Metal detecting is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to discover hidden treasures buried beneath the ground. An essential accessory for any metal detector enthusiast is a good pair of headphones. They help you focus on the audio signals and improve the chances of identifying valuable finds. There’s a wide variety of headphones available, but this list narrows down the top 5 options for your metal detecting needs.
When it comes to choosing headphones for metal detectors, one of the key decisions is whether to go for wired or wireless options. Here’s a quick comparison to help you make an informed choice:
Wired Headphones
Pros:
- Generally offer a better audio quality due to a direct connection.
- No need to worry about battery life or recharging.
- Typically more affordable than their wireless counterparts.
Cons:
- Cords can become tangled or snagged on obstacles, affecting your movement.
- Limited by cord length, restricting the range of motion.
Wireless Headphones
Pros:
- Greater freedom of movement, allowing you to navigate challenging terrain easily.
- No cord interference, providing a more comfortable experience.
- Modern wireless technology has improved audio quality and reduced latency.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than wired options.
- Reliant on battery life, which may require frequent recharging during extended sessions.
When selecting between wired or wireless headphones, consider your personal preferences, budget, and the specific requirements of your metal detecting adventures. With this in mind, let’s explore the top 5 headphones suitable for metal detecting enthusiasts.
Minelab Equinox waterproof headphones
Improve your treasure hunting experience with the Minelab Equinox Waterproof Headphones. These 3.5mm (1/8″) headphones are specifically designed to endure unpredictable outdoor conditions, including underwater usage, making them an excellent companion for ambitious metal detector enthusiasts.
Key Features:
- Wide Compatibility: These headphones are compatible with multiple Minelab models including Equinox 600, 800, 700, 900; Minelab Manticore, and X-Terra Pro, providing versatile use across an array of metal detectors.
- Wireless Audio Module Connection: You can connect these headphones to the WM 08 Wireless Audio Module, supporting cordless freedom without compromising audio quality, making your explorations hassle-free and enjoyable.
- Waterproof Design: Embarking on an underwater adventure? The headphones’ waterproof feature allows you to dive into that new environment unimpeded.
- Exceptional Audio Clarity: With Minelab Equinox Waterproof Headphones, you’ll experience excellent sound clarity, turning faint whispers of hidden treasures into clear signals.
- Robust Construction: The robust construction of these headphones ensures enduring performance, whether you’re in a muddy field, sandy beach, or underwater.
Minelab Equinox Waterproof Headphones is the upgrade your metal detecting kit needs. Enjoy the freedom to discover and the confidence to explore with reliable audio on your side.
Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones
Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones are your ultimate search companion, offering a truly wireless connection that takes metal detecting to a new level. They work using the transmitter and receiver principle, providing real-time audio without the restriction of wires.
Key Features:
- Battery Powered: Powered by a battery that can hold up to 30 hours of charge, these headphones allow for continuous and prolonged use.
- Minimal Audio Delay (Z-Lynk Technology): Optimized for metal detectors, these headphones feature Garrett’s innovative Z-Lynk technology that delivers audio with virtually zero delay, ensuring that you hear the metal detector signals in real-time.
- Easy Attachment: The transmitter easily attaches to the metal detector’s headphone output, and it can be fixated onto the metal detector’s shaft, providing a seamless connection.
- USB Charging: Conveniently charge your headphones using a USB cable. This makes it easy to refuel your headphones’ power, whether you’re at home or on the go.
Invest in the Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones and leave worries of cable clutter and delayed audio behind. Benefit from real-time audio signals and enjoy uninterrupted, wireless metal detecting sessions.
Minelab ML 80
Experience freedom and agility during your search endeavors with the Minelab ML 80 Wireless Headphones. These headphones are engineered with Bluetooth technology and an ultra-fast apt-X Low Latency setup, ensuring high-quality audio and minimal time delay for the most interactive metal detecting sessions.
Key Features:
- Bluetooth Technology: Equipped with standard Bluetooth technology, the ML 80 Wireless Headphones offer a seamless wireless connection, allowing you to move freely during your detecting expeditions.
- Apt-X Low Latency Technology: Enhanced with super-fast apt-X Low Latency technology, these headphones guarantee minimal time delay, providing real-time audio signals for an immersive treasure hunting experience.
- Designed for Minelab Series: The Minelab ML 80 Wireless Headphones have been specifically designed for use with the EQUINOX and VANQUISH series metal detectors, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.
- Wired Connection Option: In addition to wireless functionality, the ML 80 headphones can also be connected directly to your metal detector’s 3.5mm (1/8 inch) headphone socket for wired use, via the included AUX cable.
Upgrade your detecting experience with the versatile and high-performing Minelab ML 80 Wireless Headphones. Their outstanding audio quality and comfortable design let you focus on what matters most – unearthing hidden treasures.
Teknetics HEADT Metal Detector Headphones
The Teknetics HEADT Metal Detector Headphones are an essential add-on to your Teknetics metal detector, providing premium sound and comfort for long hours of treasure hunting.
