Detector cons

[diggin4clad]

Love my AT Pro, only wish it had a selectable back light for the display for hunting after dark.

The AT Max has a backlight.

 

[LovestheShiny!]

Yep, D4C, but I've seen the Max in operation and will stick to my AT Pro. My backup machine is actually the Vanquish 440, bought it for my wife to use as it is simple and light, yet does a good job.

 

[RgnFn]

I have a couple of hundred hours now on my Apex, and I do like it a lot (it doesn't seem to get the respect that I think it deserves). One possible shortcoming is that it is rainproof but not waterproof. Also, while it's very good at identifying modern ferrous items, it does tend to give me higher tones/VDIs on larger rusted old iron like horseshoes where the iron has leached into the soil. After some practice, I am able to determine that it's not a silver quarter but something largish, but I wind up digging them anyway because my curiosity gets the best of me (after all what if it's some old coins hidden in a tobacco tin?). Alas, it fools me every time.

Recently I got tired of waiting for Garrett's next offering, and I succumbed to all the hype about the latest hot machines, and got a D2. So far I've only a few hours on it and have a lot to learn. It's like going from a regular bicycle to a ten-speed. Lots of interesting aspects to tweak, but so far, I'm not finding/identifying anything that the Apex couldn't see/identify (I'm fairly certain that the D2 will outperform the Apex once I've mastered it). But given my D2 experience so far, I would say that any son-of-Apex could benefit from more sound options. I do like the Apex's 5-tones, but the D2 provides multiple sound options, some of which are better than others in different situations. BTW, I have run into the rusted-old-iron problem with the D2 as well, so it's probably a problem common to many machines, but the D2 provides some more tools to figure out what it is (I do like the 2-D screen on it, just wish that it was easier to get to).

Bottom line for newbies is: I think the Apex is a fantastic machine for beginners and those who would want a turn-on-and-go machine. Just don't dunk it in water.

 

[hoser]

One possible shortcoming is that it is rainproof but not waterproof.

You know I'm good with that. Waterproof machines are AT's and ones that are rain resistant are ED's or everyday machines, or detectors that can take being used in the rain with little risk of water damage. For the most part I think most, if not all of today's units are rain resistant. And that is the way they should be. There have been many times I had my detector wrapped in plastic so I could hunt in the rain. Those years of knobs and toggle switches were the times you couldn't get your detector wet.

 

[atomicbrh]

I could probably come up with at least a half dozen cons for every detector I've owned, but I'll limit it to the first couple that come to mind.

ATPro: Dated control housing design, no iron volume.

F75: Chatterbox.

V3i: Overly complicated menu.

Etrac: Heavy, screen glare issues, slow recovery.

CTX 3030: Heavy, slow recovery.

Simplex (early unit): Lower shaft too flimsy, not a fan of the audio.

Equinox 800: Build quality.

Manticore: Too many moving parts on the shaft. Should have been keyed.

Deus 1: Up-averaging issues, unsteady ID.

Deus 2: Awkward rear mounted coil, tiny useless stand, charging method needs improvement (all apply to the D1 as well).

Not going to include all the older detectors I've owned, as they're no longer relevant.

This sums up metal detectors in a nutshell.

 

[Coin-Saver]

I hate how poorly my Minelab Equinox pin points.
I hate the tremendous glare on the screen of my Rutus Atrex.
I hate that when I'm in Di3 mode on my Nokta Impact I have no indication of target depth unless I pinpoint.

However, I love how the strengths of these machines compliment each other so well. Together, with various coil types and sizes, they make a great tool kit for land detecting.pin

I hate how poorly my Minelab Equinox pin points.
I hate the tremendous glare on the screen of my Rutus Atrex.
I hate that when I'm in Di3 mode on my Nokta Impact I have no indication of target depth unless I pinpoint.

However, I love how the strengths of these machines compliment each other so well. Together, with various coil types and sizes, they make a great tool kit for land detecting.

