There are a variety of coils in different shapes and sizes – some are just a few inches across up to about 18 inches. The coils can be “polo” shaped, elliptical – some are even web shaped. A number of makes of detector allow the ability to change from one type to another so it worth checking before you buy a detector that this is possible.
The smaller coils are easier to use on rough ground and overgrown sites where its difficult to manoeuvre and they also tend to have better pinpointing capabilities.
The advantage of larger coils is that you can cover more ground in a shorter space of time and they often have greater depth capabilities. However it also means that these are heavier to wield and are suited to flat ground surfaces
Headphones
Its best to use headphones with your detector (although most have built in speakers) as they help to reduce any outside noise which can mask any faint signals.
Although you can use mostly any type of headphones – its best to use some with volume control and also comfortable generously padded earpieces – this prevents headaches after several hours use and are more user-friendly for spectacle users.
Digging Implements
Buy the strongest that you can afford – whether you choose a simple 4″ archaeologist’s trowel or a long handled foot-assisted spade – a cheap digger won’t last long in the field! That said there are some very reasonablly priced stainless steel spades to be had!
For grassland a sharp knife or a sturdy garden trowel can be used to remove a plug of soils. Detector retailers also sell special beach scoops for retrieving finds from sand.
Coin probes
These are electronic probes which are hand held – these are useful when searching in hard compacted ground as they enable you to locate a find in a hole without further unnecessary digging.
Finds bags
Most detectorists wear waistband type pouches to carry any “good” finds. You don’t want to place your good finds in beside all the odds and ends you would find – this will do more damage to them than the centuries of argiculture and corrosion could ever do! The most rugged and reliable is ex-military equipment – you can buy a webbing belt with ammunition pouches from an army surpus store. These can contain your GPS unit, marker pen, finds bag, spare batteries etc. Use one pouch for good finds and the other for junk.
Its best to carry a selection of self sealing bags to keep all finds separate from one another – all the finds should be individually bagged and numbered – use the type with a write on strip – you can then write the precise grid reference on this.
Basic Kit
- Sturdy boots or wellies!
- Warm or waterproof clothing!
- Gloves
- Basic First Aid kit
- note pad and pencil (or the finds record sheets available on the downloads page)
- mobile phone
- spare batteries
Other items
- Quilted suits from fishing tackle shops are useful in really cold weather!
- A number of detectorists also take along with them a digital camera for recording important finds in situ if professional help cannot be summoned.
- GPS unit – more and more detectorists are now using these to plot their finds