Consider using different detectors for different environments.
Anyone who spends a lot of time metal detecting usually ends up with more than one detector. That isn’t about collecting equipment for its own sake; it’s a practical response to the fact that no single machine performs equally well in every situation.
I personally use three detectors: a Minelab Equinox 800 as my main all-round machine, a Detech EDS as a dependable back-up, and a Detech SSP-3000 pulse-induction detector for deep-seeking work. Alongside these, I keep a selection of search heads for each machine. I wouldn’t suggest this is the perfect setup, but it allows me to work effectively across a wide variety of sites and conditions—and that is the real objective.
Why Using Multiple Detectors Matters
Different detectors are designed with different priorities in mind: depth, sensitivity, target separation, or performance in mineralised ground. Having more than one machine gives you the flexibility to adapt rather than compromise.
The result is fewer missed targets, less frustration, and better results over time—especially when conditions change during a hunt.
Practical Tips for Using Multiple Detectors
1. Use Detectors for What They Do Best
Some detectors excel in mineralised soil, others in iron contamination, shallow water, or deep pasture. Matching the machine to the conditions almost always improves results.
2. Build a Complementary Setup
Rather than owning several similar detectors, choose machines that cover different roles—for example, a general-purpose detector, a specialist deep seeker, or a waterproof unit.
3. Keep a Reliable Back-Up
Detectors do fail, often at the worst possible moment. A dependable back-up machine can save a day’s detecting and is especially useful on permissions or organised events.
4. Learn Each Detector Thoroughly
Every detector behaves differently. Time spent understanding settings such as sensitivity, discrimination, and ground balance will often pay greater dividends than upgrading equipment.
5. Be Ready to Switch as Conditions Change
If you move from clean pasture to iron-ridden ground, or from dry soil to wet sand, changing detector—or even just the search head—can make a dramatic difference.
Search Heads (Coils): A Key Part of the System
The search head plays a major role in how a detector performs. While “coil” and “search head” are often used interchangeably, it’s helpful to think of the search head as the complete unit, with the coil being the electrical winding inside it.
Most detectors are supplied with a standard search head of around ten inches (25cm) in diameter. This size represents a compromise that works reasonably well in many situations, but it is rarely ideal.
Manufacturers usually offer optional search heads ranging from about 3.5 inches (9cm) to 15 inches (38cm) or more, and using the right size can significantly improve performance.
6. Choose Search Head Size to Suit the Ground
As a rule of thumb, larger search heads detect deeper and cover more ground, while smaller heads offer better sensitivity to small targets and cope better with iron contamination.
7. Understand Coil Types
Concentric coils provide maximum depth directly beneath the centre of the search head and work well on cleaner ground.
Widescan (DD) coils cover more ground per sweep and perform better in mineralised soil.
Less common SEF coils combine aspects of both and aim to balance depth with coverage.
8. Accept the Trade-Offs
Larger search heads are heavier, less sensitive to small targets, not as precise when pinpointing, and more tiring to use. Weight can sometimes be reduced by hip- or chest-mounting the control box, or by using a bungee harness.
Care, Maintenance, and Good Habits
9. Always Use a Scuff Cover
A scuff cover protects the underside of the search head from wear. They are inexpensive to replace and far cheaper than a new search head.
10. Look After Batteries and Storage
If a detector won’t be used for long periods, remove the batteries. This simple habit prevents corrosion and prolongs the life of your equipment.
11. Keep Records of Performance
Logging which detector and search head were used, along with settings and results, quickly builds a personal reference guide for future hunts.
Conclusion
Using multiple detectors isn’t about owning more equipment—it’s about flexibility. A carefully chosen, well-understood combination of machines and search heads allows you to adapt to changing conditions, improve performance, and get the most from every site you detect.
I’ve met people who own dozens—or even hundreds—of detectors, but for most of us, a small, complementary setup used thoughtfully will outperform a shed full of unfamiliar machines every time.
If you’re new here, there’s a short free guide on the site that sets out how I approach site research, finds management, and gaining permission. You can find it here » Resources True Treasure Books
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