Selecting Headphones for Metal Detecting (How and Why)

by David Humphries | Nov 29, 2019 | Metal Detecting Gear

Few products have evolved as much as headphones in the past 20 years. They started as a tool in a workplace, slowly transitioned into a lifestyle product and now they’ve become a fashion staple. If I forget my headphones when I’m heading to the gym or out on my walk, I don’t feel as if I can be my best self. My anger especially rises when I forget them when I’m metal detecting. They not only help me focus, but I know they help me find more than I would if I didn’t use them.

Why Use Headphones for Metal Detecting?

There are multiple answers to this question. First, wearing headphones is polite. Chances are you’re metal detecting at a place where other people are going to be spending time. It can be disrupting for those around you if they hear a consistent beeping noise. They’re most likely trying to get away from artificial noise so be courteous and wear headphones. Headphones will allow you to get closer to people without feeling uncomfortable. If they can’t hear you, then you can get away with more.

Another reason is that headphones are going to provide consistency. If you’re detecting in windy conditions, the headphones will block out the wind. If it’s rainy, they’ll keep the noise out. You want to be alert when detecting. It’s easy to get distracted by the surrounding terrain, people, etc. Headphones will block those out and allow you to get the results you desire. Also, if metal detecting is a hobby that allows you to gain some solitude, people will be much less likely to talk to you if they see you’re wearing headphones.

If you’re looking for a recommendation – do what I did and many others and get the Garrett MS-3 Wireless Headphones Z-Lynk. (Link to Kellyco for latest pricing)

Perhaps the most important reason to wear headphones is the clarity that they provide. They’ll allow you to pick up signals that may be impossible to hear with just the external speaker on the detector. Also, headphones will help you identify different metals. If you’re hard of hearing like I am, wear headphones! It makes a world of difference. It’s obnoxious trying to guess what sound you heard. Headphones will clear up and confusion that may come with listening from the external speaker.

A good pair of headphones will even help you detect even deeper than you usually would. They make a major amount of difference!

Can you use any headphones for metal detecting?

The answer to this is maybe. Some detectors have mono and some have stereo outputs. Most smartphone headphones are going to be stereo. It’s important to know this before you choose a pair of headphones to use. If you choose the wrong headphones, you’ll likely only have one ear that fires. Detector specific headphones have a mono/stereo switch that allows you to operate between the two.

It’s also important to have volume controls on your headphones. Many detectors don’t have volume controls, so if you plug in regular headphones your ears are going to hurt due to the loud high pitch beeping. Regular headphones likely don’t have volume controls for the headphones themselves so be sure to know this before using or purchasing a pair. They’ll likely have a control that turns the volume down on the device instead of the headphones. If you can get headphones with volume controls on each ear, you can do a better job of balancing what you need.

Chances are you’re also going to need some sort of adapter to plug in the headphones. If this is the case, it could cause some sort of delay. Regular headphones are ? inch. Most metal detectors have a ¼ inch input. These adapters are going to put you at a higher risk of a weak signal, but should work just fine.

Are Wireless Headphones Better for Metal Detecting?

If you wear headphones in your everyday life, you know the answer to this question. Nothing is more annoying than catching a headphone cord on a door handle or other inanimate object. Your device either gets pulled out of your pocket or the headphones come flying out of your ears. It’s an obnoxious mishap that does not make your life easier in any way.

Wireless headphones have had to come along way before they could be compared to wired headphones. Also, the quality ones are going to be extremely pricey. The simplicity of them, however, is worth the money. The only downfall is remembering to charge them. Thankfully, the cases they sit in are going to charge them so you don’t have to worry about finding an outlet.

For metal detecting, comfort is key. You want to be in comfortable clothes and confident in your equipment. If you don’t have to worry about a headphone cord getting in the way of your day, then it’s one less thing to think about. Also, think about the times you have to dig. You have to remove your headphones, find a place where they won’t get dirty or in the way and then start digging.

I’ve heard numerous horror stories of people and their brand new wired headphones. I had a friend go detecting at night with a brand new pair of headphones and cut the cord on his first dig because he didn’t see where it was laying. Wireless headphones allow you to keep them in your ears at all times. There’s no need to remove them until you are finished.

Wireless Headphone Options for Metal Detectors

The process for installing wireless headphones to your detector is getting easier as well. For example, the Garrett Z-Lynk Wireless System has a transmitter that you’ll install on the shaft of the detector. You’ll do so by using an elastic strap or velcro.