Key Features:
- Designed for Teknetics Metal Detectors: These headphones were specially designed for use with Teknetics metal detectors, ensuring compatibility and enhancing your metal detecting efficiency.
- Individual Volume Controls: The headphones feature individual volume controls for the right and left sides, allowing you to customize the audio levels to your personal preference for a more targeted listening experience.
- 1/4 inch Stereo Plug: The 1/4 inch stereo plug is compatible with all Bounty Hunter(r) models, further extending the headphones’ versatility.
- Comfortable Earpiece Pads: The headphones come with soft leatherette earpiece pads that surround the ears, providing a comfortable fit even after hours of use.
- Lightweight with Extra Long Cable: The lightweight design and an extra long cable provide easy access and mobility, granting you the freedom to move easily whilst maintaining a solid connection to your metal detector.
With the Teknetics HEADT Metal Detector Headphones, not only will you enjoy a comfortable and immersive audio experience, but you’ll also greatly increase the chances of a successful treasure hunt.
Gray Ghost Original Platinum Headphones
These top-of-the-line headphones are equipped with features that enhance your detecting experience by offering high quality audio and excellent noise cancelling capability.
Key Features:
- Platinum Speakers: Incorporating PLATINUM speakers that are manufactured in the USA, these headphones deliver superior sound quality to ensure you don’t miss out on any potential treasure signals.
- Sound-Blocking Muffs: The special muff design eliminates environmental ambient noise up to 24 decibels, allowing you to focus on the sounds that matter most while you’re out detecting.
- Comfortable Design: The headphones feature heavy-duty polymer muffs with full-ear surround. The soft, comfortable cushions provide all-day comfort during your treasure hunting.
- Robust Coil Cable: The heavy-duty coil cable is equipped with a special 1/4″, 90-degree angle stereo connector, offering a reliable and durable connection to your metal detector.
- Metal Detector Compatibility: With its selector switch, the Gray Ghost Original Platinum Headphones are compatible with all single-output metal detectors without the need for adapters.
The Gray Ghost Original Platinum Headphones are truly designed with the metal detectorist in mind. Enjoy an enriched searching experience with impressive sound quality and comfortable design.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Headphones for Metal Detectors
Purchasing the best headphones for your metal detector is a worthy investment. Not only do they offer better audio signals for the faint whispers of hidden treasures, but they also reduce distracting environmental noise. However, not all headphones are created equal. To ensure you make the right choice, we’ve created this essential buyer’s guide for metal detecting headphones.
1. Compatibility
Compatibility is the first factor to consider. The headphones you purchase should be compatible with your specific metal detector model. Some headphones are universal and work with any detector, while others are brand or model-specific. Check the manufacturer’s information for compatibility descriptions before making a purchase.
2. Wired or Wireless
Headphones can either be wired or wireless. Wired headphones deliver steady audio quality without needing batteries. But the wires can sometimes get entangled, affecting mobility. Wireless headphones, on the other hand, offer freedom of movement but require charging or batteries. Your choice between wired and wireless depends on your usage preferences and the detection environments you frequent.
3. Sound Quality
Sound quality is crucial for metal detecting headphones. Good headphones will amplify the signals produced by the metal detector and filter out unnecessary background noise. Look for headphones with features like sound-blocking muffs, individual volume controls, or advanced audio technology.
4. Comfort
Since metal detecting involves long hours of use, comfort is paramount. You should opt for lightweight headphones with adjustable bands and comfortable earpieces. Materials like leatherette offer additional comfort. Some models have full-ear surround designs that can provide extra comfort and noise cancellation.
5. Durability
Headphones that are used outdoors must be sturdy and capable of withstanding various weather conditions. Consider headphones with robust constructions, and materials resistant to corrosion. If you plan on detecting near water, look for waterproof or water-resistant headphones.
6. Latency
For wireless headphones, consider the latency – the delay in audio signal transmission. Headphones with high latency can cause significant delays between the detector’s signal and the sound you hear, possibly causing you to miss targets. Select wireless headphones with low latency to ensure real-time audio signals.
7. Plug Size
The plug size of the headphones should match the jack on your metal detector. Most metal detectors come with a 1/4-inch jack, so headphones with a 1/4-inch plug are fairly standard. However, some newer models also offer a smaller 3.5mm (1/8-inch) jack. Some headphones come with adapters to cater for both sizes.
8. Cost
Finally, consider your budget. The price of headphones can vary widely based on their features, brand, and design. Expensive doesn’t always mean better. Understand your specific needs and evaluate if the headphones offer reasonable value for their cost.
Conclusion
Investing in the right pair of headphones can greatly enhance your metal detecting experience. Remember, a good pair of headphones should offer great sound quality, be comfortable to wear, be durable, and be compatible with your metal detector. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can easily find the best headphones for your metal detecting needs. Happy Hunting!