for advice, ask plenty of questions to the sellers before you buy anything. A good and appropriate choice will save you lots of time and make your life easier, so it’s better to take your time and choose wisely.

Whether metal detecting is a steady income source, or just a hobby you love (or intend to explore), there are always a few basic things to have in mind. Here we present some basic advice for those who want to start, or continue, metal detecting activities in 2019.

The basics

First, let’s start with the basics. For those of you who’ve been doing metal detecting for some time, this is basic info you need to remember, and for everyone who’s beginning, these basic advices may help you a lot:

• Choose your equipment well and familiarize yourself with it before you start hunting for treasure. This is will make the task easier and more enjoyable.
• Leave each place (more or less) how you found it. Fill the holes you dug, don’t leave trash behind and don’t destroy or deteriorate property.
• Go where the people are. Or better yet, go where people have been at for a very long time. There are plenty of places, ranging from historical sites to gardens, parks and beaches, where many people usually spend or have spent a lot of time, and that are likely to be filled with all kinds of treasures lost over the years.
• Besides knowing where to go, it’s also very important to know how to do it. And we’re not referring to the equipment or methods used, but to knowing if, where, and when, you’re allowed to do it. For example, for most historical or archaeological sites, it’s usually prohibited to use metal detectors. Same goes for private properties without the owners’ consent, or certain state parks without a license. Make sure you know the law. Only after securing everything you need can you start selecting where to go.

Best place choices for 2019

First, make you sure you have a license if one is needed, or the owner’s permission if you’re looking at a private site. Also, if you’re not in the U.S., make sure you know the laws of the country/region you’re in. Once you know all the basics, time to explore! Here a few good choices for metal detecting in 2019:

• Yours or nearby properties. This is a basic one. Before thinking about digging anywhere else, make sure you know what’s in your backyard. If you can get your neighbor’s permission, checking theirs is also a good option. You don’t have to travel far, and chances are you may find more than you were initially expecting.
• Beaches. This is also a basic choice. Beaches are the places where many people pass by, practice sports or just relax, so chances are there are plenty of things dropped, posteriorly hidden away by the sand and wind, or even brought in by the tides. You can search near the places where towels are usually placed, but also in sand dunes, low-tide places or activity areas (like beach football, volleyball, or jogging).

Also, make sure you find a balance. Overcrowded beaches are likely to be visited by too many metal detecting aficionados and people may feel bothered; on the other hand, secluded beaches are not visited by that many people, so there probably won’t be many hidden treasures. Also, unless you have explicit authorization from the owners, avoid private beaches.

• Popular parks, gardens, trails, forests and camping sites are also good basic choices. Many people pass by, doing various activities like jogging or dog walking, and items are often dropped or lost. In this case, you also need to be aware of the existing laws regarding metal detecting in such places.
• River banks or shallow ponds. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, near-water sites are great for treasure hunting. People often drop things in the water, or items are dragged by the currents, so you might find some interesting things.

The same goes for coastal regions; in this case, make sure to go in low-tide periods. Always remember to check how deep the water is, and if the water is clean enough! Health and safety first.

• Post-storm or natural disaster sites. Although this one is not for the faint-hearted and may seem like it’s a bit creepy, it’s a good option. After violent weather, various items are spread all over the region or even dug up from below, so you may find interesting things.

Just make sure you can manage going past a site that has seen hurricanes, floods, major storms or other natural disasters without feeling discouraged or sad.

• Abroad vacation sites. If you’re planning vacations abroad and you would like to include some metal detecting in your schedule, there are a few places in the world which usually don’t have any restrictions whatsoever when it comes to this activity.

Visit places like the Canary or Caribbean Islands, Maldives, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, Kenya or Thailand, where metal detection is generally allowed by law.

• Sports sites, concert halls, or other places where mass events occur. Major sports events are probably where the highest amount of people gather on a consistent basis. Therefore, stadiums and surrounding areas are very good places to explore. Familiarize yourself with the most popular sports in the region you’re planning to explore, and the scheduled activities.

