Back after 15 years

[DigDog]

Well I started detecting little over 15 years ago and started looking and posting on here. Started when the garret 250 just came out and then jumped right into the sovereign gt that also was just released.
Had some others quite a few Tesoro’s and pretty much ended with the excalliber II.
Didn’t really do a whole lot of detecting but got to try out a fair share of detectors and asked alot of questions on here which helped me out.
After selling everything for whatever reason it just hit me to want to get back i to it and surprised this forum was still up and running and even some same people still on here that were very informative that I remember such as Monte.
I can’t remember my old user name so i just reregistered.
I am also surprised as i have not kept up with the brands and models and shocked that companies like whites and Tesoro are no longer around.
Also surprised as the technology has advanced so much in just the last couple years from what i have read to where everything new is so light and packed with features especially with the two main companies still around garrett and Minelab.
The sovereign gt was a great machine just too heavy to swing especially now that i am older. Now it appears the vanquish has better technology packed in a small detector like the 250 was at the time.
Which leads me to a question to those that are familiar with the new ones. I am looking to start slow with something not too expensive such as around $300 or so
And the vanquish really stood out because of the price and the multi frequency capabilities.
I will mostly use it to hunt coins, Jewlery, anything of value in parks, old areas some beach, not planning on deep relic hunting anywhere will probably just use it in my state of Florida which is basically a big sand bar. No dark hard soil to speak of around here for those of you that know the state. It’s mostly sandy and not planning on taking it into the water at all at the beach as of now anyway. I used my excalliber years ago for that. Wasn’t really big on hunting in the water.
I see alot are big on this new company that makes the simplex but it is a vlf machine and here is what i am wondering for those that have used these new machines especially in Florida. Will the multi frequencies like the vanquish work better with the higher frequencies for finding jewelry like gold around here.
I know it has a fixed ground balance and from what i can remember around here ground balance wasn’t an issue as the machines i had with ground balance really didn’t do anything or change and machines with fixed ground balance like the Tesoro’s did just fine went just as deep as the sovereign which went pretty deep. The sovereign had auto gb. Maybe it was just me.
Again im not looking to deep relic hunt but would like to find that small gold and silver jewelry i used to find along with any coins.
This area doesn’t have alot of old historical sites to speak of but everything does seem to sink because of the loose sandy soil
Any help with info on these new machines and what will work best in my conditions and for what i will use it for would be great.
Maybe one day i will get back into getting something like the new 800 but not even sure i would need something like that for what i am looking to do
Thanks

 

[sasquache]

Well I started detecting little over 15 years ago and started looking and posting on here. Started when the garret 250 just came out and then jumped right into the sovereign gt that also was just released.
Had some others quite a few Tesoro’s and pretty much ended with the excalliber II.
Didn’t really do a whole lot of detecting but got to try out a fair share of detectors and asked alot of questions on here which helped me out.
After selling everything for whatever reason it just hit me to want to get back i to it and surprised this forum was still up and running and even some same people still on here that were very informative that I remember such as Monte.
I can’t remember my old user name so i just reregistered.
I am also surprised as i have not kept up with the brands and models and shocked that companies like whites and Tesoro are no longer around.
Also surprised as the technology has advanced so much in just the last couple years from what i have read to where everything new is so light and packed with features especially with the two main companies still around garrett and Minelab.
The sovereign gt was a great machine just too heavy to swing especially now that i am older. Now it appears the vanquish has better technology packed in a small detector like the 250 was at the time.
Which leads me to a question to those that are familiar with the new ones. I am looking to start slow with something not too expensive such as around $300 or so
And the vanquish really stood out because of the price and the multi frequency capabilities.
I will mostly use it to hunt coins, Jewlery, anything of value in parks, old areas some beach, not planning on deep relic hunting anywhere will probably just use it in my state of Florida which is basically a big sand bar. No dark hard soil to speak of around here for those of you that know the state. It’s mostly sandy and not planning on taking it into the water at all at the beach as of now anyway. I used my excalliber years ago for that. Wasn’t really big on hunting in the water.
I see alot are big on this new company that makes the simplex but it is a vlf machine and here is what i am wondering for those that have used these new machines especially in Florida. Will the multi frequencies like the vanquish work better with the higher frequencies for finding jewelry like gold around here.
I know it has a fixed ground balance and from what i can remember around here ground balance wasn’t an issue as the machines i had with ground balance really didn’t do anything or change and machines with fixed ground balance like the Tesoro’s did just fine went just as deep as the sovereign which went pretty deep. The sovereign had auto gb. Maybe it was just me.
Again im not looking to deep relic hunt but would like to find that small gold and silver jewelry i used to find along with any coins.
This area doesn’t have alot of old historical sites to speak of but everything does seem to sink because of the loose sandy soil
Any help with info on these new machines and what will work best in my conditions and for what i will use it for would be great.
Maybe one day i will get back into getting something like the new 800 but not even sure i would need something like that for what i am looking to do
Thanks

