what a great hobby

[thebestfatcatabout]

I'm new to this form of "recreation" - but I love it already. I purchased a CZ 20 for a weeks holiday in the Dominican Republic ... I have a hard time sitting in a chair or pool for a long time with the wfe & kids. During the week I managed to find 3 gold, 1 titanium rings, one gpld ring that I returned to the individual who asked me to look for it - too bad ... it was a healthy piece of gold, some junky rings, LOTS of nails, hairpins, pulltabs, 4 keys, etc ... a couple of earings .... but best of all was a true cannon ball the size of my fist still partially covered in tar. I spent about 6 hous a day in the H20 .... but loved every minute.

It's funny how he wife was not pleased with the purchase initially but as the rings came to shore the had was out.

I think the minelab is going to be the next toy .... I don't see the wife putting up much of a battle now.

 

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[omnicognic]

I've said it before, she'll enjoy cleaning the rings more than cleaning the fish!

 

[thebestfatcatabout]

Believe me ... she'd never clean a fish ....

But she loves her shiny objets. She's indicated that she wants to go on another holiday .... and to take the metal detector along. Is it the holiday she wahts or the rings?? I suspect the rings.

 

[scoutingbear]

First, welcome to the forum. It is a great place for information.

Next, Nice finds for a week's worth of work. I am heading to Cabo San Lucas and plan on taking my detector. I do have an Excalibur (got it last year after I agreed to allowing the wife to upgrade her ring). It is a great machine even with the problems I have had with it so far. Just today I found two gold (one with small diamonds) and a silver ring. And that is on a 3 hour hunt with a detector not fully working.

If you go for the Excalibur, I would look into getting a straight shaft and a hip mount for it. You can look around this forum for places to order them or let me know and I can send you some places. There are several other forums many of us visit that might help.

Keep swinging.

 

[thebestfatcatabout]

Thx for the advice. I looked @ this site and "toured the retailers" for several moths before making a decision. I opted for the Fisher CZ20 for its' overall internal component integrity - relatively ruggid, H20 capabilities and the exceptional warranty. My primary interest was using CZ20 for water only. I figured that if this item performed well - and the return was there ... meaning not getting too much S*** from the better half for the purchase and turning the finds she wants over to her, I would purchase a Minelab next for beach and land.

The CZ20 performed relatively well in the H20 - I still have quite a bit to learn through lots of use, and I was pleased with the overall capabilities of the unit. I did have some issues with a little salt water in the battery compartment on first use - and that problem persited. That issue has resulted in a battery pack terminal and a diode link to corrode - to the point of non-operability on the 6th day. I'll be bringing the unit in for repair this week ... and I'll buy spare parts for the future water excursions.

I tried the dry beach sand for several hours with the unit but that was tough slugging .... found LOTS & LOTS of pull tabs, some coin & other junk. For the effort required a more "discriminating unit" shouod do the trick and help to make it a more enjoyable experience.

I had purchased a long handled scoop - which did not hold up to the abuse. I'll be looking for a replacement ... ANY SUGGESTIONS?? I'm off to a freash water lake/beach in about 3 weeks ... where I anticipate some finds ( a small but very popular locals only beach in Ontario farm country ) The water sand there will be tougher to dig as the composition is totally different than Ocean sand.

If there are any sites you can recomment or advise pls feel free. I always like to see other perspectives and to learn from the experiences of others. So far though I have truly enjoyed the time with the unit as it's a great way to pass time on a restful holiday. I just wish I had another machine along as backup.

Again thx for the help and suggestions.

 

[Monty]

You mentioned some problems you've had with your Excalibur. What kind of problems? It is on my short list of detectors to buy next spring and I relly would like to know. JM

 

[scoutingbear]

I would like to chime in on the Excalibur. I agree with SWR on his list for the most part. Each is a problem. I have also had problems with the knobs turning and not doing anything and the pots breaking and going beyond their limits. The know problem can be fixed with a set from Radio Shack but these allow you to put too much torque on the pots, hence, the breakage. I have learned to be careful and feel this problem is no more.

As far as the knobs being exposed, they are. However. then you get a straight shaft, there are ones that come with knob protectors.

I find the volumn quite enough although I will say I do not dive with them. But I can not imagine you would need more. My headphones are just fine. Never fall off but some say I have a big head.

Their is a lot of extra cable but this does allow you to him, front or rear mount the electronics (which I highly recommend. Since the unit is watertight and you can not change cables or coils, it is important to have enough cable to do with what you want. Once you figure out how you want to mount the detector, the extra is easily wrapped around the shaft and secured with some plastic tie wrap or velcro strips.

I have had my Excalibur 1000 for about a year. I feel I am starting to really understand what I am hearing. I am digging deeper targets and getting more finds. I have two hunting buddies, one has a Fisher and one a White's. They both have been detecting for many more years than I have but I usually outhunt each or them.

Hope this helps.

Bear

 

[TOWcritter]

Check out ZEKES' SCOOPS right here on this forum. I have a short handle version and it's built like a brick you know what. Very reasonably priced too.