New to the channel- Been detecting for about 10 years. Started with a AT Pro, went to a Minelab E-Trac, then a CTX 3030. After my shoulder recovered from the CTX, I got an XP Deus and loved the lightweight, wireless metal detector! Used it for many years and slayed the silver (I'm a coin shooter mostly). My son moved to Charleston, SC, and I make the 3 hour drive down there to see him most every month. I upgraded to the Deus 2 this last January (because I was already familiar with the Deus software) and have finally started finding gold at the beach! Love Merrill's enthusiasm for detecting, he and I seem to be cut from the same cloth.
Hi all new to the forum and detecting! I have The Legend by Nokta which i got to use for the first time this week and it seems like its very user friendly. I also impulsively bought a Deus II which is way above my beginer skill level. I look forward to learning more about the hobby
Interactive sports broadcasts are a step into the future. Now you can choose the language of commentary, switch between cameras and follow detailed statistics right during the match. I recently learned about livetv. This level of comfort makes watching even more exciting and engaging. Perhaps this information will be useful.
Hello folks. My name is Tom. I have never, in all my 68 years owned or operated a metal detector. I would like that all to change in the near future.
I have no idea what I am looking at, but I have been all over the internet looking and I have settled here. For the most part, honesty. I have seen a lot of things and think they are just trying to sell no matter what it is.For the most part I understand internet marketing and stuff like that so I can usually wade through the baloney most of the time. I happened upon the Metal detecting NYC guy and watched several videos and not once did the fellow ever try to sell me on anything for the most part.
That has lead me here to this forum where I saw a video from Indiana Tones who reviewed a guy doing a review of the top best 5 detectors. How can you not like something so brutally honest.I also understand that people are on Youtube and have websites to try and put a few extra coins in their pocket.So, I am wanting to get going. I live in the Atlanta Ga area but go to Florida a lot. I am looking to detect on the beach and I also have access to a lot of farmland with 100 year old houses still standing.I have a budget of 6-700 bucks and I would like opinions on new or used and where to get them. Used can be a bit of a chance but I am just looking for the best advice and I fell this is where I am going to get it.Any help will be appreciated.
Hi Tom. I’m Mike (Sand Sifter) and recently joined the forum. I love Merrill’s Metal Detecting NYC YouTube channel, totally trust him and his reviews, and I too never feel that he’s trying to sell us anything.
I’m 67, started detecting when I was 10. I primarily hunt beaches, but I also love coinshooting old houses, old parks, etc. You’ll hear 3 detector brands mentioned a lot here and on other forums: Minelab, Deus, and Nokta.
Personally, I’m a Minelab guy, and have owned several Minelab Sovereigns. They’re older technology, bigger and bulky, but are great beach detectors. I just got back into detecting after a few year hiatus and wanted to update to a newer technology detector. Since I’m getting a bit older, I wanted a more compact, lighter detector, waterproof, quick to set up and basically, a grab & go detector.
I just ordered a new Minelab X-Terra Elite directly from Minelab’s website. It’s not one of their “top end” detectors but although I could afford one of their higher end & more expensive detectors, I just don’t need a lot of the extra features on the higher end models. And personally, IMHO, I have a hunch that the X-Terra Elite shares the same processor & electronics as the more expensive models, just with a few less features. Think of it like buying a car with cloth seats and without a moon roof, rather than the more expensive model with leather seats & moonroof. Same car, same engine, but the different car models come with different features. But for me, the X-Terral Elite presented the best overall value.
Minelab is currently running a promotion until the end of January. I ordered the X-Terra Elite Expedition Pack on Tuesday, which comes with the detector & 12” coil, an 8” coil, waterproof headphones, and they throw in a free Pro-Find 40 pinpointer (their newest & most powerful model that I was going to buy anyway). They also include Free 1-2 day Express Air Shipping, so I should be getting mine today! Total cost of the bundle was $599.00, so fits within your budget.
If I bought everything separately, it would have cost over $800.00, so I just couldn’t pass up this deal. If you’d like to check it out, here’s the link: https://usa.minelab.com/x-terra-elite-expedition-pack. I think it’s a great detector for beginners as well as experienced detectorists.
I started detecting 57 years ago when I was 10. My mom bought me a Heathkit Detector. Anyone else remember those, lol? If you’re not familiar, we had to build it from a kit. The Heathkit wasn’t very ergonomic to swing so about a year later, she got me a White’s Coinmaster 4 and we joined the MD Freestate Treasure Club. Loved going to our club sponsored hunts.
I still have that Coinmaster 4, but after separating from the Air Force, I picked up a Fisher 1225X, and after that, had many other detectors including a Garrett Ace 350 & AT Pro and several Minelab Sovereign’s. The Sovereign’s were my favorite detectors of any that I’ve owned. I’m down to my last one, a Sovereign Elite, which I’m swinging on my profile & header pics.
I Love, Love, Love Beach Hunting and Coin shooting old houses, churches, etc. The wife and I previously had a 2nd house down near Rehoboth Beach, DE, and every weekend for years I’d be out detecting on the beaches. Love DE & Ocean City beaches! Unfortunately, we sold that house a few years ago, so my Sovereign has been sitting idle. But recently, I got the itch again, decided to see what Minelab was up to these days, and the Manticore, Equinox 700, and X-Terra Elite really caught my eye.