Welcome back to a awesome hobby!! I love my Nox 800 but if I was just starting over I probably would run a Nokta Makro Simplex cheaper on the wallet and lite weight but good luck on your adventure of treasure hunting .

 

[Monte]

First, welcome back to the greatest hobby, ever!

Second, yes, there are a lot of newer detectors with functions/features we didn't use to have .... but that doesn't make them all work well. There is no 'perfect' detector so we ought to select one, or a few, that we like and that work for us ... then get out and use them.


I have had quite a few SMF detectors, and enjoyed my Sovereign XS2aPro and Explorer 2 except for their wright and balance. And they were only part of my Detector Outfit. I mainly relied on several favorite SF models (Single Frequency), and most detectors marketed today operate in the VLF or LF range. Nothing wrong with that.

Third, you can purchase some very good detectors that are hardly used or basically showroom condition if you shop around. I just sold two spotless, Garrett Apex devices last week for $350, and my personal Apex w/Ripper DD coil is my main-use Coin & Jewelry Hunting unit. But I also have a new F75+, F19 Ltd. and ORX in my working battery complemented by my two favorite Tesoro models.

Trust me, my Tesoro units get used very often because they work well. Also, I just bought a brand new F19 Ltd. that I am also going to use a lot. Works well for many applications where some of the high-dollar SMF's do not outperform it.

Closing, I will add this. I bought 3 of the Vanquish 540 Pro Packs. They were okay but they had some issues. They are gone. If you are closely watching the budget I would suggest a Garrett Apex at the upper end of your shopping budget, and a Fisher F19 in the $300+ price range, and on the lower end the Nokta/Makro Simplex +.

Questions? Feel welcome to drop me an e-mail: monte@stinkwaterwell
s.com

Monte

 

[DigDog]

First, welcome back to the greatest hobby, ever!

Second, yes, there are a lot of newer detectors with functions/features we didn't use to have .... but that doesn't make them all work well. There is no 'perfect' detector so we ought to select one, or a few, that we like and that work for us ... then get out and use them.


I have had quite a few SMF detectors, and enjoyed my Sovereign XS2aPro and Explorer 2 except for their wright and balance. And they were only part of my Detector Outfit. I mainly relied on several favorite SF models (Single Frequency), and most detectors marketed today operate in the VLF or LF range. Nothing wrong with that.

Third, you can purchase some very good detectors that are hardly used or basically showroom condition if you shop around. I just sold two spotless, Garrett Apex devices last week for $350, and my personal Apex w/Ripper DD coil is my main-use Coin & Jewelry Hunting unit. But I also have a new F75+, F19 Ltd. and ORX in my working battery complemented by my two favorite Tesoro models.

Trust me, my Tesoro units get used very often because they work well. Also, I just bought a brand new F19 Ltd. that I am also going to use a lot. Works well for many applications where some of the high-dollar SMF's do not outperform it.

Closing, I will add this. I bought 3 of the Vanquish 540 Pro Packs. They were okay but they had some issues. They are gone. If you are closely watching the budget I would suggest a Garrett Apex at the upper end of your shopping budget, and a Fisher F19 in the $300+ price range, and on the lower end the Nokta/Makro Simplex +.

Questions? Feel welcome to drop me an e-mail: monte@stinkwaterwell
s.com

Monte

Thanks for your reply good hearing from you after all these years.
I am not anti vlf or any detector for that matter but as I understand they all have there own purpose depending what you are doing.
Being limited to one detector at this time
And a budget just looking for best options.
Vlf such as 8 MHz as I understand is great for silver and coins and SF in the 15 MHz range for gold jewelry and higher for gold prospecting.
So here lies the question if in a park for example coin and jewelry hunting a vlf sf might be great for getting coins but possibly missing some of the small gold jewelry that a higher frequency like 15 mhz might pick up better.
This is where i am thinking a multi frequency detector might be better then a single if limited to one detector and sandy soils to boot for finding both coin and jewelry at the same time better
I could be wrong
Btw not just limiting questions to Monte as I appreciate everyone’s help and support
I seem to remember Sandman from years back who did alot of beach detecting in different areas. Anyone know if he is still around
Thanks

