Newbie Needs a Detector

[Wyseman]

I'm a newbie to the hobby and i have the same question everyone has. What metal detector to buy? I know the features you want and how much are you willing to spend plays alot into the discission. For all you expirenced guys here is my question. If you were just starting out again what detector would you start with if you were spending $500 or less/

[TonyinCT]

Your question depends on what you want to look for, where you want to look and some other factors. Do you want target ID? No meter? Etc. There are a few detectors that would fit most everything but I would look at the Fisher F5 or Tesoro Vaquero first. Both are excellent detectors that perform very well. If I can help be of any furhter help please let me know.

[steve from ohio]

The Garret Ace 250 is a great starter machine. The Fisher F-2 is also a good machine.

You will be surprised how the lower end machines perform with the modern technology that have been incorporated into these amazing detectors.

If it was me, I would go with the Ace 250 because it comes with a large and small coil, and is very rugged. Although the Ace 250 has a very small screen and is hard to read for some people. A very close second would be the Fisher.

[sniffer]

the white's prizm series are also very good "starter" machines. good luck

Sniffer

[Monty]

Tesoro. Monty

[PAPPYGOL]

if i were you. stick with either whites, or garrett. they have been in bussiness the longest , you will get great service after the sale. no other companies will do this, they say they will. but thats as far as it goes. the new 5 id is a great machine. and so are the ace 250s. either way, you will be happy

[Wyseman]

Thanks for all the replys. I plan to shoot coin and relic hunt mostly in northwest Ohio but also use it at the beach once or twice on the east coast. Can anyone attest to the ace 250, F2 or Prizims in the salt?

[sniffer]

no idea. try looking at reviews on each one

[thomas_miles25]

I live in findlay i own two Tesoro detectors and would let u try one out if u would want get ahold of me!!!!

[Born2Dtect]

I don,t own an ACE 250 but have seen and know of others who used them on MD DE beaches, not in the water and do fine. Actually one maniac with an ACE 250 did the best of three of us one day.

Ed D.

[mlayers]

Hi I am also in the Northwest corner of OH in Williams County. I have two detector if you are close by we can get together and you can see how they work and try to get a idea about them. I am free this Sunday and then usually on the week ends. email me or PM me if intested....Matt

[123jerry]

i lke the minelab x terra 50

[UncleVinnys]

ALL good advice above.
If you want to save some of that cash, most people would recommend the Ace 250 which is just above $200. You could start with that then sell it when you are ready to move up. Good resale value.
If you can spend the whole $500 I'd go to either the X-Terra series, or maybe a slightly used White's MXT.

Here's a way to find local metal detecting clubs in your area.

Links to club lists are at the bottom of the page:

http://www.metaldet101.com/links.html