Dan, I'm a newbie and just bought my first metal detector yesterday. WOOHOO!! Now I have to start getting the stuff to go with it and your video was very informative. Thanks for taking the time to help us newbies out.
This was so fun and informative. I was hanging on every word. When you said, "Girlfriends, wives, and bits on the side..." I nearly fell out of my chair laughing. How very all inclusive. LOL
My advice in America, if you are in unfamiliar territory, don't detect alone! Also don't put on headphones you can't hear your surroundings. It is a good way to get into trouble with our wildlife, bears, mountain lions, elk, moose, deer, gators, rattlesnakes, pot growers, etc. Be safe and always aware of your surroundings, and bring along a camera to record your finds. You can also GPS the exact location of where you found your finds for future reference. This was such a good video. It's all about being prepared and organized. If you tend to forget things, make a checklist and mark it off as you pack up. That way you won't get caught with half your gear left behind. Dan and Mazzy, I hope you do another on what you also need to take like, water, food bars, flashlight, first aid kit, clothing, etc... depending on where you are, or how far out in the woods, you may need them. This was awesome! I really enjoyed it.
I recently found this channel and I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen so far...! That being said, I’m 56 and started metal detecting back when I was a young boy with my father. For everyone just starting out, you’ll find tons of videos where people will attempt to tell you that you need this and you need that gadget to get into this hobby. I would like to share my experiences with you... First of all, back in the day, there was no such thing as a Pin Pointer. Did that stop any of us from enjoying the hobby...? Not at all...! Every metal detector has a spot, usually dead center of the coil that you are using. If you listen for the strongest signal and then dig right in the center of where your diol would be on the ground at that moment, you’ll most likely be right over your target. You might need to check the sides of your hole but over all of those early years, we never missed locating a target...! Is it as fast as using a Pin Pointer, no, but you can save yourself $100.00 or more. Second, in the thousands of targets that we dug, we never used a shovel once...! We used an old WW2 bayonet to dig our targets. I have no idea when or who came up with the belief that you had to dig some big hole, 6 inches or better in diameter to locate an item the size of a coin...! Using the bayonet, we dug holes that were no bigger than a couple of inches in diameter to start and if needed, we would then enlarge the hole an inch or two at a time. After we had dug a target you couldn’t tell that the ground had ever been disturbed and this was true of digging in a manicured lawn...! When you show someone how non-invasive you can be you’re more likely to gain permission to detect on other people’s property... Note that on occasion we would also use a hand trowel, just like the type you would use for planting flowers and cost no more than a couple of dollars...! This was used when we would encounter a big object. Last, there are as many finds pouches as you can imagine out there...! Some only cost a few dollars while others run upwards of $20.00 or more and unless you’ve got money to burn, it’s crazy to spend that kind of money on something that’s going to spend more time holding trash than anything else...! We always used Cotton Nail Aprons that tie around your waste and you can get for free from any hardware/lumber store. I don’t mean to take anything away from this video by making my suggestions. I just wanted to help save some of you from spending your hard earned money when it’s not necessary. I hope that this helps some of you...! This hobby is expensive enough to get started in but believe me, it can be well worth the investment...! Have a great day and be blessed.
Well done. But I have a few addends. As for pinpointers you can get a GP Pinpointer off of eBay for a fraction of a cost of a Garrett carrot, it is waterproof to 3 meters / 10 feet and it works quite well. As for knee pads I ended up ditching mine because they kept sliding down. I now use hockey shin guards that protect both my knees and shins and I never have to worry about them falling down. My belt is going to be an old US Army surplus belt similar to the kind I used to wear when I was in the military. I will add to that canteens in pouches and I plan on making some kind of shovel holster to hook on as well. Plus I bought a leg holster that attaches to the belt to make sure it does not slide down. The holster holds both my digger and my pinpointer. I may add more surplus pouches to minimize the need for separate bag space for batteries, toothpicks, toothbrushes, etc. Most of my gear I shopped for off of eBay and some of it I won in giveaways or bought at a local hardware store. Anyway I hope this helps as well. Peace.
Great video Dan and Mazzy. The picture was nice and steady. Here's a tip for your extra batteries. Cut the excess cardboard off the battery package with scissors to save space in your bag.
Dan I have the very same shovel and Garrett hand digger. I modified my shovel and put teeth in the sides of the Spade after slimming it down. Works great...