Then, I discovered Merrill’s YouTube Channel and my excitement for detecting was back. I absolutely LOVE Merrill’s videos, he cracks me up with his sly, dry humor, but at the same time, I totally trust him and his detector reviews and recommendations. So, it looks like I’m jumping back in, and will be picking up a new Minelab, maybe 2, gotta always have a backup, lol.
Lastly, when I started watching Merrill’s videos, I kept thinking he looked and sounded very familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then it hit me. Check out Rocky LaPorte on YouTube. He was on season 8 of Last Comic Standing. Here’s one of his videos, take a look at see if he reminds you of anyone, lol.
My name is Andre Paquette, from the Ottawa, Canada area.New to the hobby, I bought an Equinox 900 a month ago. The ground here will soon be ready for metal detecting without damaging the vegetation. Meanwhile, readings on metal detecting, watching Youtube videos, getting prepared.
Hello all wife got me a detector for chtristmas alsways wanted one live in San Diego so i have so many awesome places to dig. i am swinging a Vanquish 440 wife uses the original 340 she got me for xmas and i unlocked sushi the other day at a park nice little 14k ring.
I am a South African but been living in Maputo Mozambique Africa since 2009.
I swing a Nokta Legend that I bought because of its rating on Merill's website. Have not regret it for one second.. So thank you again Merill for your sound advice and knowledge.
Tony from Michigan, Looking to get into the hobby with my Wife and start learning on our Property in Northern Mi. when we're not off roading on the trails of course ;), Next stop asking for advice on my choices.
✌🏼🫡  what up friends by name is Jeremy and I currently live in San Diego.  I’ve done some metal detecting out in the Pacific islands with an old Garrett, and now have upgraded to a legend, and mostly rock the beaches out here on the West Coast.
Hi all, I am Dennis Wynne, and in the state of Texas, Fort Worth area. I have been loving this hobby for 50 years. I am mainly a old homesite country detectorist, as there is so much to find there.I have also recovered 5 caches in those 50 years and am currently very close to my 6th and 7th. I just got my Nokta Legend, and am looking forward to learning it. I also have big boy toys, including a drone equipped with a high resolution thermal camera, a ground penetrating radar, and a Nokta JeoHunter. This hobby has been incredibly good to me and I have a few more years left in my tank. I have known quite a few of the old timers and learned from them as well. People say there is not as much in the ground as there once was. But, we never get it all. And there is more places to hunt than you can shake a stick at. Happy to be here, and HH to all!
I'm RED: Retired--Extremely Docile--in Upstate NY. Metal Detecting was the next item on my "Bucket List", so after a few months of "research" (and putting my Missus through more MD vids than anyone should have to endure), I decided on a Deus 2.
The very next day, Merrill made his "Big Announcement". 🤦🏼♂️
Timing has never been my long suit. 😏
No idea yet if the Missus will have any interest; we like to do most things together (or at least watch over each others' shoulders). Hoping to involve one or both of our service dogs as well--they LOVE to help. Any MD 🐕s out there? 🤨
Hi all. Im 49 from Cwmbran South Wales.My husband and I are total beginners. We don't have a metal detector at present but are both really interested in it. It's on my to do list for the new year if I can get a detecor sorted for my hubby for Christmas :)
Fulton from Moss Hill, TX. I started metal detecting about 6 months ago. Needed to add an active hobby to my 'get healthier' plan (lost 36 pounds). Before I bought a detector, my personality demands that I over research things and it led me down the metal detecting rabbit hole of information. I want to thank Merrill for his youtube content. It was very informative, unbiased and factual, as well as entertaining. I watched all of them, and I liked and subscribed, of course. Merrill helped shed light on the ins and outs of detecting and gave me the confidence to finally make the leap. I got a few park permits, bought an XP Deus 2 down at a nice shop in Florida on a business trip, came back to Texas and started my new adventure. First day I found 2 silver rings. Blind luck because I was just figuring out the Deus 2. But it definitely got me hooked. The last six months I have gone every week to a beach, park, or old home site (got a few permissions). I'm loving every minute. Thanks Merrill. Oh, and I don't have a handle yet, was thinking "Quawtah Master".
Hey ya'll. I'm Doug. I am a hobby gold miner and refiner. I mine from trash, like e-waste and jewelry, refine through chemistry. Now I would like to see what's in the dirt. Because everything in my refining hobby goes full circle, kind of like recycling, there are more uses for a lot of junk metal in the ground. Copper is for waste clean-up. Iron cleans the copper. Aluminum gets purified, melted and sold to other hobbies. It's like a chemical exploration. Metal detecting makes sense.
Hi, My name is Dale Anderson, I live in NW Illinois. I've been metal detecting since the early 90's, starting off with a Tesoro Bandido. I've owned many detectors since, my last one being an Equinox 800. I love the data I get from a digital detector but I also love my analog detectors. When the new wave of digital detectors started coming out, I of couse wanted one but hesitated when I started seeing information about the Nexus company. They make detectors that are showing some impressive depth and unmasking abilities. The Khz of the detectors are based on the coil that's attached to the detector. The coil I ordered (and I'm sure I'll be placing another order) is the 9 inch concentric coil Nexus call the silver scout. This is a 24 khz coil, specifically made for unmasking in trashy areas. Their coil selection is huge and my next one will be for depth in non-trashy sites. This Nexus MP3 is due to arrive today and I can't wait to spend the time to understand it and get detecting!
