Im stumped!

[X53Gunner]

I'm stumped!

OK I have wanted a metal detector since I was a kid. I am now finally going to buy one as this site has really got me excited about them again. I have read a lot on this board in the last week or so and I'm really up in the air if I should just get the ace 250 or if I should just go ahead and get a Whites MXT. I live in MI and will be doing a lot of old property, woods, parks, schools, playgrounds, some beach (fresh water). I am really interested in finding old coins jewelry and relics of any sorts. Would love to find some of the gold stuff you guys are finding I think this is a really cool hobby and i haven't even started but I'm so excited about getting into it!!! Any help would be great thanks in advance!
Scott

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

Re: I'm stumped!

Whew! Quite the jump in $ between the two.

Really, it's all up to you. Do you stick with things? Learn what needs to be learned and read the manual, practice, practice and practice?

Don't limit yourself to one make. List what you think you are likely to be detecting for and over (rings at the beach, old coins in stone foundations, clad in parks, etc.) Generally, the more you spend the more features/adjustments. And the more features/adjustments the more versitile the detector.

Is there a history in your garage and cellar of projects half completed or equipment never fulfilled?

On the other hand - I don't now anyone who ever complained because they bought too well made a tool. Cheap can be a false economy.

On the third hand (for all you Larry Niven fans) do you have the available loot to get an $800 detector, $100 in extras for digging & carrying finds and a digital camera (another $100 or $200 if you don't already own one) to take images and show us your goodies? If so. go for it! A feint heart never won a fair lady.

 

[X53Gunner]

Re: I'm stumped!

LOL yea I know there is a big jump in detector price there I guess I'm just not sure if that price difference would make that much difference in my detecting? Is there possibly an in between that would be good also. I really like the idea of having the depth meter and read out on the detector even though they are not 100% accurate. I'm also looking for something that a newbie could learn in a few months time. I thinking i would rather get a good detector at the start then have to upgrade later on. Maybe I'm just rambling but I'm really wanting to do this!!!! LOL
Scott

 

[Jack(IN)]

Re: I'm stumped!

I have the Ace 250 and its a good detector, but judging by what you said in your response to Charlie P.'s GREAT post I'd say just get the MXT and go for it. Have heard many good things about it and if you ask other who have it for a good and not biased response I believe you'll be very satisfied with it.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Re: I'm stumped!

Go to Fisher Research Labs site and check out the Coin$trike. I am suggesting this because it is being discounted deeply for a phase-out (the F-75 has taken that niche). Still has a lifetime guarantee, is a heck of a detector, does what you ask, and is $550 now compared to $879.95 last month.

Minelab X-Terra 50, White's M-6 (maybe a little more $) and the Tesoro Tejon are also in that category/range. I agonized for months over my last purchase ( the Fisher F-75) and finally just said "what the heck". There is no perfect detector, many that will do lots, and a few that do little.

A good gold nugget machine is not necessarily a good beach machine is not necessarily a good trashy park coin-shooter is not necessarily a good deep relic detector, etc, etc.

It pays to know where you want to go before you buy the ticket.

 

[Sandman]

Re: I'm stumped!

A good gold nugget machine is not necessarily a good beach machine is not necessarily a good trashy park coin-shooter is not necessarily a good deep relic detector, etc, etc.

Welcome to the hobby Scott. Charlie P. told it right, there is no one detector that does it all well. That is why some of us own so many I guess. All those suggested are fine detectors and I suggest you stick with the major brands like Whites, Garrett, Minelab or Tesoro. Visit their websites to learn about the detectors and read the field tests on how they work. It will give you an idea of how it works. When your ready to buy or need more info, Tony of this forum can help. http://www.tcmetaldetectors.com/

For doing the water, I suggest a full waterproof unit.

Good Luck,
Sandman

 

[dahut]

Re: I'm stumped!

Lots of great advice here. Its is good that you dont feel restrained completely by budget. That isnt always the way to decide.

Know, too, that no one detector can do all things. Instead, remember the old saying from the West: "Beware the man who has only one gun"

Spend good money on a good instrument, from a reputable maker - follow Sandmans recommendations. Then have a lot of patience and spend time getting over the frustration of trash detection in the beginning. For every good target you see people posting, there is a handful of trash to accompany it that they don't show. But the trash is a part of the game - learn to recover metal and not detect only.

Read the following and process according to your situation:

"Good first detector? Ace 250 - possibly the best as new. One of the Whites Prizm series is a good choice, too, and they are smoother to operate than the Ace, IMHO. Tesoros are very nice with a superb warranty, although they have no ID models until the Golden is reached, but they can't be beat and just might be the best bang for the buck. Buy them used and the LIFETIME REPAIR warranty transfers with the unit....

UPDATE: According to Tesoro the lifetime warranty covers the unit and the original purchaser - so technically, I'm wrong. However, Tesoro has the discretion to repair as they see fit - and so far in my experience, they do just that. I have had many used Tesoros, and so far I have sent three in for service. One was a cable connector, two were cracked coils. ALL were repaired free of charge.

Many people do well with Bounty Hunters and their various offspring, but I can't endorse them - they are too shoddy for my tastes.

Believe it or not, which detector to buy is only one of your issues. It is the most talked about, yet in my opinion, it is the least of your worries. Most any detector from a major maker in the $200-$300 price range will give you years of dependable, enjoyable service. I know that tends to kill the fun of endlessly wrangling over which is best, but it's fact.

Okay, now the TRUTH is told; now let me back it up. Just WHAT are these other things you need to concern yourself with, if not your detector choice? Glad you asked! Here they are in list form... this is the stuff you learn the hard way - or wish someone would have told you in the beginning. Now you dont have to wait for either.