You’ll turn on the transmitter and clip the receiver to your belt. The receiver has a ¼ inch jack just like any other detector. Plug your headphones in and you’re good to go. This keeps the headphones on your person and doesn’t require you to hassle with any connection to the detector.

Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones (KIT) for Garrett Metal Detectors – Volume Control and Super Fast Response Time –

The Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones are an even better option because you’ll receive wireless headphones with a built-in receiver. You won’t have to go through the extra hassle of plugging headphones to a receiver in your belt or pocket.

It’s nice to see the metal detecting world keeping up with the rest of the headphone industry. It’s an easy comparison to working out. When you’re lifting weights, do you want a headphone wire in the way or getting tangled? You have to have shorts with pockets and carrying your phone in your pocket can throw off your balance. Wireless headphones allow you to set your phone to the side and give you the reassurance to lift without any trouble. Again, you’ll pay for the convenience. The Garret MS-3 Z-Lynk headphones are going to run you about $150.

Another solid option are the Deteknix Wireless Headphones. These are similar to the Garret Z-Lynk and you can’t go wrong with either.

Wireless Headphone Concerns

There are always going to be concerns with going wireless. The two most glaring issues are battery life and delay. As far as the battery life is concerned, the Garret MS Lynk options are going to give you about 30 hours of battery before you’re going to have to recharge. Charging is not an issue. You won’t have to be changing batteries or anything. All it takes is plugging the receiver into a micro-USB charger and you’ll be fine. It can be charged from your car, laptop or wall outlet.

The concern about a delay is a legitimate one. You don’t want your headphones interfering with finding something fantastic. The options listed above only have about a 60 millisecond delay. This is so small that it has essentially no impact on you.

Is the response time important for Metal Detecting Headphones?

Yes. It is. Thankfully, the newer headphones aren’t going to interfere with response time. If you choose to use your own personal bluetooth headphones there will be a significant lag. That’s why it is important to use metal detecting wireless headphones. Regular bluetooth headphones are great for listening to podcasts or music, but won’t translate well to metal detecting. You need the most efficient equipment possible.

If you swing the detector back and forth at an inconsistent rate, you want headphones that can keep up. Headphones attached to an adapter or bluetooth headphones won’t. They’ll give you a delayed signal and confuse you. The faster you sweep, the harder your detector is going to have to work to keep up.

Metal Detecting Headphone Features to Consider

Comfort- Comfort is key. Like I mentioned earlier, you don’t want to worry about equipment, clothing or other accessories when metal detecting. In the summer, over the ear headphones may get uncomfortable. They’ll trap the heat to your head. If you can use earbuds, do so. However, if it’s cooler or there is a lot of excess noise, use over the ear headphones. Plus, they are more difficult to lose!

Weight- Weight is another factor for metal detecting headphones that isn’t always considered. You’re already carrying your detector, some sort of digging device and likely some water and snacks so your load could be heavy. Light headphones are an added bonus if you can use them. They’ll relieve some of the stress on your neck.

Volume Control- Volume control on headphones is an absolute necessity. If you listen to the external speaker, you’ll notice how loud it is. It can be overbearing for you and especially annoying for others in the vicinity. There is likely no volume control on your detector. When you plug in your headphones, you’ll notice right away how important the volume control is. Regular earbuds have a volume control, but it’s for the device, not the headphones themselves.

Battery Life- Headphones are going to save the battery on your metal detector. The speaker will get turned off because the headphones are plugged into it! Wired headphones are obviously never going to run out of battery. However, if you use wireless headphones battery can be an issue. Metal detecting wireless headphones are going to last you about 30 hours between charges. Bring along a USB car charger and plug them in on your way to your destination and it should be more than enough to get you through your session.

Size and Ease of Packing- This is a tricky one. If you are flying with your metal detector, you’re going to want smaller headphones. They’ll take up less room and be one less thing to worry about when you’re trying to fit more into your already full suitcase. Smaller headphones are going to be easier to lose and break.

I recently purchased a pair of Apple’s new AirPods and lost them for three weeks because they wedged between the side of my bed and the wall. While wireless metal detecting headphones aren’t going to be as small as AirPods, they still are possible to lose. Also, wireless headphones have the transmitter and receiver. There are more things to lose. If you’re responsible, then go ahead and purchase those wireless headphones!

Noise Cancelling- This is the most important feature of metal detecting headphones. Metal detecting relies entirely on sound. You need to pick up on the different sounds and signals. Noise cancelling headphones are going to block out excess noise. This feature will ensure you the most success. You can compare them to tires on a car. If you’re planning on doing off-roading in the winter, you wouldn’t use road tires. You’d choose tires with specific tread that will prevent you from getting stuck. Metal detecting headphones are the same. If you purchase a pair specifically for metal detecting, you’ll have more success.

