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I got to thinking earlier today about how long I've been doing this hobby, and realized that it's been 44 years. I mail ordered my first detector the summer I turned 13. It was an old D-Tex, and although it wasn't much by toady's standards, it was enough to get me started. The first coin I found was a 1867 Indian Head at an old home site that I had to hike about two miles to get to. I had always spent a lot of time traipsing around those East Texas woods, but this just added an extra excitement that made it hard to keep me at home. In the intervening years I've used mostly Garretts, with a few others thrown in at times. I even managed to keep one with me on a Navy destroyer at times.
Having said all of that, how about seeing how many people can beat me on length of time? It's not a contest, just plain and simple curiosity.
I bought a jetco mustang in 1973 and my mom's front yard looked like she had gophers, she never told me to stop thankfully! A year later with my birthday money I invested in a Bounty Hunter II. Then my 1st T.R. after that their was no stopping me. I was in the Marine Corps and I had a little Whites coinmaster with me, I took ALOT of ribbing but it was worth it!! I found the nicest ring I've ever found, and some of my oldest silver coins came from those bases. Now mainly I find pull-tabs and nails but with practice I'm getting better! I realize it's not coins, it's the hunt! Good Hunting!
Bought my first detector in 1962, a Detectron, my second was a Whites Gold Master and my third was a Metrotech. I have tried then most of them since. I currently own 6 or 7 that I use.
I think 1993, Whites 6000di pro sl. Still have it and use it today. I have only ever sold one detector, Garretts GTA1000, didn't much care for it. Good machine and my friends loved it, but I sold it to buy my Tesoro Bandido ll
I started in 1965 with a Dtex unit which was a terrible machine which had a lot of drift. One hand on the detector handle and the other on the tuning control. Then in 1966 I bought a Garrett BFO machine. Since then I have had lots of different brands and models. This makes it 50 years for me.
first detector was a"relco" in 1977.found an old license plate in my yard with it,and was hooked!
been at it for 33 years!.present equipment..fisher f-75.
Started in 1971 when my mother bought a garrett, i never really knew how to set it up but did find lots of tiny pieces of foil and pull tabs with it so after a couple of yrs never touched it again got started back in 2005 when I bought my DeLeon, so either 41 yrs or 5 yrs depending on how you want to look at it. Jimmie
Started in 1972 with a Jetco. 38 years and love the hobby more today then ever. Still have that deep seeking Jetco. It got about an inch, maybe. Found enough, though, to hook me at the time. Have an F 75 LTD and an Omega 8000 today. Numerous detectors in between. HH jim tn
I started detecting on my 32 birthday in July of 69 with a Garrett BFO Sidewinder that my Wife and Mother gave me. Have a bunch of detectors hanging on my wall now,some older, some newer, but have been hunting mostly with Tesoro for the last 25 years. Had lots of fun and found lots of goodies, and found that my best finds have been the great friends I have found along the way. Like those goodies we all find from time to time, those great friends are out there too, so y'all always be sure and watch for them! HH, Charlie
bought a Jetco Mustang back in the 70's and actually found a few shallow coins with it. I got more serious about the hobby in about 1980 and got my first Fisher, a 1220 x and have used Fisher detectors pretty much ever since along with a few Tesoro detectors. So I have been detecting for over 30 years and enjoy every minute of it. Happy Hunting !
First detector 1971 Jetco Huntmaster avid hunter with other detectors till 1979.Serious about metal detecting in 2004 I was with the National Ski Patrol(nordic)in a park and was called to chase 2 guys out of the park metal detecting.I watched them detect in the bare grass spot and radioed back to dispatch they were OK no damage being done.They found a nice gold diamond ring while I was watched.That got me started again.
Started beach combing on the treasure coast of Fla. in 1954 finding Spanish coins. After a four year tour in the Navy I got my first metal detector in 1962.A used Compass, still have it plus many more. Am now eyeballing the Garrett AT Pro. You never get to old.
Started in 1972 with a HeathKit, had all metal mode only. Dug tons of foil but very little pulltabs back then. Only dug the easy targets, we never heard of masking at that time. Found lots of silver, it was everywhere it seems. Detected for 11 years then dropped the hobby for more than 10 years, got back in with a Fisher 1265. These days, it ain't like it used to be but I still to do it because the passion never seems to go away.
Hey Deacon, I'm close on your heels. I got a Garrett Sidewinder BFO for my 32 birthday in July, 69, and have been at it hard and heavy ever since. Went to Tesoro over 25 years ago, and have a closet full of them and several other brands that I use now and then. Found some pretty good stuff over the years but my best finds have been not just my actual Digging Buddies,but many online Buddies I have met over the years. Great hobby, but even Greater Friends come from it!! HH Charlie
posted twice!! See what happens when ya get to be an old digger dude,,, or any other kind of old dude. Ya get ta enjoy lotsa stuff again and again.and,,, Hey that's kinda Kool!
