Category: Beginners Guide

Follow our beginners guide to help you understand metal detectors and to make an informed decision of what machine will suit you best. We answer some of your most Frequently asked questions and a step by step guide of how to use your machine.

Hobby Metal Detector Guide

Regton Detectors

If you are considering purchasing a handheld metal detector, there are a few things you may want to consider in order to choose the right one. At Regton, we stock a wide range of metal detectors for a variety of uses.

Hobby metal detectors at regton metal detectors


Uses of hobby metal detectors
Buying a metal detector to suit your needs is essential. It is important to consider what you will use your metal detector for. If you are considering a hobby detector that can be used in a variety of locations, you will want to choose a device that is specifically designed for that purpose.
We have a detector for every budget if you are a beginner or looking for a device to use in parks, beaches or back gardens. You might consider a detector within a lower price range. Be cautious of cheap detectors that flood well-known online sales platforms – we have yet to see a decent detector under £140.

Features of hobby metal detectors
Hobby metal detectors can come with various features, such as pinpoint mode, preset discrimination modes, sensitivity control, target ID and depth reading. There are specific detectors, known as pinpoint probes which are designed for locating targets using a small palm-size detector. This is an invaluable tool. Regton stocks a range of pinpointers, including Garrett, XP and Nokta Makro.

How much will a metal detector cost me?
Consider how often you are planning to use your metal detector. They range in price, so if you are planning on using your device frequently, investing in a more expensive, durable model with a range of attributes and features will be worthwhile.
No matter what your budget, there is a hobby detector perfect for you at Regton. We stock a wide range together with supporting accessories such as spades, headphones, pinpoint probes and books to aid you in your hobby metal detecting journey.

10 Top Tips for Metal Detecting

Regton Detectors

Are you new to metal detecting? Perhaps you are looking to brush up on your metal detecting skills? If so, Regton has provided tips to help you get the most out of your hobby.

1. Do your research before you buy a metal detector. There are many different types and models on the market, and choosing one that suits your specific needs is essential. Regton stocks a wide range of metal detectors for professional use.

2. Get a decent metal detector if you’re serious about finding valuable items. While some good-quality consumer-grade detectors are available, they won’t have all the features or attributes of a more expensive model.

3. Make sure you have a waterproof control box on your new metal detector if you plan on using your detector in anything deeper than 6 inches. Some models’ control boxes are only weather-resistant, so they won’t be able to withstand being submerged in water. You can view our range of underwater metal detectors here. 

XP Deus II Metal Detector

4. Brush up your knowledge of local laws and regulations in case of finding treasure. Research the Treasure Act 1999, and remember that you must report all finds of treasure to a coroner for the district in which they are found within 14 days after the day you made the discovery.

5. Practice using your metal detector in different terrain and soil. Open countryside & beaches are very different detecting experiences. This will help you get a feel for how it works and what kinds of objects it can detect.

6. Be patient, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings on your metal detector. It takes time and practice to get good at metal detecting, and you may need to adjust the sensitivity or ground balance depending on the conditions you’re detecting.

7. Keep an eye on the weather forecast before you go out metal detecting. If there’s a chance of rain, it’s best to take precautions, so take a sandwich bag that could be placed over a non-waterproof control box if you get caught out.

8. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear when you go metal detecting. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so it’s essential to be comfortable. Remember, no steel toe caps. Have you ever seen a dog chase its tail?

9. Bring along a small shovel or trowel to help you dig up objects you find. Make sure you fill any holes you make, so the area is left in its natural state. This is equally important on farmland despite it sometimes being a rough terrain; it’s all about etiquette, making good your holes & remove any rubbish, and helping the farmer.

10. Have fun and enjoy the outdoors! Metal detecting is an excellent hobby for people of all ages. 

For more information, you can look at Regton’s beginner guide here. 

Be sure to check out our range of professional metal detectors and waterproof metal detectors at https://regton.com. 

Beginners’ guide to the best metal detectors

Regton Detectors

If you’re new to the world of metal detecting, it can be challenging to know where to start. There are various metal detectors on the market, each with its own set of features and functions. How do you know which is the best metal detector for beginners? This article will look at some of the best metal detectors for beginners and what makes them ideal for those just starting.

One of the best metal detectors for beginners is the Garrett Ace 200i. This metal detector is easy to use, with a user-friendly control panel that makes it simple to operate. It’s also lightweight and compact, so you can take it wherever you go. The Garrett Ace 200i also has many helpful features, including a coin depth indicator, target ID with numerical readout and adjustable discrimination control.

If you’re looking for a metal detector specifically designed for children, check out the Garrett ACE 200iC. This metal detector is specifically designed for children ages six and up, making it the perfect choice for families who want to get started in metal detecting. Its shortened stem makes it ideal for juniors. The Garrett Ace 200iC detector is easy to use, with sensitivity and a discrimination control that makes it simple to find artefacts, coins & jewellery. It also comes with a built-in speaker & also a headphone jack so that you can hear the detector with or without headphones.

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If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Garrett Ace 300i is a great choice. This metal detector is priced under £270, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. The Garrett Ace 300i metal detector is easy to use, with preset modes of discrimination that make it simple to operate. It also can override the presets, allowing you to adjust the settings depending on what you are looking for, along with sensitivity adjustment for depth, frequency shift for removing the interference, and a pinpoint mode.

