nickelNdimed

I don’t fully understand why I sometimes want to buy a White’s DFX but I get that urge too : ) But from what I have read about it and the fact Whites is no more, keeps me from pulling the trigger or asking that question. The F75 has a good rep. I like the Fisher stuff I have owned so far. It seemed on paper it should be at least as capable as the Simplex with additional features and better coil selection. Why I asked the question. Seems like folks that have had both think differently. My arm also hurts after using the 600 for a while. Simplex has same configuration and nose heaviness. If the ergo is better for me on the F75 and it is still a capable detector in mild soils, that may make it a keeper over the Simplex for me. I like my 600 and have made some good finds with it this year but it pisses me off it makes my arm hurt to be honest. My 5lb Seahunter doesn’t make my arm feel as bad!

Maybe this is another compelling reason. I don’t hunt in the mineralized dirt you gents talk about. Never experienced it. My F22 will find high conductors deeper than 6”. Not a ton more but it does just fine. I think they are coming down and there are also some sold listings on EBay that support that. I guess my threshold right now is that $300-400 range if I come across it. I’m in no hurry and it doesn’t make sense to me above that. My buddy’s 600 was $400 used! I’d just pick up another 600 and stick the 6” on one and 11” on the other. I’ve looked into the XP detectors a little but for some reason don’t find them compelling or want to go down that rabbit hole. I do find trying different detectors part of the fun and for XP money I could try several others. It is an option I am considering trying but waiting to try it with the stock configuration first this spring. Same comment on mineralized ground, I’ve never experienced it, don’t hunt it. The weather proofing of the F22 is one thing I really like. Should be a minimum requirement these days. So that is not a plus but rare occurrence for me. On the batteries, I use NiMH rechargeable and soon want to try the new lithium rechargeable AAs. I still like the option of field replaceable. An option I’m considering but have seen a comment about the SP24 not being that much lighter than the 11”. Need to confirm that.

Mike, I can tell from your posts and replies that you are a Fisher/First Texas guy. And nothing wrong with that. I love my F22 and F Pulse. Why a good deal on an F75 is tempting for me to buy and try. I can see if someone already has an F75 (or AT Pto, MX Sport), not being compelled to buy and try a Simplex. I’m trying to convince myself if trying that F75 is worthwhile for $300-400 or so if I can get the Simplex for that much new or already picked one up used for much less. The F75 coil choices and perfect ergo folks talk about are what is causing me the itch to experience it.

They come up around that or less every now and then or seem to sit if higher. Heck I think you can get an AT Pro Sport for like $500 new. I’d have a hard time justifying any more than that for one. And I guess that is part of the issue. The bar seems to have been raised for VLF at a much lower price point. AT Pro, MX Sport, F75(not waterproof) One argument I try to make in my head for an AT Pro is that I already have the waterproof headphones with my Seahunter. But I’m afraid it will be similar to my Ace 300 in feel and I won’t like it. But I already picked up a Simplex and a pair of green headphones both barely used, box and receipt, still under warranty for even less. I couldn’t pass it up. Still need to take it out this spring and see how I like it and if it complements the 600 if at all.

I see a lot of comparisons between the Simplex and other mid price/mid level machines out there like the F75, AT Pro, etc. These days it may be possible to find a used F75, AT Pro, etc for the price of a new Simplex or close. Maybe even with an extra small coil. Like a 5” DD or a 5x8. Throw in buying an extra coil for the Simplex and maybe even price. Simplex I think only 2 year warranty, so that will be gone eventually , non user/field replaceable battery. There are tons of arguments either way, more coil availability, supporting a US company (although buying second hand), Garrett and Fisher get back to you quickly and service pretty darn good even if you bought used. I’m not a fan of my ACE300. It works. Just tones and buttons, display, not for me. So guessing the AT Pro would not be for me either. I love my F22 however. Guessing a bit different from the F75 but perhaps tones, VDI, etc is similar. I hear good things about how well balanced it is, was a benchmark in its day. I already have a 600 multi and Seahunter pulse and most of my hunting is in midwest parks and homesites so waterproof/salt not necessary. Although weatherproof is nice for rain! Would you get the used F75 or the Simplex? Better yet, would you trade a Simplex for an F75 if the right deal came along? (I have a Simplex already but waiting for warm weather). Would anyone even make that trade? Thanks for your thoughts.

How do you like the Vanquish compared to the F22? I still love to take my F22 out occasionally instead of my 600. Looking to try a Vanquish sometime.