According to the estimates, in 2019 the most popular sports in the U.S. will be American football, baseball, basketball and ice hockey, so check the areas where these events are usually held. If you’re in Europe, soccer (also known as football) is by far the most popular sport. If the laws of each country or region allow, explore football stadiums and surrounding areas, ideally after each game (but before the area is completely cleaned). If you’re in Asia or Australia, try the places where soccer, cricket, motor-sport, martial arts, or tennis competitions usually occur.

You can also explore other places for popular mass activities, like concert sites, athletic competitions or others. Chat with the locals, inform yourself about the most popular activities/sites and schedules of that region or country.

Happy hunting!

If your child is into adventure walks and looking for treasure on the beach, you might want to invest in a metal detector for them. Metal detectors are a great tool to add intrigue and excitement to any walk or hike and can be fun even in your own backyard. While there are real metal detectors and toy metal detectors, this article will focus on showcasing the top 5 real metal detectors for children, looking at the features of the top metal detectors, why these are are good for children (specifically), and finally, we’ll look at accessories for each model reviewed.

Bounty Hunter GOLD-PL Gold Digger Metal Detector

Features:

• Extendable handle

• Weighs only 2.2lbs

• Has a weather resistant coil to detect metal in the ground

• 5-year limited warranty against defects and workmanship

• Targets up to 2 feet deep depending on metals in the area

Accessories:

The Bounty Hunter Gold-PL Gold Metal Detector comes with headphones, which makes finding treasure even easier for children. It also comes with a battery life indicator, so you don’t miss out on opportunities to find metal with your children.

Why it’s Good for Children:

This metal detector has an extendable handle that allows children of varying heights to use it while combing the beach for coins and other treasures. Because it’s lightweight, even smaller children can carry this metal detector around the beach and streets looking for gold coins or other metal objects. It requires 2 batteries, but they are easily found in any department store, or you can even buy them online when you purchase the metal detector. This device offers an easy to use and easy to read knob-style control interface that is attached to the handle of the detector, and it has a speaker in the interface so you can hear whether or not you have found metal in the ground.

Sale

Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector

• The Gold Digger can be used anywhere to search for all kinds of valuable metal from gold coins to iron relics
• Motion all-metal mode and trash elimination control help you find only the treasure you want
• Identifies coin-size objects up to 6 inches deep underground, and senses larger items up to 2 feet deep
• Includes headphones for private searches in crowded places
• Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

$99.95 - $51.96 $47.99

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Bounty Hunter TK4-PL Tracker IV Metal Detector

Features:

• Weighs less than 5lbs

• Adjustable rod for varying heights of children

• Waterproof coil

• Made in the USA

• 5-year limited warranty against manufacturing defects

• 3 operation modes

• Target range from 8 inches to 2 feet deep

Accessories:

This metal detector doesn’t come with extra accessories, but the quality of the detector itself is worth considering when making your purchase. Most children have a pair of headphones at home anyway, so it’s not a showstopper that this metal detector doesn’t come with headphones.

Why it’s Good for Children:

The ergonomic handle on this metal detector makes it easy for children to hold and support while they search for metal. A deeper range of detection means more opportunity for children to find metal and be excited by the activity. With the ability to discern between metal and trash, the Bounty Hunter TK4-PL Tracker IV Metal Detector provides more opportunity for children to have successful metal hunting trips. A built-in speaker means children have the option to wear headphones or listen through the knob-style control panel.

Sale

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

• Rugged metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions
• Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode.Larger objects up to 3 feet
• Preset ground balance neutralizes response to mineral content in the ground
• Disc/notch control distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals
• 6.7 kHz operating frequency

$129.95 - $29.99 $99.96

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INTEY Metal Detector

Features:

• Easy to read control panel

• Weighs about 5 lbs

• 4 operating modes

• Detects up to 8 inches below the surface

• Waterproof coil for streams and shallow pool detection

• Bonus shovel for digging when your detector goes off!

• 2-year warranty

Accessories:

The INTEY metal detector comes with a convenient shovel and carrying case for easy portability. The case fits snuggly around the metal detector to protect it when in transport.

Why it’s Good for Children:

This lightweight metal detector provides an easy to read control panel that means even little children without developed reading skills can follow. It uses arrows to point to indications of metal detection. The shovel makes it fun for children to dig once they find something in the ground based on the detection signals from the control panel. This is a good entry-level metal detector for children because it comes with four operation modes and children can play around with it to try to get readings from different materials. There is also a bright LCD screen for easy readability for older children.

