Advice/poll on most important features

[Flex68]

I have been reading here for about a month, now, trying to decide on what detector to purchase.
I have learned quite a bit, but still feel as though I may be no closer to making a decision....lots to take into account!

For that reason, I am posting to ask for ratings/rankings of what everyone considers the most important features to look for on a MD....in my particular situation, I expect that I will be doing mostly land detecting, with perhaps a couple weeks at the beach each year.
Also thinking that I will be looking to invest around $600 in a detector, with priority on coin shooting, hunting parks, tot lots, old home sites, and a few CW encampments.

With that in mind---- and I hope that is sharing enough info---- how would you rank the importance of the following:


Multiple VLF freq's
Notch discrimination
Manual ground balance
DD versus concentric coil
Waterproof coil
Changing/multiple coils
Other important options I have failed to include?

And, the question that I am sure that everyone is tired of seeing posted (Sorry!):
What detector at or around $600 (new or used) would offer most or all of the above?

Many thanks to all who are willing to respond and offer assistance in my buying decision!

 

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[Msbeepbeep]

All the major detector dealers have detectors that fit that description. Question is which one are you more comfortable or confident using, which is the best fit for you? I would suggest getting your hands on some and trying them out, from a friend, dealer, etc. Take your list of where and what you want to search, and features you want and visit some of the dealers if you can. Or join a detecting club, you may get members to show you how theirs works and let you try it.
Hope this helps.

 

[cudamark]

New multifreq machines in that price range....Minelab 505, or save a bit more to get a 705 or a Fisher CZ3D. You may get lucky and find a used Explorer or E-trac in that price range also. You can get other coils for those machines so it really doesn't matter what they come with.

 

[40ton]

Multiple VLF freq's= I don't think there is a $600 machine that has this
Notch discrimination= A nice feature but you will loose depth with disc.
Manual ground balance= nice but not essential
DD versus concentric coil= depends on your soil/ or beach hunting
Waterproof coil= must have
Changing/multiple coils= almost all machines are capable

Other features worth considering: iron discrimination, fast processor.
A gold bug or g2 is on my list as a next purchase or maybe ill spring for an F75.

 

[TerryC]

MANY detectors fit your $600 budget. I have never owned a Tesoro product but would recommend it as it carries a lifetime warranty.... and my buddy Terry Soloman uses and recommends them. Lightweight would be a reason to pick a certain brand/model. If it's too big and heavy, you may get tired of using it. TTC

 

[airscapes]

Arm hurts after a few hours with a 3lb machine..

 

[SusanMN]

Arm hurts after a few hours with a 3lb machine..

There aren't many any lighter than three pounds....

 

[Jason in Enid]

Don't focus on individual features. Figure out what you want to hunt for, where you want to hunt, THEN find the detector best suited to that. What works best in Colorado, may not be the best in Kansas, or Florida, etc.

 

[airscapes]

There aren't many any lighter than three pounds....

That was the point.. depends on your arm and size.. if you can't swing it, don't matter what the feature are ..unless it is has an auto levitation and swing feature. Or you buy one of those harness things..

 

[TerryC]

Gold Bug 2 is 2.7 pounds and its direct competitor, the GMT weighs 3.7 pounds. Gold Bug advertises its weight but the last I checked, the GMT does not. TTC

 

[Peyton Manning]

top of the list has to be a beer holder, or don't buy it

 

[Terry Soloman]

South West Virginia. Let's see, mineralized soil so manual ground balancing is a must have. Multiple VLF freq's? Not in your price range (about $1,000.00 to start) nd not a neccessity for land hunting. Notch discrimination? You bet! Everybody gets tired of digging in All Metal. Does it hurt your depth? Yes and no. It really depends on your soil, machine, and coil size. DD versus concentric coil? Well, in 90-percent of land hunting, conentric coils are deeper and more sensitive - BUT, in hot (mineralized soil) a DD coil can be an advantage. It really depends what and where you are digging. Waterproof coil? A must! From heavy dew, to shallow puddles and creeks, you need a waterproof coil. Changing or multiple coils? Yes! Different situations call for different coils! From 5.75" "Joey" coils, to 12'x10" deep seekers, multiple coil capability is a must. Other important options? Weight; toughness/duribility; Warranty; Made in the U.S.A.; Dealer support; Repair Turn-Around Time!

Your best choice at $450.00? The Tesoro Vaquero Tesoro Metal Detectors - Official company web site with metal detector models for treasure hunting land or water. At $550.00? The Tesoro Outlaw Tesoro Metal Detectors - Official company web site with metal detector models for treasure hunting land or water.

And YES, I am prejudiced. I know the Arizonan's that make and designed these machines. I use them, I trust them, I find treasure with them. Best of luck!

 

[luvsdux]

I agree pretty much with Terry, especially on the manual ground balance (or true auto ground tracking) either or. It can make a real difference in some locations. I prefer a discrimination knob over notch discrimination, but that's just me. The ability to change coils takes care of the DD versus concentric question as you can have a mix in your arsenal. Whatever you get, put in as many hours early on as you can because familiarity with the machine is very helpful and that's the way to learn it.
luvsdux

 

[Flex68]

Wow!
I wasn't able to get back online until now....just wanted to thank each of you for your responses; much appreciated.
I will read thru each of them again, and try to get my ducks in a row so that I can pull the trigger on something soon.

HH

 

[Flex68]

I seem to find myself leaning towards the X-Terra 705, even tho I have no intent to hunt any gold.....still a good all-around choice for a land detector in SW Virginia?

 

[Sandman]

I seem to find myself leaning towards the X-Terra 705, even tho I have no intent to hunt any gold.....still a good all-around choice for a land detector in SW Virginia?

Yes the 705 is a nice detector, But I also lean toward the Tesoro's. I use them and love the amount of treasure I find.

 

[Old Dude]

I would add the pin pointing feature to the list. It makes your digging time quicker as well as the holes you dig smaller.


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[gleaner1]

F2. It does not have manual gb adjustment but everything else is in the F2. A top of the line tecter at 1500 or 3000 dollars or more, or even a five or six hundred dollar machine, certainly is nice to have, but the most important thing is actually learning detecting which is kinda tough. If you want to jump in head first, look at atpro, m6, xterra series, and the awesome tesoro's. All easy to learn. You cant go wrong with any of these.

 

[Flex68]

Want to again offer my thanks for the responses; I surely appreciate them.

It does seem the Tesoro has respect in the majority of specific responses, here.....

lol, as soon as I think I might have an idea of the direction I want to go, I have to stop and reconsider!

Started out thinking a Garrett ACE 350... local guy offers strong support for a White's MXT... then I think that I might do well going with the Minelab X-Terra 705... now the preponderance of responses seem to support the Tesoro.

Is it any wonder that noobs don't have a clue which way to go??

Being dumb ain't easy!!

 

[gleaner1]

Whatever you buy, dont look at the screen. You dont care what the screen shows. You care what your ears hear, at least for now.