Best start-up Detector for newbie?

newbAu

Jr. Member
Aug 18, 2015
20
32
Michigan
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Hey all.

Detecting has always intrigued me. I have only used one once and it was to find my wedding ring in the snow, which I found by the way :headbang:

I would like something I can use on land and under shallow water, like small streams and rivers. Could any of you vets point me in the right direction? I would like to stay under 500$

Thanks in advance.

Kevin
 

Upvote 0

Hard Prospector

Hero Member
Aug 29, 2012
974
1,386
SO CAL
Detector(s) used
SDC2300, Gold Monster, Sierra Gold Trac, GB2, the Falcon......and just as many drywashers
Primary Interest:
Prospecting
A completely waterproof VLF for under $500 does not exist. However for less than $800, you can pick up a Garret AT Gold which is waterproof / submersible, relatively easy to use and a very capable nugget machine.
 

namxat

Sr. Member
Feb 2, 2017
465
646
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
Almost all detectors today have waterproof coils. As long as only the coil is underwater (and the control box above it), shallow water should not be a problem for most entry level machines.
 

OP
OP
N

newbAu

Jr. Member
Aug 18, 2015
20
32
Michigan
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I found the Garret AT gold waterproof for 550$ by my house. That looks like the best one for what I want. Thanks guys!
 

devldog

Silver Member
Mar 9, 2012
3,643
6,338
Georgia
Detector(s) used
Whites MXT ALL PRO, Minelab Safari
Primary Interest:
Relic Hunting
Best of luck to you with the Garrett AT Gold. You are gonna' like this detector.
 

Terry Soloman

Gold Member
May 28, 2010
19,421
30,102
White Plains, New York
🥇 Banner finds
1
🏆 Honorable Mentions:
1
Detector(s) used
Nokta Makro Legend// Pulsedive// Minelab GPZ 7000// Vanquish 540// Minelab Pro Find 35// Dune Kraken Sandscoop// Grave Digger Tools Tombstone shovel & Sidekick digger// Bunk's Hermit Pick
Primary Interest:
Metal Detecting
I would NOT get an AT Gold - unless you plan to hunt gold nuggets.

A Garrett AT Pro, would be the right machine for coin and jewelry hunting. You can get a used one here in the classifieds within your budget. :skullflag:
 

No gold in NY

Bronze Member
Mar 22, 2015
1,688
2,921
Detector(s) used
Whites Coin Master,
Whites Gold Master GMT, Whites MXSport
High banker/dredge,
DIY hand trommel,
DIY Miller table,
DIY fluidbed gold trap sluice,
Keene A-52 A-52s
2186 Wheaties
Primary Interest:
Other
You can save even more money with a Whites coinmaster. Mine has paid for it's self twice in the two years I have had it. Great company to deal with if you have problems.
 

Top Member Reactions

Users who are viewing this thread

Top