Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505 Metal Detector
A Field Test With A Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505 Metal Detector
The Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505 model finds a lot of silver. Within one week of testing I discovered two silver charms and three Sterling silver rings. The Auto Notch feature ignores the majority of soda can tabs and iron, but nickels can be difficult to detect using this setting.
Notch mode is most effective if you categorically ignore certain objects as is discussed in the user DVD that comes with the detector. The depth and sensitivity of this device are excellent, as I have uncovered a lot of coins at 10 inches and deeper. I have uncovered aluminum cans even deeper than that.
Toggling Between Two Settings - The Pioneer's Ease of Use
I go back and forth between Disc -- for better identification on ambiguous objects -- and Auto Notch, which usually provides favorable discoveries. The depth might be a bit off, as I've noticed some objects register deeper than they actually are.
There are a number of tones, which are simple to identify after you practice a bit. I use my ears more often than I do my eyes; however, I do look at the depth register and identification meter to confirm. If you want some excellent information, view the 505 DVD.
I do not put it in the All Metal mode very often, so I am not qualified to provide an opinion, but I will say that the Pinpoint feature works when I want it to. This is a setting I would like the 505 to have. I will post an opinion on the gold hunting after I complete my expedition to a Gold Strike Area that I am taking soon.
Conclusion on the Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505
Overall, the capabilities and the affordability of the Pioneer 505 Bountry Hunter detector make me give it a five star rating. It reminds me of the Ace 250 by Garret, only with superior identification and better ease of use, particularly for beginners. The screen on the Ace 250 is hard to read. Bounty Hunter gives a five-year guarantee, while Garret only give a two-year guarantee.
As an aside, I consistently wear headphones that have a way to control the volume. I purchase a couple of sets of batteries that can be recharged (the detector takes 2 9-volt batteries to run). I am able to detect for approximately 15 hours on one charge (I can go longer if I use Nicad batteries, but they are not rechargeable).
I constructed a chest strap for my own use to keep the weight of the machine from settling on my wrist (it isn't very sophisticated. I used a strap from a gym bag that goes over my head and right shoulder, along with a bungee cord that allows it to balance.
To attach a key ring to the shaft, I use a clamp to use the cord interchangeable with my various detectors). After you try this metal detector once, you will understand why I like it so much.
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