Does upgrading to a more professional, complex, and expensive metal detector always increase the number of findings, and how can one transition to the next metal detector "painlessly"?
Upgrading to a higher-class metal detector is like buying a foreign car after a 'Zhiguli'; it gives status, boosts self-esteem, and opens up new opportunities.
Indeed, most owners of entry-level, mid-range, and semi-professional metal detectors dream of saving up and earning enough for a more advanced, professional, and expensive device.
Most people are guided by the idea that the more expensive and 'cooler' your metal detector is, the more finds you will have, always and everywhere. Based on this logic, treasure hunters sell their old detectors, which have faithfully served them for several years, go into debt, take out loans, and acquire their dream—the most advanced, expensive metal detector—attaching high hopes to it for significant discoveries.
Often, the first few outings bring the treasure hunter 'down to earth'; there are few or almost no finds with the new metal detector. Then follow a few more trips, and disappointment sets in, along with regret: 'Why did I sell my old reliable device, which always brought me finds, and buy this one three times as expensive, only to find nothing with it?!' Unfortunately, this happens quite often. Why does this happen? Let's figure it out.
Checklist of mistakes with a new metal detector
The new detector 'doesn't feel right in the hand'It is important to remember and understand that a metal detector and a treasure hunter are a tandem, like two pilots in an airliner, where the quality and safety of the flight directly depend on their coordinated work and mutual understanding. By scanning the ground, the metal detector transmits a full range of information to its operator, who analyzes, interprets it, and makes the most important decision – to dig or not. Each device presents information to the treasure hunter in its own way.
The quality of the search depends on how well the operator can properly perceive and understand it. One can 'merge' with a mid-level device, understanding it as oneself, and thereby always and everywhere find treasures. Conversely, owning a top-of-the-line metal detector but failing to understand it may lead to disappointment and selling it.
Didn’t figure out the settings
A professional detector always comes with a considerable number of settings, functions, and options interconnected on the principle: 'Where something decreases, something else increases.' Many, in pursuit of treasures, do not fully understand what a new device might demand from them. Usually, it happens like this. You buy an expensive metal detector, premium class. You read the manual, don’t understand everything or understand only partially, watch some videos, it seems clear, follow the instructions, but somehow you still 'press the wrong buttons.' As a result, a device worth over $1,000 works worse than a 'cheap detector' for $250.
You find an acquaintance 'who knows' and they set up your metal detector for you. After a few successful trips using these settings, you think you can do it yourself, tinker with the settings, and they get messed up again. Without understanding the interconnections and the impact of the advanced settings and functions on a particular search parameter, you fail to get the maximum performance out of the device, the very performance that allows it to outperform other detectors and increase your finds.
To avoid this, it is necessary to thoroughly study your future detector and its settings in advance, even before purchasing it. This will give you an understanding of whether you can figure it out. Most of us use smartphones year after year, buying newer, more advanced models, and for some people, installing a particular app on their smartphone takes just a few minutes, while for others, it is a whole challenge. The same goes for metal detectors; there is nothing supernatural about them, but not everyone manages to master them sufficiently. Honestly assess your abilities.
Every metal detector has its own unique sound, and the audio can even differ between two identical models from the same line. Often, in pursuit of maximum performance (for example, depth), we forget about the most important thing – the audio response. Sometimes it can tell us more about the target than all the systems and algorithms of digital target identification.
Therefore, chasing maximum specifications in depth, separation, and discrimination of an expensive professional metal detector, we may find ourselves in the field, regretfully realizing that we don't understand what its sound is telling us.For this reason, at the very least, watch several tests of the chosen device on various targets in different conditions. And at best, it’s most effective to find someone with that metal detector and ask them to demonstrate its sounds, or go out with them. Believe me, it’s not uncommon that after 'trying out' the sounds of the targets on a metal detector you liked, you realize, this isn’t for me.
If none of the aforementioned reasons apply to you, then it may simply be that the adaptation period to a new metal detector has not yet passed. It's similar to drivers: one can drive the same car flawlessly for several years, but after switching to a new one, feel like it's the "first time." Getting used to operating any device or mechanism requires time.
