$300 budget for accessories. What would you buy?

[Johnathon78]

I recently sold a gun and spared up some free cash. Around $300. I currently use a Garrett AT Pro and love it. But it has no frills. Just stock. I've been eyeballing a 5x8 coil, but maybe that new garrett pinpointer AT...... Or maybe a nice shovel......hmmmmm

So. If you were me and wanted some nice Garrett accessories or a nice shovel, what would you do with $300?

 

[Higgy]

The 5x8 coil is a beautiful thing. You'll never regret that purchase. I think you've answered your own question, really. I have a Lesche Sampson t-handle. Good shovel, but for how I use it, I think I would prefer the relic-hunter better. If all you do is cut plugs, you may only need a hand digger. Also - and this is only MY opinion, but the shaft on the ATP is the suck. I put an Andersen water shaft on mine, but I mostly use it in the river anyway.

 

[Johnathon78]

Just the other day I was looking into Anderson shafts. Is the difference really noticeable between a straight shaft and the stock Garrett shaft?

 

[airscapes]

Save another $75 and by a the DFX that is for sale in the classified.

 

[SusanMN]

ProPointer or the new one for sure, Lesche digger too. Spend the rest on a gold test kit and a diamond tester if you hunt for jewelry.

 

[masterjedi]

I agree with Higgy Buy the 5x8 you will love it... Get a Lesche 31" Sampson T handle... My Pro Pointer At will be here before the weekend

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Whatcha got now? Where and what do you hunt?

A nice scoop for sand?

A Lesche #85 trowel for sod?

Nice finds belt pouch & belt? (AWP at Lowes).

I can recommend the Model 58L Dixie shovel from Predator Tools (same place to get a Lesche digger). http://predatortools.com/item_details.asp?ID=17

 

[signal]

5x8 for sure. Maybe mini or full sized Sampson, double serrated. ProPointer AT is a must have if you have no pinpointer. But if you already own a good pinpointer, I would say its more nice to have not a must have. Other nice things:

rock tumbler........really a must have for those of us that hunt beaches
sand scoop.......only necessary for beaches
Lesche dig tool.........even with a Sampson, I would never give up my Lesche, last a lifetime
Lesche and/or Sampson sheath.........the sheath that comes with the Lesche sucks. A nice Bomber sheath for the Sampson or Lesche is nice and can be made to hold the pinpointer too

 

[TampaTroy]

Where do you like to hunt and what do you hunt for? I love my 5x8 coil for parks and yards. If I had a separate beach machine I would probably leave it on full time.

 

[BryanM362]

1. Good Pinpointer
2. Small Coil
3. Good Shovel

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

Those are good choices, call me and I'll try to get you all three within your budget. The 5X8 makes the detector lighter and separates better, the pinpointer helps with recovery time, and the shovel helps your back!

Wayne

www.metaldetectingstuff.com

 

[fuzzy535]

those are all things i would look at too, second coil, pointer would be my first to options right now i would use the money to fly someplace warm....tired of winter...

 

[Peachy]

Hey, I've been looking at the Lesche shovels. What lenght do you think I would need to help me stand back up? Bum knee this year.

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

Peachy, I use the 31" T Handle to help me get back up after using a pinpointer in a hole. I'm a big guy, and when I get tired, I'm glad I have the 31" in a field.

Wayne

Lesche Sampson T-Handle Shovel - SERRATED ? Metal Detecting Stuff

 

[Peachy]

Thanks!

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

I have the Dixie 58L shovel (Predator/Lesche) and it's a hair over 37" with a ball handle. Is a good getter-back-upper (I have a bum knee from surgery after a truck steering column tried to eat me).

I put a sliced length of high-pressure hose over the tip with a bit of bungee cord to protect the edge from using it as a walking stick (and my SUV interior as well).



Gets a lot of use around the house and farm as well. Handy little bugger.

 

[Fletch88]

The Predator Raptor Model 31 is the best $72 you can spend on a digging tool.
http://predatortools.com/item_details.asp?ID=2

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Hello johnathon78,

Looks like you have enough for the coil, pinpointer and digger! Shop around. "Airscapes" has a point about the DFX if you should need another detector. I own a DFX and have not been disappointed!

Regards,

 

[tcornel]

There is a noticeable difference in weight distribution. I made a straight shaft out of a lower shaft and some pvc fittings. Works great with total cost of about 20 bucks.

 

[Johnathon78]

Thanks for the awesome suggestions! I'm really digging that predator tools shovel. May go that route. Also that new pinpointer is too sweet to pass up seeing as how I enjoy water hunting.