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INTEY Classic Metal Detector - Lightweight Gold Digger with Pinpoint Function/Waterproof Search Coil -High Accuracy Metal Detectors Plus Folding Shovel/Rucksack (Min Length: 30In; Max Length: 40In)

• There're two modes for choosing, all metal mode and disc mode.
• Metal can be detected once coil approach it, and there's beep sound to remind you.
• Press the red button of pinpoint, move kit slowly, and release button when it beeps.
• Both the adjustable stem and the coil at the end are waterproof, so you can search for lost metal items at the bottom of a shallow pool or stream.
• There's an audio jack provides you a chance to search treasury in noisy street or beach, free of being disturbed and the volume can be modulated.

$99.99 - $35.22 $64.77

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Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector

Features:

• Large waterproof coil
• 2-year warranty
• Digital target information on large LCD screen
• Weighs about 5 lbs
• Internal speaker and headphone jack
• Adjustable handle

Accessories:

This metal detector comes with batteries, an instruction manual, and adjustable headphones from the manufacturer.

Why it’s Good for Children:

The Garrett ACE 200 metal detector is great for children because it comes ready to use straight out of the box: it comes with batteries! Children can set the handle height for themselves, and it is lightweight for easy portability. Headphones make it easy to explore and hear the detection sounds and children will enjoy the bright color of the metal detector itself. A bright LCD display with large format numbers provides quick access to information when a child is on the hunt.

Sale

Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector with Waterproof Search Coil and Treasure Sound Headphone

• Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector with 6.5" x 9" Waterproof Coil, Garrett Treasure Sound Headphones, Instruction Manual, Batteries, and a Two-Year Warranty
• New Digital Target ID: 0 to 99 scale offers target information
• New Camlocks for increased stem stability
• New Includes Pulse-Width Modulation audio: sharper, more responsive audio
• Light weight with big performance at a small price

$219.90 - $33.00 $186.90

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National Geographic PRO Series Metal Detector

Features:

• Collapsible handle

• Lightweight – only 2.3 lbs!

• Large detection coil

• No assembly required

• Easy to read LCD display

• Reach up to 10 inches in depth

Accessories:

The National Geographic Pro Series detector doesn’t come with any accessories; however, it does come with an instructional manual.

Why it’s Good For Children:

Backed by a brand parents trust to be educational, this metal detector comes ready to use right out of the box because it does not require any assembly. This metal detector has the largest coil detection head of the five metal detectors reviewed. The lightweight aluminum structure makes it easy for children to move around quickly, and the collapsible nature of the product means it can fit in a suitcase or in the car with ease.

Sale

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector - Ultimate Treasure Hunter with Pinpointer, Large Waterproof 10" Coil - Lightweight and Collapsible for easy travel

• FIND BURIED TREASURE and feel the thrill of discovery when you locate cool artifacts like Gold, Coins, Jewelry, Tools and more!
• EASY TO USE for all ages, sizes and skill levels from beginner to advanced. Just unfold and go.
• COMPACT, LARGE WATERPROOF 10" COIL, LIGHTWEIGHT and collapses to just 22 inches and 2 lbs. Great for travel!
• PACKED WITH PRO FEATURES including 3 detection modes, 4 sensitivity levels and a pinpoint location feature to help you distinguish trash from treasure as deep as 12 inches
• 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED - National Geographic stands behind this Pro Series Metal Detector with a TWO-YEAR warranty.

$159.99 - $16.00 $143.99

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Choosing the Right Metal Detector for Your Child

All of these metal detectors are good introductory products for children interested in searching for coins or other precious metals. Their price range makes purchasing them for children easy, and the warranties give parents a sense of relief when investing in a product like these. The standards are the same for all of them: adjustable handles, easy to read screens, multiple sounds and price points are close. If we have to pick a clear winner, it would be the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector because of all the extra accessories it comes with including batteries, so children to start using it right away, the color of it and the sturdiness of the product, making it more interactive for children.

There’s no way to know what will be found, as who knows what’s buried below your feet? This is what’s fun about treasure hunting…

Every expedition is a surprise and, if you recall yourself as a child on Christmas morning, anticipation is something they love.

