NC MASS semi-Newbie with New Gear

[douggo]

Hey folks!

I say "semi-newbie' because my bell avatar is my best find, and with a no-name 59.00 machine that died first time I got caught in the rain. That was some years ago, and that machine was my second sub-$100 'toy'. I have less than two years experience, total.

I did get to go on one group hunt years ago with a large bunch of folks all toting high-end gear compared to my stuff at the time. Learned a lot that day - like, "ya get what ya pay for" and other priceless lessons. Code of Ethics was heavily enforced, those folks did it right. I got to try some great gear that day too, really nice people. But I was far too sticker-shocked to consider paying the kind of cash necessary to get the performance I would want (and expect!) So I let it slide on and did other things.

So I figure that I am not a *total* newbie, (imho).
Fast-forward about ten years and here we are.

Set my sights high this time, had a specific pricepoint in mind, and wanted some place I could walk into and see and hold different models. Didn't see a rule about 'plugs' for businesses, but won't mention the shop by name just in case.

Southboro MA, great people there. My first phone call to them was just under 30 minutes(!) Moe was great and with smart questioning found me what he felt was the ideal machine for me - and it was smack dab in the center of my narrow price range. Online research not only confirmed his advice but excited me as well. Reviews concurred - a great machine, and almost definitely the only 'perfect' machine for me and my plans.

(note that it was not one of the machines I had 'narrowed it down to' either, so I am very grateful for the excellent questions and advice.)

A visit quickly culminated in a purchase. I am now the proud owner of a Garret Master Hunter CX Plus with the Treasure Hound CX Depth Multiplier two-box addition. Bought the Koss noise-canceling headphones today, along with the weather cover for the Master Hunter display and the arm rest attachment.

By spring I will also have the the Garrett Pro-Pointer, the 4.5" Crossfire Search Coil, and the 10"x14" Pro-formance Power DD Search Coil. I will hit the Army/Navy before spring for a collapsible shovel/pick, a canteen or two and a backpack for all the gear, and away I go!

First stop come spring - to see a lifelong close friend, now owner of local property with numerous cache legends associated with it. Hopefully we find enough to buy him a machine - instant hunting buddy! And he is 'all in' as the card players say, so we can't wait to see if we find anything.

(And we roamed the same uncharted areas when in our youth and have a couple of hot leads in mind that we figure few people even know about.)

So, I have been researching, reading... and lurking on the board for a couple weeks now.
Figured it was time to say "hey". I have some questions, but will try to post them appropriately as opposed to here.

Thanks and Happy Hunting!

~douggo~

[Critter]

Hello douggo and welcome! Sounds like some seriously good leads. With all the planning & attention to detail you will have some successful hunting!

[Lowjiber]

Welcomc duggo to our friendly family. Glad you joined us.

Sounds like you have it all mapped out, which is an important part of this hobby.

[booker]

Welcome to the forum!

[SeabeeRon]

Good to have ya douggo!!

[utahblue]

Welcome to the friendliest forum!

[frog]

Welcome. I hope you enjoy the forum.

[Flapjack]

Welcome from Salem Ma.

[Islandjoe]

Welcome to the site. Aloha from Hawaii! Hope you enjoy all your hunts

BOB

[rascal]

Welcome from Florida, I loved your intro.

[Wildcat1750 (nyjrbethelct)]

Welcome, douggo in MA from Nick in CT!