CT Newb with First Detector

[brucebotti]

As the title says, I'm a newb from CT and finally purchased my first detector.

I started looking about four months ago. I originally was looking at a new Ace 250. After more research, I thought I was settled on a Fisher F2. Digger27's marathon review of the F2 on the Friendly Metal detecting forum had me sold. Because the season was basically over, I did more research before making a purchase. I started looking at AT Pro's, and then Bart at Big Boys listed a price reduction on the Minelab 305's. I started doing research on the Minelabs, and Digger (Randy Horton) started selling me on Minelab (must be something about the name Digger ). I noticed a lot of discussion and comparisons of the AT Pro and the Minelab 705.

I made my mind up that I wanted either of the two. I really didn't want to spend what a new one cost, so I started looking at used. I found a nice AT Pro on Craigslist that still had about two months of warranty left. We negotiated down to $325, but I was nervous about used since this was my first detector. I went home and looked on the classifieds on Find's Treasure Forum, and Larry at NWI Detectors had a used 705 that I couldn't pass up. After a few e-mails and a phone call I bought it. I was extremely comfortable because it was a dealer / sponsor, and the unit was only 3-1/2 months old, and he was the selling dealer. It looks brand new, and came with a decent digging tool, a decent set of headphones, and a new un-opened Minelab detector bag.

Needless to say, I am psyched. The weather, however, hasn't been above freezing for the week + that I have owned it. I am really looking forward to Spring now.

Sorry for the long story, but I am anxious to get started with it outdoors. Many thanks to all of you for your input and info, especially Digger, Old Longhair, and others who sold me on the 705!

Bruce

 

[BillF]

Welcome to the hobby! This probably won't be your first detector, you might get sucked up in the hype of bigger,better, best but do what you can to resist.
There's nothing wrong with trying other detectors and brands if you can afford it. I have. Over 40 years you have the opportunity to test out many but, I will tell you that so far, my 705 has been one of the most enjoyable I've ever owned. I used to use a Garrett Groundhog that I could use reverse discrimination on and I loved that machine but the xterra is finding me stuff that my other machines just weren't.
Learning your machine is much more important to success than all the hoopla about depth,speed etc.
Most of the time I hunt in AM, 4 tones (a lot of guys really like 99), or a pattern that only has negative numbers notched out, ground balance tracking on, and as slow a sweep speed as I can remember to do. I also use earbuds, some like headphones but i like the freedom of buds. You want keep out some of the outside noise.Listen for good tones and try not to get caught up in the numbers. Sometimes numbers lie. Dig everything for a while watching the display and what it sounds like.
Living in CT you're going to make some GREAT finds. Good luck!

 

[brucebotti]

Welcome to the hobby! This probably won't be your first detector, you might get sucked up in the hype of bigger,better, best but do what you can to resist.
There's nothing wrong with trying other detectors and brands if you can afford it. I have. Over 40 years you have the opportunity to test out many but, I will tell you that so far, my 705 has been one of the most enjoyable I've ever owned. I used to use a Garrett Groundhog that I could use reverse discrimination on and I loved that machine but the xterra is finding me stuff that my other machines just weren't.
Learning your machine is much more important to success than all the hoopla about depth,speed etc.
Most of the time I hunt in AM, 4 tones (a lot of guys really like 99), or a pattern that only has negative numbers notched out, ground balance tracking on, and as slow a sweep speed as I can remember to do. I also use earbuds, some like headphones but i like the freedom of buds. You want keep out some of the outside noise.Listen for good tones and try not to get caught up in the numbers. Sometimes numbers lie. Dig everything for a while watching the display and what it sounds like.
Living in CT you're going to make some GREAT finds. Good luck!

T

Thanks for the encouragement! I was going to look for something a little less sophisticate, but from what I have read, you can also use the 705 as a "power on and go" machine. I plan to start off slow and really learn the machine so that I don't get discouraged. Also, as often happens with me, I set a spending limit and then proceeded to go over it pretty dramatically.
Bruce

 

[BillF]

Bruce, you aren't the only one that goes over his spending limit. It happens. Its all fun and games until....
If you are going to hunt in parks or grassy areas learn to pinpoint and leave no trace you were there. Last year I got booted from our oldest park in town, seems that they've been having issues with detectorists and I'm afraid its going to get worse.
Can't wait to see what you come up with this year. I'm not sure if you've done any of this before so, if not, I hope you enjoy the thought process that comes with digging up a 150 year old coin or piece of jewelry.
Best of luck!