Do I Need Waterproof Headphones for Metal Detecting?

Yes. Metal detecting in the rain can be uncomfortable, but it can be some of the most successful time to go. The soil is getting moved around which will help your detector detect things that are deeper or otherwise would be more difficult to find. If you don’t have waterproof headphones, you’ll either rely on the external speaker or won’t be able to go. You could wear a rain jacket with a hood, but it’ll likely soak through and ruin a cherished pair of headphones. I highly recommend the Garrett Underwater Headphones (link to Kellyco)

Choosing headphones for metal detecting is a heavily debated subject. There are minimalist metal detectors that will purchase a cheap 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch adapter and use regular smartphone headphones. This method works, but is it the best? No. Metal detecting specific headphones are going to produce the best results. It’s like attaching a baitcasting reel to a spin rod. It still works, but it’s not the most efficient process. I’ve metal detected with my regular iPhone earbuds and legitimate metal detecting earbuds. For one, the volume control is amazing. It makes all the difference in the world and it was all I needed to purchase a pair of metal detecting specific earphones.

8 Best Metal Detecting Headphones:

• White’s V3i Wireless Headphones– These are going to be expensive, but they’re a solid option. They’ll run you nearly $300, but are well worth it.
• Detectorpro Gray Ghost Ultimate Metal Detector Headphones– These are about $130
• Garret Submersible Headphones– These work above and below water; a feature often forgotten when looking for headphones. They’ll run you $85.
• Garret ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones– These are very affordable, but work well and can store easily. They’ll only cost you $23 on Amazon.
• Bounty Hunter HEAD – PL Headphones – These will only run you around $40 on Amazon.
• Garrett Deluxe Headphones– You can find these for around $35 on third party websites
• Fisher Stereo Headphones – These are only around $30 on Amazon
• Treasure Wise Headphones- These are also only $30 on Amazon

David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.

Best Metal Detecting Tools for Digging: A Complete Guide

by David Humphries | Nov 29, 2019 | Metal Detecting Gear

I remember when I first started out metal detecting, and all I had to dig up the dirt when I hit a tone was an old plastic gardening trowel. It was terrible, but I was determined. I did my best to pry through some small roots and around some small rocks, but there is only so much you can do without a proper digging tool. I have since upgraded to a true—well made—hand shovel, and if you plan on making metal detecting your hobby, so should you.

Two Recommended Digging Tools That are Essential to Metal Detecting

Heavy Duty Shovel with a serrated blade for roots – Lesche Ground Shark T-Handle Shovel

A shovel, and not just your standard spade head shovel from the hardware store, is definitely a necessity for metal detecting. Whether it’s to dig up deeply buried objects, or to cut through large stubborn roots, I always wind up using one of these on almost every outing. For me, a heavy-duty shovel with a serrated blade can be just as important as the metal detector itself in the process of reaching tough to get treasures.

The metal detecting shovel that I use is the Lesche Ground Shark T-Handle Shovel, (Link to Kellyco for prices and reviews) and let me tell you it is a beast of a digging tool. It’s a 36-inch long T-shaped shovel with full-metal construction. And not cheap metal either, in fact Lesche uses aircraft quality material to make this shovel as durable as possible, which I love. The blade of the shovel is very sharp all around, but of course, it also has one serrated side to help tear through the larger roots I occasionally come across.

Heavy duty hand shovel – Lesche Standard Digging Tool and Sod Cutter

A larger shovel is great for digging up a lot of dirt or for leveraging roots to the breaking point, but a hand shovel is great for digging up objects and not damaging them. I’ve had it happen to me in the past where I get overconfident and use my regular shovel to completely dig up an object and when I finally get it uncovered it has a huge scratch, or dent, or even cut from the blade of my digging tool. That’s why I have since learned to always use a hand shovel when I’m near the object, and importantly always use caution when I’m digging.

The hand shovel that I use when I’m metal detecting, which like my regular shovel is also made by Lesche, is the Lesche Standard Digging RS and Sod Cutter (link to Kellyco to get one). As the name suggests, along with being an amazing digging tool, this hand shovel also helps when I’m cutting through the top layer of some deeply rooted grasses. The shovel looks a lot like a blade, and even comes with its own belt holder. But most importantly, at least in my mind, it is definitely heavy duty and dependable enough to bring on any and every metal detecting outing.