As we can see, the reasons why switching to a higher-level metal detector does not lead to an increase in the number or quality of finds are subjective and human in nature. In plain language: "didn't figure it out," "misunderstood," "didn't get used to it," "didn't suit me."
When is the right time to change a metal detector?
If you have decided to switch to a new device, the following recommendations on how to do so with minimal losses (in terms of finds) are for you.
Switch to a new metal detector at the beginning or at the very end of the season. Ideally, spend the winter browsing forums, asking colleagues, watching tests, saving money, and start the spring season with a new metal detector. It's very simple. This way, you'll have time to test it, adapt, get used to it, and understand it. Additionally, you will still have some extra time in the form of the autumn season, which is longer and therefore "more fruitful" than spring, and which you will start with some experience using the new device. Alternatively, change it at the end of autumn, giving you more time to sell it, as the device will fetch a higher price because it will be "younger." It is not recommended to change a metal detector, except perhaps in the middle of summer.
You have a new device — how to avoid mistakes when first getting to know it
Start with familiar places and targets
It's best to take your first trip with your new gadget to one of your favorite spots, where year after year you've encountered a set of already known targets (empire, pre-reform, scale). First, you will doubt the device less — knowing that there's definitely something in the ground. Second, it will be easier for you to get used to its 'language': audio signals and visual identification. You'll notice the difference in how it reacts to targets compared to your previous device.
Don't rush to squeeze out the maximum
As a rule, a more advanced detector has increased sensitivity, speed, depth, grip, and responsiveness. If you set the maximum levels right from the start, you may simply not be able to handle it. It's the same as getting behind the wheel of a new sports car without skills and experience and flooring the pedal—you can imagine the result. Start with the factory-installed default programs. They are designed specifically to gradually 'adapt' the user to all the capabilities of the metal detector.
Find yourself a mentorIt very well may be that you got excited about buying a new device after seeing how your friend, colleague, relative, or acquaintance makes a huge number of finds with it. Ask this person to show you their settings and explain the subtleties and nuances. It is much easier and faster to get familiar with the device this way than to figure everything out on your own through trial and error. If there isn't an experienced user nearby, find one on forums where treasure hunters communicate. Most are happy to offer advice and guidance to newly minted 'beginners.'
Don't hesitate to ask
Many people, upon acquiring a high-end detector, are simply embarrassed to admit that they don't understand it at all. Therefore, ask questions, gather information, compare, and develop your own settings that fully reveal the potential of your metal detector. Remember, the Titanic was built by professionals, while the ark was constructed by amateurs.
Read the manual
Actually, this is what you should start with first. However, based on experience, most people remember this at the very last moment. Believe me, the manual in the box with a metal detector is not just for show. Manuals for modern devices are written in a simple and understandable language, meticulously explaining every aspect of working with a metal detector, sometimes to the point of over-explaining. From how to assemble it correctly to how to conduct effective searches in the field.
Be patient
Do not expect that on your first trips the finds will start to “stick to the coil” by themselves. It may take a full spring-to-autumn season to master your new detector. And if you do not give up, patiently and methodically explore the capabilities and features of the metal detector, the day will come when finds will effortlessly and naturally start to “stick” to the coil wherever you go, and your colleagues will look at you as if you were a god, asking how much such a metal detector costs.
Conclusions on Changing a Metal Detector
In summary, it can be confidently said that switching to a more expensive, professional, and functional metal detector does not always increase the number of finds. You need to clearly understand what you want from the detector, what you are missing, and, if you have such opportunities, how you will use them. Only then will changing the metal detector bring the desired result, and you will grow as a professional in your field.
This does not mean that you should be afraid to change things and use the same "Aska" detector all your life. No. You just need to approach this matter consciously, with a clear understanding of the goals and objectives you set for yourself.Therefore, keep searching, finding, comparing, and experimenting with new devices, because now you already know how to do it correctly. Happy new finds with your new metal detectors, friends!
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