Metal detecting number of years. [Archive] - American Detectorist Metal Detecting Forums

marchas45

11-12-2009, 07:49 PM

Boy that is a high number on the last choice kind of surprised me. I didn't expect that many on this forum. I got my first detector (Garrett 100) for a Christmas present in 1995 and it sat in the garage till I got the bug again about 3 years ago. I sold it to a lady in the office for $75.00 and it's funny I actually found some neat stuff with it.

angellionel

11-12-2009, 07:55 PM

About 26 years for me. I wish I had discovered the hobby as a kid though. I'm sure I would have taken to it. :grin:

del

11-12-2009, 09:13 PM

i've been at it almost ten years now and around eight of thoughs have been exclusively colonial cellar hunting.

Dan

MNDigger

11-12-2009, 09:54 PM

I really wish I would have started sooner than I did thats for sure! This has been my 5th season detecting and I plan on doing it until I physically can't anymore! ;)

Snowy

11-12-2009, 10:03 PM

I've been trying to figure this out, myself...
At least 5 years... started with a Fisher CZ-3D.
Used it until last August, when I traded it and $150 for a new MXT.

Epi-hunter

11-12-2009, 10:20 PM

I've been trying to figure this out, myself...
At least 5 years... started with a Fisher CZ-3D.
Used it until last August, when I traded it and $150 for a new MXT.

I remember you had the CZ3D when I did.

Why did you trade it?

Snowy

11-12-2009, 10:43 PM

I remember you had the CZ3D when I did.

Why did you trade it?

I knew it well, and as much as I hated to trade it, I knew I could always get another one.
I was digging too much iron with it. It simply loves iron. It could be I didn't know it well enough.
I knew the MXT was a horse of a different color and I knew it was easy enough for a beginner to pick up.
I also knew the MXT could be thrown into an overdrive state if one was comfortable enough.
I couldn't afford to buy an MXT outright, so I traded with a little cash.
Don't read me wrong here... the 3D is a good machine... but for me, I'm not sorry I traded...
However... I've been thinking of other machines as well. But I don't think the MXT will ever leave the household.
I've got to buy at least one underwater detector now... then consider possibly an E-Trac.... or an Explorer...

Epi-hunter

11-12-2009, 10:49 PM

It's been so long since I used the CZ3D that I don't remember much. But it found me some deep coins. Also some deep iron lol

One of these days I'm going to get the MXT.

Snowy

11-12-2009, 10:53 PM

It's been so long since I used the CZ3D that I don't remember much. But it found me some deep coins. Also some deep iron lol

One of these days I'm going to get the MXT.

Well, if you make it to Maine before you buy one, you can try mine if I can try your E-Trac! :shocked04:

Bentfork

11-12-2009, 11:55 PM

Jason in Enid

11-13-2009, 07:55 AM

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p126/bentfork1/coinmaster/advertisement.jpg

Guess my avatar should be a dinosaur... lol

Or that coinmaster ad.... same difference! LOL.

Dang, I started back in the 80's and I thought I've been at it a while.

OkieDigger

11-13-2009, 08:08 AM

I've only been at it continuously for the last 4 or 5 years, but I used to go with my dad when I was a kid and a few times after I was grown up. I'm glad to be back into the hobby full time now.

Bentfork

11-13-2009, 10:10 AM

My dad was a collector and bought that unit for the two of us to have some outings together. Once I got my hands it though it became, It's MINE! lol The bad thing was I was at the mercy of my dad for transportation to really good sites. :tongue: So I had to share. lol

coinnut

11-13-2009, 02:11 PM

I had to vote for as long as dirt has been around. I posted these photos on that other forum a while back. Found it in my mom's attic about 2 months ago. This was my first in 1966.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p126/bentfork1/coinmaster/PA040126copy.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p126/bentfork1/coinmaster/PA040127copy.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p126/bentfork1/coinmaster/PA040128copy.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p126/bentfork1/coinmaster/PA040129copy.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p126/bentfork1/coinmaster/manual.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p126/bentfork1/coinmaster/advertisement.jpg

Guess my avatar should be a dinosaur... lol

Yep I remember those. Was the coil wooden on those:huh: Look at the handle, just a piece of bent over tubing. And I don't think it had a model number? Mineral/Metal locator, I think. It wasn't a BFO was it ??lol. That was an old one when I was a kid. I started just a bit later with a Radio Shack, then Bounty Hunte Rebel, and Outlaw, and finally a Coinmaster V Supreme. Those were the days of dig it all. I don't miss that part :rolleyes:

Bentfork

11-13-2009, 04:22 PM

Yep I remember those. Was the coil wooden on those:huh: Look at the handle, just a piece of bent over tubing. And I don't think it had a model number? Mineral/Metal locator, I think. It wasn't a BFO was it ??lol. That was an old one when I was a kid. I started just a bit later with a Radio Shack, then Bounty Hunte Rebel, and Outlaw, and finally a Coinmaster V Supreme. Those were the days of dig it all. I don't miss that part :rolleyes:

Yep, the coil is wooden. The model number is actually CM-2. Real spiffy. I tried to get some info on it from White's. All they could tell me was that model was manufactured until 1969.