Detectors 2020: Garrett Seahunter Fisher F22 Garrett Ace 300 Minelab Equinox 600 (mostly) Pinpointers: Fisher F Pulse Whites TRX (sold recently) Bought a Simplex to try and looking for a Vanquish to try in 2021

My 600 was a demo, like new in the box! Registered as new! I saved a little on it but with the coil and drowning issues the warranty is a good thing. The 6” was a great deal and only a few months old with copy of receipts. Same with my Simplex. Used with the box and receipt, still one year warranty. Love a good deal. Waiting on that Vanquish deal : )

Lots of good responses. I knew I was not the only one doing that mental math. I found it interesting that nobody suggested/picked the Simplex with the SP24 coil which is similar in size to the Coiltek 10x5 option for the Equinox. I guess the detector/tech behind the coil matters. My first thought was, is it lighter than the 11” for better balance? Then the price. It is not a ton lighter than the 11” and the price was a little sticker shock but I agree it is not out of line when compared to the Minelab coil options. I have the 6” but probably would have never paid the $179 for it. I picked one up used locally, barely used, for a great deal. I don’t really need the 10x5 but could be tempted should I come across a good used deal. My second thought was I could pick up a Vanquish 340 for cheaper than the coil or maybe even a used 440! With a similar sized DD coil and similar tech behind it I think the 340 is a great value new. But yes, the 440 does have a few extra features although not sure they are worth the extra $60-70 to me. The 340 and 440 are both 3 tones I think and it would be nice if they were 5 like one of the Equinox options. A backup or alternative detector/coil with same VDI scale, same breakpoints and number if tones would be nice. But even with 3 tones, having the same VDI and nearly as capable detector with a desired coil size is still very tempting.

A lot of interest around these new Equinox coils. The 10x5, like for many, is tempting. But darn that $219 price tag! So just for some fun discussion, what choice would you make if you hunt parks or lots for jewelry and coins mostly? Not talking hunting for gold nuggets, urban hunting : ) Coiltek 10x5 for you Equinox at $219? A whole Vanquish 340 that comes with a 10x7 at $199? If you already have a Simplex, pick up an SP24 coil AND a Pulsedive that connects to your headphones fIr around the same price? Wait for one to come up lightly used for nearly half the price?

It drove it nuts now that you mention it! I would just shut off the detector if I had to use the pinpointer which was often since it will find tiny stuff. But was not too much of a big deal. I don’t think shifting frequencies on the pinpointer helped either. I did have to buy headphones shortly after I got it as the cord on the originals apparently deteriorated over time and practically disintegrated first time it got a good stretch. I went with another set of waterproof for it and not too bad. I see you have an AT Pro so you probably already had the MS2s with the right connector. I have a pair of them to use with an ACE I have but they are the 1/4” jack. I may get an AT Pro someday to try out if I find a good used deal. The greater coverage would be nice but the stock has some pretty good depth. Unfortunately I only visit family in FL a couple times a year so only have limited time on the beach and probably not worth getting the bigger coil unless I come across a killer deal. You seem to use yours a lot so the mods make sense!

Had to go dig up a picture of mine 😆 Have not seen it in a year. It’s a hefty beast and built like a tank. Somehow I don’t worry the coil will snap off the shaft or that I’ll scratch the screen like on my Equinox... I’ve only tried mine with the box mounted on top and hip mounted. It was heavy and not very balanced. Two cables hanging off of me not great. I’ll try it mounted under this year. It should not be too bad with the smaller stock coil.

I’ve not dived into the FE vs F2 differences yet with my 600. I tried first the different Park and Field factory settings between modes and noticed I was digging a ton of rusty junk with anything other than Park 1. By looking at defaults, I realized the FE setting was 2 at Park 1 where Park 2 and both field modes are FE = 0. This is why I was digging more rusty junk in other modes. No iron bias! It works, but yeah, you might miss or mask some stuff they say. I get that but I don’t want to spend an hour moving 5 feet in some of these old lots... Then I started to dive into differences. I decided that for me to understand the modes and see what changing the settings would do for me, I would have to set all the mode setting between Park and Field modes as equally as I could. FE = 2 all Park and Field modes. I’m yet not comfortable with 50 tones so 5 tones all Park and Field modes. Recovery speed left at 3 all modes. I’m limited on the 600 as far as tone breaks and pitch so Park modes first break at 0, field first break at 2. Close as they can. I can’t change the frequency bias between 1 and 2 modes so focusing on that. I think Park 2 and Field 2 modes will find most of what 1 modes will and more. Still need to keep trying this. I now have something between a Vanquish and an Equinox in simplicity. I’ll eventually work my way back to something between this and the factory settings that works for me. Back to Iron Bias, they are all FE = 2 for now. Next step, I would like to regrid area I’ve already swept but with FE = 2 at 0 and see if digging all the the good sounding signals out, yields anything other than the rusty junk from before and a couple nickels and crusty zinc pennies... I’ll also need to understand if F2 = whatever brings me some happier medium or compromise which is still unclear to me or untested by me. I’m not sure what this feedback is going towards. Future machine? Future software update? I could even see Vanquish update since settings are predetermined. But, one thing that would be really helpful is if the setting numbers for 600 aligned with the 800 scale. It is mentally tougher reading these things and then trying to remember the scale differences between the two or confirming if someone has a 600 or 800, etc Not sure if ML did this for perception reasons but it kind of sucks to be honest. I get and accept I bought a cheaper machine with less setting resolution and okay with that. It is a better value for me. But if there is any way possible, please change the scales to match with an update and update the manual! Andy and Clive can sell us a sticker to update their books 😂

Bluetooth connection with aftermarket August headphones. Don’t want to disturb others or be disturbed at parks or house lots. The keep my ears from getting burned in summer and warm in the colder days. Cost was reasonable around $60. I don’t need the logo and appreciate choice. I can also pair with August transmitter and use with my other detectors for another $25. A weather resistant or waterproof option would be nice and might justify paying a premium for a set. For water hunting occasionally I’ll be using wired LS Pelso units a I don’t want trash my bluetooth ones.

