Newbie. Which detector should I start with?

Bama_BigJohn

Bama_BigJohn

Jr. Member
Nov 21, 2006
31
0
Scottsboro, AL
Detector(s) used
Still trying to decide.
Hi folks. My wife and I are avid rockhounds and gem miners and we want to try our hand at metal detecting. We have 500.00 apiece set aside to buy one each. We live in northeast Alabama and would generally be hunting that area and southern Tennessee. We'd probably focus on coins, jewelry etc but would like some versatility. I'm also 6'6" tall and am curious if they make extensions so I'm not always bent over. I've read more reviews than my brain can handle. What is a good starter set up for our budget. Any input is certainly appreciated. Thanks. BigJohn

PS. Are there very many rockhounds at this site?
 

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My thoughts are Garrett treasure ace 250 it's a great detector to get your feet wet they sale for $212.00 shipped but don't let the price fool you it's very good detector.

has a lot of bells and whistles that upper end models have. resale value is very good when you get ready to move up after you learn all the pro and cons.

most people when thy buy a higher end model they keep the 250 for back up.

HH
Johnny
 

The Tesoro's are very nice detectors as are the Ace 250 mentioned. I think Tesoro has a longer lower shaft for tall hunters, I know Minelab does.

Under the Home Page there is a forum called Rocks/gems
 

There are a lot of Treasunet members in your neck of the woods. Perhaps one or two of them would be willing to show you their machine and how it works to help you make up your mind. There might even be a club up there with many members and machines to check out. My wife and I thougt about relocating to Scottsborro but I'm not sure if I could get a decent job there or not. You are in a good location.
 

in that price range i wood take a look at the minelab xterra 50, ace 250's, very popular. the xt 50 you can adjust for soil minerial conditions. ace 250 works well in lower materialized grounds
 

White's prizm is not a bad option, but if you can squeeze a tad more, you could each opt for the White's M6 that will fill your needs very well.
 

save a bit more -- for $600 white M6 -- has all you could want --- it has a beach mode and is good on dry land too -- no need to upgrade--- but if you want ithem it has and will fit "extra's" that you can get like differat size coils ect -- Ivan
 

I'll take a look at the M6 for me. My wife isn't as serious about as I am. She's checkin out the Ace250. Thanks for all the info.
 

I would go with the Ace 250, Whites Prism series or the Tesoro. They are good detectors and would leave you with enough to purchase an optional smaller coil, digger and pinpointer and still stay within your budget. If you have a dealer near you, you could probably make an even better deal on the accessories since you are buying two.
 

thats a good mix --- the $600 M6 for you and the ace 250 at $212 for the wife ---that will fall well within your price range ($812) and give you two very good detectors -- the ace 250 is the best of the lower priced machines according to most folks--- Ivan
 

Bama and Big John
The Ace250 and the M6 would be the ideal combo to start with but as Farmacal said, try to find someone or a local club in your area to get a feel for them. White's makes an extension fot their XLT line but I don't know about their other lines. Welcome to the sport, I grew up as a Rockhound out in the deserts of California but that was many moon's ago. Welcome to Tnet and Happy Hunting

Desertfox
 

For the price range you have.Minelab Musketeer or for something light Tesoro as mention above.You can't go wrong.
RD
 

I'll add another vote for the M-6. I got mine this spring, and it's my first detector. The learning curve is pretty much non-existent, just turn it on and go, and have fun!

I've not tried the Ace 250, but judging from all the folks that swear by it, it's a good machine.

Personally, I think people make too much out of the technology used in various brands. Find a machine that has features that make sense, and appeal to you, swing it a lot, you'll find good stuff!!!
 

can't go wrong with the ace 250 get her's first and try it out you'll like!!!thats if ya can get it out of her sight and out of her hands.
 

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