Need this final hour question answered, and I got a bonus!!!!!!

[Silverstar_Lawman]

Well today I will put in my order for a detector, I've been dealing with Wanda at kellyco and she has been great so far. Before I do it I would like to ask a last minute question. I have no metal detecting prior to this and will be land and beach hunting, I decided on the Sovereign GT with meter and the 8 and 10 inch coil package that includes a pin pointer until I can get a SunRay probe, I will build a waterproof box for it thanks to a lot of help from Max. I thought of ordering the 5 inch accelerator coil as well for very trashy areas, an alkaline batt pack, and a 48" long handled scoop which is all alum. I have a digger which is a heavy 14" knife I carried in the Army. Does it sound like I have covered all my bases or am I missing something? Oh and the bonus my wife wants to go with me although I suspect it is to monitor any jewelery finds

 

[adam in cal]

sounds like you will be fine, I dont recomend using the meter at the beach, but if you do, make sure its covered, sand gets in there and it will make the meter not work, it may take ten minutes or ten months but the meter and beach dont go well together, ...(that is my experience anyhow) ....there is a meter cover its just a nylon deal with a plastic window to view the numbers through, they are like 10 or 15 bucks and may really prolong the life of the meter.....good luck ......

 

[Silverstar_Lawman]

Yea I'm not taking the meter to the beach as I will dig most targets there anyway. I'm adding some rubber boot protectors, where can I get the meter cover?

 

[adam in cal]

its the fifth thing down on the list ....... and yea i was going to say its probally wise to ditch the meter during beach hunting and just dig it all.........

 

[dcr]

The GT comes with a AA battery pack, so don't spend money for an "extra" AA pack.

 

[Tinfoil]

I use a 4X7" excellerator on my SE Explorer and it stays on my SE 80% of the time. It is a deep coil and I can snake in and out of the trash and the iron trash better then the 5" or the new 6" excellerator coils. The GT is a excellent choice for what you want to do. : : Jerry aka Tinfoil.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Silverstar,be patient there's a whole lot to learn about metal detecting.The Sovereign is a first rate machine that will take some trail and error to use correct.(Unless there are some major break troughs in metal detectors you won't out grow this detector)My biggest problem is finding time to hunt.Suggestion start out with the eight inch coil,use a pinpointer,a dig meter on a Sovereign saves time and work.Find an old park and you'll find coins others have missed once you have learned to use this detector.If you search a beach the medium to long handle scoop is a must. I would also download a manual and have an idea how to work the Sovereign when it arrives.Have fun and enjoy the hobby.By the way a good hunter will tell you for good finds its 50% skill 45% determination and 5% luck.

 

[Silverstar_Lawman]

Ron I have downloaded the manual and have been studying it. I will use the meter covered with cardboard to make me listen to the tones first and dig a lot to learn what the detector and meter are telling me, I will use the 8 inch coil to begin with, just want to really learn the machine. Once I learn the machine I will try some different settings and coils. I thought not having done this before would hurt me, and in some ways I'm sure it will but the good thing is I don't have any habits on another machine as this will be my first I guess. I'm happy with the choice and hope to be as good with the GT as some in here are with their detectors. I'm sure the fun part will be easy, seems my wife and kids are as eager as me to get diggin.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I wouldn't worry about covering the meter because it will help you learn faster. I've used both the 550 and the 180 meters both will work but the 180 is what I prefer.Your not going to have good finds if nothing is there so try to do some homework and find a park thats older usually open fields near trees.Heads up hunt alone for a while you have a lot to learn.I don't use the pinpoint mode on my minelab most of the time the coin is underneath the flab.I use a pin pointer it helps find the coin when digging and recovering,and less damage to the site. As new to metal detecting and no matter which unit you use your biggest problem is pinpointing and finding the target(even when the coin is laying outside the hole in the dirt.Fact it will take a little practice.The Sovereign pinpoints very well compared with other detectors.Last if your finding wheat pennies your hunting in the right spot. Again good luck.

 

[Dan-Pa.]

And only time will tell as time in the field and experience is where its at..Minelab sure makes some good metal detecting equipment and good luck in your ventures. If you stay in the hobby for years you will find so many detectors so little time but feel you made a good choice. As far as the meter goes leave it at home while beach hunting as digging is easy and dig all lest you miss that nice diamond ring..

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Dan,Good advice as always.

 

[Larry (The Palm Bay Pirate)]

Silverstar, Wanda will be a big help to you as she is a Minelab expert..I've dealt with her for quite some time and she is the Best..HH Larry (The Palm Bay Pirate)