GA-52 or the Maggie

I haven't used that latest model of Maggie, but I did have one of the early model collapsible Schonstedts. I did not find the smaller form to be smaller enough to really be a convenience. I'd just as soon have the full size model.

I also don't find the visual scale on some of these to be all that useful. Just something else to break, IMO.

The 52 is pretty much bullet proof. But I haven't had anything to complain about with the maggie either.
I do like the padded bag with the maggie. Especially strapping it over you shoulder and having free hands for other gear when I have to hike to a point

Mark Mayer, post: 377299, member: 424 wrote: I haven't used that latest model of Maggie, but I did have one of the early model collapsible Schonstedts. I did not find the smaller form to be smaller enough to really be a convenience. I'd just as soon have the full size model.

I also don't find the visual scale on some of these to be all that useful. Just something else to break, IMO.

They had the collapsible one on a PO and I put a stop to that real quick. Sliding moving parts on metal detector does not sound like a good idea. We have enough going on. But I agree, collapsing wouldn't be small enough and the digital display isn't needed. We have a CTS with digital display and I was so happy when I heard the one of the crews nearly snapped it in half.

I was probably the person that complained about its sensitivity. It is so sensitive that it makes it hard to pinpoint steel/iron in asphalt.
You can't turn it down enough. If all of your corners are 2ft deep, this is a great thing. If your corners are 3" deep, it makes it a little difficult. I have dug a plug in a very well maintained yard only to find that I had to make the hole 4" bigger on one side. While I personally don't care, the occupants of the house might...

N.W. Staker, post: 377308, member: 11801 wrote: ..... Sliding moving parts on metal detector does not sound like a good idea ....

Oh, they work fine. No problem there.

Rankin_File, post: 377307, member: 101 wrote: .... strapping it over you shoulder and having free hands for other gear when I have to hike to a point .....

The old schonstedt, a drain spade, machete, and a few lath go in a lath bag nicely for those safaris.

Rankin_File, post: 377307, member: 101 wrote: The 52 is pretty much bullet proof. But I haven't had anything to complain about with the maggie either.
I do like the padded bag with the maggie. Especially strapping it over you shoulder and having free hands for other gear when I have to hike to a point

I make my own straps. Some thinner rope with knots on each end and electrical tape work good. No metal and doesn't create interference. Then I don't worry about a case while working. Sling it over the shoulder and trudge on

I am done with the GA-52, it seems every 3 years we have to send it to get it fixed. I think it is a design flaw with the box and how it can twist and break a few pieces inside the box. It doesn't seem to matter how many times I yell at my guys to not hold and swing it that way looking for corners they always grab the box. The subsurface so far has been bullet proof, its just a long tube.

Scott Ellis, post: 378262, member: 7154 wrote: I am done with the GA-52, it seems every 3 years we have to send it to get it fixed. I think it is a design flaw with the box and how it can twist and break a few pieces inside the box. It doesn't seem to matter how many times I yell at my guys to not hold and swing it that way looking for corners they always grab the box. The subsurface so far has been bullet proof, its just a long tube.

Hmm Holding it by the box has never seemed like a good idea. Seems like common sense not to hold the box but that is me. I'd probably blow a gasket if I saw someone swinging back and forth by the box.

But I'm sure I have the boss convinced to buy a bloodhound now. I always have my old faithful Schonstedt that is probably old as me to rely on.

I have been using a HoundDog for a few years. Seems a little slow to react in a fast sweep, but once you learn to use it, very good locator, no issues and it has the cool vertical rod feature.

SHG

We use the Schonstedt GA-52 at work and the only gripe I have is that the "grip" is not very ergonomic. Aside from that, I love it. In fact, I bought my own just for kicks and it paid for itself quickly.

I've always held it at the top of the probe/bottom of the box. Seems to work well.

We recently had it upgraded with the "Stone with 'X'" module installed; works as good as some of the Chilton Time-Savers...

We should organize a shootout between all the metal detectors, in common use.

I'd like to compare them.

N

Nate The Surveyor, post: 378878, member: 291 wrote: We should organize a shootout between all the metal detectors, in common use.

I'd like to compare them.

N

That'd be great! If I don't like the bloodhound probably go get a new 52. I have about 8 old detectors to trade in.

Wow, I've never heard such anti-hold it by the box comments. I guess it never occurred to me to NOT hold it that way. Maybe I should have RTFM years ago.

There is no "flaw in the box" if the box you mean is the top of the instrument where the batteries and circuits are held. The GA-52 instruction manual does not indicate that is the method of use.The GA-52 instruction manual clearly illustrates the method of use and how to hold the instrument.