Metal detector size - backpack fit?

[nyc37]

Hi, to all members of this great forum.

Looking to buy a new detector. I have a question regarding the size and packing of most popular brands,
for users who have owned them. Silly as it may sound, but my decision will be based on the size and weight of this thing...

Basically I am looking for one that can be carried in a backpack including the shaft, if possible.
From what I read some of them can be folded. Having never used or owned one...

Brands that I am considering:

Minelab Excal II
Whites Surf PI Pro Dual Field
Fisher CZ-21/1280x
Headhunter Pirate

I have an Under Armour backpack some 13"-wide X 9"-deep X 18"-high,
I would like to be able to fit the thing in when going to the beach.

Thanks.

 

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[Jeep]

Re: Metal detector size - backpacking issue

Welcome to Tnet

Actually that is not as silly as it sounds. Getting to some areas require a backpackable detector.

Any detector can be collapsed or broken down to its components.

After making my own shafts and trying other things I found the best solution was to just buy the
Garrett Detectorists Backpack.

You can google that and find it for about 50 bucks. It carry's all garrett metal detectors and I have found that it fits most of all other brands too because I don't have a garrett's.

It carry's the detector inside but also can carry one outside without being collapsed. It also has a
ton of room for extra coils, pans, lunch, drinks, and all kinds of stuff.

Detectors are like tools, you need the right one for the job. I like being able to use the detector I want
for what I am looking for (coins, relics, gold, etc) and knowing I can take it with me.

I guess what I am trying to get at is dollar, cent's and simplicity. It would be cheaper and easier to get a backpack built for that purpose then buying a detector based on it's portability.

Don't be in a rush to buy a detector or this backpack, there are some great folks & dealers that may be along directly and probably come up with a better idea or suggestion. that's the great thing about this forum, you may get a ton of options to consider.

 

[BamaBill]

Re: Metal detector size - backpacking issue

Another option would be to get a used X-terra 70, as they go for a good price, have a prospecting mode, and break down to pieces easy to stow in a pack. I have one and prefer it over the X-terra 705 I had. I have no financial interest in Minelab, just a satisfied user.

 

[Iron Patch]

Re: Metal detector size - backpacking issue

It is as silly as it sounds and don't pick that way. You definitely want to pay a lot more attention to what you buy because pretty much all of them will easily fit in a large backpack. From your choices it is clear you are new because those are VERY different type detectors. Don't make an expensive mistake!

I can easily fit my Minelab Explorer in my backpack and it would fall in the range of being a larger modern detector.

 

[AUDuke]

Re: Metal detector size - backpacking issue

I have a modified Tesoro Micro Max with a 5.75 coil that fits in a fanny pac with room for other stuff.

 

[Lasivian]

Re: Metal detector size - backpacking issue

Supposedly these detectors weigh in as follows:

(Might or might not include batteries)
Excalibur 2: 4lbs.
White's Surf pro: 5lbs
Fisher 1280x: 4lbs
Tesoro Micro Max: 2.2lbs

(including batteries)
Headhunter Pirate: 3.5lbs
X-terra 70: 2.9lbs


Are you looking to take a high-end detector and modify it to save weight, or do you want something that is ultralight out of the box?

Thanks

 

[nyc37]

Thank you all for your answers and suggestions

My main concern is "not to look conspicuous".

Besides populated beaches, I have scouted some prospective sites that will I want to try, and one of them in particular has a "No metal detectors allowed" sign posted. Now, I normally am a law-abiding citizen but sometimes I do have a problem with authorities, especially with my tax-hungry local authorities, when I feel they're pushing the line...therefore I'll take my chances. The most I could risk is a fine and confiscation of my tools. I can deal with that. The only thing I want to take care is to look like an usual tourist, and not like a scavenger from the beginning. Concealed metal detector is what I have in my mind, but that would be another topic. I take what is available.

@Jeep: Garrett backpack definitely a no, as it's inscribed; Good idea checking with my local dealer next time we speak, the one I spoke to last week already promised me a good deal about the machine, as they come in. They only don't have White's. Also they have some great sand scoops, that will be a second issue to cover.
@AUDuke, BamaBill, Lasivian: Must be underwater proof, I do snorkeling/diving.
@Iron Patch: I did some research, and I believe all of the above could work well for my needs as a beginner's hobby. Excal II of course is my first choice.

 

[AUDuke]

I alo have a Tesoro micro Max that I put in a water proof box. Light weight, small and works great. You can buy a Tesoro Compadre new for less than $200.

 

[Iron Patch]

Thank you all for your answers and suggestions

My main concern is "not to look conspicuous".

Besides populated beaches, I have scouted some prospective sites that will I want to try, and one of them in particular has a "No metal detectors allowed" sign posted. Now, I normally am a law-abiding citizen but sometimes I do have a problem with authorities, especially with my tax-hungry local authorities, when I feel they're pushing the line...therefore I'll take my chances. The most I could risk is a fine and confiscation of my tools. I can deal with that. The only thing I want to take care is to look like an usual tourist, and not like a scavenger from the beginning. Concealed metal detector is what I have in my mind, but that would be another topic. I take what is available.

"The most I could risk is a fine and confiscation of my tools. I can deal with that."

But it's us who will have to deal with the bad press. You'd probably be surprised how much damage a single person can do to this hobby.

 

[Lasivian]

But it's us who will have to deal with the bad press. You'd probably be surprised how much damage a single person can do to this hobby.

Aye, unfortunately I must agree with that.

 

[nyc37]

But it's us who will have to deal with the bad press. You'd probably be surprised how much damage a single person can do to this hobby.

Errrmm... sorry, but that's not me you should be worrying about, I know about cleaning after myself. And not intruding upon private properties or protected monuments. It's just beaches and shoreline.

 

[gollum]

If you REALLY want an easily backpackable detector, there is not a better choice than an Eric Foster Goldquest Aquasearch. Eric Foster is recognized worldwide as one of the Fathers of modern Pulse Induction Metal Detectors. White's licensed Foster's designs for their latest PI Machine.

Here is a link to the company that sells Foster Detectors in the US:

http://www.surfscanner.com/Surfscan3/Aquasearch1.html

By the way, I have no financial interest in Eric Foster, his detectors, or the company that sells them.

Best-Mike

 

[nyc37]

Thanks Mike,
I've read about Aquasearch. But they're pricey and hard to get. Good craftmanship out there

 

[barber]

Bamabill , might I ask why you prefer the XT70 over the XT705? Just curious.

 

[BamaBill]

Barber, sent you a PM.

 

[TreasurdiggrNY]

I have a 1280X. Very easy to use beginner machine that you can chest mount like I do and hunt all day long. Great machine for water and land. It would easily break down and fit in the bag you have.
Good Luck.

 

[SvenS]

Tesoro umax detectors are extremely lightweight and backpackable. Just factor in a set of headphones that will be needed.
You could also remove and replace the controlbox from the handle to be a bit more compact. In order to do this you have to replace the screw that holds the box in place with a Thumbscrew.

Another detector is the Detectorpro units, everything is inside the headphones and stow in backpacks nicely. Since there is no control box, from a distance it looks like your just walking with your head low listening to your radio. Just add a pair of black sunglasses and you'll look like a blind person swinging his walking stick.......A black Piratepro might be just what your looking for.

http://home.earthlink.net/~puddlepirate/id37.html

 

[lafatlife]

NYC37, I too was looking for a backpack that would fit my detector without having to take it all apart. I wanted to just unscrew the coil connector and remove the lower stem. I wanted to be able to quickly put it together or take it apart as needed. I ride an Eton scooter into the woods behind one of our Dams and a backpack would be perfect.

I finally found one at Walmart. I threw the tags away from it already but it has a pouch for a water bladder and everything. The name on the top is "Outdoor" and it does fit my T2 with it only broken down as I mentioned.

I hope that helps.

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Thank you all for your answers and suggestions

My main concern is "not to look conspicuous".

Besides populated beaches, I have scouted some prospective sites that will I want to try, and one of them in particular has a "No metal detectors allowed" sign posted. Now, I normally am a law-abiding citizen but sometimes I do have a problem with authorities, especially with my tax-hungry local authorities, when I feel they're pushing the line...therefore I'll take my chances. The most I could risk is a fine and confiscation of my tools. I can deal with that. The only thing I want to take care is to look like an usual tourist, and not like a scavenger from the beginning. Concealed metal detector is what I have in my mind, but that would be another topic. I take what is available.

"The most I could risk is a fine and confiscation of my tools. I can deal with that."

But it's us who will have to deal with the bad press. You'd probably be surprised how much damage a single person can do to this hobby.

Exactly.
I agree again