In this article, I’ll highlight six remarkable benefits to children who metal detect–all to do with health.

#1 Physical – Exercise is essential for all children.

The first and foremost benefit… Metal detecting gets the child up and about out of the chair and their heads, and into their body, nature and the living breathing world.

There’ll be lots of surprises and opportunities to dig into dirt. It’s also an excuse to spend time disconnected from technology, where you can talk about many things in your surroundings and how you are connected to it and the past.

An excuse to banter–an excuse to bond–as you explore new territories together. This is something any child likes to do, boy or girl… At that age, the world is full of marvels and wonders–possibilities. Metal detecting simply increases the dimension of investigation and exploration of the world, down into that hidden beneath his or her feet.

It’s however, a good idea to think about ways of combining activities. For example, maybe you could go to the beach, the park, a lake and combine metal detecting into the experience–with a swim, picnic or adventure walk. So, if your location isn’t rich with targets, you have other things to do (public places are also more likely to contain targets).

#2 Contextual problem-solving!

‘…there is nothing more surreal and nothing more abstract than reality’—Giorgio Morandi

Prompt curiosity and independent investigation, as well as creativity, through exposure to the environment. A geology lesson of sorts… Children learn to pay attention to different kinds of soil and rock and how they differ by location and the kinds of objects they discover.

This is a hands-on form of self-education. For example, digging for targets teaches children about the link between now and the past in a direct way. Finding an old coin or penny or ring offers the child a type of context that is fast becoming uncommon in the age of cloud connectivity.

There are many psychological reasons why it’s important children understand their place in history. One, is it raises questions in the child’s mind of life throughout time. What better way is there to build a genuine curiosity about the world that will blossom throughout the child’s life, than by a hands-on discovery of old worlds?

There’s a game adults play with babies, called peekaboo. That baby has no concept of what a hand is. When her parent covers his face with this unknown object, for her, this is an existential shift in reality. The disappearance of her safety figure; then a sudden re-emergence… Before the baby cries in shock, the parent reveals his face and the baby cries out in laughter.

What better way to prompt investigation into the ancient Romans or rural life in your city 200 years ago, once that baby grows older? As adults, we can forget the thrill that comes with discovering unknown worlds. For you, an old coin might be a gold you could sell. For the child, they are Indiana Jones discovering ancient scrolls, precious stones and long-lost trinkets from a not-yet-discovered time in history.

Finding your target also requires some level of ingenuity. You probably couldn’t train a dog to metal detect; there are too many nuances. The child needs to use creative imagination. In order to improve at being able to detect specific objects, the child needs to imagine the object they are looking for and then to associate the correct strategy for finding that object.

For example, the chances of finding a gold nugget in thick grass is very low, however the chances of finding a ring or ear-ring in a public place of relaxation is much higher.

#3 Long-term Happiness

Items hidden in the belly of the ground, discovered by the child, raises her sense of ability to discover the unknown through perseverance, patience and tact.

You might say that this is a naïve sort of reward. However, as books like Deep Work by Cal Newport suggest, such stoic characteristics are becoming increasingly rare at exactly the same time that they’re becoming increasingly in-demand (for e.g. in terms of employment).

Training your child to spend long stretches of time scanning for treasures trains them to focus on one task and to see it through, even when there is no immediate payoff. The reverse of this is obviously social media and mobile phone apps.

These apps have become so dangerous in terms of spiking dopamine that Silicon Valley programmers have switched to using flip phones, which have no ability to run sophisticated apps–even though these programmers are the people creating these apps!

The reason for this switch could be summarized by pediatric endocrinologist Robert Lustig, from his 2017 interview with evolutionary behavioral scientist Gad Saad, as a misunderstanding between pleasure and happiness. In his own words:

‘I believe that we have as a society misconstrued and conflated these two positive emotions–pleasure and happiness… in fact they are not the same… Pleasure is dopamine and happiness is serotonin.

Now, this may mean nothing to non-biochemists, but there are two different pathways in the brain and they are overlapping, but they are clearly distinct, and they have different regulatory mechanisms….The more pleasure you seek the more unhappy.’