Why Digging is a Core Skill When Metal Detecting

As I just explained, I’ve had my fair share of accidents when it comes to damaging an object while trying to dig it up. In my experience this is one of the worst feelings, especially if the object is in pretty good shape otherwise. Being careful while you’re digging is the most important aspect to being ‘good’ at digging up an object. But, of course, it’s not the only aspect to digging well.

The best reason that I have heard to why being good at digging is actually an important skill when metal detecting is that it doesn’t matter how good your metal detector is if you can’t get the object out of the ground. And it’s true, you could get a thousand hits but if you can’t find the target then it might as well not even be there.

Moreover, if it takes you forever to find a target, or if you wind up damaging the object or even your tools, then the whole thing can become more stress than it is fun. I think a lot of first timers can get discouraged, simply because it doesn’t feel good to not be good at what you’re doing. Having good digging skill is definitely a core skill to metal detecting for this reason.

The Importance of a Great Shovel While Metal Detecting

One of my favorite things about having a good quality shovel is how quickly you can dig a search hole. A shovel which was designed with a geometry that fits its purpose is, of course, going to be better than one which was designed for general use labor. This is what a good heavy-duty metal detecting shovel is. It’s easier to do a job when you’ve got the right tools.

Another consideration which is important to make is what the material of the handle is. As I mentioned I prefer an all metal construction, and that is for the singular reason that it’s a lot more difficult to snap the thing if it’s made of aircraft grade aluminum rather than even the strongest piece of Hickory. Moreover, if the blade of the shovel is made of a hard metal then it will keep an edge better, and for longer, then a thin piece of cheap steel.

Another benefit to a specialized design is that it’s a lot easier to prevent yourself from damaging the object before you’ve even got it out of the ground. A metal detecting shovel will be smaller and have less curvature than a regular shovel. This makes it much easier to make a small hole with tight angles rather than a cone shaped divot in the ground.

As an added benefit, this superior design also means that you can fill your metal detecting plug quicker. This is partly because the shovel will help you move the dirt back in, but also because you were able to dig a smaller more precise hole in the first place, again, because of the special geometry of the head of the shovel.

On top of having a special design, the head of a good metal detecting shovel will have at least one edge which is serrated. This is because a thick root can be almost impossible to get through with out the ability to tear through it.

Is the Weight of Your Metal Detecting Shovel Important?

In a sense… yes… but also not really. Anything at or under 3lbs is pretty much a good weight that won’t bother you too much. But, I’ve had a couple of bad experiences where I brought a regular spade shovel or even a particularly heavy metal detecting shovel, and believe me your arms will get tired. So, like I said, I think it’s best to stick to the lighter 3lb or less variant. Here is a char of the weights of some of the most popular metal detecting shovels…

Other Things to Consider with Your Metal Detecting Shovel

Length of Handle: Comfort and Leverage

The longer the handle, the more leverage you’ll be able to take advantage of when prying through roots or even just some particularly tough ground. However, I have had some handles snap, so it is important to consider the material of the handle when you’re also looking at the length of the handle.

The End Grip on the Handle: T, Straight and Ball:

Again, a T-handle can give you some extra grip to take advantage of as much leverage as possible. To a lesser extent this is also true of a ball handled metal detecting shovel. However, ultimately this is a personal preference that you need to think about before making your purchase.

Sturdy, Prying:

As I mentioned, the durability of your metal detecting shovel will determine what kind of stress you can put it under. This isn’t just about material, however, the quality of the connection points between the head of your shovel, or between the handle and the body of your shovel, can also determine how much you can do with it.

Sharp and Serrated:

Most people, including myself at one point, never think about the head of a shovel ad a blade. But, the head of a shovel is basically cutting through the ground, and anything else that might be in it. A sharp shovel head, with at least one serrated edge, it an invaluable tool on any metal detecting outing.

Size of the Blade:

What I used to think was that… the bigger the head of the shovel the better, this is because I had thought that the primary objective was being able to remove as much dirt as possible in each dig. However, most metal detector shovel will actually have a smaller head on account of what is actually needed. A smaller head it better for digging strategically so that you can get to the object as quickly as possible.

A Great Hand Shovel or Sod Cutter is Essential for Metal Detecting

While a great metal detector shovel is essential, a quality hand shovel or sod cutter can often be even more useful. Many of the holes I dig are small and don’t absolutely require a full-size shovel, moreover, when I’m using my hand shovel I can usually avoid damaging an object more easily. And, because my hand shovel doubles as a sod cutter I can usually not make much damage to the area where I’m digging when I’m done filling in my metal detecting plug.

