Which detector for a newbie.

[Saltman911]

I was looking at the Simplex for starting out or the Garrett Apex. Which one do you think is the better to start out with or should I go with an ace 300 or 400?

 

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[pepperj]

I want something to grow with. I like the Simplex because it’s waterproof and has the vibration feature, so you can use it on the ground and in water. An easy beginner detector, but can be modified and tweaked to be an intermediate to advanced detector. Does that make sense?

I have a $350 credit with Home Depot and they carry Garrett, so which Garrett would you recommend?

Sorry I can't give you really any advice regarding that one.
Whites, Minelabs, Deus

 

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[Blackfoot58]

I use a 5 gal plastic bucket to carry tools and finds. A garden shovel (heavy duty) and a large, non-folding knife with a serrated spine for roots. I also keep a magnet at hand.

 

[Emil W]

If you want headphones, Garrett has one that works wirelessly with the Apex. It also links wirelessly to their wireless pinpointer, although the one that came with your detector may not be the wireless version so you'd need to check which you have.

The Viper 6X11 is a good coil and the narrow width makes it pretty easy to get into tight spots. I wouldn't bother with any other coils until you're very familiar with the one you already have and with your detector in general. It's easy to get caught up in adding accessories but it's always best to master the machine before going crazy with added options.

As far as utilizing the power of a cell phone, I don't see it as being necessary at all. I don't think there'd be any advantage. The technologies in today's detectors are more sophisticated then you seem to believe. After you've mastered your Apex, if you want a more capable machine, there are plenty available depending on your budget and, perhaps more importantly, how much time you want to invest in the learning curve that comes with detectors with advanced features. Any of these advanced machines can do whatever you're imagining linking to a smartphone would do.

If/when you want a more advanced detector, with more capabilities, let us know. There's no shortage of opinions on that subject on these forums.

 

[Saltman911]

If you want headphones, Garrett has one that works wirelessly with the Apex. It also links wirelessly to their wireless pinpointer, although the one that came with your detector may not be the wireless version so you'd need to check which you have.

The Viper 6X11 is a good coil and the narrow width makes it pretty easy to get into tight spots. I wouldn't bother with any other coils until you're very familiar with the one you already have and with your detector in general. It's easy to get caught up in adding accessories but it's always best to master the machine before going crazy with added options.

As far as utilizing the power of a cell phone, I don't see it as being necessary at all. I don't think there'd be any advantage. The technologies in today's detectors are more sophisticated then you seem to believe. After you've mastered your Apex, if you want a more capable machine, there are plenty available depending on your budget and, perhaps more importantly, how much time you want to invest in the learning curve that comes with detectors with advanced features. Any of these advanced machines can do whatever you're imagining linking to a smartphone would do.

If/when you want a more advanced detector, with more capabilities, let us know. There's no shortage of opinions on that subject on these forums.

It’s not that I question the power. It’s a question the capability for more when you have $1000 computer in your hand. The computing power of your phone I’m guessing is seriously more advanced than the metal detector. For a program to be linked to the detector that shows imaging from the different sensors, and the coil would definitely show an image in the ground. Maybe I’m just thinking too far advanced as I’m too much of a technology geek, lol

 

[Saltman911]

I started with a garden trowel, I now have a digger that I picked up, it looks like the Garret, Nokta etc... trowel with saw edges, it helps with roots. I also have an e-tool I use at the local farmers field and will likely get something with a longer handle as I am getting older and bending down isn't as easy as it once was. I like the headphones for noisy environments as it helps pick up those squeaky signals but they are not required. I haven't needed a strainer, yet.

Thanks for all the great input. What is an E tool?

 

[Boghog1]

Thanks for all the great input. What is an E tool?

army folding shovel

Entrenching tool - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[Saltman911]

I started with a garden trowel, I now have a digger that I picked up, it looks like the Garret, Nokta etc... trowel with saw edges, it helps with roots. I also have an e-tool I use at the local farmers field and will likely get something with a longer handle as I am getting older and bending down isn't as easy as it once was. I like the headphones for noisy environments as it helps pick up those squeaky signals but they are not required. I haven't needed a strainer, yet.

Which shovel do you use? Do you use a root assassin from like one of the big box stores or did you go with a metal detecting company like Garrett and their shovel?

 

[Emil W]

It’s not that I question the power. It’s a question the capability for more when you have $1000 computer in your hand. The computing power of your phone I’m guessing is seriously more advanced than the metal detector. For a program to be linked to the detector that shows imaging from the different sensors, and the coil would definitely show an image in the ground. Maybe I’m just thinking too far advanced as I’m too much of a technology geek, lol

Sorry, but you're misunderstanding what I posted. Your phone has no more capabilities from a hardware or software standpoint than a top-of-the-line detector. In terms of processing power through both hardware and software, high-end detectors easily handle the most advanced detecting technologies currently available--it's the technology that's holding back advances, not the available hardware. As more technologies are developed, which is not an easy task even for companies at the top of the field with decades of experience, any need for updated hardware and software are also developed. There are already completely wireless detectors, so even that has already been addressed.

