Complete noob to the hobby. Looking for metal detector purchase advice

[d3scride]

Hey guys,

I'm looking to purchase a metal detector that both myself and my Dad can use. My knowledge about what to buy is pretty much zero so I was hoping one of you guys with more experience in the hobby can point me in the right direction.

We would mostly be hunting in the following areas: beaches (sand and shallow salt water), parks, schoolyards, mostly just coin and jewelry hunting.
Budget: ~$500
Something relatively user friendly, but I'm not against purchasing something with a bit of a learning curve if it means better yields.

Would also appreciate any input on what accessories need to be purchased and what brands you would recommend.

Any other information that you think might be useful let me know.

Cheers.

 

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[Carolina Tom]

Hello D3,

I use Garrett products. Everyone has different tastes in machines. You figure that out quickly.

Saltwater is tough for the lower end machines. Parks, Schools and dry sand... no problem.

With a $500 budget, I would tell you to look at an Ace 350 ($300). You will WANT a pinpointer, the Garrett ProPointer ($127) is what I use. If you want to spend a little more, The AT Pro ($600)is a widely used detector, a bit of a learning curve, but not all that bad. You will not "outgrow" the AT Pro, as you might the Ace 350.

You can check the machines out of You Tube. Garrett has a nice set of videos about their machines.

I hand digger ($5.00 to $60.00) is needed for dirt, a beach scoop for the sand ($60.00 to $150.00). Predator tools sell Lesche hand diggers, really nice little tool, that should last a lifetime, expensive, but worth it.

If you have any questions, just PM me. I hope that this helps. Good luck, you and Pops will have a great time detecting.

 

[Terry Soloman]

 

[d3scride]

Thanks for the responses so far. My only concern about purchasing the AT PRO is if I realize I'm not that into the idea of metal detecting then it will be an expensive piece of equipment just sitting in the garage

 

[steve1357]

Thanks for the responses so far. My only concern about purchasing the AT PRO is if I realize I'm not that into the idea of metal detecting then it will be an expensive piece of equipment just sitting in the garage

The ATPro has a good resell value if you check the listings on ebay for comparison.

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

As Steve1357 mentioned, resell value is good on an AT Pro. If you decide you don't want it, a $75-100 discount will usually move it quickly.

Wayne

www.metaldetectingstuff.com