A typical metal detector is light weight and consists of just a few parts. A stabilizer is used to keep the unit steady as you sweep it back and forth. The control box contains the circuitry, controls, speaker, batteries and the microprocessor. The shaft connects the control box and the coil and is often adjustable so you can set it at a comfortable level for your height. The search coil is the part that actually senses the metal. It is also known as the search head, loop or antenna.
Most systems also have a jack for connecting headphones and some have the control box below the shaft and a small display unit above.