Erik from Arizona, been swinging for about 5 years, just recently picked it back up. I started with a Tesoro Lobo, switched about 2 years ago to a Nox800 and recently went to the 900, was always afraid of the water leakage so figured what the heck. Me and I buddy got permision to search an old drive in, some silver rings and lots of change, we got a lot of space left to cover. Swinging in 107 temps takes some work for sure.
Hello, all. Shannon from Port Saint Lucie on the Treasure Coast of Florida. I've been detecting in one way or another for more than 40 years, off and on. I started on a $9.99 Radio Shack kid's "detector" from the 1980's, which had at best an inch of detection ability. It couldn't detect a penny on the surface if there was grass. But this fascinated me nonetheless, which got me started.
Over the years I have owned a Minelab Sovereign XS, a White's Spectrum XLT and now I own a Minelab Equinox 800 and an XP Deus 2. The Deus 2 is what I currently use, and I hunt on the beach most of the time. Occasionally I coin shoot, and on rare occasions I hunt for relics also.
I would like to pay for my detectors by finding jewelry. I would love to find some Spanish 1715 Plate Fleet relics, jewelry and coins. Realistically I probably need to retire before I have the time to spend on the beach to actually do these things. 45 minutes plus each direction, and an average of maybe 7 hours a month to actually hunt, isn't helpful.
In the mean time, I'm having fun, getting out of the house when I can and getting sun and exercise. I'll consider anything above and beyond that icing on the cake.
I am blake and I am 13 and I have been metal decteting for about seven months now. and I found your youtube channle and I whatched a few videos and thought to give it a try and I got the simplex, I was hooked when I found my first silver ring. I now have the legend and have found loads of great finds. and I always tune in to your live stream.
Recently retired and looking for the best detector for me.
Grear information here.
Merrill has an amazing YouTube channel. His honest opinion on detecting shows his passion for the craft.
I live in Central IL...... For now! 😜
Mostly park and old homestead searching.
I am borrowing a friend's Garrett ace for now. Not a fan!
Our local Scheels sells Minelab.
At the beginning of my search I was leaning towards a ML Equinox 600, but now I have been watching more and more videos about the Nokta Simplex and Legend.
Nokta seem to build a nice machine for the money.
I am a Keep It Simple person, but if it means that I could do better then I will learn how to use a complex machine.
Hello Swingers! I am Steve aka Ferrous Grump. I operate Crystal Coast Ring Finders along the North Carolina coastline. I have been watching Metal Detecting NYC since almost the beginning. I am always looking for tips and information about various machines.
Yar Treasure Hunters! I started metal detecting while living in the US Virgin Islands and flying seaplanes. My success was such that I was hooked as a 3-4 day/week hunter. Dug it all with my trusty Sea Hunter MkII. I'm a landlubber up in New England these days, searching for coins, not wedding bands. It's great to play with the new technologies the detector industry has to offer, but wondering when the next great underwater PI detector will be launched. I feel it's an underrated technology with unarguable depth capabilities.
Hello all. We are three generations fairly new to detecting. From Salisbury, Maryland.There are some nice parks in the area and we are 1/2 an hour from Ocean City, MD. Which has 10 miles of broad sand beaches.
Rob Sr. Garrett Ace Apex
Rob Jr. Harbor Freight 9 function, Vanquish 340, Equinox 600.
Ahoy! Mike in San Diego, here. Retired teacher, educational technologist and underwater photographer for 30+ years (earthwindow.com). I bought a GoldMonster 1000 for nugget shooting in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada but found that everything that isn't under claim is pretty picked over or off-limits so I hope to get a machine for man-made treasure: mostly beach detecting. (The GM1000 is idiot-proof but won't work at all in that environment). Merrill, I have enjoyed your videos, candor. and you seem like an all-round great human. A little daunted by the detector choices. I borrowed a GPX 4500 a couple years ago and couldn't make heads or tails of it. Maybe an Equinox 900 or Mantecore with a little video hand-holding.
Hello everyone. Merrill I have enjoyed the videos and knowledge you have shared. Thank you for that. As for me I live in southern Virginia, where I enjoy fishing, gold prospecting and metal detecting. Trying to get the wife and kids to join in with the gold prospecting and metal detecting as much as possible.
Hi everyone, Blueboy from UK just saying hello. Mostly detect the fields here & finding Roman & Hammered coins along with many artifacts etc. Been detecting since 1985 so done quite a few hours.
Hello all! I am Skag from Minnesota. I have a Equinox 800 and just waiting for my number to come up for the Manticore. Merrill you are right in your videos. What a stress reliever. Now if we could just get through winter!
I just stumble across your videos, I know, I know. You been living in a freaking cave? I was an old bottle collector for the last 45 years. About 4 years ago I bought a Bounty Hunter Platinum. It was a amazing first detector. Found lots of stuff. Sold that to get a better one, and I never got the better one. Now I'm ready. I have a grand to drop on one, and cant decide on what to purchase. I mainly do parks, fields, private residence, and railroad tracks. I'm looking at EQ 900, EQ 700, Nokta Macro Legend, Deus 2. ( not sure about the wireless). Any info would be great. Also what company does everybody deal with? Thanks all
I have used Big Boy Hobbies, Serious Detecting, Metaldetector.com (right down the street from me!), and KellyCo Detectors. I enjoyed working with all of them and mostly decide now based on inventory.Then there are accessory companies too (mainly for my old Nox). Steve’s Detector Rods is amazing. Steve worked with me to come up with a custom design to fit a custom 3d-printed handle hinge I built so the whole Nox800 would fit into a travel case. Detect-Ed is another good one, but shipping from Australia can take a bit.
