Headphones...How Much Difference Do They Make?

[ToddsPoint]

I've never used my headphones. I hate having them on my head and don't like being wired to my detector. However, I'm old and my high frequency hearing is not that great. I find plenty of relics but few coins. Is it possible I'm just not hearing the high silver tones? How much difference do they really make? Do you hunt with or without? Gary

 

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[digger460]

I was wondering the same thing, so I buried a silver at around 12", and first tried the headphones. I could hear it , and would have dug it. Then I unplugged the headphones and used the speaker with max volume. If I hadn't known where it was, I would have passed right by it. I did hear it (very, very faint), but like I said if I didn't know where it was, and I was swinging slow, I would have passed right by it. It definitely helps on the deep one's. They are hot in the summer, but I think they help you focus a bit better.

I hunt with the headphones.

 

[Megalodon]

I'm not interested in the modern clad junk close to the surface, so I always use headphones because I want the deep weak signals. But they really make a hot day more uncomfortable, so I just don't go in the heat. I'd like to hear if anyone has a good alternative to the traditional large muff-type headphones.

 

[controlfreq]

I use headphones, my hearing is not what it once was. At the same time, I"m concerned about not being aware of surroundings, so I compromise by wearing only over one ear. In hot weather occasionally switch ears to let other one air out. Was searching for some open air headphones like those popular a few years ago but no luck yet.

 

[BC1969]

I have my Black Widow headphones.
They really help with the high tones which I can't hear well either.
They make a huge difference in those deep target pops and clicks that I am looking for.

Mike

 

[alaskaseeker]

They really enhance deep squeaks, those are the ones you really want to notice. Another thing pay attention to hesitations sometimes these are really deep...

 

[smallfoot]

It depends on where I'm hunting. If there is other noise around, yes I 'll put them on. But like what was mentioned before, I'm not fond of having them on my head or being attached to the machine. I don't hear well anymore but don't have problems unless it's machinery..my ears key into mechanical sounds more than others I guess. I've been woods hunting mostly lately and I don't even take them with me. I'll still only cover one ear when I use them.

 

[cyzak]

I started with headphones I do not believe I could just use the machine with out them plugged in now.

 

[ToddsPoint]

Lots of good replies. I may have to try them and see, even though they are a pain. Gary

 

[BC1969]

Not to be negative, but just make sure your situational awareness is 100% if wearing snug noise blocking headphones.
The last thing you want is a person with bad intentions walking up on you unnoticed.
Or a bear..

 

[Ammoman]

when coin shooting i always use headphones.

 

[cyzak]

One of the down falls of using head phones is it does tune you out of your surroundings it's fine if you have a partner with you but alone it takes a little getting use to for sure.Now days the have cordless head phones but I have not tried them out yet, to set in my old way I guess.

 

[controlfreq]

I've actually wondered about the usefulness of those sunglasses we got as kids that had the rear view mirrors in them. I don't like "things" sneaking up behind me.

 

[tahomatom]

I don't hear so well & use headphones. During rattlesnake season I ware one above one ear so I can hear them. Now the little ones I just get surprized and their bite is bad even more than a large one.

 

[controlfreq]

I don't hear so well & use headphones. During rattlesnake season I ware one above one ear so I can hear them. Now the little ones I just get surprized and their bite is bad even more than a large one.

Have not seen them in years but in HS we sold these hard plastic leggings that fit around the leg below the knee. It was supposed th o be armor against snake bites. Never did know if they worked.

 

[kenstein]

Depends on the machine being used. With my old Ace detector, with only three tones, not so important. With AT Pro, proportional audio, headphones are a must, in my opinion.

 

[ROIGuy]

I wear headphones but not the noise blocking ones. Situational awareness in my book is ALWAYS key.
Even though I employ the 'head on a swivel' it is difficult and I usually only see them at about 10 yards out.

 

[Trezurehunter]

I use headphones all the time. Never hunt without them. They help block out all of the surrounding noise, like people, traffic, barking dogs, etc. You can hear (for the most part) the faintest of signals that you may miss by not using them. Also helps save on the battery power for your detector, so you will get more hunting time without having to recharge them. I will however, push the right headphone just behind my ear, for safety reasons. I do also want to hear whats going on around me.

 

[Kray Gelder]

I just could not deal with getting all tangled up every time I dug a target. I spent a little more than $20 on Amazon, and got a rechargeable wireless bluetooth set of earbuds. Also had to find an adapter for the jack. A small transmitter unit plugs into the headphone jack, and the earbuds are wireless. HUGE difference. They take some getting used to.

Much better than using the speaker.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

My old Minelab has only an audio output and without headphones I would be missing 50% . . . and all the older/deeper/small coins. But it is a nice, old analog signal and the "k" or "c" consonant sounds usually indicate trash like foil or bottlecaps. In trashy areas I like that better than trying to notch out or mask what might be trash.

On my F-75 the TDI is reliable but the audio is a separate detector circuit - so comparing the two helps pre-judge what might be foil or other trash. Maybe. Most of the time I use a single earpiece headphone so I can hear the signal as well as keep an ear on my surroundings. If I really am intent I use my BlackWidows that seal out most outside noise. You can really zone-in and focus with them on.

Mostly I like them because it's not as attractive to "tourists" to follow you around and watch what you're finding with the audio play-by-play being broadcast.