THE STORY BEHIND DETECT
More than a metal detector shop. A history full of discoveries.
At Detect, there's more to what we do than selling metal detectors. It's about the excitement of a new discovery, the history behind a remarkable find and the enjoyment of exploring the outdoors. That passion has been at the heart of our business for decades.
From Gert Gesink's pioneering years in Enschede to our present-day showroom in Almelo, Detect has developed into a specialist metal detector retailer and the official Dutch importer of XP Metal Detectors.
Visit our showroomDecades of experience
Our history goes back to the pioneering days of metal detecting in the Netherlands.
Official XP importer
Detect was importing XP into the Netherlands before the original XP DEUS was introduced.
Personal advice
Straightforward recommendations, hands-on comparisons and support after your purchase.
How it all began: Gert Gesink
The story of Detect begins with Gert Gesink, one of the pioneers of metal detecting in the Netherlands. Gert started metal detecting in 1978, when the hobby was far less familiar and accessible than it is today.
His curiosity about objects hidden beneath the ground and the stories behind them developed into a lifelong enthusiasm for searching and history. From Enschede, Gert expanded his activities and developed a specialist business supplying metal detectors and related equipment.
Over the years, Detect operated from several locations in Enschede. Gert advised both beginners and experienced detectorists, shared his knowledge and built relationships throughout the detecting community and the industry.
KNOWLEDGE AND HISTORY
Gert Gesink: entrepreneur and author
Gert's contribution went beyond selling metal detectors. He also helped share practical detecting knowledge and the history behind remarkable finds. Among his publications are two books that reflect his wide-ranging interests.
Handboek voor zoekers
In his Dutch-language Handboek voor zoekers (Handbook for Detectorists), Gert shares practical knowledge about metal detecting. The book covers subjects including detecting techniques, equipment, choosing suitable search locations and handling finds. It provides a useful source of information for people interested in learning more about the hobby.
Detect was also involved in publishing the book. Its third edition appeared in 2010.
Twentse schatten onthuld
In Twentse schatten onthuld (The Treasures of Twente Revealed), Gert explores remarkable finds from Twente and the surrounding border region. Published in 2020, the book demonstrates how metal objects recovered from the ground can provide fascinating insights into local and regional history.
Together, these books reflect values that remain central to Detect: curiosity, practical experience, sharing knowledge and respect for the past.
From Enschede to Almelo
Metal detecting technology has changed considerably over the years. Detect has grown and moved with those developments.
1978
The beginning
Gert begins metal detecting. His enthusiasm eventually provides the foundation for Detect.
Enschede
Growth and expertise
Detect grows across several locations into a specialist metal detector business and official XP importer.
2018
A new generation
Mathijs and Elise take over Detect and the existing XP importership. The business moves to Nijverdal.
2023
Almelo
Detect moves to larger premises with a showroom and space for stock and distribution.
2018: a new generation, the same passion
In 2018, Mathijs and Elise took over Detect from Gert Gesink. They inherited not only a specialist metal detector business but also its accumulated knowledge, industry relationships and existing official importership of XP Metal Detectors in the Netherlands.
Following the takeover, Detect moved from Enschede to Nijverdal. From there, we continued developing our product range, online shop, customer service and relationships with Dutch XP retailers.
As the business continued to grow, the premises in Nijverdal became too small. In 2023, we moved to Almelo, where our current premises combine a showroom for individual customers with warehousing, service and wholesale operations.
Much has changed over the years, but the principle remains the same: helping people enjoy metal detecting with suitable equipment, reliable knowledge and personal service.
OUR LONG-STANDING RELATIONSHIP WITH XP
Official XP importer since before the original DEUS
Detect has a long history with the French manufacturer XP Metal Detectors. Gert Gesink was already the official XP importer for the Netherlands before the original XP DEUS was launched.
When Mathijs and Elise acquired Detect in 2018, they continued that established importership. Our relationship with XP therefore goes back much further than the current ownership and spans several generations of metal detectors.
From earlier XP models and the original DEUS to today's DEUS II, ICON and ICON X, we have followed the development of XP's technology at close range.
As the official Dutch importer, we operate in both retail and wholesale. We supply XP products to individual detectorists and specialist retailers, supporting them with product knowledge, technical information, advice and service.
This long-standing experience helps us answer questions about settings, search coils, wireless headphones, accessories, firmware updates and differences between XP generations.
Explore our XP DEUS II guideFor beginners and experienced detectorists
Every detectorist is different. You might be hoping to find your first coin, enjoy searching beaches or fields for historical objects, or have years of experience and be looking for your next detector.
At Detect, we look beyond specifications to understand what you actually want to do with your equipment. We help you compare models based on your detecting locations, experience, preferences and budget.
Alongside XP, our range includes metal detectors and accessories from brands such as Garrett, Nokta, Quest and Rutus. We also supply pinpointers, search coils, headphones, digging tools, backpacks and other practical accessories.
We regularly offer pre-owned metal detectors, too. Our selection changes over time and can be an interesting option if you're looking for an affordable starting point or want to try a different model.
Our service doesn't end after your purchase
A metal detector is often an investment you will use for years. That is why we believe support after your purchase is just as important as advice beforehand.
Questions about settings, accessories, software updates or a technical issue? We are happy to help.
We also assist with repairs whenever possible. In certain situations, loan equipment may be available so you can continue detecting while your own detector is being repaired. Availability depends on the equipment and circumstances.
Sharing knowledge is part of our passion
Metal detecting is a hobby in which there is always more to learn. Not only about settings and equipment, but also about history, soil conditions, recognising finds and the rules that apply when searching.
That is why we publish practical articles and guides in our Advice & Knowledge Centre. Our aim is to help detectorists choose suitable equipment, understand detecting techniques and get more enjoyment from the hobby.
We are also involved in the Dutch metal detecting community and work with enthusiastic detectorists who share their knowledge, experiences and remarkable discoveries.
Meet the people behind Detect
Behind Detect is a dedicated team working every day with metal detectors, customers, orders, product advice, service and our import business.
When you contact us, you're speaking to our own team rather than an anonymous call centre. They are the same people you can meet when visiting our showroom.
Elise
Customer service and purchasing
Mathijs
Product advice and management
Erwin
Showroom and service
Visit our showroom in Almelo
Two metal detectors can look very similar on paper. But how does each one feel in your hand? How easy is it to operate? And which model best suits the way you like to search?
In our showroom, you can see, hold and compare different metal detectors. We are happy to take the time to help you make a suitable choice.
Showroom opening hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 12:00–16:00
Thursday, Saturday and Sunday: by appointment
Evening appointments are also possible by arrangement.
Detect Metaaldetectors
Bedrijvenpark Twente 322 E
7602 KL Almelo
The Netherlands
And of course, the coffee is always ready!
Ready for your next discovery?
Whether you're just getting started, looking for your next metal detector or have a technical question, we're happy to help. With straightforward advice, personal attention and a genuine passion for detecting.
Company details
Detect Metaaldetectors
Trading name of BoLa B.V.
Bedrijvenpark Twente 322 E
7602 KL Almelo
The Netherlands
Phone: +31 6 30 99 50 35
Email: [email protected]
Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK): 86850334
VAT number: NL864114448B01
