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UtahRich
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.

That's what I was referring to. Too many newcomers or those less experienced see the Minelab and other modern SMF's as "ice cream trucks" playing a really catchy tune so they feel a need to go shopping for a treat.

The longer-term or more avid detectorists will take the time to learn what they can, first.

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UtahRich
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.

And I know you and can assure readers you are one of those individuals who will put in some serious time to really learn a detector.

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UtahRich
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.

I am one of those "regulars" who always looks forward o comments / opinions of the savvy detector users because I like to learn and know more. And you shouldn't hesitate posting your outing results from any trip you take afield because you are NOT trying to promote an SMF over another type detector. You are simply posting your success afield, and educating folks on what you used, the coil used, and your experiences with whatever was in your hand.

Remember, a lot of folks of these Forums have been at it quite a while and have been using a SF detector with success, for what they hunt and where they hunt, so like you say, use whatever you like that works for you. Many do not have any experience with an SMF. And while both you and I startled using a SMF back in the early/mid '90s, I use them but have also favored a SF for the majority of places I hunt and challenges I faced.

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UtahRich
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.

Not a surprise to me. I have set up some demonstrations to show the benefits, or weaknesses of bigger-size coils since back when I worked at Compass Electronics. They had a very light and big 16" coil, White's a 15" and Garrett a 14",and both White's and Compass had claims of X% increase in depth on coin-sized targets. It wasn't true as demonstrated.

'Standard' coils were usually 7" or 8", and the mid-bid coils, those of 10" to 12", did show a modest increase in depth on smaller-size targets. But those bigger-size coils were really meant for a serious Relic Hunter or Cache Hunter searching for a larger-size target, not smaller-size. Actually, in demonstrations, the bigger coils often lost a bit of 'depth' on the smaller-size targets than the mid-big coils of 10", 11" and 12".

In more open, minimal-trash areas, I like the modern 9X12 or 11" size coils for coverage and the functional extra depth they might get.

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UtahRich
So when i get on here and take flak that SMF's make little to no difference in hunting, I laugh to myself. Really, i do.

I think I clarified what I intended, and it was based on the site hunted and amount and type of debris encountered. Also, based upon search coil size used.

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UtahRich
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.

Do not keep quiet, but state the facts and experiences to help educate others.

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UtahRich
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.

Yes, every user needs to put in the effort to use and effort to learn... with eyes wide open.

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UtahRich
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.

Thanks for the best wishes for everyone, and brace for today's approaching bad wintry storm. Spring can't arrive soon enough.

Monte

"Your EYES ... the only 100% accurate form of Discrimination!"
Stinkwater Wells Trading Post
Metal Detector Evaluations and Product ReviewsI'm now 'back home' in Farr West Utah monte@ahrps.org ... or ... monte@stinkwaterwells.com 503-481-8147Detector Outfit: A selection of my chosen makes and models, with the best coils mounted for the tasks I'll take on.F-19 * F-5 * Racer * Racer 2 * V-540 * Relic * Silver Sabre µMAX * Bandido II µMAX * XLTPinpointers: Garrett AT Pro-Pointers .. Headphones: 'Hornet' .. MS-3 Z-Lynk .. ML-80 *** All working well today to make memories for tomorrow. ***