 

[LTDigger]

One of my best friends has a Vanquish and has done really well with it. Easy to use, good depth etc but is not water proof. I have a Simplex and really hard to beat for the price. and waterproof. Is VLF but the kfz will handle most anything. Good for manuvering trash areas. There is also a new 13 coil out for deep cleaner areas. Hope this helps. pt

 

[DigDog]

One of my best friends has a Vanquish and has done really well with it. Easy to use, good depth etc but is not water proof. I have a Simplex and really hard to beat for the price. and waterproof. Is VLF but the kfz will handle most anything. Good for manuvering trash areas. There is also a new 13 coil out for deep cleaner areas. Hope this helps. pt

Thanks
Hows it do picking up small jewelry
Jewelry is harder to come by as it is so expensive if people do have it typically alot smaller.
Not sure how well the vlf picks up on smaller stuff
Everyone hunts different for different things. Some just want coin hunting, some relics, some prospecting and so on
Unfortunately not alot of old coins in my area and just too old and its too hot to be digging up pennies nickels and dimes.
Just my take as others are happy digging whatever. Whatever makes you happy I guess is the point. Mine is probably the thrill of possibly finding something really valuable as with most. Whats valuable is different with different people.
It is also interesting finding different things.
Clad coins just happens not to be one of them for me, thats just me
I wished i lived somewhere where prospecting was good or even relics
Unfortunately pretty limited on detecting and traveling that another reason starting with something pretty basic just want the best capabilities for what i am doing

 

[Monte]

I am not anti vlf or any detector for that matter but as I understand they all have there own purpose depending what you are doing.
Being limited to one detector at this time
And a budget just looking for best options.

Vlf such as 8 MHz as I understand is great for silver and coins and SF in the 15 MHz range for gold jewelry and higher for gold prospecting.
So here lies the question if in a park for example coin and jewelry hunting a vlf sf might be great for getting coins but possibly missing some of the small gold jewelry that a higher frequency like 15 mhz might pick up better.

This is where i am thinking a multi frequency detector might be better then a single if limited to one detector and sandy soils to boot for finding both coin and jewelry at the same time better
I could be wrong.

1st.. Referring to detector operating frequencies, they are generally shown as kHz for kilo-Hertz.

2nd.. Through the '80s and '90s we had a lot of detectors operating from about +/-5 kHz to +/-7.5 kHz roughly, and folks said they were hotter on higher conductive copper and silver coins. We also had many that operated from about 10 kHz to 15 kHz that were especially promoted for lower-conductive targets such as US Nickels as well as gold jewelry. I found a lot of gold jewelry with my 6.59 kHz White's detectors, and the bulk of my high-conductive silver coins came my way using my 10 kHz to 12 kHz Tesoro's as well as other models operating in the 10-to-15 kHz range. I also found an impressive amount of gold and silver jewelry with them.

Well known design engineer George Payne wrote an interesting article on selecting an 'ideal' operating frequency for most typical Coins as well as quite an array of lower-conductive gold jewely. He said an ideal multi-purpose frequency was 12.5 kHz.

That is smack in the middle of 10 kHz and 15 kHz which has been my preferred operating frequency range since the latter '70s .... and it continues to be.

For gold nugget hunting and for some help searching for gold jewelry as well as finding lower-conductive coins or smaller-size coins and some help unmasking, several manufacturers made models that operate at +/- 19 kHz.

In my current Detector Team of 9 different models, I have.only one SMF and that is zgarrett's Apex. It works better than a lot of folks comment, and I start out in Multi-Frequency but often I change to a Single-Frequency, favoring 15 kHz or 10 kHz.

In order of operating zfrequency, my units are:

6.59 kHz White's XLT
10 kHz Tesoro Bandido II microMAX
10 kHz Tesoro Silver Sabre microMAX
13 kHz Fisher F75+
14 kHz Makro Racer
19 kHz Nokta FORS Relic
19 kHz Fisher F19 Ltd.
14.4 and 31.3 kHz Custom programs on an XP ORX
MF or selectable 5, 10, 15, and 20 kHz Garrett Apex

I will grab any to hunt most anyplace I go.

