The Complete Guide to Choosing The Best Metal Detecting Spade

As a detectorist who’s spent countless hours trudging through muddy fields and climbing fences and stiles across farmland in the UK, I am used to lugging about all sorts of gear, but apart from my metal detector, the second most important tool is a decent spade to dig out my newly discovered find, so lets find out which is the best metal detecting spade currently available.

Many people call them a metal detecting shovel, but they are spades not shovels. So what is the difference between a spade and a shovel? A spade is a long handled tool designed for digging holes in the ground, a shovel is a long handled tool designed for scooping up things to move them from one place to another, it has a curved surface, often with a lip along the edge to hold things in place. In a steam engine a shovel is used to scoop up coal and throw it into the firebox, not a spade.

I’ve recently had the opportunity to put these five top-tier metal detecting spades through their paces. Today, we’re going to compare the Black Ada Spartan Stainless Spade, the Evolution Pro-Cut SE Stainless Spade, the Minelab Pro Spade, the Noble MDT Spade, and the emiteR Stainless Spade D140 spade to determine which one reigns supreme in our challenging British conditions.

These spades represent the cream of the crop, each offering unique features that cater to the diverse needs of us UK treasure hunters. From waterlogged pastures to stubborn clay soils, these tools have been tested in the varied terrain that makes British metal detecting so exciting and challenging.

In this comprehensive review, we’ll look at the key aspects that matter most to UK detectorists: blade design, handle comfort, weight and portability, durability, and overall performance in British conditions. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which spade might be the perfect companion for your detecting adventures.

The Best Metal Detecting Spade Blade Design: Cutting Through British Soil

When it comes to the best blade design for UK detecting conditions, each spade offers something unique. The Black Ada Spartan Stainless leads the pack with its extra wide sharpened Ripper blade, making it ideal for cutting through medium to heavy soil conditions. The 12 gauge stainless steel construction ensures it can handle the toughest ground with ease.

The Evolution Pro-Cut SE impresses with its serrated and sharpened blade edges, designed to cut through roots and vegetation effortlessly. This feature is particularly valuable when detecting in old pastures or wooded areas where root systems can be a real challenge.

The Minelab Pro Spade offers a tapered blade with a sharpened, pointed leading edge, perfect for precision digging around a target. This design is especially useful when you’re trying to minimize ground disturbance in sensitive areas.

The Noble MDT and emiteR D140 both feature strong stainless steel blades, with the emiteR sporting a smaller blade size for more precise digging. The emiteR’s pointed tip and serrated edges give it an edge when dealing with tough, compacted soil.

For detectorists dealing with root-filled or heavily vegetated areas, the Evolution Pro-Cut SE’s serrated edge design stands out as a top performer. However, for general-purpose detecting in varied UK soils, the Black Ada Spartan’s wide Ripper blade offers excellent versatility.

Handle Comfort: Ergonomics for Long Detecting Sessions

Comfort is crucial when you’re out detecting for hours on end. The Black Ada Spartan’s plastic D-Handle design is a standout feature, especially for those cold winter months when metal handles can be uncomfortable to grip. This thoughtful design can make a real difference during extended detecting sessions in chilly British weather.

The Evolution Pro-Cut SE takes a different approach with its ergonomically shaped plastic shaft and moulded handle with rubberised grip. This design promises comfort and reduced hand fatigue during long days in the field.

The Minelab Pro Spade offers textured, rubberised grips on both the handle and mid-shank, providing excellent grip in all conditions. This is particularly useful when dealing with wet or muddy conditions, which are all too common in UK detecting.

The Noble MDT offers both T and D handle options at the same price point, allowing detectorists to choose based on personal preference. The emiteR D140 features a standard D-style handle, which many detectorists find comfortable for extended use.

For those prioritizing handle comfort in varied weather conditions, the Black Ada Spartan’s winter-friendly plastic D-Handle and the Evolution Pro-Cut SE’s rubberised grip are top contenders.

Weight and Portability: Balancing Strength and Ease of Use

When you’re covering miles of ground, every gram counts. The emiteR Stainless Spade D140 is the lightweight champion at just 1.4kg, making it an excellent choice for detectorists who prioritize portability or those with back issues.

The Minelab Pro Spade and Noble MDT Spade are close behind at 1.7kg and 1.6kg respectively, offering a good balance between strength and weight. These weights make them manageable for long detecting sessions without sacrificing durability.

The Black Ada Spartan weighs in at 1680 grams, while the Evolution Pro-Cut SE is the heaviest at 2.1kg. While these are heavier options, the extra weight can be beneficial when dealing with tough, clay-heavy soils that are common in many parts of the UK.

For those who travel light or cover large areas, the emiteR D140 and Minelab Pro Spade offer the best weight-to-performance ratio. However, if you frequently dig in heavy soils, the added heft of the Evolution Pro-Cut SE might be worth the trade-off.

Durability: Standing Up to British Weather and Soil

Durability is paramount when choosing the best metal detecting spade, especially given the often harsh and varied conditions we face in the UK. The Black Ada Spartan boasts a 12 gauge stainless steel blade and 16 gauge stainless steel tube, promising excellent longevity. Its guaranteed welding adds an extra layer of confidence in its build quality.

The Evolution Pro-Cut SE features a high-grade pre-formed stainless steel blade, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of regular use in tough conditions. The Noble MDT Spade, made with high-quality 316/304 stainless steel, offers exceptional corrosion resistance, making it ideal for use in coastal areas or saltwater environments.