Thats a good ideal for the hinge. the shaft telescopic in and the handle folds over that. You might have something there. I've bought things from those stores as well. International rates are expensive.
Hey all - I'm Brent. I'm "That Guy Again" in most forums since I tend to collect hobbies and pop up all over. Into archery? I'm there. Into metal detecting? I'm there! Into hand carved wooden spoons? Somehow there too. I'm a software engineering director out of the Boston area (Swampscott for those who know the area). I normally hunt beaches with my Deus II but just got a Manticore in the mail today and can't wait to get out with it once I'm through this next week.
I’m Rob and I was born and raised in Bergen County NJ. Went in the Air Force for 22 years and now I live in N Texas. I started detecting last summer along the beaches of Galveston and found rings and coins. I use an Equinox 600. I also picked up a CTX 3030 about a week ago.
I'm Tim Bradford, born in Louisiana, live now in Alabama, started detecting while on the west coast when I was in the Marines, 1988, found alot of jewelry back then , used Garrett's, tesoros and whites detectors. Now use the legend and gold kruzer , oldest coin I found was a 1814 bust dime at a CW camp,
i I'm Steve. Currently I'm using the new Makro Legend (v.1.09). I've been a detectorist since I found a 1680 silver Spanish Real coin with my Garret Compass growing up in Connecticut in 1973; i was 12 years back then. Since then, I've detected along the American East Coast and in southern heartland of Germany. Over the years, I've discovered many cool and unusual items. I'm looking forward to my near-future retirement to spend more time dirt fishing and enjoying Merrill's Youtube videos :)
Howdy... Marshall from Northeast Indiana. Been detecting 15+ years. I swing a Tesoro Silver uMax with 10 x 12 coil, an AT Pro with Nell coils, and a Vanquish 440. Currently shopping for more additions.
My name is Dariush, and I am from NYC. I am new to treasure hunting, and I am looking to get a better machine someday. I am also looking for a buddy/partner. I try not to get shy when posting in forums.
I swing a Deus II and 'Nox 800 in northeast Tennessee. Slowly weaning my way on to the the D2 full time. I love natural hunts, and like to try and get in on the better large-scale ones in the surrounding state area like Digstock and DIV and other lesser known ones. Member of the ETRACH club. Anyone visiting the area drop me a line, perhaps it can work out we can detect together. If you come from NYC and bring Bagels and/or Italian cookies i'll bring you to my favorite sites and maybe introduce you to a few Paisanos. Hint hint. :)
Vossie - south east coast Ireland - as some would claim, the sunny south east! I have a wee YouTube channel - my profile pic here is my profile pic there!
OK, where do I begin? I basically started metal detecting because of Merrill! Got a Simplex and have never regeretted it for a moment! I do a LOT of beach detecting - even with the limitations of the machine, I have endless fun!
Hopefully I can soon get the Legend - if her good self, the minister of finance, will allow! Please visit me over at my YT channel - share the fun!
Thanks Merrill for all you do! Hopefully I will have the priviledge to get to hunt with you - and the other NYC folk, one day! AND, most importantly - Adele - the Queen of DHB too!!
Greetings from the Tom's River Social Club! Me and the boys have been metal detecting for some time now. Just cant recall how long or where we metal detect. Metal detecting keeps us out of trouble and helps people along the way. It takes a social club to make a town respectful. Chow!
Howdy. Barry from central Oklahoma. Merrill, I appreciate your videos and insights into our hobby. You’re honest, unassuming, and willing to share knowledge. Here’s hoping your forum is a success!
Like your vids and information, helps me very much. Trying to get back into detecting, been a couple years. started out with Tesoro's but now have a EQ 800 that i need to sort out. Sent it back in 2020 i think and came back with a new coil. Also need to see which download it has. Think i tried the downloading the 4 hrz not sure though.
The Equinox has given me more than any other detector. It’s a winner! Just stick to multi and all metal mode. Keep the recovery speed mid scale and the iron bias close to neutral.
Hello Merrill, hello to all treasure hunters. My name is Terry Bunnett. I am from Waterloo,Ontario. I tint automobile windows as a profession, and metal detect as a hobby. When I’m not doing either, I’m usually spending time with my rescue dog Rebel. I ordered my equinox 800 back in 2019 and I love it, almost as much as my dog. What a great hobby. I have a friend who owns a school house not too far from me, who let’s me hunt his property at anytime as often as I like. My best coin from there so far is 1911 Canada large cent. KG V. I want to take this opportunity to thank Merrill for sharing his knowledge and expertise on how the equinox functions. It has certainly helped a lot. Good luck out there everyone. Hope to see some of you around.
Hi Merrill - Ro here (Diggun) from central South Dakota. YouTube follower - been getting to know my new Legend - your VDI episode was very helpful!
We hunt mostly small towns and ghost towns out here in South Dakota, weather permitting of course. Keep up the content - gives me something to watch when I’m not out in the field!
I've been watching Merrill for about a year now. He's one of the few Youtuber's I watch. I like that he's authentic, enthusiastic and I like his "teachable moments." I feel like I've learned a lot from him.
I upgraded from the simplex to a Deus 2 this spring. Weather has been terrible in the midwest this spring but I've been pulling some nice finds from my local parks. Found my first barber dime this week!