Monte

 

[jim tn]

I would suggest taking a hard look at the Equinox 600. Excellent in trashy park environments, gets very good depth, pretty much the same performance as its big brother the 800, and not too far from being a turn on and go detector. Hh jim tn

 

[DigDog]

1st.. Referring to detector operating frequencies, they are generally shown as kHz for kilo-Hertz.

2nd.. Through the '80s and '90s we had a lot of detectors operating from about +/-5 kHz to +/-7.5 kHz roughly, and folks said they were hotter on higher conductive copper and silver coins. We also had many that operated from about 10 kHz to 15 kHz that were especially promoted for lower-conductive targets such as US Nickels as well as gold jewelry. I found a lot of gold jewelry with my 6.59 kHz White's detectors, and the bulk of my high-conductive silver coins came my way using my 10 kHz to 12 kHz Tesoro's as well as other models operating in the 10-to-15 kHz range. I also found an impressive amount of gold and silver jewelry with them.

Well known design engineer George Payne wrote an interesting article on selecting an 'ideal' operating frequency for most typical Coins as well as quite an array of lower-conductive gold jewely. He said an ideal multi-purpose frequency was 12.5 kHz.

That is smack in the middle of 10 kHz and 15 kHz which has been my preferred operating frequency range since the latter '70s .... and it continues to be.

For gold nugget hunting and for some help searching for gold jewelry as well as finding lower-conductive coins or smaller-size coins and some help unmasking, several manufacturers made models that operate at +/- 19 kHz.

In my current Detector Team of 9 different models, I have.only one SMF and that is zgarrett's Apex. It works better than a lot of folks comment, and I start out in Multi-Frequency but often I change to a Single-Frequency, favoring 15 kHz or 10 kHz.

In order of operating zfrequency, my units are:

6.59 kHz White's XLT
10 kHz Tesoro Bandido II microMAX
10 kHz Tesoro Silver Sabre microMAX
13 kHz Fisher F75+
14 kHz Makro Racer
19 kHz Nokta FORS Relic
19 kHz Fisher F19 Ltd.
14.4 and 31.3 kHz Custom programs on an XP ORX
MF or selectable 5, 10, 15, and 20 kHz Garrett Apex

I will grab any to hunt most anyplace I go.

Monte

Thanks Monte very informative

 

[Monte]

Hows it do picking up small jewelry
Jewelry is harder to come by as it is so expensive if people do have it typically alot smaller.

When I had my Vanquish 540 Pro I used the 5X8 DD and fid some comparisons at several picnic groves, around stadium bleacher areas and three parks. I spent just about equal time with the V-540, a Simplex + w/5X9.5 DD, and my Apex w/5X8 DD.

I located more small jewelry with the Simplex+ and Apex, and when comparing the three units on located targets, both the Simplex+ and Apex produced better small-target responses.

Monte

 

[DigDog]

I would suggest taking a hard look at the Equinox 600. Excellent in trashy park environments, gets very good depth, pretty much the same performance as its big brother the 800, and not too far from being a turn on and go detector. Hh jim tn

Just little out of price range right now

 

[Ronstar]

Just saw this post……
Also just got a promo email that Kellyco is having a Fathers Day sale with some of the units up to 60% off. Might be a good idea to take all the info you got above and then check their sale. I would have included the link but its already deleted.

 

[Picketwire]

There are many exceptional used detectors on the market that, if you decide you do not like, can be sold for about what you paid for it such as the T2, Teknetics Omega 8000 and 8500, Racers 1 and 2, Whites MXT and XLT, Fisher F75 and F70, and many more.

 

[DigDog]

There are many exceptional used detectors on the market that, if you decide you do not like, can be sold for about what you paid for it such as the T2, Teknetics Omega 8000 and 8500, Racers 1 and 2, Whites MXT and XLT, Fisher F75 and F70, and many more.

If anything I probably would look for a tesoro cibola or vaquero which i had and seem to do pretty well only problem is repair if needed as the company is no longer in business
Not sure if anyone is doing the repairs now for them

 

[Monte]

If anything I probably would look for a tesoro cibola or vaquero which i had and seem to do pretty well only problem is repair if needed as the company is no longer in business
Not sure if anyone is doing the repairs now for them

My two favorite Tesoro's serve me quite well, and I have had two or more Tesoro models around for 39 years as of next month. I pamper all my equipment and have n ever hada Tesoro break down or need repair.

Throught the years I try to get a hold of any clean and decent Bsndido II microMAX because they are a most sought after model. I sold two choice specimens last spring, then another the end of August and again one in September.

