80s vs 2005 metal detectors...is there really a difference??

[chirper97]

80's vs 2005 metal detectors...is there really a difference??

My father, brother, and I each purchased several detectors (top of the line) in the early 1980's. Mostly Garrett's and a couple of White's. They had discrimination, and ground balancing all metal mode if you pressed the toggle...Search in all metal mode, get a signal, then toggle to discriminate. We metal detected mostly in WV (lots of iron in soil) and Seattle. Recently I purchased a top of the line Fisher. Observations: the Fisher is more comfortable; the display is better. I really don't see a big difference in the depth or discrimination abilities. You still have to dig everything to make sure a gold or silver ring isn't passed by the discrimination. The '80s Garretts and Whites would detect objects as deep as I was willing to dig....8 inches or so.

My perception is that metal detectors have not come all that far since the early 80s. If you discriminate, you miss rings and jewelry.

 

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[ericwt]

Re: 80's vs 2005 metal detectors...is there really a difference??

I think in my case newer is better. I don't hunt for individual coins or jewelery. My Fisher cz70pro blows away what my top of the line Whites did in the mid 90's.

My targets are usually 1=3 feet in the ground. The cz70 gives me 4 different tones for targets. The meter tells me the depth of the object if under a foot. So when I get a tone I hit the pinpoint button button,if it can pinpoint the target,it is not what I am looking for. It is light as a feather. With the tones and the target id,once I get close enough to the target to pinpoint it,I will know whether to dig more.

Newer detectors can offer a long and fun hobby,but they must be learned.

I do believe however for large targets (veins of gold,large caches), the BFO- it is like a radio metal detector(1940-70)- detectors made early on are better than some of the newer ones.

Ericwt

 

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[Wild Boulder Bill]

Re: 80's vs 2005 metal detectors...is there really a difference??

When I first got out of the navy I bought a teckniteks mark four. I went to the beach in georgia with my mom. I was about ready to throw it into the ocean. I told my mom it keeps hitting and there is nothing there. At the next target my mom kept digging when I stopped. I tell you the truth I was hitting quarters at 17 - 20 inches.
I couldn't believe it. It had tone I.D. I loved that machine. I can tell you that in discriminate mode it would not detect nickels like this explorer will. If it would have just been able to swim. It did not do well at the bottom of the pool. I still think if I could have got below that ledge there would have been nuggets there. It was a costly assumption. Ever once in a while I pass by it in the garage and salute it.

 

[Paralyse]

Re: 80's vs 2005 metal detectors...is there really a difference??

Just came across this forum while surfing. I use a '89 2500/D that I reconditioned recently and am amazed at how well it works despite the lack of some features I used to think were "must haves" like auto disc. and a meter. I have pulled coins at 7-8" or more so far. The only real "difference" is that it doesn't seem to search maybe quite as well in heavily minerals (no auto GDB) but otherwise it does real good for a "relic"...

-- Adam