New Zealand Gold Prospecting & Metal Detecting Forums Archive

 

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mikew  
Posted : Sunday, 8 June 2014 11:10:30 PM(UTC)
mikew

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New Zealand
Location: Rangitikei

Hi All, I am new to this detecting thing and I wanted to ask a couple of questions. I am in the lower North Island and on the west coast.
Does the black sand affect the readings on your detector, and I would like to search beaches, parks etc, so would a Fisher F2 be ok as a start up machine?
Many thanks
Mike
Shilo  
Posted : Monday, 9 June 2014 8:58:34 AM(UTC)
Shilo

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Hi Mikew,
The black sand will play havoc with any VLF detector because of its high mineral content, for any chance you will need a good PI detector but even then it will struggle. But you will be able to use a VLF inland (parks etc) without a problem so long as the land is not reclaimed sand hills.

Any of the start up detectors from the main name brands will be a good buy to get you going, but I recommend buying the best you can afford (e.g. a F4 instead of a F2 or a AT Pro instead of an Ace etc) since you will quickly find yourself wanting to upgrade. The next tier of detectors are no harder to learn how to use then the budget ones. After saying this its technique and the operators knowledge that is more important then the machine.