3 months into the hobby

[FeroxDraken]

Hi, I just signed up after trying out detecting for 3 months in Hong Kong.

I got a cheap as chips Chinese detector to see if I liked the hobby, on my 2nd trip I found $5 USD in local currency as well as some interesting finds. It was a lot of fun and after giving it a few more goes I've decided to stick with the hobby and invest in something that can handle wet sand and shallow surf.

The thing is I don't know where to start. I did some research and the Garret AT Pro seems to be the right choice, but I'm getting conflicting information about the water proofness of it. On the Garret website it shows videos of how to use it in the beach surf and deal with false signals. However I've heard from 2 different sources it doesn't work in salt water and will break!

Also I did some research on the forum and it seems people recommend upgrading from a stock coil to a 5x8. Is there anything else I should do/buy to get the best out of it?

If the AT Pro can't handle salt water/surf can anyone recommend a similar model at a similar price range they've had success/experience with?

Thanks!

 

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[tcornel]

The AT Pro does not handle salt water very well. You can use it in the surf and ocean if you ground balance and decrease sensitivity BUT it looses its depth. Mine only got about 4".
It does very well on land and fresh water. It is water proof to 10'. Mine leaked and Garrett repaired promptly under the warranty.

Others here will recommend a machine in the same price range but be prepared for a lot of trade offs. I went to the CTX 3030.

 

[FeroxDraken]

Thanks tcornel. I don't understand what you mean by trade offs, you mean pros and cons?

The CTX 3030 is right out of my price range lol, I can handle 600-700 USD max.

 

[DirtWarrior]

We;-come aboard ...


Head over to Kellyco , there ya can do comparisons on the different types of detectors and what they offer might help some

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

FeroxDraken, check your private messages and welcome to TreasureNet. .....

 

[FeroxDraken]

Thanks guys, already learning a lot but still got a lot to learn any help is appreciated!

 

[vpnavy]

Welcome Aboard FeroxDraken!

 

[Enginefitter]

Welcome from NE Ohio in the USA.

Engine

 

[kingskid1611]

Welcome to TNet. Happy Hunting!

 

[adamBomb]

If the AT Pro can't handle salt water/surf can anyone recommend a similar model at a similar price range they've had success/experience with?

Thanks!

You have a few options and should be able to find something in that price range. No the AT Pro will not work well in the wet salty sand or surf. It will work in fresh water though. The issue is that it is single frequency and you need a multifrequency machine. Here are your options:

1. Get a used CZ21, Excalibur, or Beach Hunter ID. They discriminate and are made for the beach/surf. The CZ and Excal used are probably closer to $1000 but if you look you will find them for cheaper. The BHID is only $1000 new so you can probably find a used one of those for much cheaper. As far as which is the best from everything I have read they are all very similar and everyone has their preferences. This is what I would do if I was starting out again. When I started out last summer I bought a new CZ21 but should have just gotten a used one since they are built like tanks and last forever. The excal is a bit more fragile and does require more maintenance/upgrades but probably holds it value better than the others assuming it doesnt break.

2. Get a PI machine. The issue is that they do not discriminate so you will dig everything included fish hooks a foot deep and more. But you can get a brand new sand shark for $500 and it has a lifetime warranty. Other PI machines in that price range are the garrett sea hunter which is about $650 and White Dual Field which is about $800. That is for new ones though so used would be much cheaper.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Welcome to the forum! "AdamBomb" gave you some good advice.

I have both the AT Pro and AT Gold and work very well for my needs. The AT Pro will work very well in freshwater, in salt not so much, but in the sand it will be fine. For saltwater and some fresh, I use the Garrett Infinium, but their are other machines.

Good Luck in your detector search.

 

[FeroxDraken]

2. Get a PI machine. The issue is that they do not discriminate so you will dig everything included fish hooks a foot deep and more. But you can get a brand new sand shark for $500 and it has a lifetime warranty. Other PI machines in that price range are the garrett sea hunter which is about $650 and White Dual Field which is about $800. That is for new ones though so used would be much cheaper.

Thanks for the warm welcome and advice. Based on my situation in Hong Kong which is 1) a fishing city 2) a polluted waters city, I don't think a PI would suit me because I would find a considerable higher amount of trash than in other waters around the world. I went to the beach a week ago that was quite close to a fishing boat berth, the amount of rusty iron bars and bits I found was disgusting and also impossible to deal with. We are connected to the pearl river delta, which is like China's waste dumping ground, a lot of crud washes down river onto our beaches, so I really need the discrimination ability even if it means I lose some depth, it's a trade off that will make life easier here.

But THANK YOU for telling me there are different types of MDs; VFI and PI. I did some homework so that is encouraging and motivating because I know a bit more

I will have a go at some of the used stuff and see what comes out but I am very excited about getting an AT Pro.

 

[FeroxDraken]

Welcome to the forum! "AdamBomb" gave you some good advice.

I have both the AT Pro and AT Gold and work very well for my needs. The AT Pro will work very well in freshwater, in salt not so much, but in the sand it will be fine. For saltwater and some fresh, I use the Garrett Infinium, but their are other machines.

Good Luck in your detector search.

Yes, I'm not looking to stand waste deep in the waters here, the amount of trash is disgusting and because of the heat, night time sweeping is easier. I'm not willing to get into the ocean in the dark when we have sharks and swells from sea storms! :S

But for surf/a couple of feet in the water I think it should be enough my friend who introduced me has had great results without having to get his knees wet. Thanks for the intel!

 

[Urban Grund]

Welcome! From Michigan...

 

[smalltowngirl13]

Hello and welcome to the forum...

 

[bootybandit]

Welcome to TNET!

 

[bootybandit]

Welcome to TNET!

 

[hamiddetecting]

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

Welcome and good luck on your detecting trips!

Wayne

Metal Detecting Stuff