Swinging a metal detector seems straightforward at first glance, but there’s a little more finesse to it if you want to find more than just pull tabs. The right technique can maximize your depth and coverage, ensuring that no finds are left behind. Whether you’re hunting for coins on the beach, relics in the fields, or the ever-elusive hoard in the woods, here’s how to master the swing.
1. The Perfect Swing: Don’t Just Wave it Like a Wand!
The first step to becoming the King of the Swingers is to perfect your coil control. Keeping the coil as close to the ground as possible—without actually scraping it—is essential for maximum depth. Even just a few inches off the ground can mean losing valuable depth and missing targets.
Optimal Coil Height
Keep the coil an inch or less above the ground, letting it almost brush the surface. But make sure not to let it drag, as that can damage the coil and tire you out faster.
Avoid the Pendulum Effect
Avoid the common mistake of letting your coil rise at the ends of each swing—also known as the “pendulum effect.” This drastically reduces the depth and consistency of your detecting. Imagine leaving a medieval coin buried because you were “swinging for the fences”!
Pro Tip: Practice keeping your coil level by watching the distance from the ground at the far ends of your swing. Consistency is key!
2. Swing Width and Why Overlap is Key
When swinging your detector, it’s all about finding the right width—not too wide, but not too narrow. As a general rule, aim for swings that are 2-4 feet wide, ensuring you’re covering ground efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.
Wide Swings with a Twist
If you prefer a wider swing, that’s fine, but you need to make one crucial adjustment: tilt the detector slightly as you move from left to right to ensure the coil stays close to the ground at the ends. If the coil lifts at the edges, you lose depth and risk missing targets. This is the style I use, and although it took a while to get used to it, I feel that I cover far more ground in a day.
Overlap Your Sweeps
To avoid missing anything, each swing should overlap the previous one by about 30%. Think of it like mowing the lawn—you don’t want any patches left uncut! Proper overlap ensures that no inch of ground is left unchecked.
Avoid Common Swing Mistakes
- Too Fast, Too Furious: Swinging too quickly won’t give your detector enough time to process signals. Stick to a slow, steady pace of around 2-3 seconds per full swing.
- Skipping Ground: Not overlapping your swings can leave gaps in your search pattern, potentially missing valuable targets.
3. Swing Speed: Slow and Steady Wins the Race
There’s no prize for the fastest swinger. In fact, swinging too quickly will cause you to miss small or deep targets altogether. Aim for 2-3 seconds per sweep (left to right and back again). This gives your detector enough time to process signals and provide accurate feedback.
Speed in Different Terrains
Different ground conditions require different swing speeds:
- Flat Fields: A medium swing speed works fine here—just slow enough to cover ground efficiently.
- Heavily Mineralized Soils: These areas require slower swings to avoid false signals.
- Beaches: Wet sand can mess with signals, so stick to a slow, steady swing near the waterline, and slightly faster on dry sand.
The video below 👇 is a quick example of a very basic swinging technique, just to give you an idea of where to start. Be sure to follow me on my YouTube channel for more guides and field outings.
4. Adjusting Detector Length for Comfort
Swinging a metal detector should feel like an extension of your body—comfortable and natural. To achieve this, you need to adjust the shaft length.
How to Adjust
Ideally, the shaft should be long enough that your arm remains slightly bent while the coil stays close to the ground. This helps avoid fatigue and keeps your swing consistent.
Tall and Short Detectorists: Tips for Comfort
- For taller detectorists: Extend the shaft a little longer so you don’t have to hunch over. A detector that’s too short will tire you out quickly.
- For shorter detectorists: Shorten the shaft to keep the coil near the ground without straining your back.
Proper length adjustment will make your detecting sessions longer and more enjoyable. And let’s face it—no one wants to leave the field early because of a sore back!
5. Adapting Your Swing to Different Grounds
The terrain you’re hunting on plays a big role in how you swing your detector. Adjusting your technique to match the environment is key to success.