I'm looking to buy a metal detector , I'm looking at the Garrett at 400 or the Fisher 22 or the 44 , I would like your opinion on which would be the best
@@rickyhuneycutt1079 I assume you are a beginner sooooo please don't buy the Garrett Ace 400. Buy a Garrett Ace 150 (pro). It's the best, easiest and simplest metal detector from entry level to pro level. Hope that helps you out
Great video for people just starting, I also enjoyed your woodland video. I never thought about the evergreen trees not shedding their leaves... Smart.
If you are looking for coins I would add a universal spray bottle with water so you can remove muck without scratching the coins and damaging them further.
I'm new to this, went out for the first time yesterday with my vanquish 340. Had a great time, found a coin on my 3rd hole! Not sure what it is, but I will try a wire brush. Love your video, some good tips. Thank you.
Thanks Dan. I inherited a detector and only started using it recently. After watching some of your videos, among others, I picked up a pin pointer. What a huge difference. My cheap shovel looks like yours too. I can't wait to get out and do some more this summer. Your tips are great. Can you please consider doing one for detecting at the beach?
Had my first detecting adventure today! :-) Went to some playgrounds here in Berlin, fun with parents and kids, and 10€ of change in my pocket at the end haha! Shared some coins with the kiddies that were trying to help and cleaned the sand from rusty nails =) I think this is going to be another favorite hobby of me! Today's orders: The Pinpointer, a Deteknix X and a Diggerthingplantknife haroharo blah to stab the earth! xD As always thank you for great beginner infos!
Ta Dan - Kids just bought me a metal detector - I have banged on about it for years - so good advice here before I go on my first expedition around cheshire.
I took your advice and bought a tool belt (about $15 at the local Lowes Hardware store) and it makes everything fit so much better and much more comfortably. Nothing sags down anymore and I don't have to keep pulling the belt up like I did with the old stuff. Great advice!
Dan and Mazzy!!! This was a really great overview video (very stable!!) with the items that are essential for metal detecting. An eleventh (11) item that you could add and that I find very useful is a small squirt bottle of water. Along with the tooth brush, the water more quickly reveals the details on the coin or artifact. With a squirt bottle of water you do not use much and it goes a long, full day of metal detecting. Often with the water you do not need the brush to reveal the details!!
Liked it, good video for the beginner. My belt is a running belt it has a bottle holder for when it's hot plus it can take the pointer and digging tool. Look forward to the next
Dragging on ?? I was very interested in all 10 tips. I think this was your best detecting video of all. My problem with starting the detecting hobby is my age and condition. Hernias and joints mainly. I get winded just tying my shoes so this has stopped me from do it so far. Still like to have a good one and do some. Even if it is to find a lost ring in the yard. I am 63 . Have watched you for several years and will until you quit. Was glad to see you get a girl friend too after all that time with Rays of Sunshine , ect. Just my opinion but I think you got a keeper. : )
I feel your pain. I am 51, I lost half of a lung to cancer, I have nerve damage in my back and left arm and I have a bit of pain in both knees and hips. Having lost half of a lung means I get winded very easily as well. That does not factor in my mental health problems. But I do try to give it a go. I try to just take it slowly without trying to compare myself with others. I look for clothes and equipment that are affordable for me that will help me detect. Hopefully you will be able to find a way as well. I wish you the very best of luck.
I started detecting with a Garrett "Ghost Towner" many years ago (about $125.00 USD) and was hooked...had a real blast. The years have past and I have up-graded several times. One of the great things about metal detecting is you can do it on your own or with friends. You can do as much or as little as you feel like. Start with one of the Garrett "ACER"models. They are inexpensive and well made...Sure, They do not have all the bells and whistles of the $1000.00 dollar units, but they can be just as much fun and rewarding.
I'm in the same boat,I'm 66 and it's beginning to be a big problem getting up and down,,I can't do too many up and down s, it's a bitch getting old. I'm at a point where I no longer have that zeal of the Hunt,just an old fart at the end of the road of detecting.to all you younger hunters, keep at it, and one-day, father time will catch up with you and your hobby.
Tip 1 - pre roll 2/4 spliffs before setting off Tip 2- detect in pairs that way your more likely to see the farmer before he shoots you Tip 3- get used to detecting in the middle of the night without using a torch Tip 4- when the farmer chases you don't run casually sit in the hedgerow and be surprised how hard it is to find you in the dark Tip 5- try the legitimate way first and realise how everyone hates detectorists! Then appreciate my tips and become a real detectorist
Great video ! In the the process of researching a metal detector looking at the Garrett 400 or Garrett Pro. Video gave me some ideas definitely will purchase the pointer. As far as the rest of the gear I'm a carpenter and I have most everything else. Greatly appreciate your input and feedback thanks. Definitely get a pair of knee pads I had a knee replacement a few years ago. Can't emphasize that enough
Thanks DDD! This video will help me with my metal detecting adventures. I'm a rookie so I'm just sticking with the basic accessories. The wireless headphones will be something I will look into if I still have the metal detecting "bug" in a few months. The Garrett AT Pro (the same machine DDD's GF uses) is a nice machine. They definitely are not cheap .........$500-$600, depending on which kit is being purchased.
