Kids

[Josephiking]

Anyone know any kid metal detectors that are cheap and work good?

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[Chisos]

Cheap, yes. Work good? Has some decent reviews. Bounty Hunter Jr., Walmart, Radio Shack-$58-$59

[Keppy]

Tesoro Compadre...... Runs about $160.00 and has a good resale value.......The bounty hunter & Radio shack detectors have no resale value...

[Hosensack]

Yes the Compadre is a very good suggestion, as well as the Silver Umax. My son (8) tried the Umax and liked it but decided to stick with the Fisher F2 as he liked the VDI, he's a bit stubborn like his daddy because I would not suggest the F2 for that age group, as the arm set up is not to great for a child.

[jmoller99]

The Fisher F2 is pretty much the same as a Bounty Hunter Discovery 2200. The Fisher F4 is pretty much the same as a Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 (The F4 comes with a DD coil, the 3300 comes with a concentric coil). The software in the Fishers are slightly more feature rich, but nothing dramatically different.

Both the 2200 and 3300 are great first detectors. Plan to keep them as spares after you upgrade. I have one of each and I use them to teach people how to metal detect with. I don't see why a kid would not be able to use one - they are very lightweight. I also have a Tesoro Compadre - it's much more sensitive to small gold chains and jewelry, but most people like the VDI display when they are starting out. Personally, I find that the VDI tends to make you skip over good targets that happen to be right next to bad targets (giving you a junk reading). Long term, you are better off listening for targets than consulting a VDI display, but that takes time to develop as a skill.

The low end Bounty Hunters are cheap toys but not worth much for Metal Detecting with - some of them couldn't find a metal car in parking lot. The midrange and above are fine.

[mfitzs70]

When you say cheap you need to suggest a price.....cheap for me may not be the same as cheap for you... Garretts ACE250 is a good starting point.But at about $250.

[dholland02]

U can get a used ace250 off eBay or even craigslist pretty cheap or a new one on amazon for 212. It has an adjustable shaft so u can shorten it up pretty short for a younger kid.

[spartacus53]

I think what most are trying to say is get something decent at a lower price point that your child can grow with and still use for years to come. If he likes the hobby, he can always upgrade at a later date If he doesn't like the hobby then you'll have a detector, and probably get into it instead of looking through boxes of coins

[inspectorgadget]

If your looking for cheap then first think used! The used market is big & you can save some serious bucks on a pre owned detector. Any in the $250 range new can be found for close to 1/2 price on eBay & CL. The Ace 250 as suggested by others isn't a bad choice, the Tesoro Compadre isn't a bad choice either. I also see Whites Coinmasters sell somewhat cheap used.

[Hosensack]

jmoller, The problem with the Fishers for a child is the arm cuff is larger than most and doesnt adjust up far enough. It almost becomes a two handed operation for a younger child. The Tesoro's are set up much nicer for that particular size.

If you were to modify the shaft(drill some additional holes) and get an after market cuff or make your own it would work great, but then you would have a voided warranty verses a lifetime.

[Hosensack]

I just re read and saw you were recommending the BH counterpart, perhaps they have a different cuff set up.

[Mzjavert]

For someone that young if you want a display, I'd go with the ACE 150...fewer controls. But like several of the other's I'd highly recomend the Tesoro Compadre.

If you were to modify the shaft(drill some additional holes) and get an after market cuff or make your own it would work great, but then you would have a voided warranty verses a lifetime.

Technically yes. But I've never had to send in my shaft for repair...just the coil and control box for my Tesoro.