Conundrum

[bisctboy]

I have been doing research for about a year in anticipation of jumping head first into metal detecting. I don’t have a lot of experience with metal detecting and I currently have a Bounty Hunter IV that I’ve used to find several coins. I’ve been interested in this hobby for quite some time but have devoted my funds and time to other hobbies in the past several years. I am in the process of selling the pride and joy of my telescope hobby and will divert the money from this into a metal detector.

During my research I have come to the conclusion that the E-Trac is one of the best (if not the best) consumer detectors a person can buy. I have also noticed that even seasoned hobbyists say there a learning curve to the E-Trac. This is where my question lies. Knowing that the E-Trac is the premier detector, is it too much machine for the rookie?

For full disclosure, here are my intentions/goals for the hobby:

• Primary hunting will be for coins/jewelry
• Close 2nd primary hunting is that I live in just outside of Philadelphia and I would LOVE to hunt for relics
• Although money is an object, I have no problem spending the money on the best
• I have no problem spending months on a learning curve for the right MD
• I would use it on the beach…rarely, but I would like the ability to use it there

I guess what I’m asking is if you had the chance to go back into the future where you started this hobby, would you have jumped into the E-Trac right away or would you have started with a AT-Pro, Fisher F70, X-Terra 705/505, etc and then progressed to the E-Trac?

Thanks,

Marshall

 

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[DocBeav]

Marhall,
I recently got more serious into this hobby (obsession) as well. Started with a bounty hunter 505 that was good to learn with but it was time to move up. After some research and consulting with the local expert (gravediggermax) I decided on a used Minelab Sovereign GT. It was in great condition and a well respected detector. It is really good both on and off the beach (the coil is waterproof but not the box so careful!) Since it is a multi frequency detector it works great in all kinds of soil/sand. It hits targets REAL deep too! Quite often I find myself digging holes on the beach in excess of 12" or more chasing a penny! (or aluminum pull tabs!) Mine lab has just discontinued this model but it is so popular that there are plenty out there for sale. Kellyco still has some new ones I believe remaining in inventory. Lots of good info on how to use the settings on this site and others and quite a few books/pamphlets on how to maximize your finds with this detector. Here is a picture of mine with the stock 10" coil and showing "Ron's 180 Meter". Minelab and Sunray at one time made meters for the Sovereign series but they are no longer in production but there are a few used ones out there for sale. Some can still be quite expensive though (one person wanted $400 for a Sunray). Ron's meter is a homemade job that works great and costs a helluva lot less. The controll box is mounted on the shaft right now but you can hip mount them with a bag that usually comes with the detector or get a waterproof box and do some modifications.


These pictures show the same set up but with 5" coil I am buying from max and this combo was great in and amongst the rocks on one of the beaches we hunt that has ALOT of targets all mixed in and really helps ID which ones you want to dig.


Sorry all that was so long. There are plenty of detectors out there (as I found when I was looking...makes your head swim) and everyone will have their opinions but these here are just mine. Been really happy with the GT and I'm pretty sure I'll be using this detector for a LONG time! I also purchased a used Minelab Excalibur 1000 (another multti freq detector) right after getting the GT. Great deal and just couldn't pass it up! Use that as my in and out of the water detector on the beach and it has been nailing some cool targets lately. The white stuff on the coil is a marine epoxy. Put two coats of it on the coil in place of the coil cover which get lost or broken when out in the water. Also keeps sand and dirt from getting stuck in there and messing with the signal.



I may consider getting an XP Deus sometime in the next year, money and work depending, but don't feel I really need any more detectors right now as these two pretty much do it all.

Good luck in your search and keep us updated on your decisions. I'm sure there will be many more posts here with more info and opinions!

 

[Bryanhashemi]

if you have patience and willing to put in alot of hours then the e-trac is the way to go. Couldnt ask for a better machine. i have 50 hours on it and been detecting with it for only a couple of weeks. Thats how much i love it!! dive in and get the best...everything else will then fall into place! good luck

 

[Jason in Enid]

If you will be hunting mainly turf spots, I would highly recommend the E-Trac.

 

[bisctboy]

Thanks for your input!

 

[Ronfrommichigan]

Doc,Thanks HH Ron