Our July Detectorist of the Month, Paul Wilson, has been detecting for around seven years and has a YouTube channel to help those who are new to the hobby. Here, Paul shares how he got into it, what he gets out of it, and how you can get started too.

Who or what inspired you to get into detecting?

When I was around 10 years old, I purchased a metal detector, but I didn’t really know how to go about it properly. Information wasn’t really available back then on how to gain permissions or even the importance of getting yourself covered with liability insurance. 

Now the information is much more accessible, by joining social media groups and even Facebook groups. It’s a great community of like minded people who are very passionate and helpful if you have any questions. 

Roughly seven years ago, I was watching YouTube and came across a video by Deep Digger Dan that changed everything. He was so entertaining and funny to watch, as well as knowledgeable. So I watched one video after another and soon enough I’d picked up some great information and pointers on what to do and how to go about it. So one night I decided to give the hobby another try. I placed a bid on eBay and won a metal detector. It was a Nokta Fors Core!

And basically the rest is history. My only regret was I hadn’t done it sooner.

When did you first use your Coiltek coil?

I moved from the CTX 3030 and XP Deus with the high frequency coil to the Equinox 800. The only downside was I had to get some different sized coils for it, as it only came with the standard Minelab 11” coil. 

So I did some research and decided to go with the 15” NOX from Coiltek. It is an amazing coil. I don’t know how you guys have done it, but it’s everything you want and more. It cuts like a laser and the sensitivity is astonishing for such a big coil. 

I had used Coiltek coils before on different machines, and they were always perfect. Very stable and sensitive, not to mention the build quality was in my opinion better, as I’d seen a few people break the lugs of their Minelab coils. After all, they aren’t cheap to buy! So if you look after your equipment, you want it to last as long as possible. 

How has detecting benefitted your lifestyle?

The benefits of getting out metal detecting in the fresh air, meeting and making new friends is priceless. I can’t recommend it enough. It’s been life changing.

What advice would you give someone to get started?

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to get started, as all metal detectors these days are really good machines. Don’t go thinking I need the best machine out there to find me great finds. 

It’s more about spending time and learning whatever machine you can afford. In time you will make some amazing finds.

But for me, the most important thing is the friendships you will make and experiences you will have. That’s what makes this fantastic hobby what it is. 

I would also recommend here in the UK getting NCMD liability insurance. It’s peace of mind for you and the landowner when acquiring permission. It shows that you’re responsible and take your hobby seriously. 

But above all, just go out and have fun and enjoy the countryside. 

What have been your best finds so far?

I once found two hoards of 32 Roman silver coins. And the second hoard was 14 Roman silver coins, which was absolutely amazing. 

I also enjoy seeing the look on someone’s face when you find their lost wedding ring or iPhone. It’s absolutely priceless.