Beginner Metal Detecting in the SW?

[ddavisiamt]

I'm looking to get into some very entry level metal detecting here in NM and the SW. My question is what detector would be good for the sandy/rocky/gravel areas I'll be in? It seems like most of the reviews I'm seeing are mainly areas with deep soil, I haven't seen any that show performance on the ground I'll be detecting.

I'm looking at the Garrett Ace 250 (of course), the Whites entry level model, and the Fisher F2.

As for what I'll be looking for? No idea. Anything. I'll be searching out old mining camps, ghost towns, washes, etc. Everything from clad, to relics, to jewelry, to gold in these areas as it's a very well known spot for gold/silver. I do some pretty intense hiking so getting a detector back into these areas seems like a neat idea as I'm sure most of these places I'm hiking to have never been, or rarely been detected. Thanks for the help!

 

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[T.C.]

Welcome to TNET!! Stand by....there will be plenty of folks on here shortly, "persuading" you what to buy. I've got a White's M6....love it!!

 

[Loco-Digger]

You really need to let us know what you'll mainly be hunting for. If you plan on doing mainly gold & silver prospecting, none of the detectors you listed will be very good. If you just want to dig local parks and permissions they will be okay.

 

[Channon]

I upgraded from an old Bounty Hunter to an AT Pro a few years ago when I first got home from the Army. I found the BH going through some old stuff at my parents and decided MDing was something I could get into.

The AT Pro was easy to learn and I've found some great items at up to 10 inches deep. I can say that for the money it's been a good machine for me. Good luck with your choice and happy hunting!

 

[Rawhide]

Hello and welcome to the sport. Being in the Las Cruces area and detecting for the last several years I may be able to help you. The soil has a high level of minerals so depth is not always there even in the best of conditions. The two entry level machines you mention have the basics and a preset ground balance or ground balance when you turn them on. As you progress with your knowledge and learning of the sport you will want to upgrade your equipment. Even a basic entry level detector will work in these conditions here. But you will find even the most remote areas full of trash or nails that set the detector off with every step. You also need to know the rules of the State and code of ethics as it is important we not leave our sport to being regulated out of existence. You can not detect state parks, or federal protected areas. Even having a detector in some places can get you into hot water. There is also historical areas that should not be detected.

So first, get the best detector you can afford. Expect to pay $700.00 bucks or more but there is many well under that price that will do a great job. Too many brands to list and too many options as you may have already found out reading the forums. A sponsor here on one of the forums will be happy to discuss your needs and get you started. Usually the more you pay for a metal detector the better the options, so look at price. Weight, battery consumption, depth, discrimination, coil selections and so on can be confusing. While buying used can get you a great deal. There is a lot of fakes out there and you may not get a warranty. I suggest buying new and get a warranty.

My last purchase was actually a down grade to a less expensive detector. While my Fisher F75 is more than capable with it many coils and uses. I purchased a Garret AT Pro with a two coil option. I have seen the 5x8 coil used and it performs great on these old sites and trashy areas you are talking about. A large coil covers more ground and depth, but you need the separation of a small coil to cut through the trash. The difference between the two detectors in a nut shell is the AT Pro's Iron Audio feature I fell in love with. It allows me to hear the iron in the ground and check deep targets with a push of a button. Now there is many many other features of both machines I wont go into here but used that as a example.

So I suggest you down load a pdf version of the manuals of these two machines or any detector you are looking to purchase and see what the detectors actually do. There is a lot of reading there but you can also watch many of the videos posted on line too. Kellyco also has a compare option buried in there web page that lets you compare two detectors side by side. So research is key in your purchase and your hunts.

As for courtesy and code of conduct. Its common sense. First always have permission. Now asking for permission usually gets you a no. Be creative how you get permission. Know the laws and rules if on BLM land. For instance, you are allowed to meteorite hunt on BLM land. wink wink. I also dont hike with my detector assembled. I have a extra long back pack made just for that reason. You start pulling anything out of the ground and folks will start un inviting you quick. You also have two pockets, one for trash and one for coins. Fill your holes and carry out your trash. Also be ready to be asked a lot of questions if you encounter folks.

One thing you will want to do is share your finds. When posting pictures be sure location is off and you shoot in the raw format. Never tell where you find stuff or be prepared to fill holes and pick up trash next time you go out.

Some items you will want to consider is equipment. A good digger like a lesche, and a pin pointer to help find dirt colored finds easier is a must. You can buy a cheap digger at home depot in the garden department for about $10.00 buck. You can get a cheap pin pointer at Harbor Freight for about $17.00 bucks. You can print a 40% off coupon for Hobby Lobby and get a economy detector for about $60.00 bucks. Or you can get some good equipment that will produce through a sponsor here.

Ok now for the part you dont see in the advertisements or reality shows. Be prepared to dig trash. Your gonna dig a lot of trash. Also you will need to spend time with your detector to get really good with it. Start by placing a dime on the ground and setting your detector up to that. Also there is tips and tricks you can learn to increase your finds.

If you are local to this area know First Texas is just down the road in El Paso and they are a great bunch. I have met a few of them and they really hunt with the machines they make and sell. If you are local let me know and we can get together and Ill be glad to show you the two machines I use and what I mean.

 

[ddavisiamt]

Casca,

Thanks for the detailed reply! After doing some research, I think I'm going to go with a Fisher F2 for my first detector. If I end up not liking the sport, I won't be out much, and if I do want to upgrade, this will be a fine spare, or loaner for a friend.