If you had $1,200.00 to spend on a detector....

[damz68]

What make and model would you get? I am looking for a lightweight detector that will do it all but has to be reliable and durable. Also, does anyone know what detector will go the deepest for coins?

 

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[djui5]

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[Kale1]

I have a DFX that does a good all around job on coins and other stuff so if you are interested in one here is a site you can check out http://www.dfxonly.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3735 hope this helps you.

 

[Scary Hunter]

I had read in some posts that the Minelab Explorer SE is a very good one and it costs $1199.95 USD at kellyco and has several extra stuff.

 

[Sandman]

Forget which detector goes the deepest on coins. There are to many variables. As for my choice, I would choose a Minelab SE or Sovereign GT with the WOT coil for my beach hunting.

HH,
Sandman

 

[PADirtfisher]

I bought my DFX new for $850 from a store that doesn't believe in suggested retail prices. I love it. My close friend has an XLT, and I consistently clean up compared to her. Then again, I once had a guy walk behind me on a coin-rich beach with a Minelab and "clean up" what I missed. I got most of the goodies, but... well, I wanted to smack the guy, just on general principal.

If you are stretching to buy a detector, or if you aren't sure you're that dedicated, get a deal on a DFX and use the rest for fun. It's a great machine. If you have $1200 free and clear and you want the best, go for the Minelab. It's a scary great machine.

Just my $.02. Your mileage may vary.

Frank B.

 

[damz68]

I figured it would come down to whites and minelabs. I have a minlab xterra-30 and even though I had a problem where the coil and handle did not line up straight I like it allright. I have also had a problem where when I sit the machine dowm it turns off normally when this happens it also starts beeping like crazy, even when you put the coil in the air. This has happend several times in the 3 months I have owned it. However, the other day I went out with the man that sold me the unit and found a lot of clad where he had already been with his tesero desoro.

I do like the look of the minlabs, the contols and display are very professional looking. At the same time, I question its durability. I could be wrong.

Sandman, will those minelabs find a small gold nugget? I know the x-70 will do it all with differant coils, I just think it is slightly over priced when you add all those coils.

 

[RON (PA)]

I would buy a Vaquero by Tesoro. I have heard that it gets incredible depth, it is very lightweight, and above all it is a Tesoro.

 

[romeo-1]

Minelab Explorer SE! I just got mine this week and am very happy with it! I had the MXT before and to be honest it is like comparing a Chevette to a Corvette! I don't know about the higher end Whites but my MXT was extremely "chatty". Iron would sound almost constantly. With the Minelab when you discriminate iron you will not hear a peep! Goes real deep too.

I have only had the machine for a few days but I have no regrets about spending the dolla's!

 

[Dixie Digger]

there are many good detectors out there in that price range.you need to take into consideration are you going to hunt mostly land or water? if you know you will be hunting land id go with Fisher CZ5 or Minelab Sovereign GT.they both are good detector's.If you hunt mostly water id go with Fisher CZ20 or Minelab Excalibur.

 

[EDDE]

for 1200
buy 2 then sell the one you dont like

 

[Monty]

I don't think the DFX or the Minelab are light weight detectors but they are certainly two of the best. Extra quality sometimes requires more electronics thus more weight. You can buy any one of several straps or harnesses to help support the extra weight and it will not be a problem. Me? I have a Garrett GTI 2500. Monty

 

[patpall22]

I was in the same position you were about six months ago. Obviously with 1200 dollars you’re looking for either whites or minelab. I decided to go with the whites DFX and purchased one on E-bay for 720$. This left me some extra cash for accessories. I am more than happy with my decision. The DfX is strong enough to endure the punishment of any conditions. What i like best about the DFX is that it is super easy to use. it's a true turn on and go detector that also has many features to play around with for extra depth but it allows the user to achieve very high level of performance with just the factory settings. I my opinion, the DfX is the most versatile detector on the market and I highly recommend this detector.

 

[lordmarcovan]

I was thinking of a DFX or a Minelab but ended up getting a Garrett GTI-2500. In fact, I ended up getting my detector in a swap; got a lightly-used one for $200 cash plus two nice coins. Considering what I had invested in the coins, I ended up getting the detector for less than $500. If I had been paying full price, in cash, would I have still chosen the GTI-2500? Not sure. It was one of three I had narrowed my choices down to.

The Baron does have a point: for 1200 bucks, you could still buy two nice upper-middle-of-the-line machines and sell off the one you didn't like, or have a secondary unit. Perhaps $600 for a nice detector and another $600 for a specialty machine (surf/dive machine, gold prospecting machine, whatever).

PS- if you want lightweight, forget about the Garrett GTI-2500. It's a nice machine but it's a cinderblock.

 

[Scary Hunter]

Two used Minelab SE are being sold at kellyco for 675 and up if I remember correctly. the web page for kellyco is www.kellycodetectors.com

 

[SouthCarolinaTeacher]

I would definitely find a local dealer. I've heard many stories about online transactions(eBay, Kellyco) about how the service was HORRIBLE, and I've also heard some that they said the service was great.

My White's Forum friend and Pioneer of Metal Detecting, Greg Moscini from Trans Bay Metal Detectors would be able to get you set up if you weren't able to find a local dealer. He offers competitive prices along with 25+Years of knowledge. Kellyco and eBay doesn't offer any education on the machines, they just sell them.

It's the service that you get AFTER the transaction that is the most valued aspect to me. He'll make sure you get a machine that's right for you and the education to go with it!

Greg can be contacted at:
www.transbaymetaldetectors.com OR
[email protected]

 

[Burdie]

I am going with a T2 when I get the money. The word is you have to understand what it is telling you. If i am wrong I will be the first to tell everone.
Burdie

 

[lucky1777]

I would go with an MXT, with a small coil and an 18 inch coil. Then get a nice pinpointer. It is light, well balanced, powerful and easy to use.

 

[phantomx6]

Don't overlook the Fisher CZ3D. Just got one, and really love it. I think it is lighter than the DFX or Minelab, and it goes DEEP!

 

[Willy]

Well, you kinda leave it wide open by saying "do it all". Will you be prospecting? If so, the DFX and Explorer are going to be blown away by much cheaper detectors. I'd say that an MXT, X70,LST, Treasure Baron, come closest to being all-rounders. One thing to remember is that what a lot of the high end detectors offer is generally bells & whistles and a person that knows a detector well can often give a harsh spanking to someone with a whizz-bang TID unit. Another maxim that rings true is: "The best discriminator is your shovel". That's why I put the LST in there; you might dig more trash with a basic detector, but often this is offset by the good finds that a TID would say is garbage... like a 1oz gold nugget. ..Willy.