Looking for a 1st metal detector

[E92FF]

Hi All. I was recently in our local sporting goods store with my 10 year old and she came across the metal detectors. They had to have made some kind of impression on her because she wont stop talking about them. I have decided it would be a fun hobby for the two of us so I've been researching detectors. With all of the different options and features, coils, frequencies, etc I have more questions than when I started! I am hoping to get a little advice from people with knowledge of all these things.

We go to the beach quite a bit so a lot of our treasure hunting will take place in the sand. I would also be interested in searching the shores of our local rivers which vary between sand, rock, and dirt depending on the river. For our first detector I am looking to spend around $300.

I thought I was set on the Minelab X-terra 305 but this seems to be an older model and I'm wondering if there is something more current that would be a better option for us. Another that interested me is the Fisher F44 although I can't find any reviews on it.

Any advice whether it be a specific detector or just a feature to look for would be appreciated!

 

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[SouthFLdigger]

So we have played with it a little in the yard. So far we have dug up a handful of nails, a bolt, the hook off of a tie down, and a diet coke can that was about 6" deep. How does something get buried 6" deep in the time diet coke cans have existed?

Anyways it works. Now we've just got to find someplace with stuff worth digging!

The Xterras are good machines, your best bet general purpose coil is the 7.5 khz one. Learn to use minimal discrimination only to discriminate large nails, read and research the machine as well as you can.Don't go crazy lusting over a new and "better" unit. I have been very happy with mid-grade units as their performance as far as depth and speed is usually close to the top of the line machines, i own top of the line ones as well. Gain experience for many months with that Xterra and squeeze every last ounce of performance out of it. Enjoy, and don't lose patience you're gonna dig lots and lots of trash as you learn. With the trash comes the treasure.

 

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[Phantasman]

SouthFLdigger couldn't have said it any better. Patience pays off.......eventually.

 

[E92FF]

We got out and found our first valuables Sunday! I took her down to a local swimming hole and searched the beach for a couple hours. Came away with a rusty old spring, 2 bottle caps, a half dozen pull tabs, 2 nickles, and 2 pennies! This thing is paying off already!!!

Didn't take a pic of our loot yet but got a pic of the beach we searched:

 

[Higgy]

I'm with Sandman on the Compadre suggestion. Its a fine machine. I had one of its relatives - the Bandido - and it was great. I feel guilty coinshooting with my Deus. Thing is, I set it once and rarely look at the screen anyhow. Might as well have a Tesoro.

 

[Patriot 1776]

Whites coinMaster GT

The coin Master GT- is water resistant, rain or a splash wont be a problem , not water proof like the coil. It has large icons to view finds, great all around detector for your price
call me if you have any questions
dennis

 

[Patriot 1776]

White's Coinmaster GT
Great machine for both of you, also water resistant display box, water proof coil
call me if you have any questions
thanks