Myths and Fallacies

- Is the Aussie Detector better?

(No).

There are pros and cons to any detector. In the hands of a talented user, the DFX
will match any detector out there. What of the one from down under? It is heavier,
that's for sure. And, it's made of plastic - that's always been a quality problem for
them. I've learned to appreciate the metal casing of the White's, especially
considering how many times I've dropped or knocked my detector when I'm in
the field. Like the Timex of old, it takes a licking . . .

Oh, and in these troubled times, shouldn't we be buying American made
products? I don't know about you, but ever since 9/11 I've felt funny about
shipping my hard earned dollars overseas. I don't care whether they speak
English or not. Once the dollars leave our shore, they're out of our control.
Further, spending domestically is a huge component of our economy. How can
we keep America strong when we're exporting dollars? I know people who throw
a fit when you suggest you might buy a foreign car - then why would you buy a
foreign built metal detector?

- Can users of other detectors REALLY tell the difference between a
Mercury dime and a Seated before they dig it up?

(No).

There are some adherents and followers of another brand of detector (whose
name we never mention on this site, but it starts with an "M") who claim that they
can tell the difference between different KINDS of silver dimes before they dig
them up. This, of course, is an impossibility: Silver dimes in the US (seateds,
Barbers, Mercs, and Rosies) are all the exact same shape, size, weight, and
metallic content. When asked, some of the people making these claims suggest
that the detector "notices" that - for instance - a Merc has a "higher" or "raised"
design on its face and this means that the dime will somehow read differently
based upon this different shape. This suggestion silly - even that company's
literature admits that the detector only detects based upon the surface of the coin
facing up. So, in other words, what if the coin was "tails" up? And what of the
Barber or Seated? Yes, they love their detectors (and there's nothing wrong with
that) but when they start fantasizing - well, recognize it for what it is. I've
personally offered $100 to any owner of a "M" brand detector if he can go 9 out
of 10, ID'ing dimes I bury at 7 inches. Not one person (including those who've
made the claim to me) has agreed to take me up on the offer.

Oh, by the way: it's a standing offer. You don't have to put up any of your own
money, and I'll supply the dimes. If you fail, however, I get to tell the world. Fair
deal? Let me know at sibelius@dfxonly.com.