"Swingy Thingy" tips?????

[D&P-OR]

First, I'll mention that I swing a detector right handed.---It's been awhile since I've used a bungee cord on my detectors but thought I might try it again when I use larger coils as I messed my right shoulder up trimming trees.------Any of you guys got any tips on adjusting Doc's swing thing with the cord & chest strap so the thing (cord) don't rub on the side of the housing of the detector as you swing--I found that VERY irritateing.-----Also, adjustment so you don't get cord tension at the end of the left swing? (if you're right handed).----And no, I don't wanna (can't) swing left handed. ----Anybody got any tips/suggestions on the "care & feeding" of the swingy thingy?? ----------Thanks, Del

 

[utahshovelhead]

Hey Dp,
I am not able to offer you advice on your swingy thingy but I have made one for myself out of the small back pack that I like for days away from the truck. My back pack hooks at the chest and waist and is very VERY comfortable. I found an adjustable bungie cord and attached a ring for the bungie to hook to on the side of my chest strap so that the center of the swing is directly below the cord. I still have trouble with the left side pulling but the adjustment takes most the weight and I go for long periods with a 15 inch coil. I am able to attach the bungee on the handle and my thumb and for finger help keep it in place. I do not know if this helps you and I am so used to it that I would be a terrible judge comparing it to what you have. I have never had it rub against the side of the head but the grip can get worn with mine.

good luck,
utahshovelhead

 

[grumpyolman]

I have used it on all my detectors since I first got a Minelab. There's a suspender type clasp that hooks to your pants, not your tool belt, right above the left pocket. That strap runs over your right shoulder and hooks into a 'keeper' strap that goes under your left arm and conncets to the shoulder strap. Both straps can be adjusted for length and where the bungee from the detector hooks into the plastic "D" ring is important. I have mine between my navel and my breast so it's kind of centered very near the sternum. The way the clip hooks into the ML square shaft will always have the bungee touching the detector. I don't see how it can be avoided. But I don't even notice that. Sometimes I get a little frustrated as when I stand up the bungee goes over the top of the electronics box instead of alongside it but a quick shake and it's fine. I don't know how big a swing you take but if I get really crazy, I can feel the bungee resist and lift the coil. I don't want that big of a swing anyway. Another critical adjustment that needs to be made all the time is to shorten the bungee or lenghten it as little as a half inch. All the weight of the machine should be on the "D" ring and across your shoulder pulling your pants up like a slight wedgy. Going downhill you have to lengthen it a little. Uphill just the opposite. I sometimes am working along and my mind clicks in that I am using my arms too much and it starts to fatigue. Duh! Shorten the bungee a bit and now you only guide the detector and coil, you use no muscles to provide elevation for it. Mine stays hooked the entire time. When I get on my knees the bungee is long enough that the machine sits right next to my right hip where I can access the X-1 and the controls. It's nice to when you need to blow your nose or flip your partner off because he's finding more, the machine just hangs by your side and waits to be guided when you are ready to go back to work. If your partner is rubbing his finds in to your mind a bit, both hands are free to send any signal you might create. Good Luck. It's a good tool. Just use it the way it's been made to use and go with the flow. In awhile you won't even know it's there, except you can hunt longer without pain. jim

 

[RLOH]

Del, I have had several bungees including the swingy thingy. For the best balance, you have to have the clamp about 1/4 inch from your upper cam lock. The bungee is going to rub on the control box and in my opinion, there is no getting away from it rubbing. If you have a rain cover on the box, it will not scuff the box. Some people adjust the swingy thing to be above the ground enough that you have to slightly push down on it. I prefer to adjust it closer to the ground and not have to push hard on it. I have found if you have it adjusted where you have to push down on it, it does not give you enough slack in the bungee to comfortably dig when you set the detector down. Yes, you are going to have to learn to shorten your sweep, especially to the left. If you give it enough time, you will get use to it. Keep playing around with the adjustment to get it somewhat comfortable to swing and it does not pull the detector over when you set it down to dig. I do not like hunting with a bungee, but if it means being able to detect or stay home, I would get use to it. Do this little experiment after you have used the swingy thingy for a couple of hours. Disconnect it and try swinging it for a couple of minutes. It will feel like it weighs a ton. They do work, but you have to learn to feel comfortable with it. Good luck! R.L.

 

[D&P-OR]

Thanks a lot guys--I'll try some of those adjustments.-------Hey Jim--my huntin pardner is my wife.---If I'd try some of those gestures like you said when she's out hunting me (again)---I'd end up with a couple of black eyes!! -----Thanks again guys, appreciate your responses. -------Del

 

[grumpyolman]

Ooops! Didn't think about that. Good idea to keep your gestures in mind only. jim

 

[NebTrac]

Speaking of black eyes. I saw a fella the other day that had a couple and I asked him how that came to be. He told me he was in church and about half way through the service, the congregation stood up to sing a song. He noticed the rather "large" lady in front of him, had her dress kind of caught up in her cheeks. Well, he just reached forward and pulled the dress out. She felt it, turned around and belted him and gave him the black eye. I said "How'd you get the other one"? His reply was "I thought she wanted it up there".....

One of my favorite ones.

NebTrac

 

[D&P-OR]

OH TROY---I dunno bout u!!! ---MY wife & I both got a good laugh out of that one!-------Think I'll come back there with my swinger thing & hunt yer fairgrounds!!!! ------Del

 

[Judd]

How about a "D" ring attached with zip ties to the handle just below the screen. Handy way to attach the bungee cord.