Competition Hunting with the Explorer II?

[KCK]

Sure could use some help from any of you who have actually been involved in some competition hunts.

What advise could you guys give a newbie! Not to detecting but how do these Competition hunts stack up against a hour to two hours of happy hobby hunting? Are these guys really that competitive? And is there a sense of companionship and friends in these hunts or fierce debates and issues? Just wondering what I got myself into here?
If yo9u've been in some of these hunts, how should I start and hunt, tools I should have on hand, Shovel or trowel for digging? Pinpointer of not?
Anything you can add would be appeciated!!
Thanks
KCK/ Ohio

 

[NH Bob]

First off I wouldn't enter a competition hunt. I would use a faster machine like even an Ace 250. All the coins will be not much deeper than 2" and a newly dropped coin will not sound off as fast as one thats been in the ground even a week. You want to be able to move relatively fast and a wide sweep. You'll love it.

 

[NH Bob]

n/t

 

[KCK]

I understand that Bob....Thanks for your reply I have two Tek Turo's they were designed for competition hunting and the wife is quite fast with hers. We are not sure what we will even do yet...But like you said they are not buried deep and the Prize tokens are usually a couple inces to three inches deep I read. Those Turbos' are quick and can be swept pretty fast what I here. The Minelab would be heavy, the fisher heavy as well. You may be ight about the Ace 250 I read some say they diid well in competition hunting. Do you know if they use Pin pointers?
Thanks for your reply Good Neighbor!

KCK/Ohio

 

[NH Bob]

n/t

 

[erikk]

Depends... If you are hunting in the sand you will need a wide scoop with a sturdy handle and a basket to dump your finds and sand that will self empty as you go along. At Daytona I used the EX-2 with a Sun Ray 12 in coil and did very well. Forget the pinointer as you don't have time. Usually 10-15 minutes and it is over. Learn how to use the coil and then scoop the whole line and dump. Even though the EX2 is heavier than most you can weing it ok for that short of time with no problems.
Now if it in the dirt I can't help you there as I have never been to one like that

 

[Dan-Pa.]

I have answered your questions on the Fisher forum rel hunts so I won't repeat however buy yourself an X-terra as its more suited for this type of hunting if your interested in a Minelab unit..

 

[Skillet]

For me, a TID machine is overkill and usually too slow. I like a quick-response machine, right now my comp machine is an older Garrett Freedom Ace plus with an Ace "Proformance" elliptical coil.

You want quick pinpointing and recovery in these hunts. I use a long-handled three pronged cultivator for turning up the soil and never get down on the ground. You'll want to be quick, get that target in your pouch/pocket and scoot on to the next! I never use a pinpointer, though I'll wear one just in case. Coins are usually barely under the surface. I like an eliptical coil for its longer 'sweet-spot'.

I like to wear G.I. surplus fatigues and drop the coins/tokens into the open cargo-pockets, faster for me than using a pouch.

As far as the competitive aspect, everyone has been very friendly at the hunts I've attended... a positive experience in every regard. I can practically guarantee that it won't be your last comp. hunt.

These things are fun!
Skillet
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