Culbles
Junior Member
I was recently told by a successful hunter to change my swing. Instead of the usual arc, he said use a figure 8 sweep. Any thoughts? This is the first time I have heard of using a figure 8.
I was recently told by a successful hunter to change my swing. Instead of the usual arc, he said use a figure 8 sweep. Any thoughts? This is the first time I have heard of using a figure 8.
Surprising "no consensus" but great thoughts. Pain or fatigue is not an issue as I can detect for hours with the conventional arc. Coverage/detection is the concern. I have experimented with the flattened figure 8 but it feels awkward. With the figure 8 it is harder to keep the coil level with the ground and covers less ground side to side. Seems to overlap front to back okay. Be interesting to see more input. TY
When I think of an arc type of swing I think of Tiger woods and his golf swing I see that frequently at the beach. They swing in an arc and the coil never gets closer than three inches of the sand and then only in the middle of the arc. You are obviously young as us old folks have to do everything we can to keep our shoulders and elbows from aching after a few hours of swinging.
The detectorist suggesting a figure 8 swing may have been referring to the very end of the swing where you reverse direction; a figure 8 at each end of the swing. [The figure 8 would not cross at the middle) I often do this in the surf, where at the end of my swing I do not simply stop and reverse course; but rather, do more of a loop motion and in this sense my coil never really comes to a complete stop at the end of my swing (as it would when simply stopping and reversing direction).
For perfect coverage I use the reverse, left twist, tartan plaid, tight flight swing. Complicated, yes, but once you master it, you'll never go back. It is time consuming however. Takes me about an hour and a half to move 3 feet. Why I've been hunting the same yard for 3 months now, almost finally got it covered.
Seriously, figure 8 , I feel disoriented just shifting from right hand to left. Keep that coil parallel to the ground, tight and overlap. If you're worried about coverage, work a defined area and hit the same area again from a different direction. You'd be surprised how just changing direction of attack will add to your finds.
Figure 8
You are right about the Tartan Plaid Pattern! That is tough to master! Especially on uneven surfaces even employing the modified Argyle format!
You should give the Herringbone Weave a go! Its not hitting targets at 90 degrees like the Tartan does, this plus the Hop Coil may indeed be a benefit in opening up old dirt to you! Its similar to Buttonholing, but has that little ice fish jigging variance...Or for complete 360 degree coverage, you may want to try the famous 360 degree Spirograph Spin technique....!
That Figure 8 sometimes works right at the boat on Muskies, but is not intended for real World full time work I dont think...
Mr Mud Puppy, what the heck is hopping the coil?