Dig it all. Give that man a shovel! lol

G.

hockeyguy

11-13-2009, 08:38 PM

started june 07 so this iwas my 3rd summer, ut the 1st with a hi end machine.

Krom

11-14-2009, 07:17 PM

'Bout 8 for me.
I started with a White's Classic ID(X) that I found in a pawn shop for $110, then I came into $1000 (and dug deep for the rest) and got the DFX.
Sad part is, I'm lazy. I've been using the factory Coins program since day-1, but this year I've been maxing the Pre-Amp Gain to 4 (max) for better depth.
Now I can go over everywhere I've already been. :huh: :-\

rcasio44

11-24-2009, 01:12 AM

My first detector was a big blue Whites 6000 series 3. Mine was a 1985. I've been hunting serious about 15 years. Rob

SkateCreek

11-28-2009, 12:45 PM

Nearly 2 months now.... started October 4, 2009

Earl in NY

11-28-2009, 11:08 PM

I started out with a Whites 6000 D series 2 about 20 years ago.

woodwizard

11-29-2009, 03:00 AM

real close to 20 yrs-started with an old whites forget the model but it took lots of batteries,had a BH202 for quite a while now use a F5 and a wader.had another one but forget what it was since it didn't work well and I junked it not long after getting it

TimC

11-29-2009, 08:12 AM

Got my first detector, a Garrett ADS III in 1983 and have been hooked ever since. I still have it and use it on occasions for nostalgia sake.

Stang1968

11-29-2009, 03:48 PM

I've always wanted to metal detect (ask my mom!) but i really I got the bug at the end of 2007 and spent about two months on various forums and websites reading about different kinds of machines. I took the plunge on an Ace 250 with my Valentines Day gift (lots of coin rolls to search) and got started the first week of March 2008. I bought my XLT in August this year.

Evan

12-02-2009, 05:14 AM

I have been detecting since around 2005 Bought the Ace 250 for a starter machine. Spent a couple of seasons with it and bought the Minelab Explorer Se in December 2006. I expanded to underwater work and bought a Minelab Excalibur II (1000) in December 2007. Actually hoping to purchase an E-Trac when I can afford It. I don't see any stop to my detecting until they pry the detector from my dead hands when I am older than the dirt...

RickO

12-06-2009, 05:12 PM

Eight years MD'ing.... chasing treasure for a lot more years - gold panning, gem hunting, pirate treasure seeking and avid reader of treasure tales. :) RickO

yazoo

12-06-2009, 05:39 PM

Looking to start yr.16 come spring.Just wish I had picked 1 up earlier in life.But Harley Davidson used to take up all my time,36 yrs now. :cheesysmile: H.H. :Yazoo

Jason in Enid

12-07-2009, 12:33 PM

The results of the poll are interesting. I wish we could get a lot more responses. I would have expected a linear or bell shaped curve. I wonder what the drop-off rate is?

Epi-hunter

12-07-2009, 02:27 PM

We don't have an equal distribution of people here... most of the members here have been at the hobby for awhile. Also all of us here are actively involved in it and not likely to drop off.

The opposite is true of some other MD forums I'm familiar with.... there is a much higher percentage of people in the 0-1 year category, who drop out of sight and who likely find the hobby isn't for them after a trial period. I think it has to do with how most people found this site... through word of mouth rather than a google search.

Hopefully this poll will stay active here as we continue to get new members :)

rcsnake

12-07-2009, 08:05 PM

I have been detecting for 24 1/2 years and all I find is pulltabs and bottlecaps.

rcsnake

Ron in WY

12-07-2009, 09:57 PM

Got my first detector in the mid 70's. Put it together myself as it was a Heathkit. Later gave it away in FL.

Ron

coinnut

12-08-2009, 04:28 PM

Got my first detector in the mid 70's. Put it together myself as it was a Heathkit. Later gave it away in FL.