Hello! I have been confused all winter about whether to buy a ukulele or a metal detector... This is the year though, metal detector or bust! Love your videos Merrill, might have to trek down to my old part of LI to check out the beaches once I buy my ukulele. 😁
Lol Hey Kerry I love ukuleles but I’m a little bit biased here! Your metal detector will pay for itself in time which makes it a no brainer. But of those choices play music but in very different ways! There is the acquired appreciation of the beauty of the sound of the perfect signal. And sometimes that audio stimulus is reinforced by a visual one (gold ring, old coin). 2022 is the year sir!
Hello all. I'm from the Alabama gulf coast and have been detecting under a year. I was pulled into the hobby by my nephew and younger brother. I got the Garrett Apex recently because it fit my budget and Merrill said it was great on the beach
Hello! Terry Soloman here, from White Plains, New York. I've been metal detecting since 1976, love nuggetshooting for gold in Arizona, and hunting for treasure on the beaches of New York!
New to the channel- Been detecting for about 10 years. Started with a AT Pro, went to a Minelab E-Trac, then a CTX 3030. After my shoulder recovered from the CTX, I got an XP Deus and loved the lightweight, wireless metal detector! Used it for many years and slayed the silver (I'm a coin shooter mostly). My son moved to Charleston, SC, and I make the 3 hour drive down there to see him most every month. I upgraded to the Deus 2 this last January (because I was already familiar with the Deus software) and have finally started finding gold at the beach! Love Merrill's enthusiasm for detecting, he and I seem to be cut from the same cloth.
Hi all new to the forum and detecting! I have The Legend by Nokta which i got to use for the first time this week and it seems like its very user friendly. I also impulsively bought a Deus II which is way above my beginer skill level. I look forward to learning more about the hobby
Hi Everyone, John from Sacramento, CA. I'm looking forward to making some new friends and learning.
Interactive sports broadcasts are a step into the future. Now you can choose the language of commentary, switch between cameras and follow detailed statistics right during the match. I recently learned about livetv. This level of comfort makes watching even more exciting and engaging. Perhaps this information will be useful.
Hello folks. My name is Tom. I have never, in all my 68 years owned or operated a metal detector. I would like that all to change in the near future.
I have no idea what I am looking at, but I have been all over the internet looking and I have settled here. For the most part, honesty. I have seen a lot of things and think they are just trying to sell no matter what it is. For the most part I understand internet marketing and stuff like that so I can usually wade through the baloney most of the time. I happened upon the Metal detecting NYC guy and watched several videos and not once did the fellow ever try to sell me on anything for the most part.
That has lead me here to this forum where I saw a video from Indiana Tones who reviewed a guy doing a review of the top best 5 detectors. How can you not like something so brutally honest. I also understand that people are on Youtube and have websites to try and put a few extra coins in their pocket. So, I am wanting to get going. I live in the Atlanta Ga area but go to Florida a lot. I am looking to detect on the beach and I also have access to a lot of farmland with 100 year old houses still standing. I have a budget of 6-700 bucks and I would like opinions on new or used and where to get them. Used can be a bit of a chance but I am just looking for the best advice and I fell this is where I am going to get it. Any help will be appreciated.
Greetings All & Merrill, I’m Mike from MD.
I started detecting 57 years ago when I was 10. My mom bought me a Heathkit Detector. Anyone else remember those, lol? If you’re not familiar, we had to build it from a kit. The Heathkit wasn’t very ergonomic to swing so about a year later, she got me a White’s Coinmaster 4 and we joined the MD Freestate Treasure Club. Loved going to our club sponsored hunts.
I still have that Coinmaster 4, but after separating from the Air Force, I picked up a Fisher 1225X, and after that, had many other detectors including a Garrett Ace 350 & AT Pro and several Minelab Sovereign’s. The Sovereign’s were my favorite detectors of any that I’ve owned. I’m down to my last one, a Sovereign Elite, which I’m swinging on my profile & header pics.
I Love, Love, Love Beach Hunting and Coin shooting old houses, churches, etc. The wife and I previously had a 2nd house down near Rehoboth Beach, DE, and every weekend for years I’d be out detecting on the beaches. Love DE & Ocean City beaches! Unfortunately, we sold that house a few years ago, so my Sovereign has been sitting idle. But recently, I got the itch again, decided to see what Minelab was up to these days, and the Manticore, Equinox 700, and X-Terra Elite really caught my eye.
Then, I discovered Merrill’s YouTube Channel and my excitement for detecting was back. I absolutely LOVE Merrill’s videos, he cracks me up with his sly, dry humor, but at the same time, I totally trust him and his detector reviews and recommendations. So, it looks like I’m jumping back in, and will be picking up a new Minelab, maybe 2, gotta always have a backup, lol.
Lastly, when I started watching Merrill’s videos, I kept thinking he looked and sounded very familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then it hit me. Check out Rocky LaPorte on YouTube. He was on season 8 of Last Comic Standing. Here’s one of his videos, take a look at see if he reminds you of anyone, lol.
The World's Most Boring Zoo. Rocky Laporte
Hi All,
My name is Andre Paquette, from the Ottawa, Canada area. New to the hobby, I bought an Equinox 900 a month ago. The ground here will soon be ready for metal detecting without damaging the vegetation. Meanwhile, readings on metal detecting, watching Youtube videos, getting prepared.
Regards,
Andre
Hello all wife got me a detector for chtristmas alsways wanted one live in San Diego so i have so many awesome places to dig. i am swinging a Vanquish 440 wife uses the original 340 she got me for xmas and i unlocked sushi the other day at a park nice little 14k ring.
