Question on the "Swingy Thingy"

[larryw]

I just saw the "Swingy Thingy" on ebay, item no. 290296749975. It is supposed to make your detector easy to handle after several hours of detecting. Has anybody out there used it, and if so, is it all it is cracked up to be? If it works, it sure would be a great help to me as, at my age, my arm does get tired after a few hours of detecting with my Explorer!! Any input from those who have used it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[dewcon4414]

DOC at Doc's detectors in Vegas came up with it and those that use it say its only downside is having to move or remove it when digging targets. Does it do what is says.... without a doubt. He makes a nice wool arm rest holder also. Id suggest giving him a call if you have questions he is one of the sponsors here.

Dew

 

[Steve(MS)]

Larry, I don't have the swingy-thingy but I have a homemade version of it.
For my first version, I had the flexible strap going all the way up to the top of my shoulders and after a while my back would actually tire out instead of my arm.
After further experiments, the one I made is a nylon tool belt holder that is positioned in the lower chest area, with a strap that is hooked on the front side and then going over the shoulder to the back side of the belt.
I attached the elastic strap to the bottom of the tool belt, just over my belly button.
Now I can hunt until my legs and other fatigues set in, I have hunted 4 and 5 hours with no problem, either to my arm or to my back.
Now what I made up won't win a beauty contest but it really works good for me, besides, I am not trying to win a good looks award while detecting anyway.
Now I don't know whether the swingy thingy elastic strap can be moved down midway or not but if it can, it should really help if one is doing more swinging than digging (actually it would be better for those that use the swingy thingy to post whether it affects their back or not).
I don't know if I would recommend it for relic hunting in woody areas where you have to set aside the detector to get at roots and so forth, working your way around brush but for Parks and open fields mine works great.
HH

 

[gates21]

I have one, nothing special. I use it on occasion, but you have to modify your swing which is kind of awkward. The only time I ever used it is when I would put the 15"wot coil on.
Unless you have a medical condition, I wouldn't recommend it.

Just my thoughts

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Basically transfers the weight to the heavy back muscles, however if you have a bad back would not recommend...

 

[midmich]

I have one & like it. When I purchased my Explorer and my wife took over the X Terra 70, I bought one for the both of us. It takes a little getting used to, but it does help. Plus, Doc is a stand up guy.

 

[swater]

I got one this past summer, after using it a few times it really does take the weight off. At first it looks a bit akward and it will raise your coil at the ends if you try to
swing to wide. Takes a little practice, put you will like it.

 

[grumpyolman]

I used Docs Swingy Thingy since I first got an SE and now the ET. I use it on all the coils. I DO NOT have to unhook it when digging a target. I got one of the newer SThingy and maybe they are made differently. It allows you to pick your _ _ _ _ or blow your nose without bending over and laying the machine down or balancing it against your leg hoping it won't fall. I am so used to it that it doesn't feel like I am modifying my swing at all. When I got the 12X15 SEF it's value was greatly increased. Get one. They aren't that expensive. It has a quick adjustment for length on one end of the bungee cord. Sometimes just a 1/4" adjustment, longer or shorter, makes a real difference on how easy it works. Most notable when working up and hill or down a hill. I have it set so the coil just slides across the top of the grass. It'll extend your hunting time without the pain that usually follows. I get more tired in the knees and hips from the number of repetitions of kneeling and standing rather than getting a sore shoulder and low back. Jim

 

[Hotcz70]

here's the link: http://www.findmall.com/read.php?19,940126,940126#msg-940126

 

[garyflal]

Bryce, have you tried attaching the bungee adjustment clip anywhere else on the shaft? I clip mine next to the Explorer's control box like Doc shows with the instruction sheet. I had to flatten the 'J' hook's reinforcing brace a little so it wouldn't put to much downward pressure on the Sunray probe wire where it exits the switch box. I've found that having the clip higher up the shaft allows the coil to swing more freely and lessens the amount of swing of the bungee cord. The only down side to having it up so high is that the bungee cord will hang up on the corner of the control box occasionally but less so with the 'D' ring at breast height. I also cut off retaining clip of hook that attaches to the 'D' ring so I can remove and re-attach it quickly. I purchased the Swing-Thingy when I purchased the Explorer because of a neck problem. I couldn't use the Explorer without it and keep an extra in the car. Great invention. HH

 

[Hotcz70]

I only found that one spot to connect it to...but it is still real close to the probe cable.
Thanks for the tip.

 

[w6pea]

I have one and use it on my Sovereign Gt. works great, I will get one for my wife to use on her machine also. Probably buy one for using with our SD2200v2