Look at the XP ORX, Deus 1, and Deus 2, as the most obvious examples. All three of these XP detectors are completely wireless, meaning no cables at all between the control unit and coil, headphones, or pinpointer. The main difference between the three is the company intentionally limits the hardware and software available for the two lower-end models (none of these models are low-end, it's all relative).

The ORX is the basic model from the range, priced at about $600. It has less adjustability when compared to the Deus 1 and 2 in order to keep it at that price point. But if you want more adjustability and customization abilities, you can buy the Deus 1 for around $1,000. Or if you want top-of-the-line advances in both hardware and software, you can have the Deus 2 for under $1,500. Any advances not currently available for the Deus 2 is strictly a business decision to keep it within XP's target market, not because it can't be developed to handle additional technologies--the computing capabilities are already available to them.

But at this point, it's the technology itself that's progressing slowly, industry wide. It's a slow, steady growth, just like with computers and cell phones. When new technologies are developed for advanced detectors, the manufacturers keep up depending on their target audiences. A basic machine will never have the same technologies as a mid-range or advanced machine otherwise there'd never be a low-priced detector available to anyone--all detectors would be in the multi-thousand dollar price range and that just wouldn't be good for business.

It may be theoretically possible to use a cell phone linked directly to a coil (although this wouldn't work with the coils of most manufactures which require being wired to the control unit--XP is the exception) but what's the point? It has nothing to do with available resources in hardware or software.

 

[Boghog1]

Which shovel do you use? Do you use a root assassin from like one of the big box stores or did you go with a metal detecting company like Garrett and their shovel?

Listed on amazon as SE Prospector Dual Serrated Edge Digger Trowel. I bought mine from a local MD shop here in NH for a few dollars more than amazon

 

[Emil W]

I've been using this Garrett shovel for the past few years. It cut's easily through tangled roots and grasses. I also use a trowel almost identical to the one posted by Boghog1 but it's a different brand.

Garrett Razor Relic 36" T-Handle Shovel for Metal DetectingDefault Title

Garrett 36 inch Razor Relic Shovel (Product # 1664900) 36" total length with 9" digging blade. Comfortable T-handle and robust steel blade with cutting edge teeth to power through roots and tough soil. Includes Garrett carry sheath for blade protection. Weight: 61.6 oz./3.85 lbs

detectorwarehouse.com

You may be able to find the Garrett shovel cheaper on Amazon but I haven't looked. I don't remember where I bought mine.

 

[DigToChina]

When they say the Apex is water resistant, they mean if it rains you don’t have to run for the truck. Yes, the coil is water proof. That just means wet grass and a puddle won’t kill your machine so when you say waterlanes are open, be extremely cautious because you have a land unit.

Definitely use headphones. Saves battery power, good for noisy areas as Boghog says and is just less annoying for those around you. I have a Garrett ATP and once I switched to Z-Link, I wondered why it took so long 🤷🏻‍♂️ so consider those if you have a little extra coin.

Get a good digger. I have the Lesche digger. Good solid quality. If you’re going into parks, you want a hand digger unless you want people calling the cops.

For the bag, lots of options. I bought the Garrett bag as something for my kid. Ended up liking it better than what I had so kept it. Whatever you get, I highly recommend it zips shut and what I like about the bag I have is it has a separate zipped area for quality finds.

Good luck and read lots on this forum. As Pepperj said, there’s a ton of knowledge here and most are willing to share.

HH, Dig

 

[Emil W]

Just to clarify, the Apex coil is completely submersible. So you can submerge it in the surf, just avoid anything more than a light spray on the control unit and you'll be fine on the beach. Watch out for any unexpected waves and don't drop it or you'll be buying a new unit!

I have a cover for the control unit to keep the spray and light rain from doing damage. It's worth using for the beach.

Amazon product ASIN B09671GGY6

 

[DigToChina]

My final thought on this thread. You’ll quickly see that this is a hobby of “also”. You have the apex but it would be good if you “also” had x (whatever x is). In that vein, it would be good to also 😁 consider a coil cover. If you’re swinging right, you’ll scrap the heck out of the bottom of your coil. For a couple bucks on Amazon or eBay you can get a coil cover to take the abuse and protect half of what makes your unit work. The other half being the unit cover Emil recommended.

