New For 2022?

[GB_Amateur]

On 2/12/2022 at 1:27 PM, Luis said:

The Blackdog HybridScan metal detector is a professional detector that combines two technologies: VLF and pulse induction.

Here's that company's webpage (note you can select the language you prefer).

https://www.blackdogcoils.com/

[☠ Cipher]

On 2/12/2022 at 2:06 PM, GB_Amateur said:

Say what?  Did I miss something?  Or do you and I use the term "back to the drawing board" differently?  Last I saw (from Dilek) they are implementing some tweaks/fixes that were discovered by field testers.  Maybe I read some speculation by people thousands of miles away from the action, but I try to not be drawn in by that.

Perhaps we define it differently, as I’m not suggesting they are redesigning the machine from scratch in any sense, but I would call recalling all the units from testers going back to the drawing board. When it comes to moves like this, you have to go more by what they do than what they say. They obviously were not happy with something that necessitated recalling not just the software, but the whole kit, and things are now an open question again, even after todays dubious video update. 

[Luis]

19 hours ago, GB_Amateur said:

Here's that company's webpage (note you can select the language you prefer).

https://www.blackdogcoils.com/

they make another pretty good detector.  here I leave some videos. Blackdog gladiator

stability test video

 

depth

 

[GB_Amateur]

Looks like a new company with currently limited distribution (map only shows European outlets).  The Hybridscan appears interesting, but do you need to change coils to go from PI to VLF?  Is there much demand for PI's in Europe (compared to parts of the world where native gold is more prevalent)?

Their aftermarket coils are made for many major detector brands.  Do they offer something that the other aftermarket coil manufacturers don't?  (I only see two models and one appears to be either a work-in-progress, or at least their website page for that is.)

[Steve Herschbach]

For me personally I just can’t get very excited by even the latest VLF offerings. It’s all just more of the same in different packages as far as I’m concerned. My interest is in PI, where real power exists, especially now since the options have become so limited. It’s almost Minelab or nothing now, with only Garrett as a mainline alternative with ATX and Sea Hunter.

I was really hoping Fisher would fill the gaps in 2021, and have dialed that back now to simply hoping they can get a relatively bug free PI out the door before the end of this year. At least we know they are working on it. Not a hint of a real rumor anywhere else though. I’d just like something a little more beach friendly to complement my GPX 6000, but I do not want to go back to a third ATX, so I guess I’ll just keep waiting. And waiting. And waiting. 

[Rick N. MI]

Did you try the ATX in a backpack?

[Guest]

37 minutes ago, Steve Herschbach said:

I’d just like something a little more beach friendly to complement my GPX 6000, but I do not want to go back to a third ATX

Garrett would seem to be sitting in a position of advantage they refuse to take advantage of. The ATX would almost certainly sell well if they would put it in an ergonomic package.

[GB_Amateur]

22 minutes ago, Geezer said:

The ATX would almost certainly sell well if they would put it in an ergonomic package.

Since you're new here (at least as a poster), you probably missed this:

Unfortunately (for everyone but one person) Steve sold it on Ebay and I (and presumably many others) failed to grab it. 

[Guest]

4 minutes ago, GB_Amateur said:

Unfortunately (for everyone but one person) Steve sold it on Ebay and I (and presumably many others) failed to grab it.

I did follow that for a while, but lost track of it. Detector mods are interesting, but far beyond my skill set. Thanks for this reminder, I will go back and see how that turned out,

I have always had a vague sensation of frustration with Garrett for the ATX, this really strikes a chord with me. I wanted one of these badly but could not get past that clunky and heavy package that looks one grain of sand away from sliding plastic disaster.

I had a SeaHunter, 2 SeaHunter Mk2s, and 2 Infiniums. Every single one that I dove with leaked, but they were all excellent waders and I loved them. Garrett was also very good about repairing or replacing those that leaked even when long past warranty. I started with them and have a soft spot for that company, they just will not make something I can use now.

It is the same thing with Fisher. I wanted that AQ bad, it looked even better than ATX. A modern looking detector that might actually bring something to the game. Holy Cow though, just how long should I sit here listening to my arteries harden waiting for that?

Instead of a new detector this year, I bought the 12” coil and waterproof headphones for my Tarsacci instead. I am going back in the water this year for the first time in more than 5 years. New with old.