Metal Detecting for the Obese

[tdg8934]

All,

I haven't been metal detecting now for a few years since I moved to Utah and gave my father in law my Garrett Ace 300 and pin pointer, accessories. However, as I'm getting older in my upper 50's and obese at almost 400 lbs I really loved metal detecting but being harder to walk, out of breath (taking it slower helped), I still couldn't easily get down and back up from the ground for pin pointing and hand digging. Along with joining a local metal detecting club and after a few months of research in seeing what others are doing to combat this problem, I have found the following items which should help. Although I haven't had much time (besides my yard in the morning) using all of these due to the extreme heat this summer (95-105 days), I do plan on going out to the local park and putting it to the test.

To carry everything, I found online at Dicks Sporting Goods store a cart I quickly assembled that holds everything. I first have a Garrett GTI 2500 (which I like a lot with it's visuals telling me size and depth find determinations). Use it's automatic pin pointing to narrow in on where to dig. Next once I have a good hit in the coin size and reasonable depth, I use my Garrett razor shovel to dig out a small area. Then use the custom PVC pipe and compression piece to attach to my Garrett pin pointer and search the hole or dirt pile. Try to identify the coin or object. Use the shovel if necessary to dig further or break apart the dirt. If found, use the hand picker extender to pick up the find (i.e. coin) and put it in your find bag around your waist. If I did need to get down to the ground I used my garden kneeler. Possible with my gell filled knee pads, use the garden kneeler to get down to the ground. I did notice the padding on the garden kneeler was a bit hard and painful on both knees without knee pads. Or I could use 1 knee on the the kneeler and it wasn't too bad for a short period (without knee pads). Once on the ground, I can use my hand digger to do fine tuning with the pin pointer. Then use the garden kneeler to lift myself back up.

It's a little more work with all the extra stuff but the cart really helps keep everything together to pull behind me - or keep a short distance away.

Thoughts?

Tim

 

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[ticndig]

I Wish you the best , metal detecting is good for the body and mind . It's too hot to metal detect in those temps , the risk of a heat stroke is real. The other caution is on the knee pads . look up the blood clot risk .

 

[bc5391]

here in arizona to beat the heat, I start about 5:30 am ad detect for about 2 hours.

 

[tdg8934]

here in arizona to beat the heat, I start about 5:30 am ad detect for about 2 hours.

Yes - in the morning is the only time that's bearable (weekends only - work during the week otherwise).

 

[gunsil]

How can you possibly fill the hole back in and replace a plug so it looks like nobody was ever there without kneeling? I hunted with a guy with kneeling problems once who used a long handled little hoe to dig and he made such a mess that I could not hunt with him. Leaving messy holes results in people not liking detectors and the closing of parks to detecting. I am 75 and it's getting harder to stand back up after kneeling so it takes me a lot longer to cover ground but nobody will ever know I made a hole as I leave no dirt outside the hole and put the plug back neatly.

 

[tdg8934]

How can you possibly fill the hole back in and replace a plug so it looks like nobody was ever there without kneeling? I hunted with a guy with kneeling problems once who used a long handled little hoe to dig and he made such a mess that I could not hunt with him. Leaving messy holes results in people not liking detectors and the closing of parks to detecting. I am 75 and it's getting harder to stand back up after kneeling so it takes me a lot longer to cover ground but nobody will ever know I made a hole as I leave no dirt outside the hole and put the plug back neatly.

You make a good point as I've only been in my yard so far. I try to use my shovel and feet to move the dirt back in as best as I can.

 

[Emil W]

It's important for everyone to stay active and maintain mental wellbeing, and it sounds like you've found a way that works for you and may be helpful information to others. The way you mounted your pin pointer is ingenious.

I also use a Garrett Razor shovel and recommend it to anyone who digs wooded areas -- cuts through relatively large tree roots with ease.

 

[pepperj]

The suggestion of bush or there's the other option farm fields.
That way the hole is less a concern, just fill it back in, or roll the sod over.
It's a lot easier digging when the putting green lawns are out of the picture.

I tip my hat at you trying to get some work arounds so you can get out again to detect.

