Alright, so I’ve been wanting to get into metal detecting for a while now. It just seems like such a cool hobby – you’re basically a modern-day treasure hunter! But before I could even start dreaming about finding gold doubloons, I needed some gear. And the first thing on my list? A good shovel.
I did some digging around (pun intended!) and found out that a regular garden shovel just wouldn’t cut it. You need something tougher, something designed for digging in all sorts of terrain. So, I started my quest for the perfect metal detecting shovel.
The Search Begins
First, I hit up some online forums and watched a few YouTube videos of experienced detectorists. I wanted to see what they were using. I quickly learned there’s a whole world of shovels out there, with different shapes, sizes, and materials.
- Some had serrated edges for cutting through roots.
- Others had pointed tips for breaking up hard soil.
- And then there were the “sand scoops” for beach detecting.
It was a little overwhelming, to be honest. I felt like I was back in school, trying to learn a whole new subject.
Narrowing Down My Choices
I decided to focus on a few key features:
- Durability: I wanted something that could withstand a beating. I didn’t want to buy a new shovel every few months.
- Comfort: I figured I’d be doing a lot of digging, so a comfortable handle was a must.
- Size: I needed something that was easy to carry around, but still big enough to move some dirt.
Based on my “research” (aka, lots of online browsing), I narrowed it down to a few models. I ended up going with a sturdy-looking one with a serrated edge and a D-grip handle. It seemed like a good all-around option.
Putting It to the Test
The day my shovel arrived, I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I grabbed my metal detector (which I had also just bought) and headed out to a nearby park. I found a spot that looked promising and started digging.
The shovel worked great! The serrated edge sliced through the grass and roots like butter. The D-grip handle was comfortable to hold, even after an hour of digging. I managed to dig several holes, unearthing a few bottle caps, some rusty nails, and a whole lot of nothing. But hey, that’s part of the fun, right?
My First “Treasure”
Okay, it wasn’t exactly treasure, but I did find a cool-looking old coin! It was pretty corroded, but I could still make out some of the markings. It was a rush! I felt like Indiana Jones, uncovering a piece of history (even if it was just a few decades old).
I’m still a newbie at this metal detecting thing, but I’m hooked. And I’m glad I invested in a good shovel. It’s made the whole experience a lot more enjoyable. Now, I’m just waiting for the day I find that real treasure!
