White's PRL1

[Neil in West Jersey]

My first detector was the White's PRL1 Industrial Metal Detector. I bought it at the recommendation of the sales rep, who told me it was every bit as good as the Classic, but had the 9.5 inch coil. I used it for a few years with great success. It had only 2 controls, discrimination (dial) and pinpoint/all metal, and had no depth or ID feature. I think everyone should learn on a machine like this. I learned to use my ears and was able to tell minor differences between aluminum and coins. It is still a great detector, and every once in a while I will take it for a spin for kicks. On my last outing (about a year ago, come to think of it) I found a beautiful 1903 Barber Dime.

I think we rely too much on ID and depth, and then get all upset if the info is incorrect.

 

[UK Brian]

Trouble is people have been brainwashed and forget they are only probability meters on most modern machines and that the audio should take priority.
Go back further, pre motion, and you had to keep the coil at a certain height or the machine would sound off all over the place. Annoying for a beginer but it was great training.

Funny thing is that in Europe they supplied the 9.5 coil as standard. Only the Classic I had the small coil and it was hardwired in.