Hello! Newbie Here...Need Recommendations

[eightpointoutdoors]

Hi everyone! Happy Thursday.

Newbie here. I live in Middle, TN and am wanting to get into Metal Detecting!

I was hoping to maybe get some recommendation on a Metal Detector for someone who is new? What is the recommended price range? Any recommended Brands / Models?

Thanks!

 

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[SlateBeltDigger]

Hello and welcome!!!!

Depending on your budget, what you'd like to hunt for, and how serious you think you'll take this once you're geared up...there are a lot of great mid-priced machines out there. I think like the rest of us, once you catch on you'll be hooked. I started with a Garrett ACE400 and QUICKLY outgrew it. I wanted something that I could ground balance (calibrate the machine to the soil you're detecting on so you're not going bonkers listening to false signals, in a nutshell), then I upgraded to the AT Pro. I also feel like I outgrew that, and upgraded to an Equinox 600 which has been nothing short of a GREAT machine. Do your research, ask questions here, and don't make the mistake I made by starting with a machine that didn't do what I expected. If I could go back in time I would have gotten the Nox600 right out of the chute.

 

[No gold in NY]

Hello and welcome!!!!

Depending on your budget, what you'd like to hunt for, and how serious you think you'll take this once you're geared up...there are a lot of great mid-priced machines out there. I think like the rest of us, once you catch on you'll be hooked. I started with a Garrett ACE400 and QUICKLY outgrew it. I wanted something that I could ground balance (calibrate the machine to the soil you're detecting on so you're not going bonkers listening to false signals, in a nutshell), then I upgraded to the AT Pro. I also feel like I outgrew that, and upgraded to an Equinox 600 which has been nothing short of a GREAT machine. Do your research, ask questions here, and don't make the mistake I made by starting with a machine that didn't do what I expected. If I could go back in time I would have gotten the Nox600 right out of the chute.

If I could go back in time I would have gotten the Nox600 right out of the chute.

You can say that now, because you have "worked" your way up to the Nox 600 and learned the ropes. Had you purchased the Nox right out of the chute you could have been overwhelmed with the technology and parked it. I started with a Whites coin master. I was raking in the coins and jewelry. In two years it paid for its self in just the clad. I was happy with it and I learned.

 

[xr7ator]

Back when I started in the 1980's, you could go to the local detector store and rent one for the day. Any way you can borrow one for a little while? There are tons of these machines in closets due to being purchased, owner going and giving it a try and digging too much trash, then, never going out again.

 

[CoinHunterAZ]

First off, Welcome to Treasurenet. My recommendation would also be to find a metal detector dealer near you. "Let your fingers do the walking", and call them and ask if they have any demo/display models that you could possibly try out before buying one, and for their recommendations. Metal detecting is a super fun and rewarding hobby, but it's not for everyone. It takes a LOT of patience, to learn the machines and research out good places to hunt. If you're willing to put in the time, the rewards are well worth it. I too started detecting in the early 1980's, and the detector technology has improved exponentially. That said, my old 80's Tesoro is still with me for a reason...it still flat finds stuff. I now mostly use a Minelab Equinox 800, but I wouldn't exactly call it a beginner's machine though. Good luck!

 

[HuntH2002]

Welcome from Texas

Back in the day, my first was a Bounty Hunter 1100 due to the affordability (<$250). It still makes a great coin shooter on any terrain and can be used in shallow rivers, but isn't the best (of course, already upgraded). But is said to be a good beginners MD that is at least cost effective. My suggestions from my experience are BH Lone Star Pro and Garrett Ace 200. The others above^ make good pointers to starting this awesome hobby. Find the right one for you and good luck

 

[Mackaydon]

8PT; Welcome to treasurenet from SoCal.
You may wish to contact other from your fine state who are on the Tenn. Forum here: Tennessee
Don....

 

[birdman]

Equinox is hard to beat.
I hear the simplex is good for the money also.

 

[shovelready]

Simplex

 

[eman1000]

I 2nd find a local dealer there are several in your area. I would recommend you take a look at an AT PRO, Equinox 600, or XP line up. If you want to go budget a little bit consider the Simplex or Minelab Vanquish lineup.

 

[angelito1]

welcome to Tnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

[eightpointoutdoors]

Hello All!

Thanks so much!

Went with a Garrett Ace 300 for starters!

 

[Chuck M]

Minelab Vanquish or Equinox. They are multi-frequeintcy