Metal detectors come at various prices, but the best ones are pricey, and even lower-quality models can be hundreds of dollars. With such a large price tag, many might wonder if purchasing one is worth the investment.
Metal detectors are a good investment if you frequently metal detect, enjoy doing it, and enjoy the social aspect of metal detection. Buying your own detector is also a good investment if you can make money by metal detecting.
In this article, I’ll discuss when buying a metal detector is worth the money and how to generate income through metal detecting. Let’s get started!
When Is Buying a Metal Detector Worthwhile?
Buying a metal detector is worthwhile if you enjoy the activity and the social interaction that results from it and go metal detecting often. Additionally, purchasing a metal detector is a good investment if you can generate income through metal detection.
First and foremost, buying a metal detector is worthwhile if you enjoy metal detecting and plan on doing it a lot. You can rent or borrow a metal detector for a while, but if you love metal detecting, you’ll want to go whenever the urge strikes you or the weather is good. In that case, you’ll want your own metal detector instead of relying on others or paying to rent one every time.
Additionally, owning a metal detector allows you to get used to that particular detector, its sounds, its strengths, and its weaknesses. Eventually, you’ll be an expert with that particular detector, empowering you to discover more and more every time you go out.
Of course, mastering any skill requires more than just great equipment. If you want to level up your metal detecting game, you should read my guide on the topics. I’ll share a step-by-step process that’ll help you become a metal detection expert: How to Become a Metal Detection Expert
Metal detecting is a great hobby to enjoy, and there are many benefits to having a hobby that brings fulfillment and joy into your life. Here are some of the advantages of having hobbies:
- You’re less likely to suffer from depression. When you have an activity that makes you happy that you can do during your free time, you’re less likely to suffer from symptoms of depression because you’ll have something meaningful to do with your free time, which helps you avoid loneliness and lethargy.
- You’ll manage your stress better. People who have meaningful hobbies are usually more effective in managing stress. If you enjoy metal detecting and give yourself the time to do it, you’ll probably find work and other everyday anxieties easier to handle. The ability to manage stress well may result in better performance at your job, improved relationships, and an increase in overall happiness.
- Engaging in a hobby promotes better mental health. Challenging your brain and body by metal detecting outdoors can give you purpose and increase your confidence. Additionally, entertainment and giving yourself time to have fun instead of working or engaging in stress-inducing activities all the time is better for your mental health.
- You’ll waste less time. Hobbies prevent boredom, which decreases your chances of developing a bad habit or engaging in destructive behavior. Instead of wasting your time doing nothing or doing something bad for yourself, you can be out treasure-hunting!
- You’re always learning something new. People who love history and culture and always want to learn something new will likely get a lot of fulfillment out of metal detecting. After all, everything you find is an artifact from the past and can tell a story about who interacted with that object before.
- You’ll get some steps in. Metal detection can’t be considered serious exercise, but depending on how long you’re out, you can log quite a few steps in the pursuit of the hunt. Movement is good for the body, and you’re more likely to want to exercise if you get up and move for your hobby.
Another reason a metal detector is a good investment is that metal detecting requires you to spend time outdoors. There are many reasons why nature experiences and prolonged time outside is beneficial, including:
- Lower blood pressure
- Less stress
- Improved mood
- Better mental health
- Improved focus
- Improved sleep
- Improved motivation for exercise and movement
- Improved immune function
A metal detector can also be a good investment because having one provides an opportunity to socialize and build positive relationships with others within your community. Many areas have metal detecting clubs that you can join to learn tips and tricks, ask questions about the laws and rules in your area, and talk about the activity and finds with others. You can also socialize with other metal detectorists online.
Finally, buying a metal detector is a good investment if you can make money by metal detecting. Frankly, many metal detectorists don’t make very much money from the hobby, but purchasing the detector is still worth it if you enjoy it and reap the other benefits.
How To Create Income With a Metal Detector
Many metal detectorists enjoy the hobby for the benefits discussed above and the thrill of the hunt, not necessarily for financial gain. However, there are ways that you can make money by metal detecting. Here are some ways to turn your metal detecting hobby into a source of income:
- Sell your finds. When they get into metal detecting, many people are excited about the money they’ll make from selling all their rare finds and treasures made from valuable materials. Unfortunately, only a few people can find the kind of objects that people are willing to pay for, and even if you are one of those people, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to make a living off your finds.
- Repurpose your finds and then sell them. Some metal detectorists clean their finds well, repurpose them into something new or unique, and then sell them. You might be able to charge more for an article of clothing that features an old button you found metal detecting, for example.
- Make a metal detecting YouTube channel. Many beginner metal detectorists look to the Internet for guidance and tips when they’re getting started. If you can make informational and helpful videos that get lots of views, you can generate some income through YouTube’s Partner program. You can also make money through any affiliate links you include in your videos.
- Set up a metal detector business. If you are an expert, you can create a business fixing metal detectors and selling parts or old metal detectors. If you live in an area where there are other metal detectorists, they’ll probably need help at some point or another, and you can be the one to provide that service.
- Set up a metal detecting Instagram or blog. You can also generate revenue through affiliate links or sponsorships on social media or a blog, so if you develop a solid presence by posting interesting and niche content often and engaging with your followers, you might be able to bring in some money that way.
It’s unlikely you’ll be able to quit your job after you get a metal detector and live off the hobby alone. Still, if you’re dedicated and creative, you can generate enough income to reimburse the cost of the detector and make a little extra money on the side.
Can You Rent a Metal Detector?
If you don’t think purchasing your own metal detector is a good investment, you can still dabble in the hobby and give metal detecting a chance by renting one. Metal detector rental varies in price, but typically, you’ll have to pay between $15 and $50 per day to use a metal detector.
It makes more sense to rent a metal detector instead of buying one if you only plan to use it for a few days. This could be the case if you want to use a metal detector to find a lost item. Another time you might prefer renting is if you’re on vacation and want to try metal detecting in that spot.
Renting a metal detector is less than purchasing your own if you don’t metal detect often. However, the rental cost quickly adds up, so if you fall in love with the hobby, it’s more cost-effective to buy your own. You can try searching for a used detector to save money, and many cheap metal detectors can still find great treasures.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether or not a metal detector is a good investment depends on how much time you spend metal detecting and how much you enjoy the activity and the socialization that accompanies the search. Additionally, purchasing your own metal detector is a good investment if you can make money from metal detecting.
