kac,

i do think you're right about folks running to the sound of the ice cream truck as it passes thru the neighborhood. New detectors typically generate interest and enthusiasm. I going to be rude and say that some folks can't think for themselves and just go along with whatever the crowd is doing. Some deserve more credit and are carefully watching those that hunt similar sites hoping for clues they can use in their own decision making.

As for my detectors - they are all paid for by me. No freebies from Minelab or Garrett or Nokta or Fisher for me. No free coils. No free anything. Money out of my own pocket. Thus, there is incentive for me to learn the detector the best I can.

I used to post outing reports more than i do now, describing my hunt experiences and thoughts, often feeling like I needed to 'defend' the capabilities of my SMF detectors here on Monte's site where more traditional SF detectorists typically gather. Lately, not so much. Seems those thoughts are threatening in some unknown fashion or perhaps untrue. I guess in todays world of over the top promotions at every turn, I get that.

I would not have posted about the Manticore except a few regulars asked me to as they knew i was going to pick one up this winter and they were hoping to know my opinions. They are positive so far, you saw my posts from a few weeks back. Not much since for me, I'm still waiting for Old Man Winter to release his grasp here in my area.

A few extra thoughts on my outings from a couple weeks ago with Andrew out at a spot of his. I was surprised actually at the depth we were finding targets in an area hunted hard with BIG coils for close to 30 years with the best equipment available in a very tough salt environment. My full sized round nose construction shovel is just a smidge under 12" from tip to the foot rest. Andrew and i were digging coins and jewelry well beyond that, using stock 11" coils. Not 13", Not 15", just the stock 11". That makes me raise my eyebrows. I don't know about your area, but here where I live this depth is notable.

So when i get on here (AHRPS) and take flak that SMF's make little to no difference in hunting, I laugh to myself. Really, i do. You've hunted for a long time and know when you come across a really difficult find that a 'regular' detector and detectorist would miss. It gets your attention. My 800 blew me away because right off the bat it was doing this on a regular basis. I tried to portray that in my outing posts and it was boo-hoo'd as nothing special, any old detector in the hands of any old detectorists would have done it. Well, I don't think so, or i wouldn't have mentioned it, but, what to do? Well, nothing. I've shared my thoughts and I'll leave them at that. Some folks will take note. Others seem to think I don't know my head from a hole in the ground or perhaps I have something to personally gain from exaggerating. My take, Folks need to make their own decisions. Perhaps I'd be better off keeping quiet and not posting finds that might persuade others to become more competitive.

For the future, I'll have a look at new things as they come down the road. I'll continue to try and look past the bright lights, glitter, clever advertisements, the bullshit and see what is really there for me. If I think it is useful, i may even give it a go and see how it performs. Sometimes I am more than surprised, sometimes I'm disappointed. I do try to make the most of a detector. Effort is required on my part as well.

Anyway, enough from me. I'm sure my thoughts about the Manticore will grow as I get more time. It is early in the get to know you process, but hey I'm going to say that I'm off to a good start. I've a good handful of silver to begin the year and 10 months to go.

Best of luck to all of you this coming year. Detect smart.

UtahRich -

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Zen and the Art of Metal Detecting . . . . .



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/21/2023 01:40AM by UtahRich. (view changes)