Some guys may tell you that the pinpoint mode is all they detect in but the truth is that you will be digging alot of iron trash if you use that mode on a trashy beach or on land. Better to start with the discrimination mode and start to learn the tones on good signals. Go hunt in your trash can and get an aluminum can and some other metal like foil, nails, screws, and get some coins, penny, nickle, dime, quarter and one piece of gold and put them on the ground and listen to the signals each one gives. The high tones are good targets. Get a piece of silver jewelry as well and listen to it. Once you learn those good tones you are ready to go detecting. It will find everything that you come over as long as its not too deep or small. Also, if the detector discriminates iron it will blank out over the target. Keep moving and listen carefully, it will be easy to find coins. Go to the pinpoint mode once you hit a good target to find it in the cross hairs and start digging. Remember not to wear a ring or watch when you detect and get a pouch to put your goodies and trash into. Fill in your holes and be a good detectorist. Bob