Do I need headphones for metal detecting?

They help you hear faint signals. Garrett's MS-2 listing says its volume control lets you adjust signal levels and improve weak signals, and the AT Pro listing says MS-2 headphones reduce ambient noise.

Why use a coil cover?

To protect the searchcoil. Garrett's ACE listings say the included cover shields the coil from scratches, rocks and debris.

How should I store old coins I find?

2x2 flips are one option; the unplasticized flips here are listed for medium to long term storage. PCGS and NGC both warn against cleaning valuable coins; see our coin cleaning guide before you do anything to a find.

Metal Detecting Accessories: Headphones, Pouches, Covers and Bags

CoilAndCoin is reader-supported. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.

Quick answerAfter a pinpointer and a digger, common extras are headphones (Garrett's MS-2 listing says volume control can improve weak signals), a finds pouch (for finds and trash, since Garrett's code says to carry trash out), a coil cover and a padded bag. Use unplasticized 2x2 flips for coins rather than cleaning them.

Here are common detecting accessories, described from the listings. We haven't tested them.

Headphones

Garrett's MS-2 has a 1/4 inch right-angle stereo plug, volume control, a 10 foot coiled cable and 8 ohm speakers. Garrett's listing says the volume control can improve weak signals. Check your detector's jack before buying; some newer detectors use wireless audio instead.

1/4 in. plug, volume control

Garrett MS-2 Headphones

1/4 in. right-angle stereo plug, per the listing
Volume control
10 ft coiled cable; 8 ohm speakers

Check price on Amazon

Finds and dig pouches

A pouch keeps finds and trash separate. Garrett's code of ethics says to carry all rubbish and dug targets with you when you leave.

Garrett All Terrain pouch

Garrett All Terrain Dig Pouch

Garrett finds/dig pouch, per the title

Check price on Amazon

Garrett camo pouch

Garrett Camo Diggers Pouch

Garrett camo diggers pouch, per the title

Check price on Amazon

Coil covers

Garrett's ACE 300 and 400 listings say they come with a searchcoil cover that shields the coil from scratches, rocks and debris. A replacement for the ACE 400's 8.5 x 11 inch DD coil snaps on, per its listing. Match the cover to your exact coil size.

Fits 8.5 x 11 in. DD

Coil Cover for Garrett 8.5x11 DD Coil

Fits the 8.5 x 11 in. DD coil (ACE 350/400), per the listing
Snap-on install

Check price on Amazon

Carry bag

Minelab's padded reinforced canvas bag is listed for all metal detectors, with an accessory pocket and a 3-year limited warranty.

Padded canvas

Minelab Padded Canvas Detector Carry Bag

Padded, reinforced canvas, per the listing
Listed for all metal detectors
Accessory pocket; 3-year limited warranty

Check price on Amazon

Coin storage

Unplasticized 2x2 double-pocket flips are listed for medium to long term storage. Before you store a coin, read our coin cleaning guide: PCGS says don't clean your coins.

100 unplasticized flips

2x2 Double-Pocket Unplasticized Coin Flips (100)

100 unplasticized 2x2 double-pocket flips, per the listing
Listed for medium to long term storage

Check price on Amazon

Wireless headphones

If your detector has Garrett's Z-Lynk, the MS-3 has the receiver built in, per its listing. For which headphones fit which detectors, see metal detector headphones.

Z-Lynk wireless

Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones

Built-in Z-Lynk receiver, per the listing
Volume control
Foldable; 30-18,000 Hz

Check price on Amazon

FAQ

Do I need headphones?

They help with faint signals and noise.

Why a coil cover?

To protect the coil from scratches and rocks.

How do I store coins?

2x2 flips; don't clean valuable coins.

Metal Detecting Accessories Worth Having