Metal detecting number of years.

[rcasio44]

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]

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

[Earl in NY]

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

[woodwizard]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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. H.H. :Yazoo

[Jason in Enid]

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]

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]

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

rcsnake

[Ron in WY]

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]

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 Never did get anything from them, but I loved to browse through them pages thumbsup01

[HEAVYMETALNUT]

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

[TimC]

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]

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]

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

[coinnut]

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??

[SeabeeRon]

Hey Dave, I always knew you were a detecting machine!!