How many Detectors does it take ??

[Elton]

1,2,3,4,5 How many do have ?
How many do you actually use?
What do you use them for?
How many just sit and collect dust?
Would you buy that many detectors again?

Would you concentrate on learning one detector if you knew what you know now ?????

What advice would you give anyone just starting out in our great " Hobby"...........

 

[goodmore]

I currently own 4 detectors. I use two of them on a regular basis. One of them is going up for sale very soon. The other one is just to darn pretty to sell. I can feel the addiction of buying them. I hope I can stop. Maybe someday someone will make a detector to end all detetcors. What a sad day.

 

[dirtdigginlady]

It just takes one a MXT

 

[echostar61]

Hi EL
It only takes one to have fun , with detectors that is
I have 3 and only use one .
I believe in sticking with one until you learn everything about it.
And I am not one to give up on something I like .

Terri

 

[Hombre]

Hey El
How many have you got? I'm ashamed to say what I have..............such is the life of an addict!

 

[BarberBill]

I think it depends on how broad your hunting ambition is. For instance a good general coin/relic machine may not be a good choice for prospecting, nor water hunting. I currently have several more machines than I really need, but that's partly because my wife likes to participate in competition hunts with me so we have 2 Tesoro SSumax machines that serve that purpose well. I picked up a Tiger Shark for water hunting last summer and the summer before made a good deal on an MXT with 3 coils to give me a TID machine with prospecting capabilities.

As to your statement on learning one machine I really believe that one should use whatever they have enough to get to know it very well. Lots of hours of use with every machine you have. After the first machine learning the rest comes quicker and easier, usually.

Concerning what I know now, I'd have a bit different mix due to several functions such as an all metal mode switch versus just an all metal pinpoint button and manual or auto ground balance for area with mineralized soil.

My advice to anyone starting out would be to start with a quality machine that has a reasonable selection of coils - a threshold based all metal mode - a good discrimination mode - and preferably either manual or a good functional auto ground tracking although I have and use several factory preset gb machines in my area with excellent results. Personally, I'd prefer to see them start with a beep and dig machine and get to know it well, then add or trade to a tid machine if they desire. On top of all that, be persistent, patient and have fun. Starting out in wood chip tot lots may be a good idea as well as they are always replenishing and offer easy retrieval.

HH
BB

 

[tab-nabit]

I have cut down to under a dozen in the last year - a few get used regularly, a couple on more rare occasions, and a few been collecting dust, and a couple set aside as loaners to kids whenever they tag along and want to give it a go.
My latest trend is I been using only a couple most this year, then lately a new one recently introduced has been getting a good bit of use because it's new and interesting.
I know one can focus on a machine or two, but I like a little variety once in awhile depending on the hunt and my mood.
Sometimes I want bells and whistles, sometimes the most simplistic fills the bill.
Sure I don't NEED all the machines I have or had, just like many other things I have around the home - I really could do with less bills though.
But I did cut back some and will probably continue to do so.

 

[Shambler]

2 and use 2 - but one of those 2 is very close to being wrapped around a tree and then I'll be using the one I already know is better

 

[Waterman]

I have not been able to find that one detector that is good for all situations; for me one is good for dry sand beach, one for junk areas in old rodeo grounds/sportsfields with tones & target ID, the other two for water hunting fresh & salt water. This hobby is addictive, been doing it since 1976,,,,wife thinks I'm crazy.

Troy X5, X-Terra 705, BHID300, Dual Field PI

 

[Uncle Willy]

Only have nine. Used to have 14 or so but weeded them out Have owned a total of about 50 since I first started and have field tested a bunch over the years. Don't use all that I have as I'm partial to three or four of them. May sell a couple or more but hate to part with them.

Bill

 

[Furious T]

I have eight, and try to use four as regularly as I can. Two are water machines which haven't had much use lately. Have traded some that I would have liked to keep and only have two that I would consider trading now. Getting itchy fingers and thinking about a new one.

 

[nwdetectorist]

Ok, so the only one I bought was the Tesoro BII uMax with the 8" donut.
Then a month ago I inherited an older White's XLT which I had borrowed before and used for nearly 700 hours over a 3 year period or so.
Then I also at the same time I inherited a repaired and rarely used older Excalibur 800 with the 8" coil.

So when I went to an old inner city sidewalk repair I took the XLT with the 3" by 5" DD shooter coil since I felt that it would give me good coverage (all be it very narrow) and good separation, and I am very used to and confident in my abilities with the XLT. So what I found was an 1872 IH penny, an 1892 V nickel, a 1902 V nickel, an 1896-s Barber dime, and and 1898 plain Barber dime.

I went back later in the same day with the Tesoro with the 8" coil (yes I had already purchased the 5.75" which has also done well at this site) and found 2 more IH pennies, one of which was smashed and buried in the same hole with 3 nails, but the "signal kept screaming dig me up, I am a coin". The other IH penny was an 1892. And the particular spot had already been gone over by me at least 4 times before. Maybe "it really pays to dig up the trash and uncover the masked signals".

For safe measure I tried to use the Excalibur800 the next morning and all I found was an 1917-s Wheat Cent.
But I am still learning the Excalibur and only have about 30 hours behind it.
I shudder to think what I might find with either an Explorer SE/eTrac, or with the new White's Spectra V3.