Great video. Just a tip on knee pads, your fjallraven trousers have slots in the knees for pads, solves the falling down issue, but not the muddy trouser issue.
Cut proof gloves are a must as you never know what's in the hole when you stick your hand in and knee pads keep your trousers dry at the knees , nothing worse than walking about all day with soaking knees on your trousers and it doesn't do your knees any favours walking about with soaking knees all day long hahaha love your videos .
Hi this is the first time I’ve watched your blog and I don’t do metal detection but I think you should have your own tv show! I love your personality your very funny and make your hobby very interesting... I just want to rush out and get one of those buzzing sticks and dig holes lol keep up the good work. P.s your camera lady is a great asset to your blog too .....keep smiling 😃
Suggestion, maybe get a foldable type shove which includes pickaxe and serrated edge, it may sound costly but only got it for about $15 dollars. The shovel is also light weight and durable.
I have a Garrett AT Pro Pinpointer. It's about 2 years old and running strong. I'm glad I haven't had the same issues with it you have had. I definitely need headphones though. I hate getting a great signal only to find people staring at me, like, "Oh, what's he got?"
The gimble looks good. Mazzy's doing great with it. Good video. I actually have everything on your list. My belt is a military one and I have wired headphones.
In fact just watched all the way through - I have my shopping list. PS kids bought me a Tianxun 850 - cheap - If I like it then gonna get a MINELAB EQUINOX 800 - already looking at Roman Road paths and farms (of course permissions allowed) - but reckon first time on the beach to see everything works - Good stuff !!!
Today i have got a deteknix pinpointer because i knew you said the are good. I just started metal detecting i have a ace150 and deteknix pinpointer. I know its not that great the 150 but a great starter. Tomorrow im going five miles into the forrest and probably find one off the things ive seen you find the last 5 years. Get in
Dan I have the exact same setup on my ATpro with deteknix I think it's called wireless set-up and you turn me on to it and I've been using it for the last 3-4 years without a problem good stuff thanks bro
Alexander Bucephalus - I use a Gardner’s apron with industrial grade netting for front pockets that I do the same thing, but the advantage of the netting is that it allows dirt or sand to fall out. Left side for the treasure and right side for the trash. I got my first one at Walmart 25 yrs ago, and another off of Amazon.
You can get non moving kneepads. A pair of work trousers (excellent trousers for any outdoor activity) that I had' had large pockets in front of the knees for the addition of pads. Worth seeking out. Iv always found cheap rigger gloves useful as well. My outdoor needs are a bit different as I forage. But heavy rigger gloves are invaluable as the leather is a great protector. I can crack open chestnut cases by hand all day with a pair of those and never get spiked once
Lesa Hanners is right beware of your surroundings even in a neighborhood that bad stray dog you dont to be surprised. The other thing I can think of is watch the metal that's on you. Gloves on and your ring is still on your hand, steel toe boots or the brass eyelets on your sneakers. Another tip if you are moving from one area to another do a quick inventory not leave your pinpointer or Digging knife.
One way to prevent slipping knee pads is to use Velcro affixed to the pants. I don't have any pads as yet, but that is one of the items I need to acquire bcuz my knees are problematic at my age and need that extra proteection.
I am New to Metal Detecting and will be planning to purchase the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector. The Wireless Headphone technology is the Z Link. I heard from other Review videos on RU-vid the The Garrett AT Max could be gliched or has problems with it so i don't feel at easy to purchase that model.
I am slowly gathering supplies while I save up to buy a metal detector. Great, common sense, as always. I didn't count how many times you said 'me girlfriend' but I can tell you like saying it, which makes me happy.
Are you running a fever? first time you say "i am not a professional" well that´s a first LOL Love your videos and your sense of comedy....Bless u guys.
I know you're not so into coinshooting for spendies, but for those that are, a 5 inch coil on a good sharp single frequency detector, and a thinnish medium sized screwdriver for find retrieval speeds things up no end. Indeed, many local authorities will tolerate screwdriver probing in parks, but crack down hard on the digging of plugs.