56, have only been detecting seriously since May 2014. I am a coin shooter. My main passion is hunting older permissions, I do dabble detecting in fields, woods, local fresh water beaches and public lands. As a child I used to dumpster dive, crawl under old houses before demolition looking for old bottles and also dug along the Miami Erie canal for 19th century bottles as a kid , my mom called me her "Sanford and Son". My 1st detector was a Treasure Cove TC 1023 bought new off ebay 5 years ago for $80. Upgraded to the F4 ($295) last July and then to my present detector the F75 LTD SE (upgraded). I ran into a great deal where I paid $800 for $1600 worth of gear In the deal I also received a White's classic ID, it was my back-up/loaner, going to sell it soon since I bought a BH LRP to use as my new back-up/loaner. For water hunting I have the 1280X which I picked up for $200. The BH LRP was almost free, used my rewards points at work to buy it, cost me $31 out of pocket.
The hobby has motivated me to get to know more about the local history and to get out and meet many of the fine inhabitants of the small town where I reside.
It's the only hobby that has ever funded itself besides when I used to buy and sell computer parts on Ebay about a decade ago and built discount computers for friends and family.
GL & HH
Last year (my inaugural season) I discriminated too much and hunted almost all parks within 50 miles from my house. Pulled about $511 (face value). This season I have dug $318 (face value) but have pulled 2 gold items. One ring and a gold pocket watch. Doing more permissions this season my total digs have reduced, but the quality of finds has increased immensely.
I guess I just like finding pull tabs 
! I turned 59 in October...still a crazy digger, starting my 30th year detecting. Haven't been here for a while, looking for some fresh material to read
