Axe head...why this reading?

[RStouff]

First post here, other than introduction, so hi!
I'm in south Louisiana. I am fairly competent with my Spectrum XLT, used to hunt a lot about 10 years ago, just got back into it a couple weeks ago.
Dug an axe head at 10 inches this weekend. Registered +64-72 (bouncy) on the VDI, DC phase of +73.
I don't get it. I know the XLT gets confused on large objects, but I was surprised that both VDI and DC Phase would be that far off.
What am I missing?
Thanks.

[mandad76]

Halo effect - iron leached into ground around the target.

[rjw4law]

I get the same effect, sometimes, on my DFX. An iron object that has been in the ground will sometimes give a signal that indicates a really good target, adds to the thrill of the find.

[RStouff]

Understood. So there's really no way to get around it? I mean, the axe head was a cool find, but I was surprised DC phase didn't give me a more clear indication of the true target.

[Sandman]

No there is no way detectors can correctly Id targets all the time because there are to many variables in the ground and in the components of the detectors themselves. Ever since they started putting meters on machines that did more than swing a needle, people think it should tell them exactly what is in the ground. But some day maybe......

[freddy williams]

I agree with Sandman to many vatibles especially if the target is 100 years old.
Hey sandman I am moving back to ohio in a couple months are you still up in the michigan waters, maybe we could do some detecting or something it'd be cool getting back into diving a friend interduced me to it back in 85 loved it but just never had the time for it.