Returning to Metal Detecting

[CalReg]

Greetings All from California,

I used to own a metal detector as a teenager. Used to detect parks, beaches and the occasional old site. I am now approaching 60 and am interested in returning to the fold. The question is, should I start with a "beginners" machine? Or should I invest in something a bit more expensive that I can grow into? Any help is appreciated!

 

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[RustyGold]

Welcome to TreasureNet! Depends on your level of interest and time to devote to the learning curve. I personally aim high so I have something I can grow into. Good luck!

 

[angelito1]

Welcome to Tnet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

[antmike915]

Welcome from Georgia

 

[vpnavy]

Welcome Aboard! Take a look at Forum: California for information (i.e., clubs, etc.) directly related to your state.

 

[Rookster]

Welcome back

 

[teleprospector]

Welcome! Find a dealer and play around with the detectors, something will attract you.
Jon from s/e Michigan ​

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[A2coins]

Welcome to tnet from MI Tommy

 

[A2coins]

Also sent a FR

 

[dts52]

Welcome from Connecticut! You can probably pick up a used AT Pro pretty reasonably and it’s a great machine. You might find a higher end machine very frustrating as a beginning machine. I got a Nox 800 and it’s been a tough learning curve. The fact that I’m tone deaf and have a very short attention span (both facts verified repeatedly by my wife) haven’t made it any easier. Whichever you choose, good luck.
HH
dts

 

[against the wind]

Welcome to the forum from Port Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
Equinox 800 is a wise investment.

 

[HuntH2002]

Welcome back to the hobby

 

[CalReg]

Welcome from Connecticut! You can probably pick up a used AT Pro pretty reasonably and it’s a great machine. You might find a higher end machine very frustrating as a beginning machine. I got a Nox 800 and it’s been a tough learning curve. The fact that I’m tone deaf and have a very short attention span (both facts verified repeatedly by my wife) haven’t made it any easier. Whichever you choose, good luck.
HH
dts

Thanks dts52! The Minelab Equinox 800 is definitely on my radar! I was also looking at the Garrett AT Max and Fisher F75. Any thoughts?

 

[McKinney_5900]

Thanks dts52! The Minelab Equinox 800 is definitely on my radar! I was also looking at the Garrett AT Max and Fisher F75. Any thoughts?

The Equinox 600 is best bang for the buck. I do own both the 600 and 800 but I didn't pay new, retail price on my 800. Honestly? Had an 800 been available when I bought my 600, I'd gotten the 800. That's my usual mentality to buy the top. My 600 still gets as much of my swing time today. Hope this helps.

 

[BLK HOLE]

Welcome back!

 

[Javadroid]

You've found a great place for information and fellow treasure hunters of all kinds -- welcome aboard mate!

 

[dts52]

Hi, CalReg - Sorry, I have no experience with either the AT Max or the Fisher so I can't help you there. One of my buddies recently got a Nokta and he is very pleased with it.
dts

 

[cannonball]

The 800 seems like a great all around detector. I've owned all different detectors, up and down different prices and types. My primary is F75. I use in good ground land sites. I've never even taken it to the beach because I know it won't work well in bad ground or wet saltwater beaches. Minelab does very well in the right hands. Learn and relearn your detector and have as much fun as you can

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Welcome to the forum! Perhaps start with a mid-range machine that has some features that interest you. Be warned some of the newer detectors have a lot of things to adjust and play with while hunting. If you like tweaking your detector. GL & HH