Water Detector Advise!! ATPro?

[Ace350]

Originally Posted by Parkdude

Thats a very dumb idea. To invest 2-3 grand in something that has never been proved as of yet....is well, foolish.

Minelab can claim that this is the ultimate treasure detector and all, but thats what Garret said about the 1st gen of AT Pros and they had MAJOR problems. Nobody wants to have their new purchase repaired and wait time to get it back and all. Save the money and buy yourself something thats proven.

Sonoman, you might also consider the ETRAC which is the standard to which all others are compared. The AT Pro is good, but the ETRAC offers much,much better target id.

As I said in the first sentence of my post, he said that money wasn't a problem. He said he was interested in the AT Pro. You even said yourself that the Minelab ETRAC was " the standard to which all others are compared".
The new CTX 3030 coming out should be at least as good as the ETRAC with even more features that also include the ability to go 10ft. underwater just like the AT Pro. Which I would think is one of the main features he is looking for. It would seem to me this model might be the best of both worlds and that is why I suggested it. I also mentioned to wait a little bit then see what people on the forums who bought one have to say. You know that within a week of it's release there will be side by side comparisons of the new CTX3030 and the AT Pro on YouTube because they both are all around detectors that also go underwater. I'm sure they will also compare it to the all mighty ETRAC.

Were there any problems with the Minelab ETRAC when it was first released? You are referring to first release problems that Garrett had and not Minelab.

So what I'm saying is if he can wait about a month, he can make a resonable decision on which is the best detector for him.
If he can't wait, then go out, spend $600-700 and get the AT Pro.

Although he may in a month or two have buyers remorse and wish he would have waited. Then he can either become an amateur metal detector collector or have to deal with taking a loss and the hassels of trying to sell it.

To me, there's nothing worse than to buy something you thought was suited for your needs or is the best compromise for your needs and only to find out a week later there is a much better item that suits your needs far better. (hence, Buyers Remorse)

It's true that you always take a chance on a brand new model of anything, but those who take chances using reasonable caution, usually reap bigger rewards!

[PKD]

Originally Posted by Ace350

As I said in the first sentence of my post, he said that money wasn't a problem. He said he was interested in the AT Pro. You even said yourself that the Minelab ETRAC was " the standard to which all others are compared".
The new CTX 3030 coming out should be at least as good as the ETRAC with even more features that also include the ability to go 10ft. underwater just like the AT Pro. Which I would think is one of the main features he is looking for. It would seem to me this model might be the best of both worlds and that is why I suggested it. I also mentioned to wait a little bit then see what people on the forums who bought one have to say. You know that within a week of it's release there will be side by side comparisons of the new CTX3030 and the AT Pro on YouTube because they both are all around detectors that also go underwater. I'm sure they will also compare it to the all mighty ETRAC.

Were there any problems with the Minelab ETRAC when it was first released? You are referring to first release problems that Garrett had and not Minelab.

So what I'm saying is if he can wait about a month, he can make a resonable decision on which is the best detector for him.
If he can't wait, then go out, spend $600-700 and get the AT Pro.

Although he may in a month or two have buyers remorse and wish he would have waited. Then he can either become an amateur metal detector collector or have to deal with taking a loss and the hassels of trying to sell it.

To me, there's nothing worse than to buy something you thought was suited for your needs or is the best compromise for your needs and only to find out a week later there is a much better item that suits your needs far better. (hence, Buyers Remorse)

It's true that you always take a chance on a brand new model of anything, but those who take chances using reasonable caution, usually reap bigger rewards!

Heck, you don't even have an AT Pro, and you can't really chime in on this conversation, as you have no experience with either the Minelab or the Pro. AT least I've owned a Pro.

I did say the ETRAC is a standard to which others are compared, knowing you would use it against me. Just because the Garretts had problems at first, doesn't mean that the Minelabs won't either.......thats a false assumption and you know it. Nobody wants to risk $2K+ on a detector that has no reviews, no large amount of field testing, and totally new technology. If this was a 2nd gen ETRAC or something else, it might be different. But its completely new. Since it can only go to 10 ft underwater, there will probably be leakage problems at first.

You seem to be offering advice on something that doesn't affect you and that you can't rightly offer good advice on. Its NOT your money thats being risked. Its nice to know you would risk thousands like a fool, but thats not important.

