why upgrade ?

[hedgehog]

Some good advice there Brian, lots a machines now that give similar performance but the weight and sweep speed definitely makes a difference to the finds you make. I don't understand why with some it has to be really slow and with others the faster the better, I've got one of each and prefer the faster sweep speed because you cover more ground and make more finds without losing the depth to any extent.

[sandpiper]

Hi
you will definately need to upgrade if you want to detect wet sand for that you will need a detector that can handle the extreme positive salt mineralisation  such as the minelab range,soverign,explorer etrac or  fisher Cz range or pulse machines .Land is far more forgiving for detector performance and really getting to know your machine and what its saying to you will pay dividends.I agree with the other posts about speed ,weight ,ease of use etc but overall its important to have confidence in your machine - thats where joining a club ,seeing what others are using and finding is important - then you can judge its performance  and the confidence it gives you for yourself.
If you really enjoy the hobby and want to get the best out of it then its worth a little investement in the right machine for you. Its all a learning curve however the majority of hardened detectorists do plump for a major brand name machine at some stage - go to a rally and there you'll get lots of experience and advice. a look at all the detectors  and a comparison of finds.
hope this helps

[TheLoveDoc]

Its good advice .... thanks all 

[Debbie]

I think that Sandpiper hits the nail right on the head with the words:
"but overall its important to have confidence in your machine"
I am 100% confident that if there is a target in the ground, within range, be it in land or on the beach, and I swing the search head over the target, the detector will make a signal.  All I have to do is go over it - as simple as that.
Of course, many factors influence the target being "in range" - how compact the soil is (especially for minelab users - the more dense, the better); if the soil is damp or dry; if the target is lying flat with a large surface area or on its' edge etc etc.
I think that is what a lot of the hunt is all about - being at the right place at the right time - and hopefully with goodies buried in the soil / sand.