Metal Detecting

Yesterday we finally got down to the beach at Littlehampton to try out our sand scoop. I have to say I thought it was very good although I shall have to practice with it a bit in order to get the best technique going. However, it was not much use to us as we were struggling with false signals on the wet sand as usual. I realise that my Ace 250 is not the best for these conditions but my partner was also having issues with his Xterra 70. We just don't seem to be able to get it right.
It is frustrating because I watch videos on youtube of people who are having success with similar detectors on similar beaches so I still don't know if it's just something I am doing wrong.
Seriously considering a dedicated beach detector now.

Hi Lil, one of the problems you are having is that the Ace 250 and the Xterra 70 are both single frequency VLF detectors so are not realy suited to wet sand use. True people can get them to work on some beaches, usually by turning down the sensitivity, but not all beaches are the same.

One of my main gripes is seeing people recommending their X, Y, or Z make of VLF detector for use on the beach because they use one without problems. Having detected on beaches for nearly 30 years now I know that what VLF detector will work on one beach will be totally useless on another.

The only land machines that will work on nearly all wet beaches are the the ones that use many frequencies simultaneously such as the Minelabs that use Full Band Spectrum 2 (FBS 2), Full Band Spectrum (FBS), Broad Band Spectrum (BBS) and now Multi-IQ in the Equinox.

Personally I use Pulse Induction detectors on the wet sand but you will find yourself digging a lot of junk specially the nearer the top of the beach you get and many people can not get along with them. I also have an old Minelab Sovereign XS-2 (BBS) and a Minelab Etrac (FBS) I can call on should need it for use near the top of the beach or dry sand use.

Ray

Some good posts ... personally I always use a good sturdy metal scoop,just my preference..
Good hunting..

Thanks for the advice Machinist (Ray). It is useful yo hear so many opinions on detectors but as you say there are so many variables involved that what works for one person in their location will be an entirely different ball game for someone else.
I would really like an Equinox but simply cannot justify the expense right now. I'm going to look further into a PI machine and see what might suit me.
Might be a stupid question but are there any places where you can rent detectors? It would be really helpful to 'try before you buy'. It's quite an expensive outlay if you then find you really don't get on with a machine.

@Macroman, since that 1st post with the plastic scoop we've got ourselves an Evolution sand scoop with a long handle which should make things a lot easier once we start managing to find the decent signals to dig!

hi
some merchants rent detectors
here in France, anyway ...
allows to see if the machine is suitable in real conditions

look rather at the GT BBS or former XS2 PRO
which are very good, the discri can cut the iron
it's better to start and learn to read a beach with discrimination

+ I tested an Equinox on black sand last weekend
the GT bbs was deeper on the gold / better sound in limit / net
well on the PI was even deeper, but that's something else....

Hi when digging in wet sand try digging a u shaped burrow around the hole to take the water away from your find . This helps when I do bait digging also .

Great posts everyone. I too are about to try the beaches with my new Quest Q40. One thing i was wondering is about the price of sand scoops? Crazy! They only a bit of stainless sheet welded together?

the ace 250 etc on the beach works with sensitivity turned down (wife uses one)
she finds more than i find with my euroace, also you have to remember the videos on youtube are only showing you finds that people find, they never tell you all the hours/days/weeks its taken to find those finds.
and not all show you all the crap they find first.
as for sand scoops they are very expensive for what they are but work good
i bought 2 sito scoops one for me and one for my wife and got to test them yesterday at bridlington, they worked great, they where £60 each