 

[McKinney_5900]

You make a good point as I've only been in my yard so far. I try to use my shovel and feet to move the dirt back in as best as I can.

That is the way I've done it for a decade. .

 

[McKinney_5900]

How can you possibly fill the hole back in and replace a plug so it looks like nobody was ever there without kneeling? I hunted with a guy with kneeling problems once who used a long handled little hoe to dig and he made such a mess that I could not hunt with him. Leaving messy holes results in people not liking detectors and the closing of parks to detecting. I am 75 and it's getting harder to stand back up after kneeling so it takes me a lot longer to cover ground but nobody will ever know I made a hole as I leave no dirt outside the hole and put the plug back neatly.

"nobody will ever know I made a hole as I leave no dirt outside the hole and put the plug back neatly."

I don't think you would say that if you hunted in my clay here in Texas, no matter if you knelt or used your foot and stood tall.

Two rains later makes them invisible,

 

[oldkoot]

here in arizona to beat the heat, I start about 5:30 am ad detect for about 2 hours.

what part of southern Az are you in I am in the Oracle Area now temps have been nice here where I am 76 yesterday

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

I gave up trying to hunt in the grass and just do the wood chip or shredded rubber tot lots, No worries about leaving badly dug holes. But I have had a thought of using a wheeled walker, as I have access to a few different types and a person could put mounts on it for a shovel/ trash bag / water/and other assorted items. A person could use it in assisting them to get up and down from the ground. So Kudos to you for thinking out of the box. Love your pin pointer modification. That would work good under some of the playground equipment in the tot lots.

 

[bc5391]

what part of southern Az are you in I am in the Oracle Area now temps have been nice here where I am 76 yesterday

Tucson, I'm 69 in Oct.

 

[tdg8934]

All,

I haven't been metal detecting now for a few years since I moved to Utah and gave my father in law my Garrett Ace 300 and pin pointer, accessories. However, as I'm getting older in my upper 50's and obese at almost 400 lbs I really loved metal detecting but being harder to walk, out of breath (taking it slower helped), I still couldn't easily get down and back up from the ground for pin pointing and hand digging. Along with joining a local metal detecting club and after a few months of research in seeing what others are doing to combat this problem, I have found the following items which should help. Although I haven't had much time (besides my yard in the morning) using all of these due to the extreme heat this summer (95-105 days), I do plan on going out to the local park and putting it to the test.

To carry everything, I found online at Dicks Sporting Goods store a cart I quickly assembled that holds everything. I first have a Garrett GTI 2500 (which I like a lot with it's visuals telling me size and depth find determinations). Use it's automatic pin pointing to narrow in on where to dig. Next once I have a good hit in the coin size and reasonable depth, I use my Garrett razor shovel to dig out a small area. Then use the custom PVC pipe and compression piece to attach to my Garrett pin pointer and search the hole or dirt pile. Try to identify the coin or object. Use the shovel if necessary to dig further or break apart the dirt. If found, use the hand picker extender to pick up the find (i.e. coin) and put it in your find bag around your waist. If I did need to get down to the ground I used my garden kneeler. Possible with my gell filled knee pads, use the garden kneeler to get down to the ground. I did notice the padding on the garden kneeler was a bit hard and painful on both knees without knee pads. Or I could use 1 knee on the the kneeler and it wasn't too bad for a short period (without knee pads). Once on the ground, I can use my hand digger to do fine tuning with the pin pointer. Then use the garden kneeler to lift myself back up.

It's a little more work with all the extra stuff but the cart really helps keep everything together to pull behind me - or keep a short distance away.

Thoughts?

Tim

I took the setup to the local park last weekend all of it fit in my Outback with the back 2/3 seat down. I thought the cart worked well and only needed the cart, detector, shovel, extender pin pointer (great help!), (as I could bend down long enough to pick up any finds - and found a couple of quarters and a dime after an hour or so.

The week long Ogden (UT) Pioneer Days rodeo at the same park ended last night, so I plan on going back in the morning on Saturday. I can probably cant go into the fenced rodeo / concession stand area itself but there were thousands of people walking through the park all week to the rodeo area and stands.

 

[Underwonder]

I applaud your efforts and modifications! Thanks for sharing. I use my digger to help me up and down.