Pin points poorly in what way?

 

[Coin-Saver]

My only complaint about the Equinox 800 at this point is the handle is not very ergonomic. It bothers my wrist after awhile. I am in the process of coming up with an idea to solve that though. The iron false used to piss me off but then once I learned to tighten the pin point that made it easier.

 

[Cherry Picker]

I can say the one thing on my Deus I don't like is the hard to see screen. When I'm hunting tot lots, which is 90% of my hunting, I take the remote off and at that point, I can't think of a thing I don't like. Well, the cost for coils.

 

[too_pointer]

Love my AT Pro, only wish it had a selectable back light for the display for hunting after dark.

You have a backlight for your AT Pro, mine doesn't have any back light I know of ( wish,)? my Minelabs, had a backlight, not adjustable, unless something I didn't know. ?
too_

 

[LovestheShiny!]

@ too_pointer - no, the AT Pro does not have a back light, that is why I wish I did.

 

[markinmichigan]

You are correct, there is no backlight on the ATPro. Or beer holder.

Mark in Michigan

 

[hoser]

Funny! My AtPro has a beer holder. SeaBees Can Do!

 

[Dave_e]

Pin points poorly in what way?

It pin point more inaccurately than any machine I've ever owned.

 

[618]

O.k, here goes, the reason why my detector is perfect is, I am brand new to detecting. I haven't used my brand new detector yet, that's why it's perfect. Give me a chance to catch up and hate something.

 

[Beachhunt1]

I hate how poorly my Minelab Equinox pin points.

Hi Dave

Yes the "pinpoint" mode on the Equinox 6-800, stinks. However I recover all my targets with the Horseshoe mode on. You should be hunting in this mode anyway. If you have questions PM me.....

Dave......

 

[KOB]

I wish my detector had a wireless feature that would scramble , disable and crash any Gopro within a 100' radius of me. Permanently. Gets old seeing these clown acts trying to make a name for themselves. Unwittingly calling in the cavalry and ruining spots forever.

 

[stetam]

Hi Dave

Yes the "pinpoint" mode on the Equinox 6-800, stinks. However I recover all my targets with the Horseshoe mode on. You should be hunting in this mode anyway. If you have questions PM me.....

Dave......

I think Nox 600-800 pinpoint rather well. Do a cross and it's usually right on.

Steve

 

[Coin-Saver]

I actually thought the same thing until I learned how to use the pinpoint on the 800. BTW it will definitely pin point bad on iron. but then iron is not hard to tell.

 

[Beachhunt1]

I think Nox 600-800 pinpoint rather well. Do a cross and it's usually right on.

Steve

Does not work well in salt and saltwater contact. Very unstable. A huge waste of time switching modes. If you happen to be digging Iron [by mistake] no off-set of target location. Stay in Horseshoe and go!!!

 

[60streeter]

Ok we all have detectors and for the most part they are awesome...........if someone asks. In reality there is something we don't like, or care for in each and every one of the machines we own. And forgive me in advance, but if you say your machine is absolutely perfect, I fear I will have to say you are lying. I have had numerous detectors and not one of them have come under the category of being PERFECT! I have a Minelab E-Trac and it is the closest to the perfect side I have ever had. However, it is not! It is a great machine for finding coins, jewelry, and non-ferrous artifacts. But it is a heavy machine. After a couple hours it is like swinging a manhole cover on a broomstick. Now if the machine you have is perfect, good on you, congrats. I don't want to know how good your detector is, I want to know what bugs you, or what you don't like about the detector YOU DO HAVE. I will start. As I said my unit is heavy. The display needs to be adjustable, or have a sun shield as on a sunny day it's hard to see. Other than that, I like the "E" a lot. Tell me your gripes.

I swing th D2 with the 9" coil and keep the controller in my pouch. My only gripe is on me, and interpreting the tones. truly an incredible machine. I feel this machines potential will only be realized by a handful who have the time to interact with it daily, and truly sync with the machine