I have an 'as new' specimen at home and just latched onto another this week. I have a few other new or as-new detectors for sale as I am sure some other forum contributors might, so don't hesitate to reach out and ask folks.

The important thing is to acquire a good detector then get out and enjoy this great sport.

Monte

 

[Picketwire]

If anything I probably would look for a tesoro cibola or vaquero

I'm sorry I left out Tesoros. They are a great choice. There are people who will repair them but they seldom need it.

 

[Odanscoils]

Well I started detecting little over 15 years ago and started looking and posting on here. Started when the garret 250 just came out and then jumped right into the sovereign gt that also was just released.
Had some others quite a few Tesoro’s and pretty much ended with the excalliber II.
Didn’t really do a whole lot of detecting but got to try out a fair share of detectors and asked alot of questions on here which helped me out.
After selling everything for whatever reason it just hit me to want to get back i to it and surprised this forum was still up and running and even some same people still on here that were very informative that I remember such as Monte.
I can’t remember my old user name so i just reregistered.
I am also surprised as i have not kept up with the brands and models and shocked that companies like whites and Tesoro are no longer around.
Also surprised as the technology has advanced so much in just the last couple years from what i have read to where everything new is so light and packed with features especially with the two main companies still around garrett and Minelab.
The sovereign gt was a great machine just too heavy to swing especially now that i am older. Now it appears the vanquish has better technology packed in a small detector like the 250 was at the time.
Which leads me to a question to those that are familiar with the new ones. I am looking to start slow with something not too expensive such as around $300 or so
And the vanquish really stood out because of the price and the multi frequency capabilities.
I will mostly use it to hunt coins, Jewlery, anything of value in parks, old areas some beach, not planning on deep relic hunting anywhere will probably just use it in my state of Florida which is basically a big sand bar. No dark hard soil to speak of around here for those of you that know the state. It’s mostly sandy and not planning on taking it into the water at all at the beach as of now anyway. I used my excalliber years ago for that. Wasn’t really big on hunting in the water.
I see alot are big on this new company that makes the simplex but it is a vlf machine and here is what i am wondering for those that have used these new machines especially in Florida. Will the multi frequencies like the vanquish work better with the higher frequencies for finding jewelry like gold around here.
I know it has a fixed ground balance and from what i can remember around here ground balance wasn’t an issue as the machines i had with ground balance really didn’t do anything or change and machines with fixed ground balance like the Tesoro’s did just fine went just as deep as the sovereign which went pretty deep. The sovereign had auto gb. Maybe it was just me.
Again im not looking to deep relic hunt but would like to find that small gold and silver jewelry i used to find along with any coins.
This area doesn’t have alot of old historical sites to speak of but everything does seem to sink because of the loose sandy soil
Any help with info on these new machines and what will work best in my conditions and for what i will use it for would be great.
Maybe one day i will get back into getting something like the new 800 but not even sure i would need something like that for what i am looking to do
Thanks

Welcome back.
Dito here.
Though I always recommend the Simplex.
Your location necessitates a multi frequency machine. For the salt of the ocean.
That Sovereign GT is still my favorite machine.
With the Tesoro Tejon a close second.
I run my GT with the control box in an old purse of my wife's over my shoulder.
Just the coil and meter on the shaft.
Love it.
Garrett,, Minelab and others make good multi freq machines at a good price.
Though I'd CK out the new Legend.
Becoming a very impressive machine.
The Tejon is still available New at Serious Detecting in Michigan.
Though a bit out of your range.
I'd save for what you really need.
Enjoy your addiction.
And good luck.

 

[DigDog]

Welcome back.
Dito here.
Though I always recommend the Simplex.
Your location necessitates a multi frequency machine. For the salt of the ocean.
That Sovereign GT is still my favorite machine.
With the Tesoro Tejon a close second.
I run my GT with the control box in an old purse of my wife's over my shoulder.
Just the coil and meter on the shaft.
Love it.
Garrett,, Minelab and others make good multi freq machines at a good price.
Though I'd CK out the new Legend.
Becoming a very impressive machine.
The Tejon is still available New at Serious Detecting in Michigan.
Though a bit out of your range.
I'd save for what you really need.
Enjoy your addiction.
And good luck.

Probably why the sovereign gt and excalliber II i had seemed to work best even out of the water
Have to say the tesoro cibola and vaquero were a pretty close second even with fixed ground balance.
Strange thing when you would try to manually gb on the sandy soil here it would neither be positive or negative no matter where I tried locally
Fixed gb machines worked as well as auto