Going to get a Compadre, but questions about gear

[Evilpenguinj]

Hi Everyone

I am new to the world of Metal Detecting. I have settled on a Tesoro Compadre with an 8" coil. So I had a question about some of the tools I will need. I plan on getting a Lesche Digger.

But my question is what does everyone use to carry these tools to and from the holes you are digging. I want something that will hold everything I need to bring but not be so obvious. I am also thinking about getting headphones, but all the headphones I see look massive. Any suggestions on that front, something that maybe looks a little bit more modern.

Thanks to all!

Jason

 

[fltacoma]

Jason,

First, let me welcome you to the forums! The Compadre is an excellent machine for the budding metal detecting enthusiast. Most people use the Compadre and upgrade later if they decide to stick with the hobby and use the Compadre as their back up.

Usually they carry some sort of side bag to differentiate their good finds from junk. There really isn't a set item people buy to the best of my opinion.

For headphones, the reason why most detectorists use muffs is so that they can hear those faint beeps in the ground, instead of ear buds. Sunray, Killer B, and Grey Ghost headphones are the top three that I can think of.

My name is Daniel, and if you have any more questions, feel free to ask! Some people on this forum have 30+ years in the hobby! I have 12 years in myself, and am a devout Tesoro guy!

 

[walnut]

The Compadre is a good detector for beginners, but to me it is not a beginners detector. It is a very GOOD detector. It has found probably the best gold and silver goodies out of all 3 of my detectors. I have been doing this for 3 or 4 years so I am not an old timer but I kinda know the ropes now. It has the best discrimination, it is sensitive to the smallest gold items, still while being fairly stable. It has a good tone that seems to convey information well. It might not be the deepest detector but it is a very good detector.

 

[oleterryg]

Daniel,
Just curious. Out of all your Tesoro detectors, if you could only keep one, which one would you choose?

 

[Evilpenguinj]

Thanks for the replies guys! I am sure I will be quite happy with the Compadre starting out. My father has been into metal dectors for awhile. He currently has the Cortes.

How do you guys carry all your gear, in a backpack? some kind of fanny pack? Tool belt??

Jason

 

[pinenut]

Hi Everyone

I am new to the world of Metal Detecting. I have settled on a Tesoro Compadre with an 8" coil. So I had a question about some of the tools I will need. I plan on getting a Lesche Digger.

But my question is what does everyone use to carry these tools to and from the holes you are digging. I want something that will hold everything I need to bring but not be so obvious. I am also thinking about getting headphones, but all the headphones I see look massive. Any suggestions on that front, something that maybe looks a little bit more modern.

Thanks to all!

Jason

Jason, I keep the detector I'm using in a soft bag made from a fleece blanket. I use those bags for each of my detectors, for storage and transport, just so they dn't get banged up when several are together in the car.

All of my other detecting gear (headphones, Lesche digger & sheathe, pinpointers, gloves, kneepads, bug spray and net, spare batteries, etc.) goes into a reusable cloth carry bag I picked up somewhere. Not like a purse, but a medium size cloth bag intended for carrying groceries; mine has "Tree Top" printed on the side (Tree Top brand apple juice).
I just put the bag and detector(s) in the car and go. Put all the gear on when I get to my location, then back in the bag when I'm done. Works for me.

 

[fltacoma]

Out of all the Tesoro's that I own, I couldn't get rid of any of them. They are all used for different applications out in the field.

The Cortes is a darn good detector!

 

[REVIER]

Some carry lots of tools, some carry a few with many pouches, belts and holder combinations.
The black one below was my first one, bought from Home Depot and the pouch and belt cost me maybe $15 at the time.
Held my digger, pinpointer, extra batteries and other tools I used to carry.
For trash I got a bag from a friend that worked for UPS that used to hold those big machines they used to use but don't anymore.
Many just get one of those shop aprons the big box stores sell for a buck or two and put their trash in one side, their treasure in another.


Other examples of a few different set ups below.

 

[jld66]

Just get the detector and a digger and use it. You will figure out what you will need and want. Some will suggest all this gear that I have found you don't need, its just what suits them. Like getting permissions. Some claim you need written permission from landowners and have them sign forms that read like they should have an attorney look them over first. Been doing this awhile and had never had a problem with just a handshake. Get out and do it, then decide what you want for yourself. Its just metal detecting, we are not saving lives. Some take this hobby to the extreme. You don't need a bunch of gear hanging off you like a soldier hitting the beach for another invasion of France. Keep it light and simple is the best way I have found. Why have a 2 pound detector and hump 50 pounds of gear. Don't make sense to me. Listen to the advise but, figure out what is best for you. No need to go out and spend a bunch of money on stuff you will find you don't need or want. Oh, here we will go again.. lol... Good luck and enjoy the hobby.