 

[7centsworth]

Welcome to the forum. Ask all the questions you want on here. Someone will be able to answer them. You will like the detector after you learn it really good. I look forward to seeing your finds when everything thaws out.

 

[bob.oz]

Welcome aboard....You should have a great time with the XT705. Like you said, you can turn on and go with it and find and learn as you go. Stick with 4 tone first, swing slow and move on from there. TIDs can be very helpful and dead on depending on depth. Good Luck

 

[brucebotti]

Thanks! you guys are getting me even more psyched to get started. I've got a few places that I can start out with. My grandfather's farm (now my cousin's) has been in the family since the 1880's. My son's house that I helped restore was built in the 1740's. Those should provide me with some practice!
Bruce

 

[Old Longhair]

Congratulations on the new machine Bruce!
You're really going to like it. It really is the most under-rated detector on the market.

I envy you your opportunities to find 18th century stuff. The area that I'm in wasn't settled 'til the 1830's.

 

[Jack Beam]

Welcome to the forum!! There are many knowledgeable people to help you to get a good start here. Check out the faqfaq section ! lots of great info. there! Good luck and have some fun! By the way if you need help on those old detecting spots,let me know!

 

[mapper65]

Congrats! and Good luck! I'm sure before too long you will really be surprised at what you are finding. It takes a little time to bond with any detector but it will seem like all of the sudden one day everything just clicks.

The most important thing is to have fun regardless of if you are having a great, good or bad day with the detector! Sometimes the thrill of the hunt ends up being the best part of the day and other days when you least expect it, you'll have a really great find.

Although you will learn a lot here on the forum, you'll learn a lot more with the detector in your hand. Have fun!

 

[hunt2getm]

Hi Bruce....welcome to the world of metal detecting! Your choice of the 705 was a good one. Has everything going for it. I started with a 305 and never regretted it. Found loads of great finds and was never frustrated with the machine. Worked up to a 705 and keep the 305 as a backup. You never stop learning! The machine has a language and you will soon find out how it is talking to you. My advice is keep a simple log book and record the VID number, tone(If you use 4 tones) and a description of your find. You will soon learn the correlation as to what the machine is indicating and what is actually there. Read Diggers ebook with your detector handy and practice what he is telling you. Then read it again. It is a learning process and don't get discouraged because there are so many variables that have to be considered such as soil type, moisture in the soil, swing speed, target depth, metal composition, etc. Practice with different types of coins and metals to learn the difference what the machine is telling you. Please learn how to dig a plug properly and replace it. Leave nothing behind but your footprints and you will helping us all! You have a very versatile machine and soon you will be adding coils like the rest of us. Have fun..........practice.......learn. There is a multitude amount of info on different forums and videos available on the internet. Use the resources........Good luck !!

 

[brucebotti]

Thanks again to all for the tips and encouragement. I read Digger's book and the owner's manual twice before I even received my detector.... I also read every thread that referenced the 705 on this and another forum. I always believe in being prepared. The more I read them, the more I see how versatile this machine is.

In regards to "digging", that won't be a problem for me. It will be like back in my Boy Scout / Camping days with my sons. I always drilled into them that you only leave when the area is as good or better than you found it. I may not make everyone proud with my finds, but I will make them proud with my MD'ing etiquette....
Bruce

 

[GroundScanner]

Hi Bruce welcome to the forum. I don't have a x-terra but do have a ETrac . Been wanting to try the 705 but just haven't yet. If you ever want to get together for a hunt let me know I live rite above ya in Wales , Ma . GS

 

[brucebotti]

Hi Bruce welcome to the forum. I don't have a x-terra but do have a ETrac . Been wanting to try the 705 but just haven't yet. If you ever want to get together for a hunt let me know I live rite above ya in Wales , Ma . GS

Thanks for the invite. Maybe once the weather gets a bit warmer we can hook up for a hunt!

 

[GroundScanner]

Sound good , yes when weather is better that is. GS