advice for a newbie

[tyurachek]

Treasure huntiung has always intrigued me and now in my late 40's I am ready to buy a detector and start having fun. I am looking for advice on want brand and model would be good for a beginner. A friend advised that I get the best detector I can afford and not to waste money on cheaper less effective models. Any advice? and where can I learn more about this fasinating hobby.

 

[dahut]

Treasure huntiung has always intrigued me and now in my late 40's I am ready to buy a detector and start having fun. I am looking for advice on want brand and model would be good for a beginner. A friend advised that I get the best detector I can afford and not to waste money on cheaper less effective models. Any advice? and where can I learn more about this fasinating hobby.

You can learn about it here. If you're in a hurry, get one of the books by Charles Garrett.
Best detector for a newbie? Not the cheapest, for certain. There are a ton of them. You can get a good one, though, for not too much money. Heres some of my favorites, and others you can hardly go wrong with:

Whites MXT or Prizm series
Garrett GTP 1350
Garrett Ace 250 (I hesitate to recommend this one. Many newbies find it erratic and harder to use than it needs to be and I agree. But it is a top seller.)
Fisher F5 or CZ models
Minelab X series (although Minelab is a foreign owned company, so you'd be sending your hobby money overseas.)
Tesoro Deleon

Were I buying one tomorrow, I'd get the GTP 1350 or MXT.

Here are a few tips....

[size=large]HOT Tips for New Detectorists[/size]


1. Dig! Always dig. This is called detecting, as in "finding metal objects," but that's a misnomer. You won't ever know what you HAVE detected if you don't recover it and you won't learn how your instrument responds to things if you don't. Your goal is to become an object recovery expert - not someone who merely locates objects.

2. DO NOT rely on technology to determine "trash from treasure."
We want our modern gadgets to solve all our problems. After all, we've sent a man to the moon.... a detector should be a cinch. While detectors have come along way and are pretty accurate, there is A LOT of junk out there. Most of it masquerades as the good stuff we want to find. Your detector can't tell a pulltab from a gold ring. Trust me on this. When in doubt, refer to #1.

3. Turn the sensitivity down to start.
Dont expect to find stuff halfway to China, as most good things are within the first FOOT. SENS that is too high only results in false signals and lots of frustration. Id say start it about 60%-70% of maximum.

4. Set time limits.
A. Plan to detect for a certain amount of time, as often as possible. Like any activity, good practice makes you better.
B. DO NOT detect longer that you should - set a limit on that, too. Remember you have a job and a family and friends.

5. Set Recovery Goals. A certain coin, or artifact, a certain number of coins, etc. Then work to achieve them. Some peopl complain that this is hobby and goals are for work. Dont YOU say that. Excellence can only be attained through effort and effort without goals is just work.

6. Carry your detector with you as much as possible.
You never know when a chance to detect will come along. This is why most serious detectorists have a 'companion' unit, one that is easy to bring along
(But dont leave it in your car - EVER!! The heat and jostling is murder on it and thieves know what they are worth, too).

7. Learn about your area and what you might actually find.
It obviously does no good to take your detector to a parking lot, but you rarely need to go three counties away, either. Detectors cannot "vacuum" in what isnt already there. If you've done good research into your immediate locale, you will find many places close to home to search... places you can hit more often and with less aggravation than those "greener pastures," far off.

8. Talk to your friends and family about your new hobby.
Ask if they know any old places, or good modern places, where lots of people have been active. Become an ambassador for your new pastime. Make up some simple businss cards on your computer, declaring yourself a "detectorist." Hand them around whenever the chance arises.
But don't refer to yourself as a treasure hunter. The word "treasure" gives everyone the wrong idea.

9. Plan to do all sorts of detecting.
You are new and this hobby has lots to offer. Dont imagine yourself only "this sort" of detectorist or "that sort." Try it all.

10. Get a rugged carry bag and keep these things in it:
Extra headphones, ones that fit your head.
Extra batteries for your detector(s). Cycle them out every 6 months.
2 Digging trowels. Get purpose built tools, not cheap junk.
1 recovery apron. A nail apron from the building supply will do.
1 probe, made of 3/16" brass rod, about 10" long
1 long screwdriver, blunted and rounded.
1 8-10" inch hunting knife
Garden gloves
Flashlight
Super glue and duct tape
...You can have more, but youll need all of these sooner or later.

BONUS TIP: Determine to Have Fun.

[size=x-small]copyright, ddh, 2008. All rights reserved.[/size]

 

[General Ray]

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[General Ray]

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[Elson(La)]

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[Ed SW Fla]

.... if they don't have it in stock, ask them to order you a copy of the book, Metal Detecting for Beginners, How To Get Started Correctly.

If they won't order it for you, you can order it yourself from White's Electronics web site.

http://hobby.us.whiteselectronics.com/

I don't mean to "toot my own horn" as the books author, but this book will answer most every question you may or will have about getting into the hobby and becoming more successful in it in a shorter period of time. I have letters in my file from detector dealers who wrote me telling me every new detectorist needs to read this book. Quite a few members of this forum have contributed information during it's last update.

And as Elson says, .... always fill your holes and take off for disposal any trash you dig or see.
[attachment 109896 cover3x51495100dpi.jpg]

 

[jeff & Maria]

with a White's XLT. I learned on one years ago. It is very easy to use and has a great amount of adjustability. I have upgrade through the years as I became more experienced and now use a Minelab Etrac but I also take the XLT out often and it really can hold it's own to the more expensive detectors. You can usually get a good deal on a used one here on the forum. If there is a local dealer near you stop by and support him if you can. There is no substitute for service!

 

[General Ray]

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[Magyar]

The GTP is easy to learn on; gives clear signals, and accurately pinpoints.

I wish you many happy days of detecting..it's a great hobby!

 

[Elson(La)]

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[Craig in Alabama]

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[Magyar]

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