Detector Bashing

[Uncle Willy]

Detecting is 90% operator and 10% machine. That's where most users run into problems - blaming the machine. Most users don't spend the required amount of time to learn their machine. They expect instant results. It takes a minimum of 100 hours to familiarize yourself with any new machine and become successful with it. And you have to be smarter than the machine.

Bill

 

[Uncle Willy]

You have some of the better detectors. I've owned Tesoros of one kind or another since Jack Gifford went into business over 25 years ago in Glendale, Arizona. I still own one and they are hard to beat.

Bill

 

[Steve(MS)]

from what the truth is, at least for new users. We that have been around for a while and used a variety of detectors know how to tell the difference. A 100.00 unit ain't gonna keep up with a 500.00 or more unit, that's just the way it is. Finding a detector with the features and pricing to match hunting needs to fit personal preferences is the key but to get a more versatile, better performance unit expect to pay more.
I don't see any of the manufacturers making low priced detectors that are as good or better than their more expensive detectors. In the end "you get what you pay for". Still what one person considers a real dog, there are others that like it and do well with it, in the end it really does get back to opinions and we all know what opinions are like. There is more to the equation than "making friends and influencing people".

 

[Ron from Michigan]

On one of the hunts this summer a kid came up to me and wanted to know if he could find coins with his toy detector.I took the unit and waved the coil over some shallow targets nothing even surface coins were iffy.I told the kid it would find coins.But what I didn't tell him only surface targets and not very many.Let me know what parks you hunt with these new hyped up units.

 

[dirtfisher]

When it comes to detector bashing it seems like Bounty Hunter gets hit more often than the others. I think this originated way back when radio shack sold the "Microna" type detectors. And yes, I had one,... and it couldn't find a man hole cover or a hammer laying on top of the ground! But Bounty Hunter has improved their products so much over the years that this is not the case with them any longer. Now radio shack has the Discovery series including the ridiculously popular Discovery 3300 which has been given 5 stars in independent reviews. Bounty Hunter's service department is the best in the business. So there has been a stigma attached to this company for many years that is not fair. Dealers don't like Bounty Hunter naturally because the units are sold for less than other brands. My favorite detector company has always been Whites but it seems like they are lagging behind the others just a little bit. I have done some bashing over the years but I have decided that bashing doesn't change anything. Now I just contact the manufacturers themselves and tell them what I think. They will always give you an upfront answer too. I contacted Garrett about the possibility of changing the colors of the units,... especially that bright yellow Ace 250. They told me that they will not change the colors. I told Bounty Hunter they should get away from that "muffler on a stick" look. I told Whites how disappointed I was in the "Prism" series and the " M6." I told Tesoro that their units should have names in English not Spanish. They all said thanks for voicing my opinion but none of them have plans to change things as far as I know. In all fairness to all the companies I can say that most of them do listen to the customers. When I do "complain" just a little I always make sure to tell them what they are doing right also and how well pleased I am with their products. Sorry for this long post. I apologize if I have ever bashed your favorite brand. I think about this stuff too much,... Merry Christmas from Dirtfisher

 

[willy]

..life goes on and, as I posted on the Fisher forum, the manufacturers sail merrily along, despite vociferous complaints from the minority. Sometimes they step into a big pile of 'it', like Fisher did before being bought up, but they generally keep plugging along. Bounty hunter detectors are a classic example of success despite opposition (by a minority). There are probably more BH detectors out there than any other. Here's a question: What had the larger production run.. the 60-70's mustang (or 'vette, Firebird, don't matter) or the Volkswagen Beetle? ..Willy.

 

[Steve(MS)]

I understand what you are saying but the public forums are not the place to get down dirty on any detector. I use discontinued models more than current models.I guess someone thought here I was taking up for First Texas, that is not the case, but I don't have an axe to grind with them neither any other company. If something doesn't work I sell it, that simple. What detector was the kid using?
Maybe you should post a list of all the detectors you deem not any good for all to read here?
Since you and some of the others are going to be so "bold" then I think that is what each of you should do, make the list of detectors that aren't any good and post it up
Damn, I am sorry I got in on this thread!

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Steve, I didn't mention any detector brands in this post but it seems you know which I'm referring my statement I have used Bounty Hunters since the mid 70's their Induction Balance series which where great units in that time frame.I had a Discovery 3 which is a Bounty Hunter Big Bud Red Pro.Maybe I'm missing something but I thought this forum was to exchange information.The metal detector industry is built on hype and finding that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that is how it is.Nobody got down and dirty.I'm not loyal to any brand if they make a good product I'll buy it.But on the other hand if they try to sell me ocean view property in the middle of Arizona I'll ask questions and not buy.Bottom line I'm making a statement not an argument.I have friend's that are dealers that sells detectors made by all these manufactures mentioned on this thread.Dealers sometimes sell products they don't believe in they have to pay their bills just like voter's that will hold their nose to cast a vote.I can tell you the ones that work for me a Sovereign and a 1236x Fisher which I bought new after the First Texas take over.If there is an argument here the customer will have the final say and only time will tell.

