Whether a seasoned “professional” or a beginner, we all started our detecting adventure the same way, awkwardly fumbling around the back garden with an excited grin plastered on our faces. I am oh so thankful I lacked the foresight to film my auspicious first time, sparing me from the abject humiliation of any witnesses. I shuffled around with the wide-eyed wonder of a two year old on cartoons. Swinging wildly I began to concentrate; listening for what might be a good target. The detector dinged and binged, flashing numbers more akin to a mad scientist contraption processing higher-math problems than anything I thought would suggest what metals were under the coil. Yet the potential had my mind whirring. I read the manual at least ten times, back to font, but had no idea what the detector was telling me. Only after months and months of practice did I memorize VDIs, perfect my swing, and train my ear.
Metal detecting is not something that just comes naturally; there is no metal detecting gene. While personality traits or abilities like patience and analytical thinking play a major role in success, the mechanics remain the same for everyone. Thankfully learning how to swing and knowing what to listen for is relatively straightforward. Because of this, the hobby has seen an influx of new enthusiasts. Likewise, manufactures have responded to this demand with so-called, “turn on and go” machines. Though that term is a bit of a misnomer. New detectorists still need to learn the basic skills, no matter how easy a machine is to operate.
Last year Nokta Makro rolled out a new detector aimed at the beginner to intermediate market called the Simplex+. The name alone shouts “easy to use,” and in all fairness, it really is. However, I was shocked when customers reached out in frustration citing faulty machines, when in actuality their problem rested solely on poor technique. When we say, “turn on and go” in the metal detecting industry it is intended the same as, for instance… a car. Sure, you can start it up and “head out on the highway,” but if you don’t know how to drive, or the rules and laws of the road, things could get very ugly.
Further, no matter how long you have been detecting, you can always learn something new. Going back to the Simplex+ example, there were also several complaints by seasoned detectorists who expected to waltz right in and have that almost-intimate relationship born from years of experience using their previous machine. It does not work that way. Metal detectors vary from model to model and from manufacturer to manufacturer. Everything from VDI and tones to frequency and the type of swing employed can be markedly different. Advanced detectorists who have been around for 20 or 30 years will tell you, that each detector can have its own language and may be suited for specific environments, targets, and hunting styles.
When I reflect back not only to my first days as a new detectorist, but also what it was like switching machines, I know how overwhelming it can be. In either situation, it is easy to become frustrated. The best advice would be to get out of your own way. Take a step back and start with the basics. Focus on mastering technique, or in the case of the advanced user, the swing required by your chosen new machine. Then get out and start digging every target to learn the tones. Do not waste time depth testing newly buried coins or running your machine through its paces to build confidence. And while YouTube videos and social media advice are great tools, in the end you have to hone your skills and learn how your machine speaks in your environment. Remember, just like any relationship, trust goes both ways. If you are not doing your part to learn the machine, it will not do its part to reveal the treasure. Get out there and dig, dig, dig! That’s when you will start to see your shiny new machine… well, shine!
XOXO Siren Kimmie
Reprinted from The Archaeology & Metal Detecting Magazine's "Lockdown" issue.
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