Furthermore, if your hand shovel has a serrated edge then you can cut through tough roots without having to switch to your metal detecting shovel. I find this especially helpful when I have a situation where the root which is in an awkward place, this is because it can be uncomfortable to try and use a larger shovel to cut a root in a small hole.

Features That Make a Hand Shovel Useful Metal Detecting

Strength – Metal Handle
The strength of a hand shovel, I find, definitely makes a difference when I’m metal detecting. While a plastic shovel has its uses, mostly that of being a cheap tool you can use or lend to others, a metal hand shovel wont bend or break under pressure. Moreover, a plastic shovel probably won’t have a particularly sharp blade like a metal one most likely will.

Serrated Edge – Cuts Roots
As I mentioned, a serrated edge on a hand shovel is very useful in small spaces. If you have a big root in a small hole then you either have to dig a bigger hole, or if you have a hand shovel with a serrated edge you can just cut it with ease.

Comfort of Handle and of the Grip – Using it for Hours
My least favorite part about using a plastic shovel is that their grips usually are hard and uncomfortable to use for a long period of time. That is why I think a good, soft but firm, handle and grip is incredibly important to a hand shovel. This is especially true, because when your using it for metal detecting you’re going to be using it a lot (and usually for a long time).

Length and the Shape of Blade – Sharp Tip
The hand shovel that I use for metal detecting isn’t really shaped like what you would think a shovel looks like. In fact, it looks a lot like a shovel-knife combination. This is because I often use it to cut through sod and don’t really need it to do any of the heavy lifting when it comes to digging up soil.

A longer blade helps with this a great deal, and also helps make up for its strange shape by having a greater surface area to move soil. I’ve used my hand shovel countless times in this exact fashion. I’ve also used shorter hand shovel with more standard shapes and found them to be not nearly as useful.

Other Metal Detecting Digging Tools

Sand Scoops for Beach Metal Detecting
The Sand Scoop I use is the CKG Sand Scoop Dune (link to Kellyco great prices) Essentially, it’s a small bucket with perforations which let the small grains of sand out and the object I’m looking remain inside. This saves me a ton of time whenever I go to the beach. Whenever I use it I almost always find the coin (or more commonly the pop-tab) which my metal detector was signaling was in the sand.

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A couple tools are a must for beach metal detecting. A waterproof proven pin-pointer and a strong sand scoop. I highly recommend the GARRETT AT PRO POINTER and the CKG SAND SCOOP (link to Kellyco to check prices and ratings)

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Without a sand scoop, it can be especially difficult to metal detect in the sand because as you are digging the hole, the sand will back-fill the space immediately. But, as I said with a sand scoop this process is made much easier because it is okay if the sand flows back into the hole because I don’t need to get rid of it all to find what I’m looking for. I just need to find the general area where the object is located.

Great Gloves for Metal Detecting
A good pair of gloves can both keep your hand safe, and also, they will keep your hand clean. There is a ton of broken glass in the sand on the beach, especially if your digging more than a foot down. With a god pair of gloves, you most likely won’t cut yourself by accident. Moreover, if there is a sharp piece of metal in the ground you’ll be less likely to get hurt trying to pull in from the soil.

The first pair of gloves that I used for metal detecting were perfect in every way, except they had metal rivets. I hadn’t realized this when I bought them, but it’s way better to have gloves which are simply stitched together. This is because the metal rivets in your gloves can set of the metal detector when you’re on the ground trying to pin-point its location.

Metal Detecting Pick
The metal detecting pick which I use is the Lesche Feather Weight Mini Pick (yes I do have an affinity for Lesche products).

A metal detecting pick is like a pick-axe, but a hand-held version. This means that you can, and I do, use it to move soil, rocks, and anything else that could be in the way. A pick is similar to a shovel, but I find is better at dislodging rocks which are stuck to the walls of the hole or in the worst-case scenario at the bottom of the hole.

Brass Brush for Cleaning Finds
A brass brush is a great tool for gingerly uncovering an object or just to clean off something. This is a bit of a more niche tool which only people who have gotten really serious about metal detecting will buy, but there is a reason for that. The pros know how use one of these can be.

I once had a coin that was covered in oxidation, and which I almost threw away thinking it was to damage to be worth anything. But, when I cleaned it with my brass brush almost all of the oxidation went away and left me with a pretty cool find. I find it always helps to make sure an object is trash or treasure before throwing it away.

David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.