Free Advice, And Worth Every Penny

[OWK]

Well I haven't been back at metal detecting very long, but I've learned a few things that I consider worthwhile. Thought I might pass on a few observations, and maybe inspire others to do the same. Not exactly the Wisdom of Solomon coming here, but it might be useful to some. At least I'm willing to flatter myself by thinking so.

a) Craigslist and Tnet classifieds have better prices on used detectors than even Ebay (although Ebay will occasionally have a pretty good deal). Be patient, and look often.

b) I haven't found anything that digs dirt better or holds up better than Lesche. (although you can buy a damned good soil knife made by Fiskars on Ebay for 10 or 11 bucks, that is made of heavy steel, and is welded. But if you buy the Fiskars product, use a file to remove the coin-destroying/thigh-penetrating tip before taking it out in the field.

c) I went through 3 pairs of cheap modern headphones before I discovered that 70's vintage high-quality stereo headphones that are built like a battle-tank can be found on Ebay for $10-$15. They NEVER break.

d) Most detectors, and a Lesche 18" shovel, spare batteries, lunch, water, gloves, kneepads, and just about anything you want to take on a woods dig will fit comfortably in a 45L internal frame hiking backpack (just in case you don't want everyone and their brother knowing why you happen to be going into that particular stretch of woods.)

e) a Cheap (Ebay) fly fishing vest holds a lot of stuff (and has a place to sew your pinpointer holster on the front of.

f) The hobby is much more enjoyable if you own a decent pinpointer.

g) Smart detectors are far more likely to false on round trash, than irregular shaped trash.

h) Set your disc low, and then dig as much as your physical condition will allow you to dig.

Anyone else have any free advice?

 

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[redcobra8u]

Research the areas you want to hunt and go where the people are of have been.
Get out there every chance you can!

Nice post.

 

[Terry Soloman]

The wisdom of Soloman:

Spend less time reading our opinions and tips, and more time detecting. Your treasures will multiply..

 

[dirtlooter]

listen to what others have to say and weigh it carefully, and there is no such thing as a stupid question if you really don't know... although sometimes the answer is more obvious than we realize and therefore redundant to most. there are a lot of people out there with a lot of experience and their knowledge can really help.

 

[RustyGold]

Don't forget the "Back up Batteries or Battery Pods if in the field for awhile! Have more than one detector!
Follow your intuition! It's your buddy! Thank you for the tips!

 

[luvsdux]

ALWAYS, ALWAYS check your hole again before covering and leaving.
luvsdux

 

[DirtWarrior]

On wood hunts don't forget the TP ...

 

[cudamark]

Learn what your detector is telling you and SLOW DOWN.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

A bottle of water might serve you well. Both in quenching your thirst, and rinsing off a coin. DON'T RUB THE DIRT INTO THE COINS! It lowers the value if the coin happens to be of value.

 

[Frankn]

Don't just grab your detector and run to the local park. Rise above that. Go to the library and hunt down those old parks, fairgrounds, swimming holes and those old back yards where the rich have lived. That is unless you enjoy picking up clad and slaw.
Frank...-

 

[L.C. BAKER]

On wood hunts don't forget the TP ...

I have a couple of shirts that are missing the sleeves.........not that I needed them both, but it just looked funny after I cut one of them off!

 

[DDancer]

Respect the land and fill your holes and take any rubbish with you. You'll know you've done it right if it looks like you've never been there. Practice makes perfect.

 

[Jeremy S]

Perfect your digging techniques in your own yard. Observe the grass every day to see if it dies and how well your holes hold up. Do this before getting permission to hunt a nice private lawn and leaving dead spots of grass everywhere.

No matter where you are hunting, always clean up your mess from digging and make it look as if you were never there. Even if you are on the beach, a sidewalk tear-out, or in the woods, ALWAYS FILL YOUR HOLES! It only takes a few seconds. Leave unfilled holes anywhere makes you look like a lazy bum and will only have negative consequences.

You know the old story about the ONE guy who littered at the river and got the fishing spot closed down? That same concept applies to this hobby too. The ONE guy who trashed the property gets it shut down for us all.

 

[Carolina Tom]

I have one that I often forget. Relax and have FUN. IMO this is a hobby. It should be fun and (maybe) relaxing.

I often find myself taking this hobby way too seriously. Keep your expectations realistic, lighten up and have a little fun.

GL&HH!

 

[mikeraydj]

When detecting a park, pray you don't get a good signal under that fresh pile of dog poo!

 

[finderskeepers]

If you're exhausted from your ton of research (spending the last hour Googling), and find yourself getting annoyed because people won't say what you want them to when you ask..."what's the best detector for the cheapest money"?

Find another hobby...I hear that watching youtube vids of cats playin the piano and monkeys throwin poo is both free and easy!

 

[Sandman]

When detecting at the beach be sure to wear mirrored sunglasses so the pretty babes don't see you staring at them. At the beach pay attention to the newly arrived sweat hogs that are going to go in the water, 😄 watch where they put their rings if they put them on towel or blanket or in a bag because when they leave they may leave the rings.