older metal detectors

[Tasmorn]

I buy alot of thing from shopgoodwill.com... They always have older metal detectors for sale. Are the older models worth buying?

 

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[RJGMC]

I can't speak for all the brands, or all the models, but some hold up very well. I have a Garrett Freedom3 that I have had for 26 years. It does not get used very often, but it still works as good as it did when new. I was sent in ince about 20 years ago when I hunted in the rain a little too long and the speaker quit. Imagine that. If they are cheap enough and you have a bettery or two in your pocket to test tham, I think you will be surprised at how good many of them still are.

Let us know what you find. Be careful and don't pay too much to begin with. Of course there are still people looking for parts such as coils, knobs, meters, etc.

I would personally stay away from the so called "lesser" brands. Just my opinion. A realistic brand detector had a hard time finding a quarter under a newspaper. That was when it was new!

RJGMC
HI BOB!

 

[BosnMate]

Depends on which one. I remember older machines that require a large square battery that I don't think is even made today. But high end analog machines, if they are still working, are darn good at what they do.

 

[luvsdux]

I'd stay with the more common brands - Garretts, Whites, Tesoro, etc. If the price is right, as long as they work, you're not out too much and some of the older detectors are very usable.
luvsdux

 

[TonyTiger]

Hi I'm using a tesoro cutlass which I bought for about $100,I only use it on the beach where I've found 100sof coins plus 8 rings.Ihave now bought a whites eagle 11 which I hope to use next week

 

[pwcguy]

Pay attention to the shipping charges. A lot of times they are twice as much as the winning bid.

 

[True_Metal]

All I use is older tone machines. Great deals to be had on em. The prices on the new machines are crazy. If I'm dropping 2 grand on a new machine, it better dig the targets for me and grab me brew for the show.

 

[augoldminer]

The two things you have to watch for are battery corrosion and salt corrosion.