★ 4.8/5 from 3,653 verified customer reviews·Authorised Minelab dealer since 2014·Official XP & Nokta stockist·Trading since 1995·Field-tested in Lincolnshire·★ 4.8/5 from 3,653 verified customer reviews·Authorised Minelab dealer since 2014·Official XP & Nokta stockist·Trading since 1995·Field-tested in Lincolnshire·
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Blog & Field Guides

Evergreen how-to and educational content — the questions we answer over the counter every week, written down properly — plus every comparison and review as it publishes.

Technology

Multi-Frequency vs Single Frequency: Which Do You Actually Need?

Multi-IQ, Multi-IQ+, FMF, SMF and Pro-Switch explained in plain English — what the badges mean and when multi-frequency is worth paying for.

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Beach detecting

Beach Metal Detecting in the UK: Why the Beach Beats Most Machines

Saltwater conductivity, black sand and the three technologies that cope — what actually matters when choosing a beach metal detector for UK coasts.

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Buying advice

What “Waterproof” Actually Means on a Metal Detector

Waterproof coil, weatherproof box or fully submersible? The three levels of detector waterproofing explained — and the depth ratings that matter.

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Gold prospecting

Gold Prospecting Detectors: Why Gold Needs a Specialist Machine

Why standard coin and relic detectors walk over gold, and what makes a dedicated gold prospecting machine different — high frequency, pulse induction and beyond.

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Law & permissions

UK Metal Detecting Permissions: The Rules Before You Dig

Landowner permission, the Treasure Act 1996, NCMD membership and protected sites — the legal basics every UK detectorist must know before swinging a coil.

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Gold prospecting

Best Metal Detector for Gold Prospecting UK (2026 Guide)

Which metal detector finds gold in the UK? High-frequency VLF vs pulse induction explained, plus the Minelab GPX and GPZ machines that professionals actually use.

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Finds care

How to Clean Metal Detecting Finds Without Destroying Them

Cleaning and preserving metal detecting finds: what to clean, what to leave alone, and how to avoid wiping value off a hammered coin or Roman bronze.

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Head-to-head

XP ICON X vs Minelab Vanquish 560: Which Should a Beginner Buy?

XP ICON X vs Minelab Vanquish 560 compared for UK detectorists — FMF vs Multi-IQ, weight, wireless audio and value at the entry-to-mid tier.

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Head-to-head

Minelab Gold Monster 1000 vs 2000: What Actually Changed?

Gold Monster 1000 vs 2000 compared — sensitivity, automatic ground balance, coils and who should upgrade. A UK dealer's take.

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Head-to-head

Minelab GPZ 7000 vs GPZ 8000: Is the Flagship Upgrade Worth It?

GPZ 7000 vs GPZ 8000 compared: GeoZVT technology, weight, ergonomics and depth. Which Minelab gold flagship deserves the investment?

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Technique

Metal Detecting Rally Tips: How to Get More From a Dig

Expert metal detecting rally tips for UK detectorists — machine setup, ground coverage, kit checklist and etiquette that finds more on crowded permissions.

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Head-to-head

Nokta Legend 2 vs Minelab Equinox 900: Which Multi-Frequency Machine Deserves Your Investment?

Legend 2 vs Equinox 900 compared on UK ground: SMF vs Multi-IQ+, target ID, recovery speed, audio and value — with a clear recommendation for each buyer.

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Head-to-head

XP ICON X vs Minelab Manticore: Budget-Smart Performance or Flagship Power?

XP ICON X vs Minelab Manticore compared: Multi-IQ+ vs FMF, target information, coils, waterproofing and price — which UK detector deserves your investment?

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Buying guides and news published on crawfordsmd.com. Updated in the weekly sync — last checked 2026-09-28.

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