Detecting Help

[CreekSide]

I usually hunt arrowheads but lately with no rain and less places to find them. I’ve decided to swing the Metal Detector for a while. I have a couple of questions.
#1 What’s the best pinpointer for the $ and waterproof and also rechargeable I’m thinking is a good choice.
#2 the soil is red clay which might as well be red bricks by how hard it is. What can I use to get through it to retrieve the target? I tried a hand digging tool which got me down maybe an inch. Hard pan is usually 6 inches.
Thanks for the advice and suggestions in advance. Pics if you have any would be easy for me to search.

 

[robertk]

I haven’t quite decided on what to use I will go to Homedepot and check out the options on digging tools

The big box stores digging tools aren’t well suited to detecting, IMO. The big tools are too big and the small ones are intended for flower beds — not nearly rugged enough.

 

[mtdoramike]

I know someone who has one to sell. Going to look at it tomorrow and decide. Says it vibrates instead of beeping. He is asking $40 and if it’s any good I’m buying it.
I’m hoping you didn’t get any flooding if you are in Mount Dora Fl

Thank you for asking and your concerns, yes, we had significant flooding here. My area suffered little damage, but across town, a main throughway to town from the major hiway 441 collapsed completely closing off the roadway. Several homes had to be evacuated due to washout and landslides. We got 16" of rain within 5 hours here which is a record for us.

 

[mtdoramike]

The big box stores digging tools aren’t well suited to detecting, IMO. The big tools are too big and the small ones are intended for flower beds — not nearly rugged enough.

To me, it depends on your area and soil type. Florida has mostly sandy soil, so most digging tools works fine here for most detectorist. I say "most detectorist" because you have some that want to use a digger as a prybar, rather than what the digger was built for which is digging.

Now you have some places with hard packed clay and rocky soil, which diggers from Home Depot would be less than worthless.

 

[CreekSide]

The big box stores digging tools aren’t well suited to detecting, IMO. The big tools are too big and the small ones are intended for flower beds — not nearly rugged enough.

Someone got it from Homedepot saying it was a pick on one side and a shovel on the other.

 

[CreekSide]

I bought the pin pointer today. It vibrates instead of beeping. I think it will be okay for just learning, maybe next one will be nicer.

 

[sonnar28]

#2 the soil is red clay which might as well be red bricks by how hard it is. What can I use to get through it to retrieve the target? I tried a hand digging tool which got me down maybe an inch. Hard pan is usually 6

I have had the displeasure of digging thru baked red clay many times. The best tool that I use is this one:

Lesche Ground Shark 28 Inch T-Handle Serrated​

It had a small padded foot rest so you can really put your weight on it with both arms and a leg. The T handle lets you twist as you press down.

Good luck!

Charles

 

[cudamark]

I use a Vibra Probe 585, it has always worked great for me and you can go diving with it. They are a bit expensive though at around $150.00

I have a 585 too. These are my opinions on it..........
The good:
Well built
No external switch to leak or wear out
Strong vibration
Decent depth
Tip only detection

The bad: (or lack of options that other pin pointers have)
Not very ergonomic
A bit too large
The internal gravity switch can be a bit annoying at times.
Not rechargeable, needs 9V battery
No light
No sound
No lanyard connection (although you can tie one around the end knob)
Doesn't fit very well in some finds pouches, but, comes with it's own holster.

 

[Jsattelhammer]

I’d be worried about damage, as far as pinpointers the one that came with the xp deus ii has been great for me, mi 6 if i remember right, it’s waterproof, floats, long battery… can’t compare it to the Garrett though because I never used one but seems to be the standard. I also forget the shovel I use maybe someone here can help but they are all steel, powder coated, come in several shapes and handle configurations, American made has an eagle stamp… I used to use a sharp shooter and bent blades and cracked handles, I haven’t been able to hurt this new one yet

Predator tools? Also, I just got the XP mi-4 pin pointer recently. It is the same as the mi 6 except it lacks the ability to pair with the deus detectors. It cost a few bucks less but other than that has all the same functions. Just something to consider for the non-Deus users

 

[CreekSide]

Well I got a pinpointer and this digging tool (hand held) and will give it a go next week. Thanks for all the help. The pointer isn’t an expensive brand but should be good enough.

 

[CreekSide]

Thank you for asking and your concerns, yes, we had significant flooding here. My area suffered little damage, but across town, a main throughway to town from the major hiway 441 collapsed completely closing off the roadway. Several homes had to be evacuated due to washout and landslides. We got 16" of rain within 5 hours here which is a record for us.

My mom lives in Lake County and I grew up in Lake County. It’s all different from what I’m used to. When I lived there you could stand on hwy 50 and not see a car either direction. Thanks for the advice. I will post next week if I find anything.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I suggest a predator shovel, something that cuts roots, invariably you going to have targets under large roots and predator shovel has serrated edge for cutting roots. Hard to dig a plug with your tool.

 

[mtdoramike]

My mom lives in Lake County and I grew up in Lake County. It’s all different from what I’m used to. When I lived there you could stand on hwy 50 and not see a car either direction. Thanks for the advice. I will post next week if I find anything.

Yeah those days are long gone brother.

 

[CreekSide]

I suggest a predator shovel, something that cuts roots, invariably you going to have targets under large roots and predator shovel has serrated edge for cutting roots. Hard to dig a plug with your tool.

I’m hunting fields so I doubt the owner cares just as long as I fill my holes back in.