First and only full year KT MDed, using a cheap $90 BH Tracker IV detector, KT hunted only Totlots and banked a bit over $700 in clad, so yes it can be done!
Anyone Pay for their detectors?
- Thread starter JAC
- Start date
OldNBroken
Elite Member
My 3030 only cost me a quarter...a 1927s to be exact. Found in a friend's front yard.
I've found much more along with that but that was the most memorable early on. Anymore the hunts are getting less and the finds are definitely diminishing. This hobby is definitely not about the money but an occasion like that goes a long way in justifying it to the boss
I've found much more along with that but that was the most memorable early on. Anymore the hunts are getting less and the finds are definitely diminishing. This hobby is definitely not about the money but an occasion like that goes a long way in justifying it to the boss
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Cool find. I think we established at the start of this post that the hobby is "not about the money", but it sure doesn't hurt to pay for your gear, gas...etc with your find. Good luck in more finds! Some folks here have paid for numerous detectors with their finds. Me?...nah..probably never happen.
1willi4
Senior Member
I bought my first detector in 2000. A Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. (I think that’s what the model was). The first week I had it I found a men’s gold nugget ring. Sold the ring as gold scrap for exactly what I paid for the detector.
It’s not about the money but what are we looking for? Money. Also, the first year I had that detector the clad I found paid for a week long condo rental on the beach in St Augustine.
A great thing about this hobby is that after you have your detector and gear it’s generally free to do. Aside from gas, lunch and Gatorade.
For the longest time I had detectors that ran off 9v batteries and the clad I found kept me in 9v batteries.
Great hobby.
It’s not about the money but what are we looking for? Money. Also, the first year I had that detector the clad I found paid for a week long condo rental on the beach in St Augustine.
A great thing about this hobby is that after you have your detector and gear it’s generally free to do. Aside from gas, lunch and Gatorade.
For the longest time I had detectors that ran off 9v batteries and the clad I found kept me in 9v batteries.
Great hobby.
I never thought about paying for my time, I did it for fun!
Martin_V3i
Elite Member
Plus the vehicle drive expenses getting somewhere, to find a silver dime as the prize of the day. You gotta love the solitude of this hobby to keep going.
DeepBeep
Junior Member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2020
- Messages
- 36
exactly.
too_pointer
Elite Member
I figure if it gives you pleasure, that is enough. It is enjoyable with a friend also. I know if I even find 1 silver, I am happy. I have never owned an expensive detector, always paid up front for them. Good post !
too_
A two sided coin for me. I repaired Minelab Excaliburs for several years so with the extra parts..... enough to have 6 working machines at almost no cost. And as far as Gold and Silver I've been very Blessed in having some of the best adventures anyone could ask for..
As far as the 2 Other machines I did purchase (AQ PI's) I think they are close to, if not covered the purchase price with 36 gold.
The biggest benefits I can see is health, mentally and physically. And there is no yearly membership to pay for the gym and trainer.
So i do believe in the saying "The Hobby that pays for itself".
As far as the 2 Other machines I did purchase (AQ PI's) I think they are close to, if not covered the purchase price with 36 gold.
The biggest benefits I can see is health, mentally and physically. And there is no yearly membership to pay for the gym and trainer.
So i do believe in the saying "The Hobby that pays for itself".
SirDigsALOT!
Full Member
I cashed in my $410.00 in clad I found to buy the Legend Pro pack. So wasn't free, but only really spent 280 bucks on it.
CalReg
Forum Supporter
I have found enough to pay for two of my detectors. Now I'm working on paying off the third one! Even if I hadn't found much, the thrill of swinging my coil and getting outside is more than enough for me!
60streeter
Senior Member
I could buy at least five more brand new D2s with the finds she has made... so far.....
JCinCNJ
New Member
My White's XLT paid for itself several times over before passing away. Still have a way to go on the Minelab NOX 800. I'll get there.
diggin4clad
Elite Member
Newbies generally ask if finds will pay for their detectors. Anyone who detects for a while and knows what they're doing will find enough silver, gold, and yes... even clad... to "pay" for their detector or detectors, me included. But if you're only thinking of detecting in monetary terms you have to add in batteries, accessories, and gas money into the "cost" equation.
In my way of thinking a detector starts paying for itself the first time you get out and use it because of the fun, exercise, spirit of adventure, and enjoyment it brings you. Nobody asks if fishing equipment, golf clubs, or hunting equipment pay for themselves.
In my way of thinking a detector starts paying for itself the first time you get out and use it because of the fun, exercise, spirit of adventure, and enjoyment it brings you. Nobody asks if fishing equipment, golf clubs, or hunting equipment pay for themselves.
Digging Prayers
Forum Supporter
You know, to me it's just fun. The other hobby I have is shooting PCP air rifles. That is all about fun and no recouping of your cost ever.
If your lucky, you can break even on buying and selling your airguns.
Every time you pull the trigger, you send lead down range. You're literally shooting money out the end of a barrel when you think of the cost of pellets and pressure rechargeing systems.
I like the fact that this hobby, instead of throwing money down, I'm picking it up. Seems like a better hobby to me now.
Don't get me wrong, my airguns ain't going no where. I hunt with them. I just thinned the air rifle heard and sold a couple to make room for the Nokta Legend and initial setup cost of the hobby.
Now, I can shoot game and shoot coins and jewelry also.
If your lucky, you can break even on buying and selling your airguns.
Every time you pull the trigger, you send lead down range. You're literally shooting money out the end of a barrel when you think of the cost of pellets and pressure rechargeing systems.
I like the fact that this hobby, instead of throwing money down, I'm picking it up. Seems like a better hobby to me now.
Don't get me wrong, my airguns ain't going no where. I hunt with them. I just thinned the air rifle heard and sold a couple to make room for the Nokta Legend and initial setup cost of the hobby.
Now, I can shoot game and shoot coins and jewelry also.
Cherry Picker
Forum Supporter
I've always been intrigued by air rifles & pistols. What is your highest muzzle velocity rifle?
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