Ola everyone!
My name is Nick Grobler.
I am a South African but been living in Maputo Mozambique Africa since 2009.
I swing a Nokta Legend that I bought because of its rating on Merill's website. Have not regret it for one second.. So thank you again Merill for your sound advice and knowledge.
Kind Regards
Nick
Hey all,
Tony from Michigan, Looking to get into the hobby with my Wife and start learning on our Property in Northern Mi. when we're not off roading on the trails of course ;), Next stop asking for advice on my choices.
✌🏼🫡  what up friends by name is Jeremy and I currently live in San Diego.  I’ve done some metal detecting out in the Pacific islands with an old Garrett, and now have upgraded to a legend, and mostly rock the beaches out here on the West Coast.
Hi all, I am Dennis Wynne, and in the state of Texas, Fort Worth area. I have been loving this hobby for 50 years. I am mainly a old homesite country detectorist, as there is so much to find there. I have also recovered 5 caches in those 50 years and am currently very close to my 6th and 7th. I just got my Nokta Legend, and am looking forward to learning it. I also have big boy toys, including a drone equipped with a high resolution thermal camera, a ground penetrating radar, and a Nokta JeoHunter. This hobby has been incredibly good to me and I have a few more years left in my tank. I have known quite a few of the old timers and learned from them as well. People say there is not as much in the ground as there once was. But, we never get it all. And there is more places to hunt than you can shake a stick at. Happy to be here, and HH to all!
I'm RED: Retired--Extremely Docile--in Upstate NY. Metal Detecting was the next item on my "Bucket List", so after a few months of "research" (and putting my Missus through more MD vids than anyone should have to endure), I decided on a Deus 2.
The very next day, Merrill made his "Big Announcement". 🤦🏼♂️
Timing has never been my long suit. 😏
No idea yet if the Missus will have any interest; we like to do most things together (or at least watch over each others' shoulders). Hoping to involve one or both of our service dogs as well--they LOVE to help. Any MD 🐕s out there? 🤨
Hi all. Im 49 from Cwmbran South Wales. My husband and I are total beginners. We don't have a metal detector at present but are both really interested in it. It's on my to do list for the new year if I can get a detecor sorted for my hubby for Christmas :)
Hello yall,
Fulton from Moss Hill, TX. I started metal detecting about 6 months ago. Needed to add an active hobby to my 'get healthier' plan (lost 36 pounds). Before I bought a detector, my personality demands that I over research things and it led me down the metal detecting rabbit hole of information. I want to thank Merrill for his youtube content. It was very informative, unbiased and factual, as well as entertaining. I watched all of them, and I liked and subscribed, of course. Merrill helped shed light on the ins and outs of detecting and gave me the confidence to finally make the leap. I got a few park permits, bought an XP Deus 2 down at a nice shop in Florida on a business trip, came back to Texas and started my new adventure. First day I found 2 silver rings. Blind luck because I was just figuring out the Deus 2. But it definitely got me hooked. The last six months I have gone every week to a beach, park, or old home site (got a few permissions). I'm loving every minute. Thanks Merrill. Oh, and I don't have a handle yet, was thinking "Quawtah Master".
Hey ya'll. I'm Doug. I am a hobby gold miner and refiner. I mine from trash, like e-waste and jewelry, refine through chemistry. Now I would like to see what's in the dirt. Because everything in my refining hobby goes full circle, kind of like recycling, there are more uses for a lot of junk metal in the ground. Copper is for waste clean-up. Iron cleans the copper. Aluminum gets purified, melted and sold to other hobbies. It's like a chemical exploration. Metal detecting makes sense.
Hi guys, I'm Matthew )aka minelabmatt) from UK.
You know the one, Merrill....remember i sent you all those random UK coins..lol.
nice to meet you all.
Hi, My name is Dale Anderson, I live in NW Illinois. I've been metal detecting since the early 90's, starting off with a Tesoro Bandido. I've owned many detectors since, my last one being an Equinox 800. I love the data I get from a digital detector but I also love my analog detectors. When the new wave of digital detectors started coming out, I of couse wanted one but hesitated when I started seeing information about the Nexus company. They make detectors that are showing some impressive depth and unmasking abilities. The Khz of the detectors are based on the coil that's attached to the detector. The coil I ordered (and I'm sure I'll be placing another order) is the 9 inch concentric coil Nexus call the silver scout. This is a 24 khz coil, specifically made for unmasking in trashy areas. Their coil selection is huge and my next one will be for depth in non-trashy sites. This Nexus MP3 is due to arrive today and I can't wait to spend the time to understand it and get detecting!
Erik from Arizona, been swinging for about 5 years, just recently picked it back up. I started with a Tesoro Lobo, switched about 2 years ago to a Nox800 and recently went to the 900, was always afraid of the water leakage so figured what the heck. Me and I buddy got permision to search an old drive in, some silver rings and lots of change, we got a lot of space left to cover. Swinging in 107 temps takes some work for sure.
Hello, all. Shannon from Port Saint Lucie on the Treasure Coast of Florida. I've been detecting in one way or another for more than 40 years, off and on. I started on a $9.99 Radio Shack kid's "detector" from the 1980's, which had at best an inch of detection ability. It couldn't detect a penny on the surface if there was grass. But this fascinated me nonetheless, which got me started.
