First post here, looking for some advice on a first metal detector.

[mr helton]

I'm guessing this get asked too much already...I'm sorry!

I live in Michigan and would like something that works well in the brown soil there. I'm mainly interested in finding coins, but of course anything that I get is awesome. I'm also looking to spend $200, maybe $250 for a good starter detector that won't leave me disappointed after a year of use.

I'm also curious what kinds of places I could look. I see a lot of posts about going through the woods. Do people just walk through the woods randomly, or just paths or what? I'm thinking ideal places are like the old abandoned drive in by my house, and stuff like that. Maybe check out a fairground after they pack it up.

How hard is it to learn? I think whatever one I end up with, I'll check out some youtube videos specific to that model to get some pointers.

What extra equipment will I need?

Sorry for all the questions.


oh and I'm gonna be all over the coin roll hunting forum too. I can't believe I'm just now finding this place!

 

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[SusanMN]

The best advice I have for you is to spend a couple of evenings reading posts on this Forum asking similar questions. There are tons of them. Once you have learned everything you can online, visit a dealer and try out the ones you are interested in.

 

[JSMITH]

I too spent a similar amount on my first detector. I got a Garrett Ace 250 and it worked well for a starter. BUT if you are like me and many others, an upgrade will be desired in a years time tops. Lol. I recently got a Garrett AT Pro and I am doing well with it. The main reason I chose the AT Pro was for its versatility but again, I am already looking for another detector to add to my line-up! I am looking into quality used detectors this time in hopes I can get a higher end machine without breaking the bank. Anyway, whatever you decide, have fun!

 

[mo dirt diggin]

Welcome to the forum. If you have a local dealer, "metal detector sales" They will usually try to help you figure things out. If you don't I have heard that Bart at Big Boys Hobbies is a great help. You can find him in the vendors section of the forum. Good luck.

 

[BadM0nkey]

Fisher F2 with the pinpoint kits costs $215. Fisher F2 and Fisher Pin Pointer Kit | BigBoysHobbies

Garrett 250 for $212.50. Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector - Garrett | BigBoysHobbies

 

[Terry Soloman]

Lesche hand digger
Finds bag
Kneepads
Gloves

 

[Kookiemonsta]

I have very little experience, but maybe that can help! I started a couple weeks ago and bought a Tesoro Silver uMax on craigslist for 175, and they are 250ish new. It has a LIFETIME warranty. I researched it for a few days before buying, and I was able to find PLENTY of reviews stating things such as "Goes further than 6 inches down", "As good as any detector twice its price", etc, etc, but was I wasnt able to find many of is bad reviews... maybe a couple?.. I honestly dont remember reading any horrible ones. I have been at it for the couple weeks now and have found plenty of trash up to 10 inches down haha! I have found Pennies, Dimes, and Quarters as well ranging from 1-5 inches deep. A few dollars in clad and a Silver quarter that was aroudn 4 inches down. SO! If you are looking for a detector for coins in parks, lawns, fields, etc then this one CAN and WILL find them for your pricerange with a lifetime warranty.

I have ZERO experience with any other detector, but I just wanted to give you my brief experience with this detector. I can already agree wholeheartedly with the others saying after a year you will want a better one anyway, and well.... I will definitely want another one next year. BUT! for now I cant afford a better one! And this is finding silver

My 2 cents

-Kookie

 

[G.A.P.metal]

Bart is in Moore Oklahoma where those tornadoes tore the city up so he probably can`t get on the net for a while...i`m praying for Bart and his family.
Gary

 

[BadM0nkey]

Lesche hand digger
Finds bag
Kneepads
Gloves

If you are going to get an expensive digger, then order the Ace 350 from BigBoyHobbies. It comes with one if you buy online and it also has headphones that I believe are a critical accessory. I have one and it works far better than expected. I pulled a bunch of coins from dry sand over the weekend and they were easily 12 - 14 inches down.

Garrett Ace 350 Metal Detector - Garrett | BigBoysHobbies

On the beach I just wear cargo shorts and use one side for good stuff and the other side for junk. I am not cool with wearing a finds apron. Kneepads don't work for me either. I have a gardening kneepad that I use.

Good Luck.

 

[vpnavy]

mr helton - Whatever you decide - please consider buying one from one of

's Supporting Vendors.

 

[RotZorn]

As someone already said above, the F2 with the 2 coil package would be a great starter. Comes with a pin pointer and a 4" sniper coil for a little flexibility. The pin pointer is ho-hum but better than nothing to pin point with. Several sites online have them for like $215.

An alternate good choice might be the Tesoro Compadre or a Garrett Ace250.

 

[christo000]

Whatever u decide remember to think about what kind of detecting u wanna do what works good for 1 may not for another research it out no point in buying anything just cause of the bells & whistles its what works for u if u can find a dealer that can let u test out a couple probly the way to go good luck & welcome to the sight lots of information on here

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

Those are all good choices. For other items you might need, we have a "New to the hobby " section on our website.

Wayne

Metal Detecting Stuff - New to the Hobby

 

[TerryC]

Welcome, Helton, to the best treasure site on the net! First, BUY LOCAL! We like to think we take care of our own. By buying local, you will also get continued after-purchase support and tips. Second, whatever you buy, don't call it quits with the MD until you've put the suggested 100 hours on it. Go where people gather/gathered to do the best collecting for your time. Personally, I would suggest taking notes. Yes. At least until you have several hours on the machine. It is difficult to remember all the parameters that go with finding good things in good places. You will begin to see info that seems to pop up in all the good places. Written notes will confirm that info, saving constant hit-and-miss digging. And last, I will look for you and break my MD stem over your head the next time you apologize for asking a ligitimate question! Take care, my friend. TTC

 

[rickv14623]

Bart is in Moore Oklahoma where those tornadoes tore the city up so he probably can`t get on the net for a while...i`m praying for Bart and his family.
Gary

Did not know he was located there. Prayers from my family to his

 

[catfisherman]

Ace 250 is a good start.

 

[marh415]

Just bought a Garrett Ace 350 from Miller MDZ and couldn't be happier with it! There will be certain members chiming in shortly telling you that Garrett's are only good for cleaning parks and finding bottle caps, but pay no attention!

 

[christo000]

If it works for then that's all that matters my Atpro works great for me in some areas then my v3i then vise versa depends on what ur hunting all conditions matter & of course u get to know ur detector as well

 

[Normsel]

I agree with JSMITH. I did the same thing and bought an Ace 250 to start with. After 3 months I out grew it and wanted something a little more and went with the At Pro as well. My advice to anyone starting out would be to start with a detector in the $450 - $700 range. Brand is not important because everyone has their favorite brands they use but just about every manufacturer has compatible models in the $450 - $700 range. Each has it's good points and most are pretty equal.

Learning your machine is the most important part of detecting.

 

[mr helton]

Wow! Thank you all for the helpful responses, I have quite a bit of research to do with all the new information that I got here.

I want to try to get my wife into it as well because we're always looking for things to do together.