Got the Detecting Buddy for the AT Pro Today

[rks1949]

All I can say is WOW! Of course it was storming this evening, so I couldn't take it out for a test spin. I've changed the coils from the 5X8 to the 8.5X11 and back again,and I can't tell any difference in the machines weight,while swinging it with either one on it! This is gonna be great for those long hunts in big areas! It just feels like the ATP is floating above the surface,amazing!

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

A History of Mining on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska - Grab it through Amazon!

[fella]

Good to hear. Does it get in the way at all when you put the tector down to dig?

 

[rks1949]

Good to hear. Does it get in the way at all when you put the tector down to dig?

I haven't dug with it yet,but tried squatting down like I was digging,and it wasn't in the way at all. Another thing I found is that when you rise up,the ATP will come up with you,once you are standing,then you just grab the grip and off you go again. You can also let go of the ATP while lowering your body down to dig,and it just settles itself down on the ground softly. The harness is very comfortable,and light.

 

[finderskeepers]

Good to hear. Does it get in the way at all when you put the tector down to dig?

FWIW I have a DFX. I had to adjust it "all the way" in order for my machine to be balanced while swinging. This prevents it from being able to rest on the ground when I kneel to dig. The clip is actually so secure, that it takes a good amount of effort and finagling using both hands to unclip. I've tried to move the bungee and can't seem to find a place where the rig will be balanced. Though I'm not thrilled with it, I do still use it...but usually during the last hour of swinging in an effort to keep from giving up rather than from the beginning to keep from getting tired.

To be fair, when I find the motivation, I can probably modify it a bit to make it more user friendly. It was only $20 and the basic idea is sound.

 

[vpnavy]

Gosh, never heard of a "detecting buddy" until you mentioned it rks. I am probably not the ony one so I included a picture.

 

[rks1949]

Gosh, never heard of a "detecting buddy" until you mentioned it rks. I am probably not the ony one so I included a picture.

Yeah,I had never heard of it either,until I read a post about it on this forum. I'm hoping to get to use it today (more thunderstorms forecasted) so I can give a real "in the field" report on it. So far I've just swung the ATP with it downstairs,and changed the coils to see if there is any difference in how it feels with each coil. I can't really feel any difference on the weight,but the 8.5 X 11 coil balances a little more nose heavy,but it doesn't feel heavy anymore while using the harness. In all fairness,though,I have my Pro Pointer mounted on the rear of the ATP,and that also helps to counter balance the ATP. It does add weight to it though. The one thing I do like so far is that the harness is light,and stores in your back pocket. You can use the ATP without it,then if you start getting tired of swinging it,just pull out the harness,and attach it,and keep going. It's kinda weird to be able to just "let go" of the ATP and it won't fall to the ground. This might be a problem though,if you forget you haven't got it attached to the harness,and are in the habit of letting it go. (if anyone can do this,it will be me) Another senior moment! Ain't getti'n old great!

 

[Digger2]

I just watched a vid with an Aussie using it, I think I would have to disengage it from the detector to dig my finds. But,,, it sure looks like it would make the hunt a lot nicer when the arm starts getting numb. Do you have a link to buy one?

Roy

 

[rks1949]

I just watched a vid with an Aussie using it, I think I would have to disengage it from the detector to dig my finds. But,,, it sure looks like it would make the hunt a lot nicer when the arm starts getting numb. Do you have a link to buy one?

Roy

Here ya go! Detecting Buddy The Best Swing Support System for Any Metal Detector | eBay

 

[christo000]

All I can say is WOW! Of course it was storming this evening, so I couldn't take it out for a test spin. I've changed the coils from the 5X8 to the 8.5X11 and back again,and I can't tell any difference in the machines weight,while swinging it with either one on it! This is gonna be great for those long hunts in big areas! It just feels like the ATP is floating above the surface,amazing!

