Oh My... Which one to buy?

[TravelerX2]

I want to purchase a metal detector for my husband for Christmas. This 2013 Christmas!! The more I read the more confused I get. So I thought I would reach out to the experts for advice. He will mostly be using this on the beach on the east coast of Florida. On what is commonly referred to as the "Treasure Coast". He will be retiring in a few years and needs a hobby. He will not need a machine for underwater as one can not hunt for treasure in the water only on the beach but certainly waterproof. I'm reading about the Excalibur and people seem to like that one. I'm concerned about weight. I wouldn't think you wouldn't want one too heavy. I'm also reading about the XP Deus. Lightweight, wireless. I like anything wireless. Since he is a beginner I want something that he will be able to use somewhat quickly but I will say he's a quick learner and very tech savvy. I would like to stay in the $3000 range with accessories and everything he will need to start. Sorry for the length of this post I just wanted to give you some background info. Thanks for your time.

 

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[snokid]

For the beach you can't beat the Excalibur.
the only other thing he is really going to need is a good scoop
sand scoop - STAVRscoop Stainless Steel SAND SCOOP, for Beach and Water Metal Detecting Hunting
Stealth beach scoop
get with bart at big boy hobbies he will make you a good deal on the excel. I like the stealthscoop but others like the stavr can't go wrong with either.
to help with the weight get him a straight shaft, Anderson makes them there are others but they are the big boys. If he is at all handy he can make his own for 20-30 bux.
Bob

 

[sandy shoes]

for a first machine i would get him a atpro from Garrett if he knows how to metal detect and loves it then maybe ctx 3030 from minelab

 

[TravelerX2]

Thanks for the info. I will take another look at the Excalibur. Thanks for the tip on the scoop and the idea on the straight shaft.

 

[SoCalBeachScanner]

-
You sound like a wife that every guy needs
Just because you Husband needs a hobby when he retires, does not mean that he will like metal detecting. The last thing you want to do is spend two grand on a machine that may sit in the closet. Unless money is not object, you may want to have him try a low to medium priced machine to see just how much it gets used. Then if he gets addicted, he will know what he wants at that time.

 

[cudamark]

With that budget, I'd get the CTX3030. It's as good or better for the beach as the Excalibur and will also work great in a land hunt. I'm sure one of our sponsor vendors here would put a package together that would include a good sand scoop and all the other accessories that he would need for under $3K. I'd pass on the AT Pro for this application as the Minelabs are much better for a salt water beach. Same with the XP Deus....it's not waterproof.

 

[Fletch88]

If he's not ever going to need to submerge the control housing in water, as you stated on the treasure coast, the Etrac is a great beach machine also. Can be purchased for about $900 less than CTX and there are a wide variety of larger and smaller coils available. Sounds like a great present either way you go!

 

[christo000]

With the models up hear suggested I think im gonna agree with fletch on this one of u end up with any or questions on a v3i whites or a deus xp drop me a pm, ill be more then glad to help. But the etrac sounds like it would be great for a starter takes most a Long time to get one so he is lucky

 

[Normsel]

I'd call Bart at Big Boys Hobbies, he will give you straight forward advice. He has fast shipping and usually the best price if not his prices are equal to anyone elses.

 

[goldnugget]

My suggestion will be the Minelab Excalibur and a Very Good Beach scoop. Check Big Boys Toys. I use an Excalibur and put the controls in a Gun Pouch on my hip.. Also spend the money on a Knob Guard-goldnugget

 

[TravelerX2]

I appreciate the response. I would hate to drop a lot of money on something my husband wouldn't use and hopefully I won't. He gives me nice gifts I just want to do the same for him. I really think he will love it. He has expressed interest in metal detecting and I'm sure will start using it after Christmas the times we are in Florida. We also live on a farm so I feel he would enjoy using it at home as well. I think I will give Bart a call and see what he suggests. I really appreciate the help. Thanks to all.

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

Hi TraveelrX2,

The Minelab Excalibur II is a great beach machine, but not the best choice for the farm The Minelab CTX3030 would work well in both environments, and we can customize a package that will give him all the tools he will need. Give me a call if I can help you in your decision or you wish to discuss options. Be sure and mention Treasurenet!

Wayne

www.metaldetectingstuff.com