Over the years I have owned a Minelab Sovereign XS, a White's Spectrum XLT and now I own a Minelab Equinox 800 and an XP Deus 2. The Deus 2 is what I currently use, and I hunt on the beach most of the time. Occasionally I coin shoot, and on rare occasions I hunt for relics also.
I would like to pay for my detectors by finding jewelry. I would love to find some Spanish 1715 Plate Fleet relics, jewelry and coins. Realistically I probably need to retire before I have the time to spend on the beach to actually do these things. 45 minutes plus each direction, and an average of maybe 7 hours a month to actually hunt, isn't helpful.
In the mean time, I'm having fun, getting out of the house when I can and getting sun and exercise. I'll consider anything above and beyond that icing on the cake.
Hello,
I am blake and I am 13 and I have been metal decteting for about seven months now. and I found your youtube channle and I whatched a few videos and thought to give it a try and I got the simplex, I was hooked when I found my first silver ring. I now have the legend and have found loads of great finds. and I always tune in to your live stream.
thank you all for being so supportive blake
Hello all,
Recently retired and looking for the best detector for me.
Grear information here.
Merrill has an amazing YouTube channel. His honest opinion on detecting shows his passion for the craft.
I live in Central IL...... For now! 😜
Mostly park and old homestead searching.
I am borrowing a friend's Garrett ace for now. Not a fan!
Our local Scheels sells Minelab.
At the beginning of my search I was leaning towards a ML Equinox 600, but now I have been watching more and more videos about the Nokta Simplex and Legend.
Nokta seem to build a nice machine for the money.
I am a Keep It Simple person, but if it means that I could do better then I will learn how to use a complex machine.
Thank you all for the great information.
Scott
Hello Swingers! I am Steve aka Ferrous Grump. I operate Crystal Coast Ring Finders along the North Carolina coastline. I have been watching Metal Detecting NYC since almost the beginning. I am always looking for tips and information about various machines.
Yar Treasure Hunters! I started metal detecting while living in the US Virgin Islands and flying seaplanes. My success was such that I was hooked as a 3-4 day/week hunter. Dug it all with my trusty Sea Hunter MkII. I'm a landlubber up in New England these days, searching for coins, not wedding bands. It's great to play with the new technologies the detector industry has to offer, but wondering when the next great underwater PI detector will be launched. I feel it's an underrated technology with unarguable depth capabilities.
Hello all. We are three generations fairly new to detecting. From Salisbury, Maryland.There are some nice parks in the area and we are 1/2 an hour from Ocean City, MD. Which has 10 miles of broad sand beaches.
Rob Sr. Garrett Ace Apex
Rob Jr. Harbor Freight 9 function, Vanquish 340, Equinox 600.
Rob III. Bounty Hunter Tracker V.
Good luck to everyone.
Ahoy! Mike in San Diego, here. Retired teacher, educational technologist and underwater photographer for 30+ years (earthwindow.com). I bought a GoldMonster 1000 for nugget shooting in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada but found that everything that isn't under claim is pretty picked over or off-limits so I hope to get a machine for man-made treasure: mostly beach detecting. (The GM1000 is idiot-proof but won't work at all in that environment). Merrill, I have enjoyed your videos, candor. and you seem like an all-round great human. A little daunted by the detector choices. I borrowed a GPX 4500 a couple years ago and couldn't make heads or tails of it. Maybe an Equinox 900 or Mantecore with a little video hand-holding.
Hello everyone. Merrill I have enjoyed the videos and knowledge you have shared. Thank you for that. As for me I live in southern Virginia, where I enjoy fishing, gold prospecting and metal detecting. Trying to get the wife and kids to join in with the gold prospecting and metal detecting as much as possible.
Hi everyone, Blueboy from UK just saying hello. Mostly detect the fields here & finding Roman & Hammered coins along with many artifacts etc. Been detecting since 1985 so done quite a few hours.
Hi all,
Greetings from Auckland New Zealand.
Glenn's the name and detecting is the hobby!
Purchased the Nox 800 a few weeks ago and now the Manticore is on order....
Many years ago I owned a detector but life got in the way.. Now I'm back and what a difference in tech..
So this means I'm really new to it all all over again!
I'm developing an Andriod app mainly for new users at the moment but hope to develop it into something more.
Thanks to Merrill for all your info / video's as I have learn't alot from them!
Look forward to getting into this great hobby once again..
Terry, One of our associates walks the beaches of Long Island! We make the trip every now and then BUT we now have a reason to make the trip more.
CHOW!
Hello all! I am Skag from Minnesota. I have a Equinox 800 and just waiting for my number to come up for the Manticore. Merrill you are right in your videos. What a stress reliever. Now if we could just get through winter!
Hi Merrill, and to all
I just stumble across your videos, I know, I know. You been living in a freaking cave? I was an old bottle collector for the last 45 years. About 4 years ago I bought a Bounty Hunter Platinum. It was a amazing first detector. Found lots of stuff. Sold that to get a better one, and I never got the better one. Now I'm ready. I have a grand to drop on one, and cant decide on what to purchase. I mainly do parks, fields, private residence, and railroad tracks. I'm looking at EQ 900, EQ 700, Nokta Macro Legend, Deus 2. ( not sure about the wireless). Any info would be great. Also what company does everybody deal with? Thanks all
Bill
Hey all - I'm Brent. I'm "That Guy Again" in most forums since I tend to collect hobbies and pop up all over. Into archery? I'm there. Into metal detecting? I'm there! Into hand carved wooden spoons? Somehow there too. I'm a software engineering director out of the Boston area (Swampscott for those who know the area). I normally hunt beaches with my Deus II but just got a Manticore in the mail today and can't wait to get out with it once I'm through this next week.