Good Hunting, my friend.

"Dahut's Secret Tips to Success...for Newcomers"

1. Equipment is NOT the answer.

The other, more crucial element is MINDSET. We tend to be techno-dependent, expecting gadgets to do all things for us. Guess what? People were finding treasures before detectors came along. The difference is they knew what to look for and had some idea where to find it. You should do the same. Do buy a quality detector, of course, then consider it merely the means to an end. As I like to say, "Know Before You Go."

2. Dig, man dig!

You wont find anything if you don't and you won't learn what your machine is telling you, either. Your goal is to become an "object recovery specialist," not an expert at merely locating objects.

3. DO NOT rely on a meter or display.

There is a mountain of hype that claims this detector or that detector can tell "trash from treasure." DO NOT believe it. There is A LOT of junk out there and most of it masquerades as good stuff, especially to the newcomer. You will find trash and plenty of it, so start developing a cavalier attitude to it early on. When in doubt, see, TIP #2 .

4. Turn the Sensitivity down to start.

Dont expect to find stuff halfway to China, as most good things are within the first FOOT, usually less.
That's the good news.
Here's the bad news: SENSITIVITY (gain) increases cannot "suck in" what isn't there to start with. Rather, gain that is set too high only results in false signals and lots of frustration.

5. Set time limits.

a. Plan to detect for a certain amount of time, as often as possible. Like any activity, good practice makes you better.
b. DO NOT detect longer that you should - set a limit on that, too. Remember you have a job and a family and friends.

6. Set Recovery Goals.

Make it a certain coin, or artifact, a maybe a specific quota of coins, etc. Then work to achieve these goals. My goal for the summer season is to find a nice mans ring - yours can be whatever you want it to be.
Some say that this is "just a hobby, and goals are for work." DO NOT believe that crap, either. It's a load of bunk. Achievement and success at ANYTHING is utterly dependent on your ability to push yourself beyond the mundane, to go beyond the easy frontiers.

7. Carry your detector with you as much as possible.

You never know when a chance to detect will come along. But dont leave it in your car, long-term - EVER!! We're talking about sensitive, costly electronic instruments here.The heat and jostling is murder on them... and break-in thieves know what they are worth, too.

8. Learn about your area and what you might actually find.

Do a little research about every possible place you might consider detecting, from the local park to vacant lots. Like I hinted at in Tip #$, it does no good to take your detector to a barren parking lot. I tried it once...I'm right on this, trust me. You have to go where something worth finding exists.
The park in my city was once an old home place, then a housing area through the 50's and now a modern park. The old goodies and other stuff are NOT where the hard hunted modern play grounds are - and few know it but me. Get the point?

9. Talk to your friends and family about your new hobby.

Include the strangers you meet too, like folks in the checkout line or bank tellers. Ask if they know any old places, or good modern places, where lots of people have been active. Make up some simple personal introduction cards on your computer, naming you as "Joe Schmoe, Detectorist." People respect credentials and being an ambassador of the hobby will open doors for you.
a. DO NOT be a "treasure hunter." Want to really get people stirred up, for all the wrong reasons? Mention the word "treasure" to them in earnest and see what happens.

10. Plan to do all sorts of detecting.

You are new, and this hobby has lots to offer. Dont imagine yourself only "this sort" of detectorist or "that sort." Try it all.

11. Learn the Detectorists Code of Ethics.

And practice good recovery techniques, ALL THE TIME. Few things will sour you on this hobby like being ticketed for leaving holes behind you or getting busted on private property. I learned this last one the hard way, at the wrong end of a shotgun - don't repeat my mistake

12. Get a durable carry bag at the thrift store and keep these things in it (my bag cost $3):

+ Extra headphones - A broken set of phones will ruin any hunt. Simple folding digi-phones make a nice back-up.
+ Extra batteries for your unit(s)- Likewise, a set of dead batteries is a real fun buster.
+ 2 Digging Trowels - NOT the crap from WalMart or Target's garden section. Get purpose built tools.
+ An inexpensive sand scoop. There are a surprising number of easy-digging sandy spots to hunt. You'll thank me one day for suggesting this one.
+ 2 recovery aprons - Most home centers sell nail aprons for a $1. They'll do nicely.
+ 1 10" probe - I make mine from a 3/16" piece of brazing rod and a section of old broom handle. Use this to probe for coins beneath turf areas.
+ 1 10" long screwdriver - For "popping" the coins you probe from the turf. I heated mine and hammered it into a 'spoon' shape.
+ 1 8-10" inch rugged knife - Just plain useful. Cuts roots, plugs in grass, etc. Carry it on your belt when hunting, but try to avoid worrying the "straight" people with it.
+ Garden gloves - ones you can manage dextrous work in.
+ Super glue and duct tape - you don't need this explained, right?
...You can have more but you'll need these things, sooner or later.

BONUS TIP #13: Determine to Have Fun!"
copyright, DDH/Dahut, 2006

 

[rickyinms]

Re: I'm stumped!

i think dahut just about said it all! knowing your area is very important to me. this hobby has provoked me to learn all i can about my counties history and it has been an eye opening experience for me. i love history anyway and this hobby has helped to teach me a lot in just a short time. as for the detector to buy i chose the 250 mainly for the price but i have found all kinds of stuff with it and i like it. no detector will be perfect without a skilled and experienced operator. practice makes perfect.

 

[X53Gunner]

Re: I'm stumped!

Thanks for all the great responses! I believe it will be a better dector for me that way I might not have to upgrade as fast. I thank you all again for responding so fast to my post. Also thanks for the welcomes. This is going to be one fun hobbie even if I do only dig trash....LOL
Scott