= = the same Ralph B that used to be on the Garrett forum. He is the first guy I ever heard of that specifically targeted urban gold and jewelry. I now know that a lot of people do it, although they're still a minority among the greater detecting community. I call them "urban prospectors" and the whole idea has given me a different outlook. Today, I see sports fields, arena's, parks - you know, all the modern places most detectorists look down their noses at... well, I view them differently because of it.
Now, when I approach such a place I examine it critically for the places where I can apply my simple formula. I notice the tot lots and play areas, of course. But I also make a check list of things like open areas where sports games are played. For example we have an impromptu soccer field in a local park where the latinos play a weekly pickup game. They seem to avoid the regularly marked out fields, maybe trying to keep a low profile - I dunno. But two nice rings have came from those not at all obvious sidelines. By now the field has become pretty well used, but in the past you couldn't tell it was much of anything.
Another area I like to look for is volleyball courts. While they are few and far between around here, they are notorious for giving up jewelry. There isn't a detecting magazine printed that doesn't seem to have a story about some great find recovered on or around volleyball courts. I search them every time I can, and carry a sand scoop in my possibles bag because of that.
There is a great case to be made for swimming areas, as you note. I like to look for out of the way watering holes, places that aren't on the map. The large beaches and waterside parks are good, too, but there is a lot of competition on those. I hunt them, of course, but I feel it's important to look for the UN-expected; those places other detectorists may not have thought of, or heard about. So, I carry a notepad with me and when I'm out driving around, I take note of bridges over creeks, river sand bars, quarries etc. that may have escaped notice. Many of the folks here in the South swim in just these places. I'm certain there are similar places everywhere.
Last season, my partner Hal recovered a dilly of a diamond ring in just such a place - a sand bar, smack dab in the river. This spot is where many dozens of boats raft up each weekend - boats full of young partiers having a good time. I learned of it from a friend, who just happens to be one of the weekend partiers! AND it is only accessible by small boat. I recently learned of another impromptu riverside gathering spot - and again, the information was given to me by a friend.
HOT TIP: Talk to people! Tell them what you are looking for and ask if they can think of any places that might be of use to you. Then clam up and listen. Most people like to tell what they know when someone listens. I actually take notes, asking them,
"Hold on a minute - would you object if I write that down!?"
This is very flattering and few people object to anything when asked that way - it is one of the greatest one-line sales tools of all times. The thing to do is to engage them openly, without guile, and then listen.
(Actually, that's a good idea for all facets of your life. )
As for your choice of equipment, many detectors will do. Remember most gold jewelry isn't deep, being what might be called "recent" losses. So, ultimate depth isn't a requisite here. Other features besides adequate depth are:
- It is helpful if you have some sort of ID feature, which is accurate down to about 6" in depth. I like tone ID, like on the Tesoro Golden, but the little Ace 250 also has that plus a cursor readout. An easy to read VDI display can serve the same purpose, and many detectors offer that feature.
- Having the ability to notch out all but the mid range of targets is also to your advantage. It seems counterproductive to pass up good coin targets, but by notching them out, you are not tempted to waste time on non-jewelry targets. Again, depends on how much you want it and how much discipline you have.
- Good target separation is a critical factor in urban prospecting. It is a fact that most jewelry items are found in the middle of lots of urban trash. Being able to pick among this trash with a detector is not easy, so it is important to have one that can. I suggest a 2-3 inch separation ability between targets. Smaller coils and perhaps DD coils come into play here.
- If you can also have these features in a lightweight package, so much the better. There is a lot of mind numbing work in urban prospecting, that is, you will spend much time swinging that detector before you hit on a jewelry piece. Having a unit that doesn't wear you out and is a pleasure to use keeps you at it longer. That, in turn, increases your odds, which is the main goal of ANY prospector - urban or otherwise.
This is why the Ace 250 is a solid choice for this sort of business. It has these features. I would recommend it without hesitation for this, but there are others that would work as well. The choice, ultimately, is up to the individual and his or her budget.