I'm a newbie, here, and my first detector, a Garrett, should arrive this week. We're vacationing at the beach in a couple of weeks so your "tuning" info (in this thread) is most helpful, but I would like to confirm, for the benefit of the other newbies as well as myself, the reason some detectors are "crap" on the beaches.
The Garrett 250 uses VLF (Very Low Frequency) technology, sometimes called Induction Balance. This is the most common technology used today but does not work as well over ground that has a high level of metalics (such as iron ore, etc.) in the soil or is otherwise "electrically conductive." Needless to say, saltwater is electrically conductive. The "tuning" instructions given are the best way to overcome this shortfall for anyone who uses their detector in all environments and on the beach occasionally. If, however, you intend to search beaches exclusively, or at at least the largest portion of your time, then PI (Pulse Induction) technology is better suited. PI is not as good at target discrimination as VLF, hence it's lower popularity as a general purpose detector but clearly identifies targets on wet beaches better. Garrett, BTW, makes both types.
OK, guru's, did I get it right?
