Trying to Select 1st Detector

[dodge92]

Hi all, I've been bitten by the MD bug for a few months now and like many have been trying to decide what detector to purchase. To make the itch worse I found a non-MD friend that had some kind of model "MD-318B" in his closet and loaned it so the kids and I have been having a large time digging nails and assorted trash in the backyard. Anyway, my main areas to MD will be the Houston area, Galveston beach and surf and maybe the Hill Country near Austin. Any suggestions? A realistic price range for me would be $399 or less. The Fisher 1236 X-2 has sort of caught my attention. Does that work OK on the beach? This "MD-318B" I've been using has a "meter" but I haven't looked at it yet-just follow the signal. At least at this point I don't care if it's a nail or a ring, I just want to dig so I may be able to go without meters or fancy stuff. Also, has anyone heard of this MD-318B? I want to guess it's a cheap model but really cannot find anything on the web about it. Thanks!

 

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[TimeDog]

The first thing, is to learn as much as you can, don't just run out and buy something without doing so good thinking. I have a great page on my site that will give you some ideas, and there will be NOTHING about any personal detector but will show you how to think about what you should ask yourself. So please check my site if you want at my site.

http://timedog.tripod.com

Look down my page for the click to: Choosing The Right Metal Detectors For You...

And remember even a used detector could be cheaper to buy.. 8)

 

[Lowbatts]

Hey TimeDog that's a great site and good advise, thanks!

 

[warthog steve]

GO TO A REPUTABLE DEALER,ONE THAT HAS MULTI-LINES OF DETECTORS.THAT WAY YOU CAN COMPARE THE BRANDS,THEY WILL PROBABLY LET YOU TRY THEM OUT.ONE MORE THING,DONT GET ONE TOO COMPLICATED TO LEARN ON,MY FIRST DETECTOR WAS A WHITES YEARS AGO;THINK IT WAS 200.00.YOU MIGHT ALSO TRY KELLYCO,WWW.KELLYCODETECTORS.COM.

 

[lab rat]

You might try renting a machine first, just to see what it can do and if you really like it. I've heard about lots of people who buy a machine, realize that digging is hard work (and that finding anything requires digging multiple trash targets) and then put it in their closet to gather dust because their expectation of instant wealth wasn't met, or it was too heavy to lug around.

Renting a few different machines can also clue you in to what features you really like and which ones you won't ever use. Do you prefer to look at a dial or digital bar, or listen to a variety of tones? How good is your hearing-- can you hear all the tones? Do you prefer push-button keypads or knobs? How about the weight of the unit, for how long you plan on carrying it? Is it well balanced? How tight is the discrimination, and do you like automatic ground balance, or do you want to control it? Lots of stuff to consider...

My first detecting experience was with a rented unit (White's DI-5900). After a few hours I could tell what features it had that I liked and what I wish it had. It cost me $35 for a day, and I found maybe $1.50, but it taught me a lot and I wasn't stuck with a regrettable machine. Money well spent.

 

[TimeDog]

Thank you lowbatts glad checked my site and still working on it. And hey dodge92 what part of Texas are you in Also as many of the guys said, they are right if you can rent one will really hele you.

 

[Rich in Texas]

I agree with some of the above, try before you buy. It is hard to beat hands on.

Rich

 

[dodge92]

Thanks everyone for the info. TimeDog, that is a great site. Thanks for the work you put into it and I'm glad you pointed it to me now. I'm going to call around tomorrow, see if I can find a dealer that has rental/loaner units. I'm in Houston.

 

[TimeDog]

Good Deal dodge92! And I'm sure you will find a good dealer in that area to rent you one to try. And if you find one you can rent or even better if they have several different detectors, just take your time and learn each you can as many people are in a hurry and does not get a better chance to learn each. In my case I have not choice to keep myself slow as my heart is really bad. However since I started having to take it slow I am finding myself having more good targets turning into my collection.

TimeDog (Bob)

 

[dodge92]

Thanks, I didn't get to the dealer today b/c the nice weather forced me to do the lawn chores. I did have time to check out my backyard some more with the cheapo detector and found my first dated find-a dog tag! Not military mind you but from a mutt! "City License Pasadena, TX 1994" I know that's not much but it's a start!

 

[cadit]

Houston

Hi Dodge, I lived in Houston for some ten years. There's a couple of good Clubs around There, after you get a detector, find yourself a good detecting club. Club members can be a great help when first starting out. A word of caution in purchasing a less expensive detector that you may not be happy with. A midrange price detector might fit your needs better. Too many times a person picks a detector because of price and fins out later that they out grew it quickly. Good luck with your search for a detector.

 

[dodge92]

Thanks Cadit. The cheapo detector is a friends who bought it on eBay or a flea market or something. I've know he had it but refrained from borrowing it until I needed something to locate a gas line in my yard. Yes I have held back from jumping in and buying a bargain. From what I see (eBay etc) even if you get a quality med priced unit and decide to move up or forbid get out of the hobby, the good ones have a decent resale value. Thanks for the tip about the clubs. I've already found some info on the web (including fact it's against the law to detect in Texas parks...)

 

[TimeDog]

However dodge02 you can detect most Local/City parks in Texas and have heard some who have detected on some State Parks Just best to check the Ranger (smile). But be sure to check anyplace you want to detect and check for permission.