I have about $300 NEED Metal detector ideas please!

[Chase7628]

I have about 300 to play with for a new detector...maybe a little more if its worth it...I would like it to also be able to detect in shallow water if possible...thanks in advance for the help!

I currently have the Bounty Hunter Tracker 4.

 

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[SittingElf]

Suggest the Garrett ACE 300 at about $250, or the 400 for a bit more. Great low-mid range machines. My son has the 300 and he loves it! Waterproof coils and detector up to the control box.

 

[toddbbq]

Shallow salt or fresh water?

 

[Terry Soloman]

Good Luck!

Tesoro Mojave

Teknetics Gamma 6000

Minelab X-Terra 505 - a value priced mid-level metal detector

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Shallow salt or fresh water?

As toddbbq asked, what type of water are you talking, the Ace 300 and 400 are not salt water machines.

 

[rebbel31]

Check craigslist man. I bought my 1st one there. If they've been on there a while negotiate the price as well.

 

[Chase7628]

Fresh water. and thanks for the fast responses!!!

 

[nagant]

If your just knee deep anything will work that has a waterproof coil and your not a klutz. Mojave would be my choice just cuz i never had a bad day with a Tesoro.

 

[H-2 CHARLIE]

I have a Gold bug pro in great condition I bought new . $400 @ shipping
It is Awsome for beach hunts

 

[against the wind]

If you're going to try Fresh Water hunting, I would reccomend the AT PRO. With everyone rushing out to buy the Equinox, I think a few second hand AT PRO's will be coming on the market to defray the cost of the Equinox. I have found a number of gold rings in fresh water with the PRO.

 

[SittingElf]

If you're going to try Fresh Water hunting, I would reccomend the AT PRO. With everyone rushing out to buy the Equinox, I think a few second hand AT PRO's will be coming on the market to defray the cost of the Equinox. I have found a number of gold rings in fresh water with the PRO.

Not for $300 though.... just saying.

 

[pryan67]

Not for $300 though.... just saying.

Maybe not 300, but I just recently bought a used AT Pro with the stock and 5X8 coil for 375...I'd think you would be able to find one for 325 fairly easily with just the stock coil

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Not for $300 though.... just saying.

AT Pro are selling used on EBay for $375 to $450, prices may drop a little more since the AT Max is out too.

 

[Loco-Digger]

There is a Teknetics Patriot metal detector for sale with extras for $305 in Rochester NY on craigslist.

 

[Loco-Digger]

Now if you feel the need to get a new machine, I highly recommend the Teknetics Liberator, on sale now for $218. PM me for details.

 

[Ammoman]

If you can get a good used AT pro for 300 i say go for it. Another option would be a mid to upper line Used Tesoro.

 

[littlehugger]

I think the Fisher F44 is a good choice.
It has water resistance to rain and splashing, and that is good to find. It has all the other bells and whistles that you want also, including pinpoint, backlit, 11 inch coil and uses cheap, easily obtained AA batteries.
I think its best to start with a mid priced serious detector, that has high performance and useful features. A cheap detector that doesn't find anything is junk, and a waste. It is probably a big factor in turning away would-be hobbyists. Its also better to start with the most useful features, to understand what its like, and be more discriminating when you do upgrade.
The F44 is a serious detector, from the oldest manufacturer in existence. Its a serious detector, with the 11 inch coil, backlighting, pinpoint and the water resistance.
My personal opinion, is that equipment for an outdoor sport like detecting, should be a no brainer in regards to waterproofing, but it isn't. The F44 gives you a lot for your money, and you don't have to upgrade just to have the most useful features that often don't come on "starter" detectors. You might never outgrow it

 

[erte]

if you're going to have more time for detecting i would save that 300 for the future to buy a better detector thats also waterproof in the 600-900 range

 

[against the wind]

Not for $300 though.... just saying.

Absolutely $300. but maybe a little more if the waterproof headphones are included. This machine is totally submersible to 10 feet with waterproof headphones. I used it quite a bit in fresh water lakes, wearing a wet suit, and going armpit deep. It is powered by AA batteries.
Once a good amount of Equinoxes hit the streets, a lot of other machines will go up for sale. Most of those machines will be sold to offset the cost of the Equinox.
If you keep an eye on the "used classifieds" you should be able to get a good deal. A brand new
AT PRO sells for $553.00 at KellyCo. Why can't you get a used PRO for 1/2 the retail price?

 

[☠ Cipher]

The Minelab X-terra 305 is now $259. Its deep and capable of running two frequencies. 7.5khz for all around hunting and 18.75khz, which is great for gold and relics. Then you have the X-terra 505 with an additional 3khz frequency. You can even buy special aftermarket coils that can run the all those frequencies without changing coils.