Field Test Report for Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors.

Field Test Report for the Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker and Quick Silver Metal Detectors.

By Keith Thompson & Jayne Thornhill

This report evaluates the performance of the Fast Tracker and Quick Silver Bounty Hunter Metal Detectors over a two day period 29^th and 30^th August 2007. The report is taken from both individuals' personal perspectives, and reflects both Keith & Jayne's individual conclusions.

Jayne and Fast Tracker

I spent 2 hrs at Broadhaven Beach (Bosherton) using the Fast Tracker. The beach conditions were dry and sandy. Within a short space of time I had located 7 modern coins. I found that by setting the sensitivity to 'high' and by setting the discrimination to 'low' (just after the click to switch on), the machine eliminated all ring pulls, aluminium and tent pegs. The signal given for modern coins was slightly broken (as if it was trying to reject it). I found that pinpointing the location of objects with the Fast Tracker was easy.

I also spent 3-½ hrs with the Fast Tracker on Solva Beach, which comprised sand and shingle. During this period 6 coins were located. (mainly pre-decimal). The machine performed very well in the sand, shingle, and wet sand conditions – much better than the other more expensive machines that I normally use – and was extremely comfortable, lightweight and efficient to use.

Keith and Fast Tracker

I spent 2hrs at Broadhaven Beach with the Fast Tracker. During this time 2 modern coins and 3 toy cars were located (2 at the request of a lady whose son had lost his cars in the sand!). Although it was easier to pinpoint with the 7" coil, and easier to search around rocks, it was a little more restricted in the overall sweep area compared to a larger coil, and also the depth of search was less than I am used to (using a larger more sophisticated machine). Overall however, it was an enjoyable and easy to use machine, and I would recommend it as a good teenager/adult entry- level machine.

Jayne and Quick Silver

I spent 2 hrs at Broadhaven Beach (Bosherton) using the Quick Silver detector. The beach conditions were dry and sandy. The Quick Silver performed well and during this period I located 10 modern coins and a toy tank. I found that the Quick Silver did not perform as well as the Fast Tracker in wet sand conditions. I also found that whilst the push button discrimination allowed you to eliminate certain ranges of metals, it was not as flexible in discrimination settings as the Fast Tracker. I preferred to detect on the 'all metal setting', but this did mean that the machine located a good number of nails, tent pegs, aluminium etc. Also, whilst the 3 tone audio feedback was useful in target identification, I found it did not allow for easy pinpointing of objects. I did not find the LCD display of much benefit, but this is probably due to the fact that I am more used to relying on audio feedback.

Keith and Quicksilver

I spent 2 hrs at Broadhaven Beach (Bosherton) using the Quick Silver on dry sandy beach conditions. Four modern coins were located. I liked the LCD identification display and especially the ability to just push a discrimination button (without moving your hands to turn a knob, for instance) particularly useful.

I also spent 4-½ hrs at Sovla Beach using the Quick Silver in sand and shingle conditions. A total of 11 coins (mostly pre-decimal) were located, plus a number of interesting artefacts. I found that the machine performed reasonably well in the wet sand conditions. As with the Fast Tracker, I would recommend it as an easy to use enjoyable entry-level machine.

Overall we both feel that anyone starting out with either of these machines will certainly find coins, jewellery and other interesting artefacts on beaches (and a certain amount of junk of course! – depending on how the discrimination is set). Although we were unable to check the machines on dry land soil conditions, Keith has found that metal detectors in general appear to perform better anyway on soil compared to beach conditions. We would therefore expect the same of the Fast Tracker and Quick Silver, and much enjoyment and pleasure should be found in using them. Over the 2-day period we found a total of 40 coins - Happy Hunting!!!

Keith Thompson & Jayne Thornhill

Birmingham – September 2007.

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