Got a Garret Ace 250 for my son, but he ran into frustration. Help!

[matt71]

Hello all!

I bought the above, as well as the pointer stick for my son's birthday.

However, he became frustrated when he tried to use it, and also told me there's nowhere for him to go and do it. I was hoping to learn myself, and then teach him as showing him how to do it would be less frustrating in my opinion.

I also wouldn't know where to go to detecting. He lives near Philly, so I am sure there is all kinds of stuff in the vicinity. I'm not exactly the type to go knocking on farmhouse doors.


Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!

 

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[USN Retired]

Welcome to TNET from SW GA. I'd look at schools (now they are closed for the summer at most places), and parks, then start getting comfy with knocking and asking (JMO).

 

[G.I.B.]

How old is your son? 4-14-40?

Watch youtube videos on the 'how to' section. There are lots of them available.

Then, research this site, for your state, and see where everyone else is hunting. That will give you a good idea of where to go.

 

[vpnavy]

Welcome Aboard! You didn't list your state (or country) in your profile. So, you might consider jumping over to Sub-Forums: Select Your Area.... and selecting your state for information (i.e., clubs, hunts, finds, legends, maps, etc.) directly related to your state (or country).

Now, if you jump over to Google and enter (with quotes): "Garrett" "Ace 250" tutorials

You will be presented with a bunch of Vid's on using your new puppy. Also, browse Forum > Metal Detecting > Brands > Garrett.

Hope this helps...

 

[releventchair]

Here research comes into play.
Most communities allow detecting in public areas with a reasonable approach of leaving no sign of where recoveries were made and staying out of flower beds ect.
Where no sign prohibits detecting, while not near Philly I've never had a problem detecting parks ,boat launches, community owned fields and other public areas.
In time after learning a detector and making recoveries,when research turns up a long gone home a door knock can get tempting .
Big outdoor community events held in same area / sites a good bet at multiple recoveries. Or quieter areas where a few people have frequented often over the years.
Where were the payphones in his neighborhood if he is looking for coins?
Once proficient through practice if your son does business with someone and pays them money why not ask if he can swing a few minutes in that old grassy strip out front or under that big old shade tree in the parking lot?
Where people were in the past either lots at once or a few over the years on same site but it depends what he seeks to recover as to where..

 

[Enginefitter]

Welcome from NE Ohio.

Engine

 

[DirtWarrior]

You've got some pretty good advice posted above

Follow those and you should be in the treasure in no time ... Wel-come aboard ~

 

[Urban Grund]

Welcome! From Michigan...

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Welcome to the forum! Have him start in school yards and parks, these places will give a lot of targets both good (keepers) and bad (junk). He will quickly learn what is good and bad. It takes some time to learn any detector even the beginner models, be encouraging, take your time and enjoy the hobby.

 

[Loco-Digger]

Have google the metal detector model. There are plenty of videos on line that will assist in how to operate the detector, you might also find some videos on the pin pointer also. You are only limited to good producing site if you choose to be.

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

Welcome, good luck on your searches!

Wayne

www.metaldetectingstuff.com

 

[smalltowngirl13]

Hello and welcome aboard...

 

[Carolina Tom]

You are located in the most treasure laden area of the entire USA. I went to Philly two weeks ago, specifically to go detecting! Here is the link to the post:

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/today-s-finds/465867-philly-trip.html

You Tube is a great idea. There are tons of education videos. Get some good targets and some junk, and bury it in the ground (test garden) and practice on the items. Make sure that you bury some deeper (6-8") and some shallow (2-4"). This will let you "learn" the correct sound for the target that you are hunting.

Please keep in mind, this aint as easy as it looks. It takes practice and more practice. The finds you see on here are made some of the best detectorists in the world. Sometimes younger kids just don't have the patience to "learn" the machine. If he is young, then YOU have to get into it, and take him with YOU! He will be far more interested if dear old dad participates too.

Don't hesitate to PM me if you have specific questions.

 

[kingskid1611]

I understand the frustration with a new hobby, but tell him to take his time and learn everything he can and before he knows it he will excel at this hobby. Young blood is good means he can go for longer periods of time.

 

[pgfhgs]

The Ace 250 is a great beginner machine, notch out the discriminator so he only finds coins! This will spark his interest and get him into the hobby. It's kind of like deer hunting its no fun if you don't see any. Look at pop tabs, nails as the birds you see, pennies dimes are any deer quarters are a nice buck and silver is a trophy!

You have to get him on coins right away!