Best metal detecting spades for UK ground

The best spade makes the smallest suitable recovery

A metal detecting spade should give controlled entry beside the estimated target, a stable foot edge and enough leverage for the permitted soil. It should not encourage deeper or wider digging. Landowner instructions, crop conditions, buried services and archaeological sensitivity always outrank blade strength.

Use a compact hand tool or sand scoop when the surface calls for it. On managed turf, agree the recovery method before arriving; some permissions prohibit spades entirely.

Best lighter field option: Extended Invader

The Extended Invader uses a 14-gauge mild-steel blade, narrow 125 mm cutting width, anti-skid footrest and serrated ripper edge. At 1.325 kg it is meaningfully lighter than the two stainless choices, making it easier to carry across a large field.

Its carbon-steel construction requires care. Remove soil, dry the blade and apply suitable protection before storage. Use the ripper edge cautiously: roots can be ecologically important, and scraping across the centre of a signal can damage a coin or artefact.

Best for heavier soil: Spartan Stainless

Black ADA describes the Spartan's 12-gauge polished stainless blade and larger tube as suitable for medium-to-heavy soil. The 930 mm length and D handle provide firm control, while the Bootsaver spreads pressure across the sole.

Strength brings weight. At 1.68 kg it can become tiring when carried with a detector and loaded finds pouch. Stainless also resists corrosion rather than eliminating maintenance; wash away salts and dry joints after coastal travel.

Best long-shaft choice: Minelab Pro Spade

The Minelab Pro Spade has the longest overall length in this shortlist, a 3 mm stainless blade and rubber-covered boot rests. It suits someone who values upright leverage and a two-handed grip during repeated field recoveries.

It is also the heaviest and least compact. Measure the car boot and consider the walk from parking before buying. A long shaft can improve posture, but it can be awkward close to hedges, around roots or on a small turf permission.

Blade width, length and material

A narrow blade generally removes a smaller plug and slips into firmer soil with less effort. A wider or thicker blade gives more leverage but can disturb more ground. Choose shaft length by your height and normal recovery stance rather than assuming longer is always better.

Mild steel is often lighter and easy to sharpen but needs active corrosion care. Stainless is easier to maintain after wet ground, yet still needs cleaning and can be heavier. Inspect welds, tread edges and handle movement before each outing.

Recover beside the target

Use the detector's pinpoint response, then check with a pinpointer as the hole opens. Cut beside the signal, keep the plug attached where the surface allows and place loose soil on a mat. Stop if you encounter compact archaeology, bone, a group of objects, services or anything inconsistent with an ordinary isolated find.

The equipment checklist covers gloves and finds storage. Our permission guide explains how to agree digging and find ownership before a search.

Before the first search

Confirm the landowner permits the chosen tool, check site restrictions, clean the blade and cover it securely in transport. Practise restoring an ordinary turf plug away from a live permission before relying on it in public view.