But I am doing OK with what I have.
The main thing for me is being aware of the sites in your area and doing the necessary research to be "johnny on the spot" when construction opens up possibilities for you.
Of course I have also visited this site in the past many times in a row with nothing but nails and bolts to find. Then "pazoW" I find something nice to make up for all the frustration.
So persistence also plays a major role in getting the best results.

Took the XLT to a large inner city park a few days back and may have my first gold coin (in a pendant and the writing seems to be Chinese). I am still trying to get a good picture of it which is very difficult because the bezel is glass covered and sealed over the coin, and the coin is thin and very well worn.

So it would be very fair to say that I believe in using a variety of tools for the job.
But I do agree that the more familiar you are with how your machine works (what it does/what it does not), the better your finds will be.
For instance in older constructions sites and older town parking strips nearly 100% of the Indian Head pennies that I have found came up in the range of bottle cap with the XLT.

TOO MUCH DIRT, NOT ENUFF TIME!

nwdetectorist

 

[Cupajo]

My advice?

Buy one (any one that may be suited for your hunting situation) and learn to get the most out of it and then, hopefully, you will be informed enough to select the machine that will provide the features and capabilities to meet your hunting needs!

Each treasure hunter is hunting under specific conditions and has specific needs.

The needs of the hunter dictate the features and thus the machine required.

My water machines would be of little use for prospecting the Arizona outback (Although the Infinium has a pretty good track record both the water and the outback!!)

I guess the answer would be one detector, but the right one!!!


GL&HH Friends,

CJ

 

[Elton]

n/t

 

[Elton]

n/t

 

[TURNMASTER]

I am realy new to this. I kinda always watched for treasures though, Found a few missed a few. profited a little. When I bought my BH Land Star (122$ new screaming deal) I thought I would enjoy this hobby, what I found out is that I NEEDED a better, more advanced machine. The BH aint all to bad and I will Keep it for kids friends and the like. At least untill I replace it with a better beginer type of machine from Tesoro, Garrett, or Whites.

Now I use a Minelab X-terra 705 and am still learning the machine. I have not touched the bounty hunter since.

1. Be realistic about your intentions!!! Don't over estimate what you need and don't underestimate like I did.
2. Don't spend too much BUT DO NOT spend too little.
3. Practice
4. Ask questions
5. Get The proper tool for the job

I do hunt coin, I am getting permision (GOD willing) to do some coin and relic near where I live, cool place, neat history prior to four or five generations of single family residence, and no one has hunted it before (for sure). I will also be doing some nugget shooting. Thus the 705. I know there are other similar machines similarly capable but this is the one I chose. I was told the Minelab was the cadilac, but I picked this one because it is more like a real nice F150.
runs well, works for a daily driver, and can do some hauling to boot...
I think this style of machine, be it Minelab, Garrett, Whites, or Any Other QUALITY make can suite someone like me. A person who will do some prospecting, shoots for coins, and maybe some relic hunting thrown in for good measure.

I can easily see two or three more in my locker in the future. A good water machine. Maybe a Soviern GT (multiple freq. all the time). If the gold thing is good, possibly a full on gold machine. Last I'm pretty sure I Must have a Treasure Hunter CX for it's two box setup as I think I have a cache to go after.

For now though I am going to learn the X-705 to all of my ability and hopefully push the limits of what it is capable. I hope the low freq coil can hit some deeper caches, If not then the two box will come home.

I can see why people become addicted to multiple machines, even of similar capabilities.


Does "Just my two cents" have the same meaning on a treasure hunters forum?

Jeff

 

[gmanlight]

N/T

 

[gmanlight]

I have 5 - 2 water machines 3 land units , I keep thinking of thinning the heard but have not .
The 2 water machines 1 Pi and 1 VLF
The land units i had a slow swing machine so i got a Silver U to complement it .Sold the slow swing machine .
Bought a F 75 great machine then got a used CZ 70 its rain proof and great in wet sand . I don't like rain coats .
Yes i could do with 2 machines but i like to try different stuff .I have 2 or 3 on my to try list now .

I will say this, if you can buy used from a trusted person and use it for some time and resell for a little less.
Its like renting for a year for 50 bucks .That works for me . HH Mike

P.S. I would not recommend buying several machines until you have a good handle on your primary unit .
To jump from a E Trac to F75 to V3 could dive anyone INSANE !!!

 

[fowlercharles]

at last count, if my memory is correct, I have 13.I gave one to a good hunting Buddy, gave one to my son for hunting his Bow Arrows, and I have a couple needing to go towards the shop. I wish I could use them all, but it is hard now to find someplace to use any of them. Between old age , to hot , to cold, not much in between, and hunting grounds shrinking, it can be a real chore putting a coil to the ground. I totally agree to learning well whatever machines that you enjoy best, and always try and remember that is only a hoby and always keep it fun. I feel that is also one reason some folks tend to accumulate more machines than they would really need. It can be fun satisfying one's curiousity about different machines and trying different hunting methods, and it all adds knowledge and maybe even a few new skills, so to me that is having fun and adding enjoyment to a great hobby. It also helps us recall those times when it seemed like months before the UPS truck would show up with our ONLY machine returned from the shop. My second machine spent more time in the shop and on the road, than it did with the coil on the ground. When "them days became over with" I try make it a point to remember and that is a big enjoyment right there. HH

 

[slingshot]

I have owned nearly a 100 over 30 years.