Ron

I loved that Heathkit catalog lol lol You could even build yourself a TV :shocked04: Never did get anything from them, but I loved to browse through them pages thumbsup01

HEAVYMETALNUT

12-12-2009, 03:58 AM

26 years .started in 1983 when my dad bought me a white's coinmaster.wish i still had that machine.have to scrounge around for some old pics :confused:

TimC

12-12-2009, 08:06 AM

I love this forum myself and find it very refreshing. Even though I been in the hobby for around 25 years I still find myself learning new things and very useful tips from others. I think it's that and not letting myself become stagnant that is a big part of learning to be a better detectorist.

SpringTxDigger

12-20-2009, 10:27 PM

I got started in Oct 07. Started out with a BH and then a DFX. Getting an E-Trac next week. I'm lovin it. I think I'll be at it for a while. If I try to keep up with Angel I'll still be detecting when I'm a 100 yrs old! rofl WTG Angel. What a great year!

HEAVYMETALNUT

12-21-2009, 07:37 PM

lol found it! i came across a pic of my first detector and some finds :cheesysmile:

coinnut

12-21-2009, 10:55 PM

Bet you had short hair then too lol. That's an old relic from the past. But I bet it found a lot of coins back then. White's has always been a solid machine. Where are those coins today?? :confused:

SeabeeRon

12-22-2009, 08:08 PM

Hey Dave, I always knew you were a detecting machine!! :tongue: :bop: :poke: :beatdown:

HEAVYMETALNUT

12-23-2009, 12:13 PM

[quote=coinnut;6276]
Bet you had short hair then too lol. That's an old relic from the past. But I bet it found a lot of coins back then. White's has always been a solid machine. Where are those coins today?? :confused:
[/quote
I had so so hair..not so short and not so long :twirlingeyes:
i still have a few of the silvers i dug but the rest was all clad.

bmattioli

12-23-2009, 06:47 PM

I bought my first detector the Ace 250 on New Years Eve of 2007 for some unknown reason, must have been fate. Started the next day and have had great times since and have never looked back. Upgraded to a White's Spectrum, then the DFX then an E-Trac. Can't wait for this snow to melt and get back out there..

deltacornbread

12-23-2009, 09:47 PM

Around 12 years. Started with low end Garrett, then 2nd hand White 6000. This year I bit the bullet and bought a E-trac.

Ill Digger

02-16-2010, 11:41 PM

Here's a bump....
April will be year #1 for me....and hopefully alot more to come.
I started out with a new Whites Prizm IV and about two months later ugraded to a DFX.
HH :grin:

CBnKansas

02-23-2010, 05:05 PM

April will be 3 years for me.
cb

SeabeeRon

02-23-2010, 05:19 PM

April will be 3 years for me.
cb

Hey CB, I didn't realize we got the addiction about the same time! 8)

CBnKansas

02-23-2010, 08:16 PM

Hey CB, I didn't realize we got the addiction about the same time! 8)

WOW I thought you were an old pro! Last year was a slow one for me for lots of reasons, but I am hoping this year I can hunt more and hunt smarter. I had a daughter graduate from high school and start college and all that goes with that, and tossed in my son getting married.

Maybe we will both have a banner year.
cb

midas

02-23-2010, 09:31 PM

42 years!!!!! Started when I was 13. Built a Heathkit in 1967. Found enough to buy a White's Goldmaster 66 BFO unit in 1969. Found my 1st gold coin - 1880 $5 Liberty with it. The years sure fly by. Go out detecting just about every day.

Eagle 1

02-24-2010, 12:31 PM

I started back in the 70's. I had a White's 6000 DI. I did it for three years steady, then of and on for a short time then gave up for a long time. I got to a point in my life that it was time to get back in to MDing I missed it. In 205 I got me a DFX I just loved it. I should have kept-ed it but when the V3 came out I had to have it. After 7 mo. :shocked04: ya thats a long story, I sold it and got a E-Trac So I am love it enjoying it. It dose the same thing as the DFX or V3 with all that tweaking and go's deep. So about 35 years on and off but a solid 8 years out of that of good MDing.

Eagle 1

miller6670

02-24-2010, 01:32 PM

I started out with a Whites 6000 also. My dad got me into it in 1983, I was 13....Then there was puberty :smitten:...That'll put a monkey wrench in your detecting..... rofl. I finally came to my senses at around 25 and at 40 I'm still going strong. I lost dad about 4 years ago.... :( Wish I had 13 to 25 to do over again...There would have been a lot more detecting with the old man.