Essentially, this is the difference between a bottle of Coca-Cola and a glass of water. One issues a spike in energy, pleasure and non-satiation. The other (water) lowers your chances of headaches and gives you the energy you need to focus steadily.

#4 Practice in Learning New Skills

Even a basic metal detector will have options on it that can be twiddled–in which the child can adjust if they want to improve their outcome.

In more complex detectors, there are advanced options like the “ground balance” function to eliminate feedback from mineralization from salty earth, for e.g. sand. The child will also practice paying attention to small details like distance of the scanner from the ground, listening attentively for any signal of detection.

Or using the “pinpoint function” to hone in on a potential target… Many of these skills also raise questions, particularly for precocious children. For instance: what does mineralization mean and why is it relevant? Why does a coil have the ability to detect something several inches away?

These are the questions that spark life-long obsessions and great achievements that benefit wider society–though you may need to do scrubbing up on basic science principles (they always have the option of questioning their science teacher).

You can help to teach your child how to discern between good targets and bad targets by creating a test garden. If your detector doesn’t have “discrimination” abilities, clear away junk targets in the test area, and insert coins into the ground at varying depths.

Get your child to swing the coil over targets and to listen to the tone the detector makes and what the screen registers. This will give them the basis for future strategies, for estimating how deep targets are and will remove some guesswork.

A fun game you can play is to throw a few coins into a small area, such as tall grass. Challenge your child–see if he can retrieve each coin. If he does, he will have a feeling of accomplishment.

Robin Williams, a writer of detecting365.com describes how his son reacts when he finds coins buried in the dirt:

‘When I watch my son to go coin out of the dirt, his excitement is contagious. Something as simple as finding a penny with his metal detector gives them a sense of accomplishment and joy and I love being there to see those moments.’

NB. It’s a good idea to look for lightweight, professional grade metal detectors with adjustable handles that can be shortened to fit the kid. Also, something high functioning, but easy to use, will let the child get started straight away.

Professional detectors will give the child room to learn proper technique and attention to detail. This is why it’s not a good idea to buy from a toy store, because those machines will be unlikely to the produce reliable results, which will just lead to frustration and boredom.

#5 Connection to the Environment

The difference between watching YouTube videos about flora, fauna, fish and sediment and actually investigating these wonders physically…

This kind of exploration was the norm for children of earlier generations – those periods captured by poets, of a time when rural life was the most common experience. Sounds clichéd but what you pay close attention to becomes realer.

Basic practice in metal detecting is to dispose of junk, rather than throwing it back where you found it (one of the reasons many private lands, open to the public, allow metal detectorists). This is a good lesson to teach to the next generation–that small things add up and don’t disappear by magic.

There’s no better way to learn this then picking up that which has been disposed of negligently. No great ethical speech required, as the act of disposing of junk properly will become automatic. Then watch as that child proceeds to take this awareness–of the small things–to other areas of her life, such as personal relationships.

#6 The hero uncovers the known from the unknown

This might seem like a strange reason to advocate for children metal detecting, but for reasons of psychology/the subconscious it’s an incredibly powerful reason…

What unites heroic fictional/non-fictional characters, from Indiana Jones to Steve Jobs to Amelia Earhart, is tenacity, patience and dare enough to pursue something not yet realized. Another way of describing this trait is stepping into uncertainty rather than running away from it.

Psychologically, you are teaching your child that there are many things that lie await in potentia, and which are waiting specifically for your child to have the forthrightness to investigate. This contrasts with passivity–following life rules with predictable outcomes from predictable actions.

Instead, you are teaching your child that there are of course, good modes of behavior, but there will always be an element of uncertainty involved in pursuing anything complex. The thrill of not having a guarantee of success but taking the risk anyway is the essence of what it means to be a hero, what it means to be human, and especially what it means to have the spirit of youth.

As summarized by clinical psychologist Jordan Peterson, who lectures at the University of Toronto:

‘The big hero is the person who goes out and slays the dragon and gets the gold, brings it back to the community, and distributes it. He’s also the person most likely to go up in the dominance hierarchy.’

So assuming you have a machine up to the job, your child now has an ability to uncover the known from the unknown.

If you are already an enthusiastic metal treasure hunter, you may know the frustration of spending hours of extra time, building up a sweat while digging up what turns out to be worthless garbage in the form of scrap iron when what you were hoping for (or dreaming of) is precious metals.