 

[Saltman911]

My final thought on this thread. You’ll quickly see that this is a hobby of “also”. You have the apex but it would be good if you “also” had x (whatever x is). In that vein, it would be good to also 😁 consider a coil cover. If you’re swinging right, you’ll scrap the heck out of the bottom of your coil. For a couple bucks on Amazon or eBay you can get a coil cover to take the abuse and protect half of what makes your unit work. The other half being the unit cover Emil recommended.

Good post! Because I was going to ask the same thing. It came with a coil cover and I was wondering if that impede the signal when using it? Should it be used? Is it only for when you store it? Inquiring minds want to know.

Also, here in Missouri, there’s a lot of clay where I live and I was looking at the Excalibur shovel. Is it sturdy enough for dense clay?

 

[pepperj]

Sorry, but you're misunderstanding what I posted. Your phone has no more capabilities from a hardware or software standpoint than a top-of-the-line detector. In terms of processing power through both hardware and software, high-end detectors easily handle the most advanced detecting technologies currently available--it's the technology that's holding back advances, not the available hardware. As more technologies are developed, which is not an easy task even for companies at the top of the field with decades of experience, any need for updated hardware and software are also developed. There are already completely wireless detectors, so even that has already been addressed.

Look at the XP ORX, Deus 1, and Deus 2, as the most obvious examples. All three of these XP detectors are completely wireless, meaning no cables at all between the control unit and coil, headphones, or pinpointer. The main difference between the three is the company intentionally limits the hardware and software available for the two lower-end models (none of these models are low-end, it's all relative).

The ORX is the basic model from the range, priced at about $600. It has less adjustability when compared to the Deus 1 and 2 in order to keep it at that price point. But if you want more adjustability and customization abilities, you can buy the Deus 1 for around $1,000. Or if you want top-of-the-line advances in both hardware and software, you can have the Deus 2 for under $1,500. Any advances not currently available for the Deus 2 is strictly a business decision to keep it within XP's target market, not because it can't be developed to handle additional technologies--the computing capabilities are already available to them.

But at this point, it's the technology itself that's progressing slowly, industry wide. It's a slow, steady growth, just like with computers and cell phones. When new technologies are developed for advanced detectors, the manufacturers keep up depending on their target audiences. A basic machine will never have the same technologies as a mid-range or advanced machine otherwise there'd never be a low-priced detector available to anyone--all detectors would be in the multi-thousand dollar price range and that just wouldn't be good for business.

It may be theoretically possible to use a cell phone linked directly to a coil (although this wouldn't work with the coils of most manufactures which require being wired to the control unit--XP is the exception) but what's the point? It has nothing to do with available resources in hardware or software.

There was a Deus offered up the other day on the forum for $600.

 

[Saltman911]

When they say the Apex is water resistant, they mean if it rains you don’t have to run for the truck. Yes, the coil is water proof. That just means wet grass and a puddle won’t kill your machine so when you say waterlanes are open, be extremely cautious because you have a land unit.

Definitely use headphones. Saves battery power, good for noisy areas as Boghog says and is just less annoying for those around you. I have a Garrett ATP and once I switched to Z-Link, I wondered why it took so long 🤷🏻‍♂️ so consider those if you have a little extra coin.

Get a good digger. I have the Lesche digger. Good solid quality. If you’re going into parks, you want a hand digger unless you want people calling the cops.

For the bag, lots of options. I bought the Garrett bag as something for my kid. Ended up liking it better than what I had so kept it. Whatever you get, I highly recommend it zips shut and what I like about the bag I have is it has a separate zipped area for quality finds.

Good luck and read lots on this forum. As Pepperj said, there’s a ton of knowledge here and most are willing to share.

HH, Dig

Does your Lesche digger tolerate very hard soil well? My soil here in Missouri is mostly clay and hard as a rock most of the year.

 

[Saltman911]

Does your Lesche digger tolerate very hard soil well? My soil here in Missouri is mostly clay and hard as a rock most of the year.

Per Garrett website, the viper coil is waterproof. What makes you say otherwise? Bad experience or are there more posts that say that they aren’t waterproof?

 

[Emil W]

The Viper coil is waterproof.

 

[49er12]

Probably minelab Xperia pro or simplex.

 

[DigToChina]

Does your Lesche digger tolerate very hard soil well? My soil here in Missouri is mostly clay and hard as a rock most of the year.

Per Garrett website, the viper coil is waterproof. What makes you say otherwise? Bad experience or are there more posts that say that they aren’t waterproof?

For the Lesche hand tool, maybe not great for clay. I’ll defer to someone from your area on what works best.

As Emil alludes too, the coil is waterproof but the electronics are only water resistant. That makes it primarily a land unit so if you decide to venture toward water, do it with caution in mind.