ColonelDan

Andy is a great resource for learning the world of metal detecting for sure. But what I learned over the years is Pre-determined settings serve only to get you in the ballpark. It’s up to you to pick the best seat. Any array of settings is highly dependent on the environment in which you're hunting. Soil composition, level of moisture, mineralization, target composition and attitude in the soil, presence of EMI and so on. Andy's settings are a great place to start but you should adjust those settings to meet your environment if you want to unleash your detectors full capability....in o

I wondered about this awhile back so I tested my two EQX800s in my test garden. I set them up exactly the same, noise canceled each and kept them apart so they would not interfere with each other. The results; they performed exactly the same ...which actually surprised me somewhat. I expected some small degree of variance but that wasn't the case with my two. 👍

Since getting the Quest headphones, I've used nothing else.

F2 exclusively on Florida beaches. Works well.

I've seen some dry spells in my time but a combination of COVID fears, extensive renourishment and recent temperatures in the 40' - 60's have resulted in 2020 being one of the worst dry spells in memory. The depositors just aren't flocking to our beaches in normal numbers. I haven't been down south or on the west coast of FL recently, but if your interested in detecting from Jacksonville to the Treasure Coast, I can tell you my experience has been one of a lot more exercise than any significant detecting success. Praying for an improvement in 2021.

I have one of Steve's shafts for my Stealth 920 and it's unquestionably the best I've seen...period. My review of his scoop shaft is posted here: Great job Steve!

I use the Quest headphones. So far they have have been great. https://www.questmetaldetectors.com/product-page/aptx-low-latency-bluetooth-wireless-headphones-for-minelab-equinox

Were I in your shoes, I would get him the Equinox 800. It's as simple as you want it to be right out of the box and he can grow into it as he gains confidence and knowledge of its capabilities. He can then tweak it to enhance/realize its potential. It's a great machine for either beginner or advanced detectorist.

Good job soldier....👍

1. True waterproof capability 2. Reposition side buttons to the face of the control box 3. Stronger coil ears 4. More substantial arm cuff 5. Contract with Steve Goss to design their shafts! 👍 🙂

Steve and FloridaSon are on target. Gold will continue to sink in the sand until some denser, compact layer or obstacle stops it. If it doesn’t hit hard pack, it will definitely sink out of detector range. That factor is why we watch and hope for serious erosion...especially along the treasure coast. Once heavy tides have stripped away multiple layers of sand, previously undiscovered goodies can appear.

Thanks to all for the good ideas!

Good idea!

I thought I’d try using a pedometer just to see how far I stroll along the beach on my hunts. The reviews I’ve read on many are not very complimentary. It seems the common complaint centers on accuracy and battery life. I’d appreciate your thoughts and recommendations. Thanks

😁 True!