Anyways, it doesn't make a diffence. Nobody is going to follow your advice as it is

[sonoman06]

Im not into the pissin contest. I just want to hear about the good and bad quities of different detectors, not the qualities of the people that use said detectors.
Thank you for your passion though.

[dogpound]

do ya plan on hittin any beaches or will it be fresh water only?

[Lineweed]

you may want to try the CZ20/21 too. 3 tones, built like a tank. problem is i HEARD it likes iron. if you are looking for relics that's what u are going for though.

[sonoman06]

Thanks for all of your advise. I detected in my creek today. Found one merc and four wheats, but the whole time I was worried about my MXT, because the loop was repaired by a buddy of mine and Im afraid to submerse it very far under water.
Thanks again.

[hydroman]

Originally Posted by Parkdude

Heck, you don't even have an AT Pro, and you can't really chime in on this conversation, as you have no experience with either the Minelab or the Pro. AT least I've owned a Pro.

I did say the ETRAC is a standard to which others are compared, knowing you would use it against me. Just because the Garretts had problems at first, doesn't mean that the Minelabs won't either.......thats a false assumption and you know it. Nobody wants to risk $2K+ on a detector that has no reviews, no large amount of field testing, and totally new technology. If this was a 2nd gen ETRAC or something else, it might be different. But its completely new. Since it can only go to 10 ft underwater, there will probably be leakage problems at first.

You seem to be offering advice on something that doesn't affect you and that you can't rightly offer good advice on. Its NOT your money thats being risked. Its nice to know you would risk thousands like a fool, but thats not important.

Anyways, it doesn't make a diffence. Nobody is going to follow your advice as it is

Oh no its a forum thread bully. Let's not have an opinion lest we be made feel worthless and stupid by Parkdude. I wasn't on the most part, happy with my AT Pro. I will miss its waterproof attributes. I only water hunt with the control box detached and under my shoulder until I can get another underwater detector.

[PKD]

Originally Posted by hydroman

Oh no its a forum thread bully. Let's not have an opinion lest we be made feel worthless and stupid by Parkdude. I wasn't on the most part, happy with my AT Pro. I will miss its waterproof attributes. I only water hunt with the control box detached and under my shoulder until I can get another underwater detector.

Do you ever shut up? I mean, can't you just accept it that people like me don't like it when haters give !!!! advice? I mean, for goodness sakes, I'm trying to help the OP and Ace350 and you have to go on a flame war.

Your post hydroman, is useless. Unlike Ace350s which at least argued a point, you're not just bashing a member for no good reason.

Please shut up hydroman and move on.

[WildDigger]

At Pro is a great machine. It is awesome in fresh water. The only 2 detctors I think that can beat it for all around is the At Gold and the new Minelab CTX 3030.

[KingTotsalot]

Don't forget to get the blue Waterproof Headphones Garrett makes for the ATPro! Then you can even stick yer head underwater to see what is goin on there!

[Irons]

My AT Pro is going to spend the entire summer underwater. So far it likes it!

I'll admit the first time I dunked it all the way under I was nervous and half expecting it to beep its last but I don't think it even noticed.

[sonoman06]

Originally Posted by dogpound

do ya plan on hittin any beaches or will it be fresh water only?

No not really beaches, but I may wat to, I do go there a few times a year.......and a guy did find two massive gold bars there...and a gold chain 15' long...yeah, maybe beaches.
Also, fresh water creeks more than anything.

[kelpike]

Congratulations sonoman06, there is some slinging going on and your not in the middle of it, ha. . It should tell you something about the AT Pro that everyone loves to compare it to the highest priced machines. I love my AT and don't even feel the need to try any of these higher priced machines. Just reading through the manual before I received my AT helped with understanding how it would run. It is a very easy machine to run right out of the box. I took my AT in the water for the first time this past Saturday at a local swimming pond. I did not submerge it past the control unit because I still have my cordless headphone transmitter hooked to it and I was really there just to learn the ins and outs of using my new beach scoop. It was really neat to hunt in the water. I plan on getting in the water as much as possible this summer. It was nice to know that I didn't have to worry about kids splashing or boat waves hitting my machine. They only had issues with the first batch out. If you buy one with the camlocks you don't have to worry. And I read the machine works awesome in the saltwater if you ground balance and set your sens right.

