My Metal Detecting ala Sarawak

I believe that metal detecting is an entirely new hobby in Sarawak although there are metal detectors already in existence (left in the dust in some stores somewhere) used in industrial application (eg. search for metal pipes), airports and the armed personnel for security purpose.

So I try to look around for anyone who shares a similar interest with me, but none here in Sarawak. Actually I have been eyeing for one since my interest into the hobby took off 10 years ago, but then there was not much money to buy one (during that time in 1998 it was mostly for industrial purpose and the price of a simple metal detector was RM3,000 a piece!!).

Even when I was in UK when I had the opportunity to attend a fellowship study in 1999, I was tempted to buy one, on sale at a store for 500 British pound = RM2,500 before duty and shipping!! But reality sets in and I come to my senses that my family back home needs the quid more than I do. So I practice patience, until another opportunity arises.

Furthermore to find friends to share my interest and finding non, is nearly another letdown for me. But presevere I must.

There are several factors presumably contribute to non interest in this hobby locally,
(1) The Price - which may be unreachable or too expensive for an average joe. A metal detector with an average price of RM1,000 may be well end up to become RM1,500 after the shipping charges and customs duty (10% of total price) upon entry.
(2) No Dealers - there are no local dealers in terms of warranty handling, or somebody who could be blamed for repairs and maintenance. There are a couple in KL and Johor but the dealers there charged a high price for a unit of metal detector. I enquired one online and found that they charge a huge profit compared if you buy one on e-bay on your own.
(3) Wrong Perception - probably the local never seen an ordinary guy with civilian clothing like they do, swinging an extended stem with a big rounded tip and a headphone. They are familiar with Hollywood interpretation of military personnel in uniforms looking for hidden bomb!! I encountered one on my first trip to the park with a metal detector and one of the middle-aged lady who had been curious about my presence there remarked: "I thought you were looking for an atom bomb" (Duh).

Finally I decided to buy a metal detector, making my order on an e-bay dealer from the US. The first metal detector a Garret ACE 250, after tons of research on the internet I decided that this one will be the best option for a beginner like me.

This one has all the ground balance, dsicrimination, sensitivity, pinpointinf in 5-type modes just by pressing a button plus the LED graphic indicator is such a big bonus. Compared to 10 years ago where you have to distinguish an object on the ground by ear after tuning precisely on several knobs. The Garret ACE 250 is so easy for any well researched novice and on the first day you are good to go.

The third love of my life (after my wife and children, that is) arrived on August 4 and ever since then it has proven itself, more than I expected for a beginner's metal detector. What a piece of beauty.

So Go Hunting.