Last week after 15 years of surveying, I lost my first piece of equipment. It was a Schonstedt locator I set down in the grass after digging up a monument, and promptly forgot it there and drove 5 hours home. I'm almost certain I know where it is, but I'm not holding out hope that it will still be in that tall ditch grass when I get a chance to go back to the site Monday.
So, I'm already planning on what locator I'll have to buy next. Are Schonstedts (especially the GA-52cx) still considered the best, or is there another kind I should be looking at? What do you guys use?
We heard a lot about the Magna-wand, so we got one.
I tried it, and felt like I was handicapped, couldn't find anything that I later found with a Schonstedt. User error, maybe, but almost everyone else here must feel the same, as the Magna-wand's sitting in the garage right now.
I'd stick with what you know and like.
CST IS ALSO GOOD , HAD-HAVE ONE FOR 25 PLUS YEARS
I keep saying I am going to get a subsurface next time my schonstedts, goes out, since the subsurface is waterproof.
I've had a Shonstedt GA-52C for 22 years, so I'm not up on the latest-and-greatest, but I've heard enough complaints about the GA-92XT to know I'd probably not buy one if I was in need of a replacement. I do note, though, that they've announced a new model, the Maggie:
Maybe they've ironed the kinks out of the 52-series replacement and produced a new model worth having.
Either the classic Schonstedt 52-series or the Subsurface ML-1M work well.
I own the Subsurface and have a Schonstedt (owned by my employer) in my work truck (also owned by my employer).
I had the pistol grip Schonstedt, didn't like it. Too short and the connections become weak and the thing randomly screams for no reason. We had it repaired once then my employer replaced it with the 52 series I am currently using.
I prefer the Subsurface, but the classic Schonstedt works good too. I think the Subsurface discriminates a little better in difficult situations (a lot of metal around, not just the rebar you are looking for). It seems to be tuned a little different from the Schonstedt. I'm sure there are people who feel the opposite.
"I got the Schonstedt at the Mount Pleasant City Surveyor's auction, they were practically giving them away. It has Cop Shocks, Cop Motor and it's a model made before catalytic converters so it runs good on regular batteries."
I've had very good luck with a magna wand I bought quite a number of years ago, long before it was rebranded as hound dog. I've found its ability to cancel out horizontal flux direction very useful for pin pointing vertical monuments. I would definitely buy another if I was in the market.
I have to say I like the Subsurface ML-1M. I have great success finding rebar corners close to metal fences, phone pedestals, meter boxes, and what ever is metal and close. I used a buddy's Schonstedt Saturday. Had to get him to take over because I was having problems using it. After a while I got use to hearing it. I took it away from him because he was going to pass up on a rod I heard next to all the above interference. If I was to buy one today it would be the Subsurface ML-1M.
Allen Wrench, post: 328330, member: 6172 wrote: Last week after 15 years of surveying, I lost my first piece of equipment. It was a Schonstedt locator I set down in the grass after digging up a monument, and promptly forgot it there and drove 5 hours home. I'm almost certain I know where it is, but I'm not holding out hope that it will still be in that tall ditch grass when I get a chance to go back to the site Monday.
So, I'm already planning on what locator I'll have to buy next. Are Schonstedts (especially the GA-52cx) still considered the best, or is there another kind I should be looking at? What do you guys use?
I and my crews have used nothing but classic Schonstedt's ever since we figured it might be better than the dip needle! Never felt a need to try anything else...
I have been contemplating a new locator. Maybe the local supply shop has a subsurface I can demo. Otherwise I like the good old schonstedt. If I buy a new one, I'm going to design a handle for it to reduce the stress on those two little screws that hold the cover on. I'm amazed how flimsy the units are put together considering the environments they are used in.
I've not tried the Subsurface ones. I tried the CST kind with 2 dials and maybe preferred it more than the classic Schonstedt - I thought it weeded out junk signals better. However, I have literally ran over my Schonstedt with no ill effects.
How about the Hound Dog? I haven't seen anyone mention it. Seems a bit pricey compared to the rest though.
Jules J., post: 328362, member: 444 wrote: I have to say I like the Subsurface ML-1M. I have great success finding rebar corners close to metal fences, phone pedestals, meter boxes, and what ever is metal and close. I used a buddy's Schonstedt Saturday. Had to get him to take over because I was having problems using it. After a while I got use to hearing it. I took it away from him because he was going to pass up on a rod I heard next to all the above interference. If I was to buy one today it would be the Subsurface ML-1M.
Ergonomically, the Schonstedt GA-52Cx is clumsy for me. I'm 6'-1" and I have to hold the GA-52Cx by the box end to get the tip where I want it. Adjusting the controls requires the other hand, which is usually carrying other stuff. Holding the GA-52Cx by the box end strains the mounting screws and brackets in the box.
I love my Subsurface ML-1. I got it right after Subsurface got started making locators, over 10 years ago, if I recall correctly. The grip is above the control box, and I can operate all the buttons with the thumb of my grip hand; unlike the GA-52Cx, I can run it one handed. Volume from the ML-1 has never been a problem, but I've had plenty of volume issues with GA-52Cx units.
I have a few CST locators as well. Let's just say I'll be trading those in for a discount on my next Subsurface ML-1 purchases.
Allen Wrench, post: 328434, member: 6172 wrote: I've not tried the Subsurface ones. I tried the CST kind with 2 dials and maybe preferred it more than the classic Schonstedt - I thought it weeded out junk signals better. However, I have literally ran over my Schonstedt with no ill effects.
How about the Hound Dog? I haven't seen anyone mention it. Seems a bit pricey compared to the rest though.
Actually, the one that I mentioned in my other post, is the Hound Dog. I called it a Magna-wand. I think they might be the same thing. Anyway, it's sitting around, no one wants to use it.
Had a Schoeny for years. Currently have a Subsurface. Either one will get the job done. Do like the handle on the Subsurface much better than holding the box on the old Schoeny.
Dunham & Morrow: DML 2000. Light weight, great price, Lifetime warranty, works great! I've had mine for 10 years and still no problems. Check it out!
Holy Cow, post: 328479, member: 50 wrote: Had a Schoeny for years. Currently have a Subsurface. Either one will get the job done. Do like the handle on the Subsurface much better than holding the box on the old Schoeny.
That's my main complaint with Schonstedt. That square end is awkward and gets very uncomfortable to swing around all day. Plus, the little screws always work themselves off the shell and bend the threaded studs.
The SCHONSTEDT GA-72Cd Magnetic Locator has a handle...
DDSM:beer: