Are headphones needed?

[Bent-Twig]

Hi,

I am new to this metal detecting and was wondering if I missed something. I have a Fisher F5 and just bought it used. It came as metal detector only. I see that it has a jack for headphones. I see a lot of people "most people" in their pictures are using headphones. Is there an advantage to this? My machine sounds off from the conrol box. Why do you need headphones if the machine has ID sounds already? Just wondering if I am missing something, cause I am new to this? By the way , any suggestions on a digging tool and pinpointer would be appreciated.

Twig.

 

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[battlecat]

No but it is polite. I have hunted a property without headphones and have been asked to leave cause the Dog was going crazy inside hearing my MD.

 

[godisnum1]

Headphones allow you to focus and hear the sounds much better... it definitely helps in crowded areas, or if you have ADD (Attention Deficit OHHH Shiney!!!) like me! Seriously, you'll hear the sounds much clearer with a good pair of headphones!!

Bran <><

 

[RJGMC]

Many benefits to headphones. You can hear the faint noises that you probably have missed using just the speaker. The batteries last longer since it usually takes less power to run the headphones than the speaker. People around you have no idea if you are getting good signals or no signals. It is a common courtesy to not bother others. And the one I like best, sometimes you are trying hard to hunt and some little person comes to visit, usually I have time for them but sometimes do not. It depends on how many, age, etc. If they ask questions, you can answer them or pretend not to hear them. This will usually be followed up with a comment like "he can't hear us, he has headphones on." Yes, you can hear them, but they don't know that.

Pick headphones carefully. Some headphones are stereo only. I prefer them with a stereo/mono switch and must have a separate volume control for each ear.

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bob

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Yes. Headphones are like binoculars for your ears. Not only will your batteries last up to twice as long but the faint signals could be deep (and older) coins.

My Musky has no visual display and a good headset really helps with them. My Fisher has seperate video vs. audio circuits and, there again, I often hear things worth further investigation that the display initially missed (or I didn't spot). Just the additional concentration they afford makes a world of difference. But it can depend on the detector. Some give the same "beep" whenever a target passes through the field. Others give fainter to very solid "beeps" depending on the target.

I have a Detector Pro Rattler that has only one earpiece. It still allows me to hear what's going on but the earpiece can be set loud enough to really bring in the faint targets.

 

[Bent-Twig]

Thanks guys.

I will look into gettin a set of headphones also. I am still looking for a good pinpointer and a great digging tool also.

Twig.

 

[Frank1960]

I used headphones on a tot lot and the kids would just look at me and when I made eye contact would just smile and keep watching or go about playing.

 

[Silver Surfer]

And trust me, not only will you quadruple your battery time, but you will also not suffer the stampede of onlookers every time they hear you machine go BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!
And that is improtant.. Just try them in a crowded area and see the reaction you get, then take them off and see how much traffic scrambles over to ask "What did you find, what did you find"... Bottom line, if you are serious about this hobby, you need a pair.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

One other note. Certain detectors run a seperate circuit for the visual vs. the audio display. An external speaker in the out-of-doors at arm's length beside your hip just isn't sensitive enough for you to catch the faint signals the VDI may have missed.

 

[lonelyduckhunter]

Headphones are needed imo. As far as digging tools check out predatortools.com the model 85 is the best handheld digger you will ever buy and will last you a lifetime. Thu pinpointer opions vary the garrett pro pointer is the only one I will ever own hard to beat it.

 

[Bent-Twig]

Can I get away with $30 headphones or do I need to buy better? I just bought a pistol probe from a forum member so now I am down to searching for my headphones and a digging tool.

Thanks for the help , Twig.

 

[godisnum1]

I used a cheap pair of headphones (full ear coverage) for a few years or so, and I think they worked just fine for the time being.
However, my new headphones blow those other ones out of the water completely!!! The sounds are way more defined, and the volume control gives me more options. I think a cheap pair of headphones, as long as they have volume control on each ear or inline volume control would do you fine for now. Just my personal opinion though.

Bran <><

 

[Bent-Twig]

Thanks for the info Bran!!

There is a set on flea-bay that has volume control for each ear, stereo or mono switch,6' coiled cord. Looks like they will do the job for now. I will go order them right now. After I get to use a set for a while I may want to get the fancy ones. I still have alot to learn on the F5.

Twig.

 

[godisnum1]

Sounds like they should work for you. They actually sound exactly like my old pair...

Bran <><