New to the hobby...

[Kevin Bozard]

So new in fact, that I don't own a detector yet. I'm looking at the White's Prizm III, is this a good starter MD?

 

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[nuggetshooter323]

Get one with a adjustable ground balance. In South Carolina you have some minerlized soil, and this adjustment will help your learning curve go smoother. One more thing, don't mail order your first detector. Go through a local dealer, and they will give you all the training and advise that you need to get a great start.

 

[TerryC]

Kevin,
A really good place to start is click the Kellyco ad on top to get an idea of what is available. Support our sponsor! Then read some.... many ...of the comparison posts available on this net. Oops! Maybe not. You'll find people's ideas as diverse as the detectors available. Really... take your time and compare. The best does NOT always cost the most. Then hunt, hunt, hunt and have fun! TTC

 

[DirtDevil]

My first detector was a Prizm IV. Although it did very well for me, it had a fixed ground balance. Consider maybe the Prizm 6T?
http://whiteselectronics.com/content/view/4756/510/

 

[Kevin Bozard]

Thanks for the comments guys!

Get one with a adjustable ground balance. In South Carolina you have some minerlized soil, and this adjustment will help your learning curve go smoother. One more thing, don't mail order your first detector. Go through a local dealer, and they will give you all the training and advise that you need to get a great start.

I'm glad you told me about the adjustable ground balance, now my searches are for those type machines.

Kevin,
A really good place to start is click the Kellyco ad on top to get an idea of what is available. Support our sponsor! Then read some.... many ...of the comparison posts available on this net. Oops! Maybe not. You'll find people's ideas as diverse as the detectors available. Really... take your time and compare. The best does NOT always cost the most. Then hunt, hunt, hunt and have fun! TTC

Thanks Terry. I'm an amateur astronomer as well, and the same goes for telescopes, so I understand what you're saying there. I'm anxious to get a detector, and I'm glad I didn't jump on the first one that caught my eye.

My first detector was a Prizm IV. Although it did very well for me, it had a fixed ground balance. Consider maybe the Prizm 6T?
http://whiteselectronics.com/content/view/4756/510/

Thanks DD. While I would love the Prizm 6T, I really can't afford the $600 price tag right now. So I think I may have to settle for a Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505. It seems to be an all around decent machine. The reviews I've read on it are pretty good for one of lesser expense. I think this one may be a good starter for me, and if this hobby turns out like my other one. I'm sure this won't be the last metal detector that I buy. I've been into amateur astronomy since 2006, and I already have 5 telescopes. Heck who knows? By 2010, I may have 5 or 6 detectors by then.

Thanks again guys!

 

[deepskyal]

Hi Keven,

I spent almost 4 months researching telescopes before I forked out a couple grand on one I would use for some years.

With detectors, It's the same process. I had bought a new, inexpensive model...then bought a better one, then another...and another....

Finally sold my scope to detect since there are too many cloudy days in Pa for star watching. That much money collecting dust when I could by a DFX and some accessories.....it doesnt have to be a clear day to detect .

Al

 

[Kevin Bozard]

Thanks for the greeting Al

Well it's done. The BH Pioneer 505 is on order, and I look forward to receiving it. I can't wait to start posting some finds!