I’ve not yet snorkeled with my Seahunter but I have used in sand and shallow water. No discrimination, just set a threahold and go. It picks up the tiniest targets like earrings and pieces of staples. I suspect in the water with less trash density it would be a nice machine. Built like a tank, has a shorter shaft and different positions for the box for “scuba mode”. I’m sure way more depth than the Pulsedive. Also the larger coil option for more coverage and depth. In US I think they are like $600 new with a warranty from Garrett. This is a out same as an Equinox 600. You can find used for $300-400 or so. One watch out I did learn about the hard way is the headphones. The cord can dry rot over time and just disintegrate but they are easily replaceable and only $85 or so. The coil is also easily replaceable/swapable without sending the machine or disassembling like many underwater machines such as Beachhunter, Sandshark, and Excal. Anyway, I hope to snorkel with mine someday and will not be submerging my Equinox for extended periods of time as it seems much more fragile.

Thanks for the suggestions on technique. I’ve seen on various videos. I’ll have to see what works for me. Floating strainer seems neat for waist deep as well but keeping it simple for now and a decent travel scoop. Probably focus on dry and shallow wet with the time I have available. My only experience so far was with a Garrett hand scoop that within a few hours Bent in several areas. Luckily I was given store credit/return on it as it was very disappointing for the price. I’m sure I’ll update on my selection, experience, and finds!

Wonder what the balance will be like with the 10x5...? Not sure on the weights with skid plate. What I found on quick search: 10x5 426g 11 510g 6 300g 2/10 of a pound or so lighter than the 11” but still quite heavier than the 6”.

I still have some time before my trip. I’ll try calling them and see what they say. I’d love to stop by their shop but wrong coast for me. And really any metal detector shop. For a little more than the Nokta or Scoopal the RTGs just look more durable and made in the states. I know some versions they will even add a stainless edge to as well. On the retention part and detent, yeah, I can see that happening. The Scoopal, Nokta, and even the travel carbon poles are line that though. I think one of those pull handles attached below the joint could be nice as well. A lot of the more experienced beach hunters or Florida FB pages I follow the answer is always Stealth with carbon pole. Like I have said, if that was my main hunting, I would be shopping differently and with a different budget. Not really wanting to spend over $300 on something I’ll use a fee times a year for a few hours when I visit family.

I think a light 5x9 or so elliptical would be nice for better balance. And a solid coil cover. A rechargeable, pairable, waterproof pinpointer would be nice too.

Yeah, I was thinking worst case if the screw setup fails, I can drill through and use a stainless bolt or some sort of pin and clip setup. Honestly some sort of spring detent ball type setup would be nice.

Yeah, I’ve read the same about the staining. I’ll keep that in mind. Maybe use gloves or coat it like you did later. They don’t have the Blade in stainless and travel form, just aluminum. And the Pro stainless travel only in 5” I think I am down to aluminum, travel handle RGT but torn between the Pro 6” and the Blade.... Blade has 7.5” width instead of 6” round, 12” depth instead of 11”,pointed edge instead if blunt, 9/16 holes instead of 5/8” , and it weighs a little less! Not sure how it weighs less... hopefully not thiner material. Pro 6” might pack easier? Edge might be a little more durable? Also $40 less. Wish I could see them side by side before purchasing but unfortunately not.

The new Nokta seems similar to the Quest Scoopal, tempting but I don’t think they will last based on what I have read. If I mostly beach hunting and would be shopping differently for stainless scoops and carbon poles with a different budget.

Perfect. Thank you. Have you ever thought about drilling and tapping for a machine screw with hex head or would that even be needed? No issues there? Yours has served you for 10 years with the usage I am planning so that would work for me. I am also considering the blade with travel handle now that I’m aware of it.

Anyone have experience with the RTG scoops? They seem reasonable priced and have travel versions in both aluminum and stainless. They seem to be around same weight although stainless is a little smaller opening than the aluminum (5.5” vs 6”). I did see some reviews stating that they attach using like sheet metal screws rather than threaded holes and machine screws that do no seem durable. Was hoping someone had experience with these. The cheaper ones are tempting but I was hoping for something that already comes with a handle and not having to deal with sourcing one etc. And even the carbon travel CKG one seems to have bad reviews due to joint wobble/poor fit.

Awesome. Ebay listings the only source/legit? Saw a few listings from same guy in Hungary, different colors. Assuming that is just a personal choice and otherwise the same functionality?