I’m Rob and I was born and raised in Bergen County NJ. Went in the Air Force for 22 years and now I live in N Texas. I started detecting last summer along the beaches of Galveston and found rings and coins. I use an Equinox 600. I also picked up a CTX 3030 about a week ago.
I'm Tim Bradford, born in Louisiana, live now in Alabama, started detecting while on the west coast when I was in the Marines, 1988, found alot of jewelry back then , used Garrett's, tesoros and whites detectors. Now use the legend and gold kruzer , oldest coin I found was a 1814 bust dime at a CW camp,
i I'm Steve. Currently I'm using the new Makro Legend (v.1.09). I've been a detectorist since I found a 1680 silver Spanish Real coin with my Garret Compass growing up in Connecticut in 1973; i was 12 years back then. Since then, I've detected along the American East Coast and in southern heartland of Germany. Over the years, I've discovered many cool and unusual items. I'm looking forward to my near-future retirement to spend more time dirt fishing and enjoying Merrill's Youtube videos :)
Howdy... Marshall from Northeast Indiana. Been detecting 15+ years. I swing a Tesoro Silver uMax with 10 x 12 coil, an AT Pro with Nell coils, and a Vanquish 440. Currently shopping for more additions.
My name is Dariush, and I am from NYC. I am new to treasure hunting, and I am looking to get a better machine someday. I am also looking for a buddy/partner. I try not to get shy when posting in forums.
I swing a Deus II and 'Nox 800 in northeast Tennessee. Slowly weaning my way on to the the D2 full time. I love natural hunts, and like to try and get in on the better large-scale ones in the surrounding state area like Digstock and DIV and other lesser known ones. Member of the ETRACH club. Anyone visiting the area drop me a line, perhaps it can work out we can detect together. If you come from NYC and bring Bagels and/or Italian cookies i'll bring you to my favorite sites and maybe introduce you to a few Paisanos. Hint hint. :)
Greetings All,
Vossie - south east coast Ireland - as some would claim, the sunny south east! I have a wee YouTube channel - my profile pic here is my profile pic there!
OK, where do I begin? I basically started metal detecting because of Merrill! Got a Simplex and have never regeretted it for a moment! I do a LOT of beach detecting - even with the limitations of the machine, I have endless fun!
Hopefully I can soon get the Legend - if her good self, the minister of finance, will allow! Please visit me over at my YT channel - share the fun!
Thanks Merrill for all you do! Hopefully I will have the priviledge to get to hunt with you - and the other NYC folk, one day! AND, most importantly - Adele - the Queen of DHB too!!
God bless you all!
Vossie
Greetings from the Tom's River Social Club! Me and the boys have been metal detecting for some time now. Just cant recall how long or where we metal detect. Metal detecting keeps us out of trouble and helps people along the way. It takes a social club to make a town respectful. Chow!
Howdy. Barry from central Oklahoma. Merrill, I appreciate your videos and insights into our hobby. You’re honest, unassuming, and willing to share knowledge. Here’s hoping your forum is a success!
Like your vids and information, helps me very much. Trying to get back into detecting, been a couple years. started out with Tesoro's but now have a EQ 800 that i need to sort out. Sent it back in 2020 i think and came back with a new coil. Also need to see which download it has. Think i tried the downloading the 4 hrz not sure though.
Hello Merrill, hello to all treasure hunters. My name is Terry Bunnett. I am from Waterloo,Ontario. I tint automobile windows as a profession, and metal detect as a hobby. When I’m not doing either, I’m usually spending time with my rescue dog Rebel. I ordered my equinox 800 back in 2019 and I love it, almost as much as my dog. What a great hobby. I have a friend who owns a school house not too far from me, who let’s me hunt his property at anytime as often as I like. My best coin from there so far is 1911 Canada large cent. KG V. I want to take this opportunity to thank Merrill for sharing his knowledge and expertise on how the equinox functions. It has certainly helped a lot. Good luck out there everyone. Hope to see some of you around.
Hi Merrill - Ro here (Diggun) from central South Dakota. YouTube follower - been getting to know my new Legend - your VDI episode was very helpful!
We hunt mostly small towns and ghost towns out here in South Dakota, weather permitting of course. Keep up the content - gives me something to watch when I’m not out in the field!
I've been watching Merrill for about a year now. He's one of the few Youtuber's I watch. I like that he's authentic, enthusiastic and I like his "teachable moments." I feel like I've learned a lot from him.
I upgraded from the simplex to a Deus 2 this spring. Weather has been terrible in the midwest this spring but I've been pulling some nice finds from my local parks. Found my first barber dime this week!
Hello ladies and gentlemen, HI Merrill 👋. Jason Jones, Scranton Pennsylvania
Hello! I have been confused all winter about whether to buy a ukulele or a metal detector... This is the year though, metal detector or bust! Love your videos Merrill, might have to trek down to my old part of LI to check out the beaches once I buy my ukulele. 😁
Hello all. I'm from the Alabama gulf coast and have been detecting under a year. I was pulled into the hobby by my nephew and younger brother. I got the Garrett Apex recently because it fit my budget and Merrill said it was great on the beach
Hello! Terry Soloman here, from White Plains, New York. I've been metal detecting since 1976, love nuggetshooting for gold in Arizona, and hunting for treasure on the beaches of New York!