This question is for the "arthritic" or physically challenged detectorists

[Dirt Poor]

I have rheumatoid arthritis, and used to hunt with White's "big boy" machines. I eventually got rid of them, because they wore me out, with the aches and pains. I started using Tesoros, and bought a new Ace 250. I do fairly well with them, but still don't swing one over 3 hours or so. I got a heckuva deal on an XLT the other day, and want to try to use one again. Have any of you used the sling-type device that looks like a shoulder harness? It's supposed to take alot of weight off your arms. Just wondering if they do work. Thanks for any info!

 

[stonecracker59]

The sling would be a good thing it does take care of some weight should help with the fatique. Howard

 

[grumpyolman]

Many would agree I am mentally challenged! Probably physically as well.
If you are talking about the Swingy Thingy the answer is an unqualified YES!! I've used it with my Explorer SE until I sold that and got the E-Trac. The ST, suspends the weight of the detector from a center point on the chest harness. You only need to guide it with you right arm...sort of steer it. There's an adjuster that quickly allows you to lengthen or shorten the bungee cord so the detector always hangs where you want it. Sometimes a quarter inch adjustment makes a major difference in the strain and effort you use on your right arm. Uphill, I make it shorter and the opposite is true for downhill. I make constatnt adjustments to mine all day long. I guess sometimes I get tired and hunker over more and have to use lots of strength in the right arm to keep the coil off the ground. When it finally hits me that I am expending too much effort I shorten it , maybe an inch, and all the stress on the right arm is gone and is absorbed by the strap/harness arrangement. For $30 (I think) it's definitely worth a shot. Jim

 

[Dirt Poor]

The sling would be a good thing it does take care of some weight should help with the fatique. Howard

Thanks, Howard. I have ordered one.

 

[Dirt Poor]

Many would agree I am mentally challenged! Probably physically as well.
If you are talking about the Swingy Thingy the answer is an unqualified YES!! I've used it with my Explorer SE until I sold that and got the E-Trac. The ST, suspends the weight of the detector from a center point on the chest harness. You only need to guide it with you right arm...sort of steer it. There's an adjuster that quickly allows you to lengthen or shorten the bungee cord so the detector always hangs where you want it. Sometimes a quarter inch adjustment makes a major difference in the strain and effort you use on your right arm. Uphill, I make it shorter and the opposite is true for downhill. I make constatnt adjustments to mine all day long. I guess sometimes I get tired and hunker over more and have to use lots of strength in the right arm to keep the coil off the ground. When it finally hits me that I am expending too much effort I shorten it , maybe an inch, and all the stress on the right arm is gone and is absorbed by the strap/harness arrangement. For $30 (I think) it's definitely worth a shot. Jim

Thanks, Jim. I was told by Kellyco yesterday that they have 2 types....one that hooks to your belt, and the other one(I guess) is more neck or shoulder-oriented. She recommended the one that hooks to the belt. Both types were 20.00 each, so I ordered the belt-type. I have owned 2 Minelab Explorers, and sold them due to the weight. Wish I had thought of this solution then!!..................Thanks

 

[JW]

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/accessories/miscacessories.htm

 

[Dirt Poor]

Thanks, JW! I later saw the 79.95 one(after ordering the 20.00 one). I don't need a belt with the pouches, so I'm thinking the "cheap" one will suffice.

 

[edjcox]

Some thoughts

Glocusamine Chondroitin tables from CVS
1 Ibuprofen tablet


A Swingy Thing


Knowing that you going to find a silver dollar or a $20.00 gold piece.......


Makes that arthritis a minor nuisance...

 

[Dirt Poor]

Some thoughts

Glocusamine Chondroitin tables from CVS
1 Ibuprofen tablet


A Swingy Thing


Knowing that you going to find a silver dollar or a $20.00 gold piece.......


Makes that arthritis a minor nuisance...

Yep....The good finds do have a tendency to cut down on the pain. I've been diggin' for around 30 years, and I think a 20.00 gold piece would make me dig like a teen-ager again. I'm gonna look into that med from CVS. I'm currently taking the high-powered meds(that can ruin your liver). Thanks.....DP

 

[grumpyolman]

Don't know what Kellyco is describing. My Swingy Thingy has a suspender type clasp that hooks on to my pants right above my left pocket. It then goes over my shoulder and has another section hooked to it so it stays in place. The clasp to hook in the bungee is almost dead center in the chest. Might be the same thing KC is explaining. Jim

 

[Dirt Poor]

Don't know what Kellyco is describing. My Swingy Thingy has a suspender type clasp that hooks on to my pants right above my left pocket. It then goes over my shoulder and has another section hooked to it so it stays in place. The clasp to hook in the bungee is almost dead center in the chest. Might be the same thing KC is explaining. Jim

I think it is the same set-up. I haven't even taken it out of the package yet(it came today). I will modify it if I have to. Wife can sew fairly well, so if it needs anything, we will fix it. Thanks!......

 

[Tseeker]

Is the swingy thingy designed only for the right arm?

 

[tidewalker2]

I have no problem with upper body....but with degenerative osteoarthritis in both hips I need to do a lot of swinging to save up for the copay to get new ones. It really cuts down on the time I spend on the beach. any help out there for the hips?

 

[grumpyolman]

The Swingy Thingy will work left or right. The only solution for hips is surgery or drugs. Drugs are easier and more fun. Jim

 

[Dan-Pa.]

They do work well but caution as they put the strain on the larger back muscles so if you have an arthritic spine not for you....