Single frequency vs Multi frequency

[wildbill!!]

I use a Minelab Equinox 600. Is there a benefit to using this machine in a single frequency vs multi frequency setting?

 

[woodbutcher]

Personally my finds aren’t any different using a equinox,Legend,or D2 as they are using a etrac, f75 or Anfibio..It really comes down to preference in options imo, use what you like and what’s most comfortable for you. The 600 is a pretty good machine ..

 

[Ted S]

I always run my 600 or 900 in multi. I tried the 600 when I first got it in single and didn't care for it.

 

[Southwind]

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION is the key to success.

I use multi-frequency occasionally, quick hunt or new park, but I prefer single frequency. Seems more readable to me.

 

[laplander]

Always a spot you might need to switch to single such as EMI. The important thing to remember is that some key features are multi frequency only.

 

[fwcrawford]

Using my 800 in multi fruequency, I do not have to re ground balance as my ground changes as I would in single frequency, so to me there is an advantage.
However, I think you could always run ground tracking on the 600 and not have to worry about changes in ground conditions.
Detecting around power lines or transformers seems to not effect running single frequency as much as running multi, so that is an advantage to running single frequency.
Both have their advantages I guess.

 

[north1]

I have run single frequency detectors as well multi. Had the first iteration of the Minelab xterra where you changed coils to change frequencies. Had a high frequency coil and a low frequency coil. I believe the high frequency was like 15 kHz and low frequency was 5 kHz. The 15 would do better with gold and small items and the 5 was better for silver, deeper and better in iron. IMHO multi frequency is better at unmasking, ground mineralization changes, working in iron and with the advance of electronics has become lightning fast. Multi is also better at detecting a large variety of conductors(gold, silver, copper, brass, lead, tombac, platinum, etc) at depth. Maybe for specific situations single frequency may be beneficial but overall I think a person is giving up a lot of benefits if they focus solely on it.

 

[Southwind]

For me, my lack of praise for SMF detectors is in the field use. I have owned them all from the 800, Legend, D2, which I still own, and the Manticore. I took each to hot spots where I had found many good items, and not a single missed keeper was found with any of them. I agree under certain conditions, SMF has great results, but I apparently don't hunt in any of those certain conditions.