I see u got urs in i told ya they were great its basicaly a 1 finger operation ti swing the detector I think it does make the difference on where u put the lanyard on it to b comfortable for u to swing & dig

 

[rks1949]

I see u got urs in i told ya they were great its basicaly a 1 finger operation ti swing the detector I think it does make the difference on where u put the lanyard on it to b comfortable for u to swing & dig

Yeah,I just got back from my "test run" and found a few things. Pros: 1 the MD is virtually weightless. 2 Your swing passes all are a lot closer to the same height. 3 the swing is smooth,as your not using any muscles to hold it at a certain height. Cons: My pad (top) keeps sliding down the lanyard,from my sholder. A spot of super glue,or a couple of stiches would fix this. 2 The snap has a long slot on it's end. I used 2 tie wraps to keep it centered. 3 the bunge has to be rotated to the left,(if you right handed) so the ATP will set level,while hanging from the lanyard. Over all I give it 4 outta 5 stars! It is light,easy to install or remove,and carry with you. There is a learning curve,on getting used to letting the ATP just hang on the lanyard,if you are standing and using your shovel (Sampson) to cut the plugs. If you are down on your knees,it just sits on the ground waiting for you to rise up again. It is a strange feeling having the detector "float" from side to side without you holding any weight,but I think I'm gonna get used to it!

 

[christo000]

Yeah,I just got back from my "test run" and found a few things. Pros: 1 the MD is virtually weightless. 2 Your swing passes all are a lot closer to the same height. 3 the swing is smooth,as your not using any muscles to hold it at a certain height. Cons: My pad (top) keeps sliding down the lanyard,from my sholder. A spot of super glue,or a couple of stiches would fix this. 2 The snap has a long slot on it's end. I used 2 tie wraps to keep it centered. 3 the bunge has to be rotated to the left,(if you right handed) so the ATP will set level,while hanging from the lanyard. Over all I give it 4 outta 5 stars! It is light,easy to install or remove,and carry with you. There is a learning curve,on getting used to letting the ATP just hang on the lanyard,if you are standing and using your shovel (Sampson) to cut the plugs. If you are down on your knees,it just sits on the ground waiting for you to rise up again. It is a strange feeling having the detector "float" from side to side without you holding any weight,but I think I'm gonna get used to it!

Haha, ya it is kinda tricky at first feeling kinda like it still somehow may fall etc ull get used to it quick though, makes Long hunts seem like 10 minute hunts best thing I think, not alot of straps not hard to use weightless & very cheap compared to other models out there 69.99 & up it was the best $25, I spent lol

 

[rks1949]

Haha, ya it is kinda tricky at first feeling kinda like it still somehow may fall etc ull get used to it quick though, makes Long hunts seem like 10 minute hunts best thing I think, not alot of straps not hard to use weightless & very cheap compared to other models out there 69.99 & up it was the best $25, I spent lol

Yeah,for the price,I don't think you could go out and buy the components to make it yourself.

 

[rks1949]

I found that I needed to move the bunge cord in front of the control box on the ATP. This really gives it a nice balanced feeling,and it will hang in the operating position,when you let it go!

 

[christo000]

Thats I beleive where i used it to on that detector & right under the screen on the v3i

 

[rks1949]

Yup! Balances like a charm in this position,with either coil. It's still hard to get used to not feeling the weight of the machine!

 

[extreme detecting]

Hi - glad you like the Detecting Buddy.

I designed it to be simple, easy to use and cost effective.

Yes - there are a few "this and that's" for each individual user and machine..you can't get it 100% for everybody - but it's nice to see you can do what you want to make it perfect for you and your detector..

Available from us, the manufacturer at: The Original Detecting Buddy

 

[BryanM362]

Gosh, never heard of a "detecting buddy" until you mentioned it rks. I am probably not the ony one so I included a picture.

Thanks! Had no idea what it was either

 

[NW Digger]

Very nice! Looks like I might have to try one for my GTI 2500 (nicknamed the tank) that sucker gets heavy after awhile

 

[JRMan]

All I can say is WOW! Of course it was storming this evening, so I couldn't take it out for a test spin. I've changed the coils from the 5X8 to the 8.5X11 and back again,and I can't tell any difference in the machines weight,while swinging it with either one on it! This is gonna be great for those long hunts in big areas! It just feels like the ATP is floating above the surface,amazing!

rks1949.. you need to stop buying all these cool add-ons! You are forcing me to buy each and everyone of them.. LOL

 

[rks1949]

rks1949.. you need to stop buying all these cool add-ons! You are forcing me to buy each and everyone of them.. LOL

LOL! I'll tell ya,every one of them, has made using the ATP better,and easier to use. I think that's about it though,wait a minute! I thought I seen a straight shaft kit for it somewhere!LOL!