Can I get started for under $100? Even used equipment?

[mrhinman]

I'm wanting to get started detecting but I'm on a budget. Can I get something for under $100, even used? What should I look for in a detector? I checked some pawn shops today but they were all $140+ and were less than desirable in appearance.

I may be asking for the moon here, but I'm no pro and just looking to have fun for less money.

--
Matthew

 

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[Nicksan]

Go to big 5 (if there is one in your state) They usually have detectors for around $100.

 

[paratrooper]

Under $100 ? I think you can . First you need to find a club . Go to a meeting and announce your desire to learn from them BUT you don't have a detector . I would be willing to bet that when they have their next outing someone will hook you up with their back-up detector . They will talk you through the basics and turn you loose . Folks take great pride in helping new folks . As you begin to hang out there will be those that will take you along on non-club times . Everybody it seems has a back-up detector . You will see who finds what and who seems to know a bit more than some of the others .
Then the day will come when someone will offer you their back-up for a lower than you might think price . This is a safe offer for you to take . If they screw you everyone in the club will know it . They will probably take payments since you will want to be in the club also so you can't avoid them . Not to mention you will always have access to them with questions about the machine as you get better . Not to mention that someday that machine will become YOUR back-up as you move up to a better machine when your accomplishments prove the value of the larger investment . Good luck .

 

[mrhinman]

What does anyone have to say about the BH Prospector or the Tracker IV? I can get either for around $100.

--
Matthew
Brownwood, TX

 

[savant365]

Did you make an offer on the one at the pawn shop? I have gotten some pretty good deals doing that before. You could offer them about 1/2 of what they are asking for it, I am sure they probably only gave $40 or $50 bucks for them. Good luck, Charlie

 

[jonnyrebel00]

If you are interested i have a BH quick silver i would part with for $65 + shipping.

 

[P.B. and Dylan]

Matthew,
I did the same thing you are doing. I wanted to get started for $100.00 or less . I purchased a new Bounty Hunter Tracker IV and am still using it. Here's some more info on Bounty Hunters.
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/board,210.0.html

Paul

 

[mrhinman]

Thanks everyone. I'm eyeing the BH T-4 and Jonny's BH QS.

--
Matthew
Brownwood, TX

 

[jonnyrebel00]

Keep me posted.

 

[mrhinman]

Keep me posted.

Check ur email.

 

[camperlee]

you might try e-bay for a used detector I have seen some nice ones on there. Lee

 

[jonnyrebel00]

Is that a 120 you have there in your pic? Heck we coulda traded.

 

[mrhinman]

Is that a 120 you have there in your pic? Heck we coulda traded.

Actually that's not mine but looks just like it. I have a Garmin 60c and I love it. My Dad bought a 60cx and it's a bit nicer. Works great on the trail (I love hiking) and I do a bit of geocaching.

 

[jonnyrebel00]

I have been in the market for a 530, either model, for a trade or out right buy for a good price. priced a bit too steep for me at this point. maybe, they will come down on price when another model comes out.

Also, another nice looking unit is the Bushnell Onyx. i like that you can get a satelite image with a weather overlay on it.

 

[Michigan Badger]

The GC1023 is sold new for $60 delivered from Amazon.com and many of us here now use it.

It has auto ground balance with tones and will slam coins down to about 8 inches deep. The recovery is as fast as the Fisher F75.

I buy machines costing many hundreds of dollars but I still use the little 1023 and find coins the big machines missed.

Badger

 

[John (Ma)]

Alot of times you see dealers with the old detectors that have been sitting around and I am sure you can find a deal out there. Yes it may be old technolagy, but at the time it was not and will still work. The money you find with it can in turn increase your budget for one later if you decide this is the hobby for you. good luck

 

[JakefaePa]

you might try e-bay for a used detector I have seen some nice ones on there. Lee

Same here , if your careful you can get a good'un here for cheap.I got mine off ebay from a guy and it paid for itself in under 2 hours today..only 2nd time out with it.

 

[Lowbatts]

The GC1023 is sold new for $60 delivered from Amazon.com and many of us here now use it.

It has auto ground balance with tones and will slam coins down to about 8 inches deep. The recovery is as fast as the Fisher F75.

I buy machines costing many hundreds of dollars but I still use the little 1023 and find coins the big machines missed.

Badger

Hey Badger, just looked this one (GC-1023) as b-day is fast approaching and it's now arond 120 bucks at Amazon. Cripes! Maybe if we start complainng the price will drop?

 

[midmich]

The GC1023 is sold new for $60 delivered from Amazon.com and many of us here now use it.

It has auto ground balance with tones and will slam coins down to about 8 inches deep. The recovery is as fast as the Fisher F75.

I buy machines costing many hundreds of dollars but I still use the little 1023 and find coins the big machines missed.

Badger

Hey Badger, just looked this one (GC-1023) as b-day is fast approaching and it's now arond 120 bucks at Amazon. Cripes! Maybe if we start complainng the price will drop?

I just purchased one for $66 shipped from Amazon. I hope my 10 yr old will be able to put it to good use when it warms up a little.
Not to take anything away from others here, but Badger's advice carries a lot of weight with me. I really enjoy reading his posts. Thanks

 

[Lowbatts]

Maybe I have the wrong link, can you help?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_g...&field-keywords=1023+metal+detector&x=10&y=20