 

[tabdog]

n/t

 

[Elton]

A couple years ago I was at a local park and using a Fisher CZ5.......While there i went over an area and found a few items and was happy...Then this young man about 16 or so came over with a Bounty Hunter...He said he just got it a few days ago..I looked at it and honestly thought well no competition here for my Fisher.( I did not say that) just thought it. You know what?. He detected over an area I had just gone over, and found the most beautiful wedding set I ever saw. No bull it was a great find..that kid was so happy....and because of his actions I was too..But I will tell you this I got a whole lot more respect for those Bounty Hunters after seeing that...That machine worked just fine.If I remember correctly it was a Quick Draw or something close to that...Just thought I would throw this out for all to read.

 

[Steve(MS)]

No, I don't want to challenge him, he might just beat me, . There are some strong feelings both ways on the old and new Fishers and I understand that. I guess there is a fine line between enthusiasm and hype. What really interests me is how well a detector will do in iron trash, your 1236 is excellent in that regard. I've been making some good finds in iron trash lately with an IDX I got a few months back. Another good one in iron is the Compadre, it is remarkable how well it does.
Anyone out there looking for a good one in iron trash, those 3 are worth looking into. I have had a few friends who have detectors that I haven't tried and asked them to do some nail/ coin tests for me, so far these 3 detectors seem to do better than average, JMO. A few other units that are hard to find also do well in this regard.

 

[tabdog]

n/t

 

[GRAY GHOST]

i try not to bash detectors either. if i see a youngster with a cheap detector tryin to figure it out long enuff to find stuff, i will try to help them out, and not say or think "you got a piece of junk." i have seen supercheap machines pull stuff out the dirt you wouldnt believe. i started out with a radio shack md over 25 yrs. ago,learnt a lot and progressed up to a nautilus, whites, and 3 bounty hunters. what fun it has been.......hh

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Steve,The IDX and Compadre are great metal detectors.My hunting friend in the area is a dealer,one day in his shop whIle he was waiting on a customer I was messing around with the display model a very impressive unit.I was looking for a metal detector for a seeded hunt last year and Ron from Ron's Detector's suggested the Compadre I think it would have worked fine.I've been coin hunting for 37 years with a break or two,and still enjoy this hobby.This is a great forum I guess there is a fine line of networking and hurting sales of dealer's who support Treasure Find's.There is one Bounty Hunter on my to buy list one of these days the Time Ranger.Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Gray Ghost,Your headphones are great keep up the good work.Detector Bashing is getting out of control,which could be a phenomenon of a hobby that is made up of too many old angry white males.Legislator's are considering to include Detector Bashing and Domestic Violence as the same crime.These offender's will be registered and not be allowed near any metal detector dealer's.As for a younster with a cheap detector his parents should be turned in to the proper authorities for child abuse.

 

[willy]

My first detector, many moons ago, was a cheap RadioShack POS that could find a coin at 1" maybe 2". Not much, but it gave me the itch. ..Willy.

 

[jmaryt]

metal detectors are designed and built to detect metal!..a ring is metal!..he detected it,and you didn't!..the point is he could have had a b.f.o unit and get the ring!
got damn little to do with the BRAND,because they ALL do the same thing!

regards!
(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[jmaryt]

metal detectors are designed and built to detect metal!..a ring is metal!..he detected it,and you didn't!..the point is he could have had a b.f.o unit and get the ring!
got damn little to do with the BRAND,because they ALL do the same thing!

regards!
(h.h!)
j.t.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

n/t

 

[John(H)]

I guess that there is a fine line between the two. If a new detector is on the scene, I appreciate the negative comments along with the good! I like to hear people's straight forward opinions without any sugar coatings. Sometimes we need to hear the truth even if it is unpleasant. Now I am talking about people who have actually had hands on the detector so they are giving their personal opinion from their experience! There is no perfect detector but some come close! Some things should be said: is it too heavy?, is battery drainage high?, is there too much ground chatter from a lot of trash, how does it handle iron?, does it have optional coils available?, does it do anything annoying?............................Of course all the answers to these are just personal opinions but I want to hear them!.........................................MERRY CHRISTMAS..................................Joe