Im not sure if this is a query or just rumination, but allow me to examine your conclusions:
1. Just because it cost hundreds of dollars/pounds doesent mean instant big finds.
True.
Functional and competent is whats needed. Beyond that, ease of use, rugged and well-backed are next in importance.
Finally, it depends on YOU to understand whats happening. And I dont just mean detector sounds. What about hunt environment, trash suites, ground minerals, swing discipline? Do you have all that - and more - down pat?
2.In the hands of an expert better results would be gained with a cheaper MD than a novice with a expensive one.
False.
Even an expert can do little with junk in his hands and nearly all expensive detectors have preset programs that take advantage of their attributes. These are the best of times to be a beginner.
3.What ever the machine, they all have flaws.
False (but Im eliminating the "junkers" from this response).
Let's stick with quality, proven designs. I have many detectors that fit this description and none of them are flawed. Each is better at something or another, better suited perhaps to given tasks. But not flawed.
4.The learning curve on an expensive MD is at least 20/40 hours in field.
Trick question.
The learning time on ANY detector is that much or more.
5. Any md user that claims to know everything is fooling themselves.
True.
Hopefully, they aren't fooling you, as well.
6. Don't believe everything you read.
True.
Conversely, not everything you read is false - dont make that mistake, either.
Many detectorists are not only experienced, but well versed and able to write well.
Learn to seek them out... start with the Sandman.
7. All machines, even the branded ones, had to, by definition, be new to the market and hence had to prove their worth over time.
True.
Some come from good lineage, on the other hand, so there is little doubt that they will perform as expected. This is one good reason why it pays to go with a reputable company, one that has been in the business for awhile.
8.A dedicated PI MD is best for the beach.
False.
PI's are at their best in the cleaner environment of the open ocean.
PI's have depth, but they are poor discriminators. Raw depth is rarely an end-all in itself. Dont believe for a minute that it pays to simply dig everything - at the end of the day a pouch full of rusted iron is still very heavy, especially when compared to the finds of a guy who has one of the "discriminators."
But let's be very careful here about the use of the word 'discrimination.' Let me explain.
At the beach, true iron discernment is really what is wanted - otherwise you move a lot of sand for sparkler wire and hair pins.
However, most of the desirable targets are lower in conductivity, coming near to iron sometimes. Certainly as low as foil. Beach conditions vary and have an effect, to a degree, so there are no absolutes.
But what is wanted is the ability to know when its iron, while retaining the benefits of sensitivity to the lowest conductivity found among the good targets, especially gold. This is why the Excalibers are so popular; they offer both great iron discernment and retain sensitivity to the lower conductive gold.
9. Just because a particular company has produced great machines in the past doesn't mean the next one they do will be.
True.
However, it is your best assurance. See 7, above.
10. The components of an expensive MD cant cost what they charge, so a good name = more cost.
False.
There is far more involved in making a detector than slapping a bunch of common components together. White's, for example, has a huge R&D budget and they acutally develop the technologies used in their product line; guess how they afford that? By selling detectors at a profit and recouping those development costs. Wanna guess who benefits from that? YOU DO! Cost is only one part of the value equation.
11. In the past, there was a lot more to find, so statistically a given MD would have had a good start.
True and False.
Back when silver coins were common and there were only bottle caps to contend with, this probably applied - back then it seemed every find was a good coin or relic. Much of that easy stuff has been picked up by now. So, yes, it seemed more good stuff was there to be found and thus cement the reputation of a detector. Yet, detectors back then were not the "turn on and go" wonder machines we have now. They were heavy, awkward and quite cranky by comparison to today's gear.
But, there are statistically more people today than in the past, and more of them than ever have middle class incomes. They get around more, too, than ever before - doing more with their leisure dollars and time. There is also far more common trash than back then, too. What this means is that detector requirements have actually changed since the beginning.
Discrimination, target separation, auto ground cancelling, ease of use, sensitivity - all of these are MUCH better now.
12. Always abide by the MD rules.
True. This one is self explanatory, but many bend them on occasion.
13. Metal detecting is made up of five parts:
1. dedication
2. research
3. MD model
4. location
5. luck
Good enough. GO with these and you'll be alright.
