Hiya
I’ve been toying with the idea for a while now. Especially as I kinda like the idea of taking a detector into the bush. Or to interesting looking places I’ve found. Wouldn’t mind having a go at some local beaches too. Think I’m going to go for a Fisher F22 for my first intro unit. I live rural Whangarei, moving to Waipu currently. So I like the idea of being able to hunt around for stuff. I was originally from the UK and used to love ‘fossiking’ on the beaches there as a kid. This kinda steps it up to another level. The wife is really into history and all that historic detective work. So we’re thibnking of doing it together. We’d like a reasonable unit to work with and something that will have a resale value when we upgrade. So are avoiding the cheapo TradeMe offerings.
Have done heaps of research and feel like I’m ready to go find stuff
Secondly, I’m afraid you’re not going to get much in metallic history out here (ex-Pom speaking)
Thirdly, half the fun is in the research and sticking a pin in the map and then having a go and seeing if you were right.
Big thing out here is permissions are a lot easier to secure (generally) and there isn’t the public liability insurance/treasure trove red tape to deal with like in the UK (yet).
If you can stretch to it, look at the F44. These machines hold a good resale value if looked after and gives you a little more than the 22. Alternatively, the AT Pro is a very versatile machine if you can pick up a good one second hand.
When you get your property in Waipu, hunt that to exhaustion first - there’s some good history out that way, and you’ll perfect your retrieval methods without upsetting Groundskeeper Wullie (I have Scottish blood, so can get away with that )
The property in Waipu has had a villa removed and a cottage put on and then another old villa put on the property. It’s a bit ramshackle so am looking forward to hunting that. I’ll see how far the budget stretches after I’ve moved.
TBH I’m not that bothered what I find really.
What do people mostly do with their finds?
Lead is always good a) It has a reasonable scrap vlaue, and b) if you’re hitting a lot of lead on the beach, then you’re in the Gold zone.
Stuff like rings, if it’s a surface find and distinct (as opposed to the bog-standard plain 9ct band) then I put it through the Police Lost property - get 9 out of 10 back. If it’s deep, going green with age then it goes in the swag bag.
Phones usually ring within 24Hrs with a frantic owner on the other end.
I’m under no illusions really. It just appeals to my geeky side.
I’ve watched hundreds of vids over the last couple of weeks. I really like addicted to bleeps on YouTube.
)
