If you’re wondering whether or not you should use headphones with your metal detector the short answer is; it depends…
Sometime using headphones with a metal detector won’t make a difference
Many entry level metal detectors such as Garrett’s Ace Series are what we refer to as being “beep and dig” machines. Quite simply; the user swings the coil over a target such as a coin, and a single audio tone at a preset frequency and volume level is emitted from the metal detector in response to the presence of the (metal) target. Beep and dig metal detectors are sometimes referred to as binary audio metal detectors because of the unchanging “yes or no” nature of the audio that they emit. Using headphones on a beep and dig metal detector will not provide the user with a performance gain, such as being able to hear “whisper tones” in response to deep targets. Therefore, I would have to say that it would be perfectly fine to forego using headphones if you’re using a beep and dig metal detector. You might however, consider using headphones for the sake of others. Imagine that you’re relaxing on a quiet beach when all of a sudden someone comes along with a loud metal detector!
Using headphones with a metal detector
If however, you own a more advanced metal detector, you will absolutely want to use headphones. Advanced metal detectors can provide the user with audio information about a target that beep and dig machines cannot. For example, by using headphones with a metal detector such as the Garrett AT Max, Minelab Equinox, or XP Deus, the user will be able to distinguish deep targets from shallow targets. A deep target will produce a faint tone whereas a shallow target will produce a louder tone. In fact, there is something called a whisper tone in which a metal detector will alert the user to the presence of a very deep target by emitting a sound that is no louder than a whisper. It is impossible to hear a whisper tone without headphones. Additionally, whisper tones don’t always have a corresponding target ID. In other words; if you don’t use headphones, not only will you not hear a deep target, you also won’t see it on your VDI! A few weeks ago I found a 1797 US Large Cent that was 10 inches deep. The large cent produced a whisper tone but nothing was displayed on the screen of my metal detector. It’s a good thing that I was wearing headphones!
Using headphones also makes it possible for a metal detector user to hear audio nuances that different types of targets produce. This will allow the detectorist to distinguish the difference between junk targets such as aluminum and bottle caps from coins. Needless to say, this results in the detectorist digging less junk targets which saves a tremendous amount of time! Imagine trying to metal detect at a trash filled park and not being able to tell the difference between aluminum and coins? They’re both high conductors, and depending on the brand of metal detector, you might not be able to tell the difference without wearing headphones. Wearing headphones when metal detecting also helps reduce outside noise from sources such as traffic and running water.
Metal detecting without headphones
There are several reasons why someone may choose to use their metal detector without headphones. First, some people do not like being unable to hear what is going on around them. This is completely understandable given that some of us metal detect in areas where bears, moose, mountain lions, and poisonous snakes live. Additionally, some brands of metal detector headphones can get pretty uncomfortable to wear during the hot summer months. Lastly, using a metal detector with wired headphones can be extremely annoying. The wire can and will get snagged on brush, and it can get pretty awkward trying to dig while still “tethered” to a metal detector.
While any of the reasons listed above can easily justify not using headphones when metal detecting; I would still hate to risk missing a small, deep target that could very well be something of value such as a coin or jewelry. Fortunately, there are several things that can be done that will allow you to use headphones while metal detecting while still remaining safe and comfortable. First, you can order yourself a set of single ear headphones such as the Detectorpro Rattler Metal Detector Headphones. This allows the detectorist to use their metal detector with just one ear, leaving their other ear unobstructed so that they can hear the environment around them. Also, since it’s possible to use just about any pair of headphones with a metal detector; why not try using earbuds or a set of headphones that don’t cover the entire ear? Earbuds are a great option for metal detecting in the summer months as they will help keep you cool while still allowing you to use your metal detector with headphones. If using wired headphones with a metal detector annoys you as much as it did me you have a couple of different options. First, some metal detectors such as the Minelab Equinox come equipped with Bluetooth. This will allow you to pair Bluetooth wireless headphones with the metal detector. Please note, that for performance reasons, you should only use aptX LL Bluetooth headphones with the Minelab Equinox. If your metal detector does not come equipped with Bluetooth then you might take a look at the Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphone Kit. This product works with all brands of metal detectors. If you already have a favorite pair of headphones you can use Garrett’s Z-Lynk Wireless System to make them wireless. I personally own this product and it’s absolutely fabulous. I prefer to run the headphone cord down my shirt before plugging into the wireless receiver which clips onto your belt. This prevents the cord from getting snagged on branches.