new to detecting..have a few questions

[mike63]

i want to get started metal decting this year with my stepson,wich is the easiest detector to use that wont break the bank?.....thanks for any help!

 

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[Sandman]

There are cheap detectors at Radio Shack and some of the big box stores, but these are sorry products. It's best to get one of the entry level detectors from Tesoro, Whites, Garrett or Minelab. Expect to pay about $200.00 for a fair one with the better detectors costing more.

Contact Tony at http://tcmetaldetectors.com

 

[Jonathan65]

Mike,

I asked the very same basic question quite recently. Perhaps the responses here may give you some ideas:

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,126723.0.html

I am going to use these recommendations as a guide to get started with a budget of $250.

Jonathan

 

[Tin Nugget]

Go name brand. They all have quality entry level detectors. Don't forget to include $ for headphones, diggers, pouches etc.

 

[levis_dad]

Check this one out...

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/bountyhunter/Quickdraw2buy.htm

You will prolly get bunches of people to say the Bounty Hunters are no good, but I have had very good service out of mine.

 

[mike63]

thank you for all your answers anything in particular i should look for or any features i really dont need right off the bat?

 

[luvsdux]

I suggest you take a good look at either the Tesoro Compadre or the Tesoro Silver. Both are simple, but decent machines for the money. The Silver has the advantage over the Compadre as it is compatible with a complete selection of different coils while the Compadre is hardwired to one. Both are light and a joy to swing and they only use 1 9volt battery. Neither machine has a target id screen as they're basically "beep and dig" machines. Many detectorists, myself included, feel that it's best to start out and learn without the target ID because the variations in the sound response to different targets is worth learning and is an important part of the detection process even with a Target ID screen. Also, these machines while they don't have all the bells and whistles of more expensive machines, generally get nearly as much depth and serve very well as a backup or loaner should you decide to move up in the future. My two bits.
Bill

 

[Pepper2004]

Mike, I have a Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505 and I am very pleased with it. At Super Wal-Marts they are 20% off in my area. You really don't have to go out and buy a ton of gear to get started. The most I bought was a $10 3' shovel, and a hand trowel at Lowes that cost under ten bucks, and a nail apron. My husband gave me a long screwdriver out of the tools he owns. That is all I need for the moment.

Good luck.

Pepper

 

[Johnny Ringo Silver]

thank you for all your answers anything in particular i should look for or any features i really dont need right off the bat?

Mike, your pretty much gonna get what you pay for. I will say that For an entry level detector, I have heard wonderful things on the garret ace 250. There are quite a few new guys with this machine and they have found some real good finds!! 8) 8)

 

[mike63]

thanks to all i think i am leaning towards one of the whites detectors only because i think with the screen it might keep my stepsons interest going for a little while rather than seeing a needle bounce! i'll keep you all posted when i get one again thanks for all your help......mike!

 

[thompy]

the fisher f-2, and garret ace 250 both have screens,and can use smaller coils, whites prizms do not have smaller coils available, the fisher comes with a 8" and 4"

 

[robert roy]

Ace 250 hands down. The runner up is the F2.
But I'd go with the Ace 250 if I were you.
Robert R

 

[daaaveman]

I have to disagree with Rob Roy. Here is a post I just made on another topic. Buy a Tesoro and don't look back.

I have an Ace 250. Compared to the Tesoro Silver uMax I just bought, the Ace is a toy while the Silver is a tool. The Silver uMax is 10x the detector either the Ace or the F2 is. I don't have an F2 but it is getting pretty poor reviews from folks on here that I trust.

With the Silver, it 'sings' to you when you should dig. Plus, I don't like having to walk around looking at a screen. With the Silver, you just listen until it tells you to dig.

If you're coin hunting and turn the discrimination up, there is no doubt when you hit a coin. I found 3 pennies about 2" apart the other day, and I knew it was three coins before I started digging. The Ace would have only given one signal. Plus, I hate the 'ding' tone of the Ace. The Silver sounds like a cool drum circle with the choppy signals as you move thru trash but man, when you hit something good, it's like the Silver gets excited - perfectly obvious sound. It sings out, leaving no doubt where to dig.

I'm covering ground probably 10 times faster with the Silver than with the Ace and have much more confidence that I'm not leaving things of interest behind. Plus, it's just more fun.

I dug a dime at over 8" with the Silver this past weekend. The Ace never would have found it.

Oh, and the Ace is piss-poor at pinpointing compared to the Silver. I'm digging smaller holes and often just popping items instead of having to dig a plug.

Anybody want to buy an Ace? I was keeping it around for friends but I think I'll sell it and buy another Silver. Then I can run a couple of different coils when I'm out alone.

 

[mike63]

wow this is giving me more ideas like i said before i wanted something easy to use and very user friendly thanks for even more advice!! you guy's rock ...lol

 

[oldplacesnofinds]

Check out the Quantum II on Ebay. I bought 2 all for around $200 each. I bought my first in 1999 at a coin shop for $425. I bought the others for a spare and for my father in-law. They are awesome and very easy to learn.

 

[thompy]

i agree the quantums are nice, looking for Qxt pro my self, had 2 in the past, havent tried the q-II, pretty much the same. ive been watching for one, havent seen much available lately.

 

[daaaveman]

Tesoro. I don't know why anyone swings anything else.......atleast until they're ready for a Soverign GT. Tesoro Silver uMax rocks. Look at the Tesoro threads.

 

[TheTreasureAddict]

ACE 250, check my post and vids on youtube!

Crackbadger

 

[robert roy]

Really, there isn't much bad to say about Bounty Hunter. It's gotten a bad rap by way of association with WalMart and Radio Shack. And they do look a little tacky, but thats just my opinion judging from the one's I've seen.

I recently saw some at WalMart this christmas, and for the price they were asking, you'd be better served with the Ace 250.

It comes down to how much you want to spend. There are many servicable detectors out there.

STILL if your going to spend the kind of money BH wants for a detector you'd be better off with the
Ace 250. That machine won't let you down and you seldom if ever hear a bad report, unlike the Fisher F2 thats just come out.


Regards
Robert R

 

[JOE(USA)]

mike63,

If I can give you a hand let me know. I sell Tesoro but I'll help you with any questions you may have on other brands also. PM me if you like. Joe