Detexpert Tips & Tricks – Expert Advice for Detectorists Issue no.1

Welcome to our new Detexpert Tips & Tricks series. We’ve asked members of our European Detexpert community to share their most practical advice for detectorists. If you’re just starting out or refining your technique, these quick insights will help you get the most out of your detector.

Each Detexpert brings unique strengths and experiences, and together they’ll pass on tips to inspire and support the detecting community.

Getting Started

Every successful detectorist begins with the basics. Luc and Artur share their advice on building confidence early.

Luc Van Assche (Belgium)

Luc recommends building confidence with your detector before heading out into the field: “Try your device in the garden with a few coins and listen to the sounds. That way you’ll know exactly what to listen out for in the field.”

He also reminds us to trust the technology: “Have faith in what the engineers developed for you. Start with the stock settings, they work well anywhere and are the best foundation for learning your detector.”

My advice to detectorists is trust your detector and start simple.

Artur Kropiwiec (UK)

For Artur, success begins with the fundamentals: “For beginners, read the manual first and get to know the buttons on your detector. Place a few different objects on the grass and scan them to learn the sounds.”

This simple practice builds confidence early and helps new detectorists understand what their machine is really telling them.

My advice to beginner detectorists is read the manual, learn your detector, and practice with targets at home.

Mindset in the Field

Beyond settings and buttons, success often comes down to patience, persistence, and keeping an open mind, as Paul and Emil explain.

Paul Cee (UK)

Paul stresses that learning a detector is as much about mindset as it is about technique:

“Success depends on patience, persistence, and learning to interpret the audio and visual signals your detector provides.”

He recommends beginning with the factory presets - designed to be effective straight out of the box, and focusing on mastering a steady, overlapping coil swing. These basics, combined with perseverance, are what separate good hunts from great ones.

My advice for beginning your metal detecting journey is success depends on patience, persistence, and site research.

Emil Nygård (Sweden)

For Emil, success comes from keeping an open mind in the field: “When in doubt, dig it anyway, junk teaches as much as treasure,” he says.

He also advises detectorists to listen carefully for faint signals: “Don’t ignore the whispers. Minelab detectors excel at depth, and those subtle signals often lead to the best finds.”

Finally, Emil reminds us that detecting is built on relationships: “Always respect and thank the farmer. Without him, history stays buried.”

My advice to detectorists is when in doubt, dig it, every signal has something to teach you.

Techniques & Refinement

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, Alessio suggests refining your technique and training your ear.

Alessio Cresci (Italy)

Alessio encourages new detectorists not to rush when learning their machine: “Take your time to familiarise yourself with the detector before asking which program is best. Test it out and dig all your targets.”

He also recommends always using headphones. By tuning into the subtle audio differences, especially in difficult or “dirty” terrain, detectorists can train their ears and improve their chances of success.

My advice to detectorists is don’t rush; take your time to familiarise yourself with the detector and always use headphones to hear the nuances of sound.

Preparation & Strategy

Finally, Joel reminds us that the hunt begins before you even set foot in the field - with research and preparation.

Joel Jokelainen (Finland)

For Joel, successful detecting starts long before you step into the field.: “Thorough research is the foundation of successful detecting. Old maps, historical records, and local stories can reveal forgotten pathways, gathering places, and activity sites that are invisible to the eye today.

By combining historical knowledge with detecting skill, you dramatically increase the odds of finding significant targets.”

My advice to detectorists is invest time in research, because old maps, archives and stories are often the real keys to great discoveries.

Scroll down to meet all our featured Detexperts and connect with them on social media for more tips and inspiration.

These first insights show the breadth of wisdom across our community, from learning the basics and trusting your machine, to researching sites and respecting the people who make detecting possible.

And this is just the beginning. In the next issue of Detexpert Tips & Tricks, we’ll dive into more focused advice, including settings and techniques, to help you take your detecting even further.