If you’ve experienced the confusion of sorting out what areas of ground are providing false readings and which area is actually hiding the treasure you are searching for, then you’ve found your answer.

In addition to reliability, there is also an enormous demand for quality, inexpensive metal detectors. If you are just getting into this fascinating hobby, you may not realize yet just how expensive it can get.

To make your entrance into this exciting world even more manageable, we’ve taken the time to test several different models for you. After evaluating a number of models and compared their assets to cost of purchase, we invite you to try the best metal detector for the money on the market today, the NHI ForagerGO.

Each item of this set is aimed to provide as much comfort and convenience as possible. From the metal shaft that is fully adjustable to the arm-supporting comfort handle, this metal detector is easy for people of all sizes, ages, and levels of experience to utilize in the hunt for secret treasure lost over time.

We’ve put together this review so you will have all the information you need at your disposal to make an educated decision. Then when you are ready, you’ll know that you are gaining an exciting, yet frugal purchase for yourself or a loved one who is eager to enter the world of metal treasure detection.

NHI ForagerGo Waterproof Metal Detector Key Features

There are a number of the key features that make this particular detector distinctive. The NHI ForagerGO has a lot to like.

• A lightweight design that makes it easy for all users, even younger children.
• Easy assembly and disassembly to make transport and storage very convenient.
• Simple to use – there won’t be any need to read complicated assembly or use manuals.
• Includes a 5-in-1 folding shovel
• Beginner’s guide to assist the newbie in getting up to speed faster.
• The ergonomic adjustable shaft design makes it easy for anyone to handle.
• Comfort grip handle allows for excellent control as you hunt. Also prevents your hand from becoming fatigued too quickly, a primary concern of many new hunters as they get accustomed to the equipment.
• An easily adjustable one-touch auto-tune setting for quick configuration.
• Both digital visual and audio feedback displays to make detection for accurate and eliminate excessive guesswork. This dual feedback also helps negate the extra work of digging needlessly.
• Pinpoint design guarantees that you’ll be able to quickly uncover objects as soon as you are able to detect them
• Earphone jack.
• Adjustable volume and sensitivity settings.
• 7.5″ waterproof search coil.
• Water resistant aluminium housing.
• Requires 2 x 9v Batteries that are not included.
• 1-year warranty provides peace of mind just in case you have issues or need any replacements.

Who Is the NHI ForagerGo Waterproof Metal Detector Designed For?

The short answer? Everyone. With all of its astounding design features the ForagerGO waterproof metal detector is an excellent option for all levels of skill and interest. It not only has a price that will appeal to the budget conscious but its light weight makes it a great choice for any size person. Young or old, big or small, the NHI ForagerGo waterproof metal detector is a great universal tool for any treasure hunter.

Pros of the ForagerGo

• The inexpensive price tag makes it within reach of anyone’s budget.
• Lightweight Design
• Ergonomic Design
• Auto-tune prevents excessive adjustments and configurations.
• Waterproof feature allows use near water, like at the beach
• A 72-page beginners guide.
• Folding digging tool included.
• Great for all ages and skill levels.

Cons of the ForagerGo

• The waterproof feature does not equal underwater use. Use only on land.
• Batteries are not included.
• The beginner’s guide is just that, for beginners. If you’ve been treasure hunting for more than a month or two, you probably won’t learn anything new.

Final Thoughts

Until recently, it could be very difficult to find a high-quality metal detector that was lightweight and easy to manoeuvre and didn’t cost the earth.

Not anymore.

We like the ForagerGo Waterproof Metal Detector because of its high-quality features, the versatility it offers, and of course, its value. By far it’s one of the easiest to use detectors on the market, making it a snap for any treasure hunter to get started.

Its affordability makes it a clear choice for a fantastic metal detector under $200, or even over $200!

The product comes complete with everything you could need, and its fine-tuning capabilities will allow you to tune out false signals even if you are working over an area of land that’s dense with natural minerals and other types of untouchable metal.

You will be able to configure your ForagerGo waterproof metal detector to direct you to items that other detectors have people wandering around in circles.

For more information or to buy the ForagerGo please go here.