Elexander link=topic=13997.msg147393#msg147393 date=1376532104 said:
Just wondering if it's a decent starter, ready.. set... go. :dontknow:
It's not the wand. It's the wizard.
There is so much to learn in this hobby that just about any machine that will light up and go beep can allow the user to get started. So, my quick answer to your question is yes.
Since it's 3:30 am, and I'm finished with the first cup of Joe, I'll ramble a bit...
Get busy learning the basics...
Start by learning the Rules of Ethics posted somewhere on the forum. That'll get you started.
Get familar with your machine...
[li]1. Read the manual, twice.[/li]
[li]2. Take the machine outside and scatter a few coins on the ground.[/li]
[li]3. Back the sensitivity off to about middle position and swing the coil slowly over some coins that you can see. Since your machine doesn't pinpoint, make a mental note of where the coil is when it passes over the coin to give you an idea where the target is when it's detected.[/li]
[li]4. Repeat #1.[/li]
Now that you have a feel for it, I suggest taking it out to a sand volleyball court. Start by planting a few coins and recovering them. (Remember, the key word is slow when it comes to swing speed.)
By now, you've become familiar enough with the machine to go out into the dirt. Digging a hole is not as simple as it sounds, and a really good digger makes it possible to recover a target from a park, or someone's yard, without leaving a clue that you were there. (I don't often make brand recommendations, but when it comes to diggers there is only one...Lesche.)
You're gonna need a hand-held pinpointer. My advice is to buy as good as you can afford. There are several threads here about the pros/cons of various pinpointers. Just remember that whatever one you choose, it will be with you for a long time and a perhaps many more detectors.
That'll get you started. If you want to talk about it sometime, PM me with your phone number and time zone.