My Makro Racer (I think it's also called a Red Racer}, arrived a day early today. Made me very happy as I was sitting on ready set go. I am going to give you my initial
experience, but keep in mind I am very new at MD, right at a month, so I don't know much. But I do have 70 years of living. My other MD is the entry level Garrett ACE 200, of
which I have used and enjoyed. It found a long lost tulip ring and around 15 coins, and lost of nails and other iron and foil. All in our back yard. So it works. Now, my wife is taking possession of the ACE, and I the Makro.
I unboxed the Racer, read the assembly instructions, and without hurrying had it going within 15 min. Not a whole lot to do. The instructions said it included 4 AA batteries, but no batteries.
No fuss, I just slipped some extras I had recently purchased.
Negative first thoughts: The visual display box was not as big as I imagined. I had read, on this forum or another, a reviewer stated that I is one of the largest displays he had ever seen. Maybe it is, but I didn't think so. However, I have to say, after I took it outside and did a little hunting, the size is just fine. I would like it larger, but no problem, no problem seeing anything.
The screw and nut that holds the coil on will not hold up, I just know it won't. Hopefully I am wrong. I'm going to order a couple of extra sets just to have them "in case". In case I am in the field when this happens.
Initial good thoughts: It works and I think I used it pretty dog gone well for my first time out, which amounted to around one hour. No coins, but I did find at least a dozen nails, screws and bolts, and foil, and my first bottle cap. This was all in a sandy beach area down by the river behind my house. I know I didn't want this stuff, however, it was pulled out in an area where
my ACE didn't pick it up. Some of the nails were as much as 8 to 9 inches under. In all metal mode, I found the bottle cap around 10-11". Pretty impressive I thought, at least compared to what I have. I never really got a true signal indicating the possibility of a coin. I guess there are no coins left in that spot of soil.
While I have lots to learn about using my Racer, especially GB, I found it not as difficult as imagined. I used all three modes, and not sure of which one I like the best. I found myself easily switching back and forth between the modes, even on a found target. Interesting. I am finding that the machine will not let you do what it can't do, so this will help me to figure things out.
Pin pointing the Racer: I found this so easy, and very very accurate, and the depth was reasonably close to correct. Oh, I love the pin pointing. Almost don't need the Makro PP, but I am not ready to give it up yet, or never. My ACE doesn't have this feature, so you can imagine the good feelings I have about the PP function.
Coils: Racer came with the stock coil, which I think (?) is 7"x11". I also ordered the 5" X 4.5" DD R13 round coil. Since I am searching only on my land for now, as I learn, I installed the
smaller coil. The larger coil seems huge and heavy to me, but I vision it as being good for the beach, or in fields and other open areas. My initial impression of the 5" coil is VERY GOOD. I like it. Naturally, because of size, one can't cover as much ground with it, but I believe by going slow and covering the ground I do cover, this coil will serve me well. It finds the target, then you zero in on it. Very very easy. I think I will install the larger coil tomorrow morning just to give it a go. The smaller coil keeps the Racer almost at stock weight, which seems very light to me already.
The Racer also has 7 adjustment holes for sizing. I am a short man, so this helps a lot. I guess tall people have the opposite problem. But with the Racer, this is not a problem.
Value?: You know, I don't rightly know. I was torn between several MDs, but one morning I just threw my hands in the air and said, "I'm going with the Racer". Especially after talking with Michael, a product specialist at metal detectors . com . I know their job is to sell MDs, but I believe he was forthright in all he told me, while never never putting down another MD. Almost like talking to a friend. At $588.00 shipped to my door, including the 5" round coil, I think I did all right. Especially since I have now broke it in. I have to say what Monte had to say bout the Makro Racer was convincing, and I thank you Monte. A very complete review from a very experienced man who loves metal detecting.
My apologies if I went on too long with this post. As I said, I am very new to MD, and to this wonderful forum. Just trying to learn a little about what I believe to be a great new hobby in my retirement years. I see it as being fun, engaging, and perhaps get a little exercise.
