Top 5 tips every new treasure hunter needs Ready to start your treasure hunting adventure? Our beginner’s guide is packed with metal detecting tips and stories that inspire both newcomers and seasoned explorers. Get the best advice on quality equipment and join a community that shares your passion for outdoor adventure!  Let's dive into the essentials you need to kick off your journey. Getting Started with Metal Detecting Stepping into the world of metal detecting can be thrilling. Understanding the basics is your first treasure. Start by learning the different types of detectors and their features. Choose one that suits your style, whether it's beach, park, or relic hunting. This groundwork sets the stage for a successful adventure. Ready to gear up? Let's explore the essential tools you need next. Essential Equipment for Beginners Having the right gear is key to your success. Look for a beginner-friendly detector that’s easy to operate and offers reliable performance. P...

  3 steps to boost your next treasure hunt Ready to join the thrill of metal detecting events? Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or just starting out, having a solid preparation plan makes all the difference. In this newsletter, we’ll share must-know preparation tips and a handy treasure hunting checklist to get your metal detectors ready for the next big community event! Packing Essentials Make sure your adventure starts off right with a well-prepared pack. Don't forget these must-have items : extra batteries, a small first-aid kit, snacks, and plenty of water to stay hydrated. Bring along a hat and sunscreen for those sunny days. Keep these essentials handy to ensure a smooth adventure from start to finish. Next, let's dive into what equipment you should bring along. Choosing the Right Equipment Selecting the right gear is crucial for a successful treasure hunt. Consider the terrain and conditions of your event location. For beaches, a waterproof detector is key. In w...

  August 1st, Wild Oaks Campground. It started out like any other detecting adventure. I had my wetsuit on, headphones over my ears, detector in one hand, scoop in the other. I waded chest-deep into the lake, thinking everything was fine. The water was calm. The sun was out. I was in my zone.                                                                             Me in the stupid suit! But then I took one more step—and the world dropped out from under me. I had hit a massive drop-off near the dock, and there was no warning. One moment I was standing on solid sand, the next I was in deep water, my feet scrambling for bottom that just wasn’t there. I tried using my scoop to push myself back up, but I couldn’t find anything to stand on. The wetsuit that should’ve helped me fl...

Talkin’ the Talk: Metal Detecting Lingo in Real Life Metal detecting has its own language — a mix of wit, wisdom, and hard-earned experience. If you've ever wondered what terms like "canslaw" or "coinball" really mean, here's a walk through a day in the dirt using all the slang we love. No glossary here — just stories. Clad I kicked off the morning with an easy park hunt. Thirty minutes in and I already had a pocket full of modern change. Not a relic in sight, but hey — clad adds up. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps the hunt alive. I call it “battery money.” Digger The sun was barely up, and the ground was still cool from the night. I drove my digger in deep, working around a faint signal. Clean plug. And there it was: a crusty 1919 Wheat penny. My digger's been with me for years — it’s practically an extension of my arm. Heartbreaker I got a solid tone under an old oak tree and my heart jumped — it was hitting high, steady, and deep. I was sure I...

  One-Spot Wonders: My Best Find from the Smallest Spot You know those moments where your gut says, “Just give it a quick swing” ? Well, this story is exactly that—and it taught me a lesson I won’t forget. The Setup It was a long day out at a rural permission I’d had my eye on for months—an old farmhouse with history stretching back to the early 1900s. Most of the yard had already been combed over. I’d pulled a few relics earlier in the day, a button or two, a rusted spoon, and plenty of old iron junk. The usual. After hours of detecting in the hot sun and feeling like I’d tapped the place dry, I called it quits and started packing up. But as I walked past the side of the house on my way back to the van, I noticed this little 6x6 foot patch of grass wedged between a crumbling concrete step and the base of a downspout. Honestly, it looked like nothing. Too tight to swing in, trampled flat, and filled with roots. But that itch hit me. The one that says, “Just swing the coil one...

  What’s Actually Happening Under Your Metal Detector? (And How to Find More Stuff) So you're out there swinging a metal detector like a treasure-hunting Jedi, but have you ever asked: What’s this thing really doing? Like, how does it know there's a rusty nail down there? Or a coin? Or your future retirement in gold bars? Let’s break it down—no science degree required. The Coil: Your Detector’s Superpower At the bottom of your detector is the coil—that big circle thing you wave around like you’re casting spells. But it’s not magic. It’s actually science. Here’s the basic deal: The coil sends out invisible magnetic energy into the ground. When this energy hits metal, it causes something called “eddy currents” in the object (fancy term for tiny electric swirls). Those eddy currents push back with their own magnetic vibes. Your detector senses that “pushback” and goes “BEEP!” That’s it. That’s the moment you start digging like a pirate who’s found a clue. Beep...

If you’ve been swinging the Minelab Equinox long enough, chances are your coil ears may eventually crack or break — and, let’s be honest, it usually happens after the warranty runs out . Don’t panic — this blog post walks you through how I repaired my 11" Equinox coil ears using Plastic Bonder JB Weld , a strong two-part epoxy. It’s a simple, inexpensive fix — and I’ve included photos for each step (which you’ll find below). What You’ll Need: Plastic Bonder JB Weld (2-part epoxy for plastic) Toothpick or small stick (for mixing and applying) Cardboard (for coil ear spacing and mixing) Rubbing alcohol (for cleaning) Paper towel or cloth Optional: painter’s tape or clamp Gloves (recommended) Step 1: Clean the Area Thoroughly Before doing any repairs, clean around the broken ear with rubbing alcohol to remove dirt, oils, and dust. Let it dry completely. Step 2: Mix the Plastic Bonder JB Weld Squeeze equal parts of the resin and hardener onto a piece of ca...