Flat Ground
Keep your coil level and parallel to the ground. Pretty straightforward.
Slopes
When you’re on a hill, adjust the angle of your coil so it stays parallel to the ground. Tilt the coil slightly back when going uphill, and forward when heading downhill.
Beaches
Wet sand can be tricky due to high mineralization, but stick to a slow swing speed near the waterline. On dry sand, a slightly faster swing can help cover ground more efficiently.
Rocky or Uneven Ground
Be careful not to let the coil bounce too much. The goal is to keep it as close to the ground as possible without getting stuck on rocks or debris.
6. The Importance of Recovery Speed
Recovery speed refers to how fast your metal detector can respond to multiple signals in quick succession. If you’re detecting in areas with lots of trash or close targets, a fast recovery speed can help separate the good from the bad. This is especially useful when hunting in areas like parks or beaches where there are often many signals in a small area.
Pro Tip: If you’re not finding much, try adjusting your recovery speed depending on your environment. In trash-heavy areas, crank up the recovery speed to isolate good targets. In cleaner areas, slow it down to get more depth.
7. Using Harnesses and Swing Aids
Metal detecting can get physically demanding after a few hours, especially if your detector is on the heavier side. Luckily, there are swing aids and harnesses that can make your life a lot easier.
Consider using a Minelab Pro-Swing 45 or DetectorPro Gray Ghost harness if you’re struggling with the weight. These tools help take the strain off your arms and distribute the load more evenly, allowing for longer and more comfortable hunts.
Final Thoughts: Mastering the Swing
Mastering the art of swinging a metal detector takes time, practice, and attention to detail. Remember:
- Keep your coil low and level.
- Avoid penduluming.
- Slow down your swing speed to let your detector do its job.
- Adjust your recovery speed for different environments.
- Make use of harnesses if needed, and always make sure your detector is adjusted for comfort.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be swinging like a pro in no time. Happy hunting!
If you’ve got any other techniques you wish to add, as always, please do leave a comment below to help others in this wonderful hobby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the correct height to keep the metal detector coil?
The correct height is about an inch or less above the ground. Keeping the coil close to the ground ensures you get the maximum depth possible. Avoid scraping it along the surface to prevent damage.
Why is overlapping swings important?
Overlapping swings by about 30% ensures that you do not miss any spots. It is similar to mowing a lawn—overlapping ensures every inch is covered, preventing valuable targets from being missed.
What is the best swing speed for metal detecting?
A good swing speed is around 2-3 seconds per full sweep (left to right and back again). Swinging too fast can lead to missed targets, especially smaller or deeper items, as the detector doesn’t have enough time to process the signals.
How should I adjust my swing for different types of terrain?
On flat ground, keep the coil level and parallel to the surface. On slopes, tilt the coil slightly back when going uphill and forward when heading downhill to keep it parallel. On wet sand, use a slow swing speed, while a slightly faster swing can be used on dry sand.
What is recovery speed, and why is it important?
Recovery speed is how fast your detector can respond to multiple signals in quick succession. It is crucial in trash-heavy areas as it helps separate good targets from junk. A faster recovery speed can help isolate valuable targets in cluttered environments.
How can I reduce fatigue while metal detecting?
To reduce fatigue, make sure the detector shaft is adjusted so that your arm is slightly bent and comfortable. Using a harness, such as the Minelab Pro-Swing 45, can also help distribute the weight evenly, allowing for longer, more comfortable detecting sessions.
Passionate about history, metal detecting, and the thrill of the hunt, I’ve spent years uncovering hidden treasures across the Lincolnshire countryside and beyond. As a pub landlord with a love for music and a knack for storytelling, I bring a unique perspective to every adventure—whether it’s finding a rare coin in a field or sharing tales of British history.
When I’m not swinging a detector, you’ll find me exploring micro hobbies, dreaming of life on a canal boat, or helping others dive into the world of metal detecting with practical advice and a good dose of humor.
