Monte, folk can dress it up any way they like, it's a fixed single frequency detector, same as hundreds of other detectors, but in a waterproof housing and at an entry level price.
And being fixed a fixed freq it lacks the sensitivity to certain targets that higher fregs offers, and it lacks the ground filtering in mineralized soil that multi freq offers.
Thats why i suggested he hold on and try the new multi freq from Minelab, as it also comes in at an entry level price which to now has been unheard of, yes it's not fully submersible but has a waterproof coil so can still be used underwater to a certain depth.
Here's a simple vid of the difference between 30khz and 15khz on a gold coin in tough dirt, you don't want to missing these type of targets, even with an entry level detector!
https://youtu.be/rYy-tCWFV14
[QUOT3E=Monte;3157477]I hate to say
"you're wrong" ... but I will anyway. The Simplex +, and the physical packaging and included adjustment features, ARE, or at least many of them, 'NEWER' technology. You state that it is
"very old technology" and much of that depends on a person's perspective of 'old' and 'very old.' To
ME, you're wrong. Often I agree with some of your posts, but not this time.
Before I take any6 detector, new, old or very old, out to various hunt sites, I evaluate them using several Test Scenarios' that I've been working with for a few decades. The 'Test Scenarios' and by 'Test Bed' give me a fair idea of what to expect from a detector and/or search coil when I do take them afield for a reality check.
Quite a few detectors,
referring to the newer or more modern variety, do not do all that well, especially when dealing with challenging tests involving one iron nail, four iron nails, as well as other things and a short stack of 5 silver halves on 1 silver Morgan dollar.
I also have 6 or 8 found targets in similar containers and hidden from view. I challenge myself as well as others I invite to evaluate a detector to try and audibly classify the targets, good-or-bad, and once they have a guess they can refer to any visual VDI response to try and confirm their guesses. A lot of newer devices once again don't seem to work all that great.
I have four 'very old' detectors on-hand, dating from the latter '60s to about '76, that I use in full-day seminars to show what we had, how they worked, and where we came from to get where we are today. Some things they can do surprise folks who are newer to the hobby and have
'modern' metal detectors.
In my personal detector line-up I have 'modern' detectors and some that you would think were 'very old' I guess. They are all single frequency or selectable multi-frequency, and they all serve their purpose quite well, and often match or better the performance some of my friends get out of their simultaneous multi-frequency detectors.
I do some casual Coin Hunting, but the majority of the sites I work are maddening to many who come along to experience dense iron contaminated relic hunting sites. I have proven superb performing devices I rely on.
With everything I have, I plan to have a Simplex+ in my Outfit soon because it is new, has some excellent features, it's waterproof for some beach hunting ,ad very affordable.
The $199 stripped-down Vanquish 340? I don't think so. The top-dollar $549? It seems a bit lacking to me. Interesting, I admit, but it's not in the "entry level" price category.
And if somebody wants to wait for it, they could spend their time trying to find the Ground Balance adjustment control. That's easily found on the Simplex+, which is submersible whereas the 540 Vanquish, costing double the money, isn't a waterproofed detector.
Burak joined the forum to get helpful information. I tried to share some without intimidating him, and mainly asked about his interest in the hobby, what type of detecting he planned on doing, and he shared other helpful info about him and what his plans are. I'm sure if he gets a good start, finds something inspiring, he might get more involved in this activity and, in time, be able to invest a little more to upgrade.
Monte[/QUOTE]