[Dark Chameleon]

Originally Posted by sonoman06

Right, Im gettin in the water soon for sure. Its time to " Step it up!!" I know Im gonna crush it at these spots!!!

OK, i own the AT Pro and its great, i dont worry about the getting wet at all, got a sand scoop and am just waiting for the water to heat up a little more and then its shorts and scoop and beach shoes....now my sugestion would be to go look for someone near you to go hunting with and make sure they have an at pro and go ion the water with it...check it out before you drop $500 finding out for yourself.

It is a good machine and id recommend it but i was so close between the f75, the mxt and the at pro/gold and if i could have spent the day with each one id have known exactly if it were for me....i know of id had a hunt buddy with an mxt or f75 it might have swayed me, and if money was no problem if get the kellyco stuff with the cheap water detector to go with it....save 50% and get a nice new at pro you can use or sell and keep the freebie.

If i were closer to you id lend you mine for the day and see what you think

[Dark Chameleon]

Originally Posted by SconiHunter84

unfortunately there isn't a backlit display on the AT Pro. Generally most of the water hunting is done in clear water and during the day...otherwise, the tones are what you'll listen for too. Once you learn them you'll know what it is even before you look at the vdi numbers.

If your using the smaller coil you wont need the vdi and the sand scoops are large enough to cover your not being able to exactly find the spot...when your digging close by its going to be dusty under the water anyways so sounds is always going to be it if the control box goes under the water, i dont know the limit of the ear phones to the water, if the leads good upto the actual ear phones, if thats the case the only worry then is having a shoulder holder to stop the whole thing being taken off your shoulder and hitting the water.

Shame the companies arnt offerring the water selections of scoop, waterproof headphones and at pro, id have bought that one, especially if theyd had the smaller coil there too

[Dark Chameleon]

Originally Posted by Aquachigger

Need lessons? Your spot, my experience! Seriously though, the AT Pro or AT Gold are THE machine's to use for fresh water relic hunting in the rivers. I don't know how they act in salt though. I have used them in brackish without problem.

On youtube someone has posted a video of their settings for using the at pro on wet sand and i think in salt water....its not going to be as good as a specialist salt water detector but then those arnt going to be as good as an at pro on land

[AceGVSU11]

I spoke personally with one of the best water/minelab users around and he has been testing the ctx for minelab for a while and guarantees it is worth every cent! Like I said in another post.... It's an etrac plus excal on steroids with a shot of viagra! So pony on up..

[Gonehunting]

Originally Posted by sonoman06

Yes. I use the tone on my MXT more than anything. I dig everything!

if you are comfortable with tones you have several options,
2 being the lifetime warrantied Tesoro's I have one friend that is deadly with his on the fresh water lake for jewelry, 2 is the Minelabe Excalibur I had one and it was a really good detector, I liked being able to take the control and battery unit off and sling it on your waist, 3rd AT Pro and Gold they both are good the Gold has a threshold which is just my preference, 4 is the Fisher underwater detectors.. ( i have no experience with the fisher's)....

[sonoman06]

Originally Posted by kelpike

Congratulations sonoman06, there is some slinging going on and your not in the middle of it, ha. . It should tell you something about the AT Pro that everyone loves to compare it to the highest priced machines. I love my AT and don't even feel the need to try any of these higher priced machines. Just reading through the manual before I received my AT helped with understanding how it would run. It is a very easy machine to run right out of the box. I took my AT in the water for the first time this past Saturday at a local swimming pond. I did not submerge it past the control unit because I still have my cordless headphone transmitter hooked to it and I was really there just to learn the ins and outs of using my new beach scoop. It was really neat to hunt in the water. I plan on getting in the water as much as possible this summer. It was nice to know that I didn't have to worry about kids splashing or boat waves hitting my machine. They only had issues with the first batch out. If you buy one with the camlocks you don't have to worry. And I read the machine works awesome in the saltwater if you ground balance and set your sens right.

Yeah, imagine that!? Well, that's because there's no big bad bullies around right now to pick on lul ol Sonoman06. Thanks for the help everyone!

[Twinkies]

I also like reading these suggestions from AT Pro users as I am considering adding this to my stable of machines.

I only hunter freshwater beaches here in Indiana so it sounds like this would make a great additions. I currently use a Tesoro Tiger Shark in the water here and it does really well so not 100% sure the upgrade would be worth it but I wouldnt mind a new machine