 

[JMC]

I use a Duluth Pack canteen case with a shoulder strap to carry my pinpointer and whatever items I find. It's kept lined with a ziplock gallon freezer bag held open with the strap clips and folded over the side. For digging a short Lesche shovel with a T handle, cuts great plugs and makes the holes neatly. I do use a Rattler single muff head phone it has a volume control to keep the sound offs more comfortable. The Compadre was my first Tesoro and it's a fantastic little unit. Started taking it out the last couple days to revisit the simple pleasure that hunting with it provides. Fantastic detector, you may never need another. Take the time to learn what it's saying in the Compadre simple language. You find loads of stuff. Have a blast .

 

[Mega]

Why make it complicated,keep it simple,the main accessories are of course the detector,a decent digging tool for your type of hunting enviroment,pinpointer although not essential does make it much more enjoyable and a finds pouch and the main one i use is the good old reliable Garrett one.Headphones in my mind after the detector are the most vital piece of equipment going,my personal opinion is that you will mist those deep whisper signals if you either dont use them or use a el-cheapo set.

With me the equipment i carry in the finds pouch can vary with each detecting trip,if i am on say a few hours hunting session then all i will take is the above,but if i am on a all day session and weekender and away from the truck for many hours,then i take things like spare coil bolt/s,batteries for pinpointer the basic things as i could be miles away in other fields and if a coil bolt broke would not be happy having too walk miles back to the car for another one.

If i am on a serious hunting mission on say a potential hoard site then i also take a backpack with alot more essential gear in say like GPS,possibly a coil change as well if i need extra depth.

But if you are just starting out,keep it simple finds back,digging tool this could be a small trowel for tots lot or what ever you detect or in my case spades,finds bag and pinpointer,and just enjoy yourself,headphones and the most important thing the permission of the land owner,trouble is this time of year i/we see a big influx of new detectorist who had detectors bought/given as christmas presents think they can detect on all land and i am afraid that is not the case,of course i can only speak from my opinion as i live in the UK.The No1 thing is enjoying yourself in this wonderful pastime of ours.

 

[pinenut]

What I walk around with... My bag of "stuff" stays in the car; it just keeps everything together while driving to a location. A leather belt holds up my pants and a BuzzBomb #2 sheathe (both digger & pinpointer). I put my kneepads on, a .99 cent Lowes cloth apron, then do some bug spray on my hat and arms (needed here late summer). Headphones, then hat on the head and one glove. Grab the detector and start walking. If a battery gets low while I'm out (not likely), there's another in the car along with water and food. Can't imagine going much lighter than that.

 

[hatpin]

I use one of these creel bags for fishing . . They are about 15 dollars and holds a bottle on the outside
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/graphics/product_images/pDSP1-14550156dt.jpg

 

[Electricfrontporch]

I've been using an old military shoulder bag I got on eBay for $4. Has 2 side pockets that work perfectly for a digger and pinpointed. The interior is divided for trash and treasure. Definitely worth looking at options on eBay, as there are lots of similar items to experiment with, without breaking the bank. Good luck

 

[GroundScanner]

The best pouch I ever bought and still use and it will last for a long time and holds all I need to take. Is the Sunray leather pouch. Holds batteries , pinpointer, good finds , junk and my digger. Not sure if they still make them or not, but if you can find one, I would buy another. GS

 

[MI-AuAg]

Hello Jason,

Welcome to the hobby!

In my case, I keep it as simple and comfortable as possible. Nothing but a pair of carpenter pants. I normally use a Lesche digger and sheath on my belt, a composite material trowel, and a pinpointer, both fit nicely in the many pockets/compartments
of the carpenter pants. There are sufficient pockets to separate good finds and trash. No cumbersome things dangling from you, and you tend to look less conspicuous when in public places.

As to headphones, personally, I prefer wireless.

Good hunting to you!

 

[jld66]

Hello Jason,

Welcome to the hobby!

In my case, I keep it as simple and comfortable as possible. Nothing but a pair of carpenter pants. I normally use a Lesche digger and sheath on my belt, a composite material trowel, and a pinpointer, both fit nicely in the many pockets/compartments
of the carpenter pants. There are sufficient pockets to separate good finds and trash. No cumbersome things dangling from you, and you tend to look less conspicuous when in public places.

As to headphones, personally, I prefer wireless.

Good hunting to you!

I wear the military ones myself with the two large pockets on the sides.

 

[Evilpenguinj]

Thanks so much for all the replies. This definitely gives me a better idea. Thanks to REVIER for the photos, visuals always help.

Next I have to figure out headphones without breaking the bank.

Jason

 

[fltacoma]

That shouldn't be too hard of a process. For me, I use Killer B wasps. Nice and clear to hear those very faint targets.

 

[pinenut]

Thanks so much for all the replies. This definitely gives me a better idea. Thanks to REVIER for the photos, visuals always help.

Next I have to figure out headphones without breaking the bank.

Jason

The Killer B's and Sunray Golds are great, and many people love Gray Ghost, but those are all more $ than a beginner needs to spend.

For around $30-$35 shipped, you'd probably like the CALRAD 15-135b. After you've let your Compadre find you some money, then look at the fancier models. (I really like the Killer B's as well, but Calrads work fine for the $)