The Minelab Pro Spade’s combination of a stainless steel blade with a plastic upper reinforced with a metal core offers a unique balance of durability and weight reduction. This design could prove particularly advantageous for those detecting in areas with varied soil types.

While all these spades offer good durability, the Black Ada Spartan’s thick gauge stainless steel construction and guaranteed welding give it a slight edge in this category, especially for those who detect frequently in challenging conditions.

Performance in UK Conditions: From Clay Soils to Sandy Beaches

When it comes to versatile spades for UK metal detecting, all five perform admirably across various terrains. The Black Ada Spartan’s wide Ripper blade and robust construction make it an excellent all-rounder, capable of handling everything from heavy clay soils to lighter sandy conditions.

The Evolution Pro-Cut SE’s serrated edge gives it an advantage in areas with dense root systems or heavily vegetated sites, making it a top choice for detectorists who frequently search in wooded areas or old pastures.

For those who often find themselves detecting on beaches or in areas with sandy soil, the lighter weight and precision of the emiteR D140 or Minelab Pro Spade could be advantageous. Their pointed tips allow for accurate target recovery in loose soil conditions.

The Noble MDT Spade’s high-quality stainless steel construction makes it particularly well-suited to coastal detecting, where corrosion resistance is crucial.

In terms of overall versatility across different UK terrains, from the clay-heavy fields of the Midlands to the sandy beaches of Cornwall, the Black Ada Spartan and Evolution Pro-Cut SE stand out for their ability to handle a wide range of soil conditions effectively.

The Verdict: Crowning the Champion Best Metal Detecting Spade

After extensive testing across various UK detecting environments, from waterlogged pastures to mineralized historical sites, I’ve come to a conclusion. While each spade has its strengths, the Black Ada Spartan Stainless emerges as the best metal detecting spade for UK detectorists.

The Spartan’s combination of a durable stainless steel construction, wide Ripper blade, comfortable D-handle design, and thoughtful features like the Bootsaver stirrup make it the most versatile and reliable choice for the varied conditions we face in UK metal detecting. Its ability to perform consistently whether you’re searching for medieval relics in heavy clay or combing sandy beaches gives it the edge.

That said, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all verdict. Those prioritizing lightweight design might lean towards the emiteR D140 or Minelab Pro Spade. The Evolution Pro-Cut SE remains a strong contender for its superior performance in root-filled areas, while the Noble MDT Spade offers excellent corrosion resistance for coastal detectorists.

Ultimately, the best metal detecting spade for you will depend on your specific detecting needs and preferences. Consider factors like your typical detecting locations, physical capabilities, and how important features like blade design and handle comfort are to you. But for an all-round performer that can handle everything from muddy fields to sandy shores, with excellent durability and thoughtful design features, the Black Ada Spartan Stainless stands tall as the top spade for treasure hunting in our diverse British detecting landscape.

After carefully considering each spade’s unique features and performance across various UK detecting conditions, here’s my ranking from top to bottom, of the best metal detecting spade, along with their main selling points and prices:

1. Black Ada Spartan Stainless (£68): This spade takes the crown for its excellent all-round performance. Its standout features include the extra wide sharpened Ripper blade for tackling tough soil, a comfortable plastic D-Handle that’s perfect for cold weather, and the innovative Bootsaver stirrup to protect your boots. At 1680 grams, it offers a good balance of weight and strength, making it suitable for most UK detecting scenarios.
2. Evolution Pro-Cut SE Stainless Spade (£79): Coming in at a close second, this spade shines with its serrated and sharpened blade edges, ideal for cutting through root-filled areas. The ergonomically shaped plastic shaft with rubberised grip offers superior comfort during long detecting sessions. While it’s the heaviest at 2.1kg, this extra heft can be advantageous in challenging soil conditions.
3. Minelab Pro Spade (£50): Offering great value for money, this spade impresses with its lightweight design (1.7kg) and tapered blade with a sharpened, pointed leading edge for precise digging. The textured, rubberised grips on both handle and mid-shank provide excellent control in wet conditions, making it a solid choice for varied UK weather.
4. Noble MDT Spade (£75): This all-stainless-steel spade stands out for its durability and corrosion resistance, making it particularly suitable for coastal detecting. At 1.6kg, it’s relatively light for its solid construction. The option to choose between T and D handles at the same price point adds to its appeal, allowing detectorists to select based on personal preference.
5. emiteR Stainless Spade D140 (£55): Rounding out the list, this spade’s main selling point is its ultra-lightweight design at just 1.4kg, making it ideal for detectorists who prioritize portability or have physical limitations. Its smaller blade size and pointed tip are perfect for precise digging, though it may struggle in heavier soils compared to its competitors. Despite ranking fifth, it still offers good value for its price point.

Each of these spades has its strengths, and your personal detecting style and typical terrain will ultimately determine which is the best fit for you. Whether you prioritize versatility, comfort, precision, durability, or lightweight design, there’s a spade in this lineup to meet your needs.

Remember, whichever spade you choose, it’s just a tool. The real magic happens when you combine it with patience, research, and a love for uncovering the hidden history beneath our feet. Each of these spades has the potential to help you unearth amazing finds – it’s up to you to get out there and make those discoveries. Happy hunting, fellow detectorists, and may your next big find be just a dig away!