The Garrett Ace Apex metal detector comes with a number of helpful features, including an LCD that indicates the probable type of metal you’ve found, a pinpoint mode that helps you locate targets more accurately, and, if required, optional wireless headphones that allow you to listen to the sounds of the metal detector without disturbing others. The Garrett Ace Apex is also lightweight and easy to operate, making it an excellent choice for an intermediate/ experienced user whether detecting inland, dry sand or, very importantly, able to handle wet salt sand with ease.

Garrett Ace 400i metal detector with Waterproof 2D Coil is another fantastic choice. Operating at 10kHz frequency, better sensitivity will be provided to low and medium conductivity targets such as gold and lead. The ‘Frequency Adjust’ feature allows you to quickly toggle between slight frequency shifts helping eliminate interference from other detectors or sources of interference such as overhead power lines. Together with advanced iron audio mode, this is a feature-packed machine. 

No matter what your budget or experience level, we have a metal detector that’s perfect for you. Start your metal detection journey. Shop your new metal detector here.

xp explaned metal detector snapshot

XP Explained

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One-on-one tuition from the Norfolk Wolf for the XP Metal Detector range.

Enjoy the experience of detecting in a completely new and exclusive way with the master.

Watch, listen and learn from his explanations of the controls on all the XP range. Then walk the fields with him, listen to the signals and how he interprets them.

This video is crammed full of easily understood practical advice. Professionally for superb quality.

After watching this, your finds rate cannot help but increase.

2d metal detecting coil

Regton Metal Detecting Tips: How to Pinpoint with a Concentric Coil

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How to Pinpoint with a Concentric Coil? This is the fourth video in a series of hints & tips to help and improve your metal detecting skills and techniques. This video will help you pinpoint with a concentric coil. Nigel Ingram, from Regton, presents the whole series.

Metal detecting accessories

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Hobby Metal Detecting

hobby detecting regton 1

Regton Metal Detecting Tips: Do I have a Concentric or a 2D Coil

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Do I have a Concentric or a 2D Coil? This is the second video in a series of hints & tips to help and improve your metal detecting skills and techniques. This video will help you identify which type of coil is fitted to your detector. Nigel Ingram, from Regton, presents the whole series.

 

 

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Hobby Metal Detectors

hobby detecting regton 1

Beginners Guide to Metal Detecting

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If you are a beginner, or just want some extra information about Metal Detecting, this guide is here to help you understand the hobby.

Which machine is best for you?

You need to ask yourself the following questions:

  • How much are you willing to spend?
  • How much time will you devote to detecting?
  • How good are you at adapting to new technology?
  • Where will you be going to detect?

What equipment to I need?

Basic Kit:

  • Warm or waterproof clothing (weather condition’s apply)
  • Sturdy boots (not steel toe) or wellies,
  • Water,
  • Gloves,
  • Basic first aid kit,
  • Insect repellent,
  • Notepad and pencil,
  • Mobile phone,
  • Trowel,
  • Headphones,
  • Batteries
  • And most importantly your metal detector!

outdoor-basic-kit

Search Coils

There are a variety of search coils available for metal detectors. They range from a few inches across to a whopping 18”. Several detector manufactures offer the ability to interchange from one type of coil to another. It is always advised, before you make a purchase, to check that the type of detector you wish to buy can use Interchangeable coils.

 

Concentric coil

The Concentric coil uses an inverted cone search field. They are often better when searching junk-infested sites. Available solid or with open centre.

concentric coil

 

2D Widescan coil

A wider coil can detect deeper over a greater area with each sweep. This type of coil offers a ‘knife’ like search pattern. They are more selective generally give more finds in the shallow to medium depths than equivalent concentric coils.

XP030G-

 

 

Eliptical Coil

This coil is ideal for getting into those tight areas and iron contaminated ground. They can be either concentric but normally 2D coils.

XP0046G-

Headphones

Headphones are not essential when metal detecting. However, it is recommended as they help eliminate outside noise that may mask faint signals.

Most modern metal detectors are compatible with any type of headphone, including CD/mp3 player types.

Below are two examples of headphones that are available.

XP Backphone NEW BLUE TypeBackphone

3FX02-

With 6.3mm jack adapter, foldable in three parts, very light, fits around the back of the head with volume control.

Digging Tools

So how are you going to get what you have found out of the ground?

It is very important that you have good quality digging tools for the job. There are a variety of tools available from a simple trowel to a foot assisted spade. The strongest you can afford is highly recommended.

Tight budget? £2.95

Splash out! £17.95

Black Ada Invader II mild steel metal detector trowel

High quality stainless steel sand scoop

2SS-

Black Ada Sand Scoop mild steel

Pinpoint Probes

These small metal detectors are normally used when a small object proves difficult to locate in the hole you have just dug. A tiny LED light is often fitted to show it’s on & to help illuminate down a hole. The probe is very small and fits easily in a pouch or pocket.

Garrett Pro-Pointer Metal Detector. Pinpoint Probe

5pp-

Find Bags

Now you have found your precious artefacts, you don’t want to damage them. Stuffing them into your pocket is going to do more damage than good. This is why a finds bag/pouch is recommended. You should also take the rubbish that you find home with you or you will find it next time. A popular choice for finds bags are waistband pouches. A little tip: Carry self-sealing polythene bags to keep delicate finds separate from one another.

Garrett Finds Pouch with internal pocket

4PG-

Hobby Metal Detecting: