Sand Shark or Whites Dual field?

[Irishgoldhound]

Can't decide which one to get. Anyone own both detectors?

 

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[lost items recovery]

Thanks! My choice I think will be either Excal or Dual field.

Woah! .......I didn't realize excal was in the budget!!
Go excal and do the pinpoint modification and I'd bet you'd be more than pleased!!

 

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[lost items recovery]

Woah! .......I didn't realize excal was in the budget!! Go excal and do the pinpoint modification and I'd bet you'd be more than pleased!!

Rent one for a day and I bet you'll be sold!

 

[Irishgoldhound]

What do you do to make the pin point mod?

 

[lost items recovery]

What do you do to make the pin point mod?

It's not a necessity but it makes it more convenient. You wouldn't want to do if on a under warranty machine or it would be voided!
OBN does them on here or if your brave enough you could do it yourself!
I did but it's scary!!
You tube excal pinpoint modification
Or google it then watch the video.
It's a toggle switch to over ride the discrimination and pinpoint knob that you install to the grip

 

[lost items recovery]

What do you do to make the pin point mod?

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?22,1405464,1405464
Link then hit the video

 

[Irishgoldhound]

Ok thanks. I'll check it out.

 

[Sir Gala Clad]

Irishgoldhound, If I already owned a Garrett AT pro (all terrain) VLF detector and liked it , I would select the Garrett Mark ll Sea Hunter Pulse Induction detector for diving and shallow water hunting in salt water. You can use the Gray Ghost Amphibian head phones on either the AT Pro or the Sea Hunter. The adjustable volume control on these headphones is a real advantage for sensitive or tired ears.
Further the Garrett Sea Hunter is more flexible. You can use an 8 inch monopulse coil for diving, and shallow water hunting (ideal for working narrow cuts, in the through, or where currents are strong. Or you can use am 10X14 inch pulse induction coil to search more area on each swing of the coil.
The Garrett Sea Hunter Mark ll is rugged made for diving. It has a proven history of use by professional treasure hunting and salvage divers.
I recently purchased a used White’s Surf PI Dual Field. The reason that I choose this detector is that it is the one seen most often on the beaches I hunt on and I got an unusually good deal, which I couldn’t turn down.
To be honest, I would have preferred buying the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark ll, or Infinium – especially if I had a chance to hunt for nugget as they are more flexible as you can change headphones and coils.
I have not seen any Sand Sharks, where I hunt. Most likely because the only dealer on the Island sells Whites and is considered a legend.
I know of a detectorist on Okinawa, who uses the Sand Shark and has really done well with it. He posts regularly on T Net.

Wow that puts things into better perspective. Thanks. I have the At pro and just wanting to get a PI machine to get those deeper targets in the water. Maybe a sea hunter might be a new choice for me. I mainly hunt fresh water but I'll be travelling a few times to Mexico.

 

[Irishgoldhound]

Thanks for your reply! I realized that when I considered the sea hunter, that I would get a bonus pair of water proof head phones to swap from the sea hunter to my AT pro. I really like how deep the Dual field is. Don't know how it compares to the Dual field on depth and gold sensitivity.

 

[Irishgoldhound]

I don't think Garrett makes a coil cover for the Sea hunter yet.

 

[Sir Gala Clad]

Irishgoldhound: I consider the ability to use the same water proof head phone on the AT Pro and the Sea Hunter from a logistics view point
rather than just a bonus, as it means that I have one less headphone that has to be supported, and maintained. Further, it simplifies trouble shooting and
repairs as the part is interchangeable between both detectors.


When I evaluate the feasibility of a detector for my use, I look at it as merely a tool which extends my senses. This means that I evaluate it according to how it matches my capabilities and meets my requirement(s), hunting style(s) and strategy(s) rather than is detector A better than detector B.
If you/other T Net members are interested, I can provide examples of this approach in later postings (time permitting).
As you can purchase a new replacement 8 inch search coil for the Sea Hunter for around $85 and a new 10X14 inch replacement coil for around $111, a coil cover (which functions as a shock absorber and a skid plate) , is not an issue, especially if you use good coil control/discipline.
If the coils were hardwired, it would be problematic as the detector would have to be returned to the factory if/when damaged.

I don't think Garrett makes a coil cover for the Sea hunter yet.

 

[fsa46]

I have been following this post and was reluctant to reply because I've replied to posts like this before. But you're asking for opinions so here's mine.

I have an Excalibur, Sovereign GT, two DFPI's and a MXT Pro for dirt digging. I love all the machines and they all have their place. I have found gold with all the machines.

However, I like the DF so much, and never wanted to be without one and I purchased another. The "Dual Field PI" has paid for ALL my machines and all my md'ing equipment, ( waders, wetsuits, gauntlets, scoops, floats, etc. ) many times over, and that is a fact.

Yes ,you have to learn it like all the other machines. I personally think some make to big a deal over the floating coil and that's OK I understand that . Also, pinpointing isn't a problem at all. When I see someone say, " it's a bear to pinpoint with" I feel they haven't figured it out. When you hit a target you pinpoint with the inner coil, not the entire coil.

I don't have an interest in any of the companies ( like some do ) and down the other detectors. They all have their place. I will say though, if you're only going to buy ONE detector, a PI isn't the way to go. You may want to save up ( and consider ) a new , or used Excalibur.... you can hunt in the water or wet/dry sand with no problem what so ever.

One last thing, and it's just my opinion. I'm not knocking the SS and you will find gold with it, but if anyone tells you the SS is going to out hunt some of the other machines out there with their advanced technology, I can assure you that it will not. IMHO

 

[lost items recovery]

Bravo, Bravo!
Well played sir!

 

[dewcon4414]

You need to remember..... even when there is a LOT of competition for the gold in a location.... if most of the people are using VLF machines that get say 10 inches they are leaving the junk for you. If you get 2 more inches.... you have 2 more inches of junk. To me its time consuming. Also most of the salt water VLFs will hit a small .5 gram gold ring.... any thing smaller and its worth less than the change you picked up for the day. Why are u using a AT Pro in the fresh water? Because you dont want to dig that junk and its water proof, not to mention without salt, iron degrades much slower. If its depth you are looking for over the AT Pro.... get a CTX.... if thats to pricy get an Xcal or CZ. Especially since you mostly use it freshwater hunting. Personally id consider a Finny for a PI.... 10uS (which is adjustable) and you can change coils, headphones to your liking, hi-low low-high tones, disc adjustment, reverse disc, and some freq adjustments. Compared the SS has 24uS. Let me tell you.... you hit a saltwater beach with the wrong machine you will regret it all day and most of us dont like to carry 2 machines. You cant go wrong with a VLF.... you can always hunt the area. You need to be looking for a machine that best compliments your hunting style and location. Depth.... well that depends on the targets conductivity and minerals. Also.... ive found it almost impossible to determine depth on a water target without fanning. You buring a target isnt the same.... you might as well be air testing.

 

[bigscoop]

VLF machines have seen a bit of advancement in recent years, though not always being provided in the "stock" machine. These advancement have made it possible to hunt with these machines without experiencing any significant depth lost VS a PI machine. Recent advances in headphones and coil options for some of these machines while still maintaining the ability to discriminate detected objects renders these new VLF setups as very formidable competition to those once deeper PI machines, not to mention as Dewcon has already stated, you can typically adjust them to the environment and use them almost anywhere. There are several trains of thought in regards to the individual hunter's preference of both types of machines but in my mind, and given these recent advancements, the time you waste digging all that iron crap and junk stuff could be better spent covering a lot more ground in search of the good stuff. You're still going to have to dig some of those uncertain and questionable responses with this new breed of VLF machines but at least you won't be digging nearly everything you encounter, which on many beaches can be every few feet or so. The old argument that all of this iron has to be sifted through in order to prevent the "masking effect" isn't quite as strong as it use to be prior to these recent VLF achievements/advancements, and besides, once you really think about it, this same train of though or argument is absolutely the case with a PI machine. If your in the mood to dig it all then simply switch your improved VLF machine to all metal mode and have at it. But I can assure that in time you're going to grow tired from digging all those deep holes for bobby pins and flakes of rusted metal. Just my honest opinion.

 

[Irishgoldhound]

Thanks for the replies guys!! All I'm wanting is to add a PI to my arsenal and one that has the deepest depth. I've read Clive Clynick's book "water hunting secrets of the pros" some interesting stuff he points out about PI machines about listening for those deep small signals.

 

[wvdirtdigger]

I own a sand shark. My buddy owns a surfmaster PI. I used a older whites VLF when hunting with him in the past and got skunked. My friend has captured a lot of good targets thru the years. I bought the SS and an satisfied with it but before buying it I had full knowledge that I would be digging a lot of trash as anyone with a PI machine will.
The Excalibur is an awesome machine. The post of discoveries found by Excalibur users speak for itself. I have good depth with my Shark. I found a medium sized gold ring the first day I used it 3 scoops or so deep. I dig piles of iron but have the patience not to leave a target and not get discouraged.
I guess to sum up what I am saying get what suits your circumstances. If you have patience and don't mind all the bad targets get a PI machine. If you are hunting an iron littered site or are a little shy on patience get a VLF if it is in your budget. You will find good targets with any machine if the coil goes over it and you dig the hole to retrieve it. Good Luck!!

 

[fsa46]

Thanks for the replies guys!! All I'm wanting is to add a PI to my arsenal and one that has the deepest depth. I've read Clive Clynick's book "water hunting secrets of the pros" some interesting stuff he points out about PI machines about listening for those deep small signals.

You can't go wrong reading his book/books and taking his advice. I hope you notice what PI machines he rates at the top and what ones he doesn't even mention, ( and he isn't pushing machines for personal reasons like some people ) . "Pulsepower" is another good read , but than again I like all of them.

 

[AQUA]

Thanks for the replies guys!! All I'm wanting is to add a PI to my arsenal and one that has the deepest depth. I've read Clive Clynick's book "water hunting secrets of the pros" some interesting stuff he points out about PI machines about listening for those deep small signals.

I got a new SS... posted todays finds in forum.....also included my thoughts on what i seen using the Shark..maybe worth a read for ya.

 

[DewGuru]

Whatever you do, don't subscribe to the "It cost more, its better" mantra some like to preach / think. I hunt some of the most whored out beaches on the gulf coast with my Shark and am happy to come in behind other brands, and have the finds to show for it.

Happy Hunting!

 

[Irishgoldhound]

Great replies!! Thanks. Still can't decide which PI to buy. B4 it was between the SS and Dual Field. Now I have the sea hunter in the mix.