Connecticut - Hike > Rockhound > Detect

[Stretchy]

Folks,

I just joined your fine forum and am enjoying a good winter, full of snow, ice and cold, which affords time to finally see through the trees, and to ponder and plan another season, chock full of New England hiking and rockhounding adventures (gem & mineral).

Now I want add metal detecting, to spice things up.  I’m currently in the early stages of research for this hobby (addiction?), before emptying my wallet, and I’m considering a Minelab Equinox 800.  

No beach combing or town greens for me.  I’m a mountains, woods, stream, and fields guy and I prefer to bushwhack and explore off-trail.  Hoping to reveal some of the past that surrounds me and perhaps find a trinket, coin, teeny nugget, or some interesting mineral. 
 

- Stretchy

[rvpopeye]

Welcome aboard Stretchy.

The EQX 800 is a good first choice.

Ask any questions you have and we'll get ya going.

 

 

[SG CT]

Just want to say "hi" to another member from CT. I'm in Fairfield County. Been out with my snowshoes more than my metal detector these past few days.

[Stretchy]

SG, Hello to you, too. I donned my snowshoes as well.  What kind of detector do you have and what kind of things do you find?  I probably won’t get the EQX800 until Spring, but starting to absorb as much as I can for now. BTW, I’m from Litchfield.

[kac]

With beach hunting out of the picture your options for detectors is much much wider. Where you seem do do a lot of hiking you may want to check out the ultra light machines from XP.

[dogodog]

Welcome Stretch, Glad your getting into the detecting hobby. If your set on the nox 800, pick up the 6'' coil for it. Using the 11'' in the woods can be a real pain in the butt. Not saying it won't work but it's easier to swing the smaller coil within the trees and brush. I hunt a lot of woods and their are days its like dragging a boat anchor with you. Good luck with the purchase and we await some of your first finds.

[Joe D.]

Hello Stretchy,

   Glad you found your way here! Winter is a good time to research a detector, here on the forum! But whatever one you choose, keep your eyes sharp! As I'm sure you know, many item's and clues can't be picked up with a detector, but may lead you to good places to use it!

Good Luck!!??

[Valens Legacy]

Welcome to the forum Stretchy, The 800 is a solid unit and is worth the money for it's all around use.

I like the fact that it is waterproof (most of the time) and you can get different coils for it. I have been using mine in factory settings and have found some very nice items, and I can't wait to get to go hunting gold with it.

Good luck and happy hunting.

[Compass]

Welcome, The 800 with the 6" coil was a good recommendation. Since you are hiking, it is lightweight and can somewhat fit into a backpack after being broken down. I've gone biking with mine.