Hello Greg.....sounds like you and I are on the same frequency, and have about the same amount of detecting experience. What is the saying, "experience is the best teacher"? I find that a little question/answer period with a prospective customer, even those with a fair amount of experience, can remove most potential, future problems and consequently make for a happy customer, one who will refer others my way. I started detecting back in 1973, with an old "JET" BFO,, and from there to Bounty Hunter, Compass, Whites, Fisher, Garrett, Tesoro, and Minelab. I find that while most of the latter are similar (Minelab excluded and with a little more of a learning curve), one's success with which ever he chooses, is totally dependent on learning that machine's language. I teach my new customers, to put at least 90% of their dig decision weight on listening to the audio, and then confirming with the target ID. When he is in tune with the audio, the sky is blue, and the sun is shining! Thanks for your input, good hunting, and good luck.
Chuck@TreasureHut