Regards to all.
experience, but keep in mind I am very new at MD, right at a month, so I don't know much. But I do have 70 years of living. My other MD is the entry level Garrett ACE 200, of
which I have used and enjoyed. It found a long lost tulip ring and around 15 coins, and lost of nails and other iron and foil. All in our back yard. So it works. Now, my wife is taking possession of the ACE, and I the Makro.
I unboxed the Racer, read the assembly instructions, and without hurrying had it going within 15 min. Not a whole lot to do. The instructions said it included 4 AA batteries, but no batteries.
No fuss, I just slipped some extras I had recently purchased.
Negative first thoughts: The visual display box was not as big as I imagined. I had read, on this forum or another, a reviewer stated that I is one of the largest displays he had ever seen. Maybe it is, but I didn't think so. However, I have to say, after I took it outside and did a little hunting, the size is just fine. I would like it larger, but no problem, no problem seeing anything.
The screw and nut that holds the coil on will not hold up, I just know it won't. Hopefully I am wrong. I'm going to order a couple of extra sets just to have them "in case". In case I am in the field when this happens.
Initial good thoughts: It works and I think I used it pretty dog gone well for my first time out, which amounted to around one hour. No coins, but I did find at least a dozen nails, screws and bolts, and foil, and my first bottle cap. This was all in a sandy beach area down by the river behind my house. I know I didn't want this stuff, however, it was pulled out in an area where
my ACE didn't pick it up. Some of the nails were as much as 8 to 9 inches under. In all metal mode, I found the bottle cap around 10-11". Pretty impressive I thought, at least compared to what I have. I never really got a true signal indicating the possibility of a coin. I guess there are no coins left in that spot of soil.
While I have lots to learn about using my Racer, especially GB, I found it not as difficult as imagined. I used all three modes, and not sure of which one I like the best. I found myself easily switching back and forth between the modes, even on a found target. Interesting. I am finding that the machine will not let you do what it can't do, so this will help me to figure things out.
Pin pointing the Racer: I found this so easy, and very very accurate, and the depth was reasonably close to correct. Oh, I love the pin pointing. Almost don't need the Makro PP, but I am not ready to give it up yet, or never. My ACE doesn't have this feature, so you can imagine the good feelings I have about the PP function.
Coils: Racer came with the stock coil, which I think (?) is 7"x11". I also ordered the 5" X 4.5" DD R13 round coil. Since I am searching only on my land for now, as I learn, I installed the
smaller coil. The larger coil seems huge and heavy to me, but I vision it as being good for the beach, or in fields and other open areas. My initial impression of the 5" coil is VERY GOOD. I like it. Naturally, because of size, one can't cover as much ground with it, but I believe by going slow and covering the ground I do cover, this coil will serve me well. It finds the target, then you zero in on it. Very very easy. I think I will install the larger coil tomorrow morning just to give it a go. The smaller coil keeps the Racer almost at stock weight, which seems very light to me already.
The Racer also has 7 adjustment holes for sizing. I am a short man, so this helps a lot. I guess tall people have the opposite problem. But with the Racer, this is not a problem.
Value?: You know, I don't rightly know. I was torn between several MDs, but one morning I just threw my hands in the air and said, "I'm going with the Racer". Especially after talking with Michael, a product specialist at metal detectors . com . I know their job is to sell MDs, but I believe he was forthright in all he told me, while never never putting down another MD. Almost like talking to a friend. At $588.00 shipped to my door, including the 5" round coil, I think I did all right. Especially since I have now broke it in. I have to say what Monte had to say bout the Makro Racer was convincing, and I thank you Monte. A very complete review from a very experienced man who loves metal detecting.
My apologies if I went on too long with this post. As I said, I am very new to MD, and to this wonderful forum. Just trying to learn a little about what I believe to be a great new hobby in my retirement years. I see it as being fun, engaging, and perhaps get a little exercise.
Regards to all.
