Should I buy this metal detector?

[The Caped Canaveral]

Hi all, I REALLY want to get into metal detecting on the beach, and I found this detector on Craigslist for $20. Should I buy it? (I'm super poor, so I can't afford an expensive one.) The guy says it's a Mikron (he called it a 'Microns' in the ad, lol), but doesn't say what model it is, so I'm trying to contact him to find out. Can anyone tell anything about it from the picture?

 

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[Captain Caveman]

It won't detect in saltwater. No idea what it is or if it will work on dry sand. Most detectors will work on dry sand, or at least some dry sand (it tends to vary from beach to beach).

 

[kcm]

If money is the problem, look into a used Tesoro. They work well, are reliable, and usually cost less due to lack of digital "stuff".

 

[The Caped Canaveral]

Yeah right now I'm in the <$50 range, haha. Not looking to detect in the water just yet, just the sand.

 

[The Caped Canaveral]

Also, I should add that the sand on our beaches tends to retain a lot of water even above the high tide line. Will this affect what kind of detector I need?

 

[Ammoman]

I would pass in a skinny millisecond on that MD. Look for a vintage Whites. Maybe a 5000D. I have seen them on craigslist running in the 50 dollar range and sometimes less on ebay. Also, the Bounty hunter 202 in good used condition would be a great first machine. I have seen them in the 50 dollar range as well.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

It will only work in the sand above the high tide line, any sand that is in the wet salt water zone will cause constant it to be very unstable and constant falsing...

 

[ROBOTCOP13]

Hi all, I REALLY want to get into metal detecting on the beach, and I found this detector on Craigslist for $20. Should I buy it? (I'm super poor, so I can't afford an expensive one.) The guy says it's a Mikron (he called it a 'Microns' in the ad, lol), but doesn't say what model it is, so I'm trying to contact him to find out. Can anyone tell anything about it from the picture?

View attachment 1314931

Looks old. If you go on the internet to Hobby Lobby and get their 40% off coupon and than buy their Bounty Hunter Tracker iv listed at $109.99 you 'll be in with a new machine 5 year warranty for about $70. It's resale would be alright. Gets you going on the dry sand and maybe the wet too. There is a Hobby Lobby in Melbourne to go check it out.

 

[The Caped Canaveral]

Okay thanks, I'll keep my eye out for those. If I get one that can detect in water I assume that will eliminate the high tide line requirement?

 

[The Caped Canaveral]

How about this one? This appears to be a vintage White's. Only thing I'm concerned about is the weight -I'm a relatively slight woman and I've read that old White's can be on the heavy side, especially after swinging them around for a while.

http://spacecoast.craigslist.org/for/5593184665.html

 

[Sandman]

This is a hobby and detectors that will operate in saltwater or even wet saltwater sand are expensive because they operate on more than one frequency. Aboutt any detector will work in dry sand. But most of the gold rings will be in the wet sand or water were fingers are slippery. Read this post from the master The Golden Olde

 

[Top]

Hi all, I REALLY want to get into metal detecting on the beach, and I found this detector on Craigslist for $20. Should I buy it? (I'm super poor, so I can't afford an expensive one.) The guy says it's a Mikron (he called it a 'Microns' in the ad, lol), but doesn't say what model it is, so I'm trying to contact him to find out. Can anyone tell anything about it from the picture?

View attachment 1314931

Looks like the Micronta 4000 BFO machine sold by Radio Shack in the early 1980s.
As already advised; do not buy this. Even at $20 it is not a good deal, especially if money is tight.

 

[Top]

How about this one? This appears to be a vintage White's. Only thing I'm concerned about is the weight -I'm a relatively slight woman and I've read that old White's can be on the heavy side, especially after swinging them around for a while.

White's 2500/D coinmaster metal detector made in USA

Yes, they are heavy. But if it works it would be well worth the $35 because it is in your budget and was a top of the line machine (AFAIK) when it was new.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

That Coinmaster 2500/D was introduced in 1988. I'd give it a swing prior to purchasing to make sure it works, and it's well worth that $35.

It will be a bit heavy, but you could make a sling to keep the weight manageable. Otherwise, with the beast's physical design, all the weight will hit your elbow (did me).

You can easily find a manual for it on-line.

 

[Ammoman]

That Coinmaster 2500/D was introduced in 1988. I'd give it a swing prior to purchasing to make sure it works, and it's well worth that $35.

It will be a bit heavy, but you could make a sling to keep the weight manageable. Otherwise, with the beast's physical design, all the weight will hit your elbow (did me).

You can easily find a manual for it on-line.

I concur. If it works, its a great deal on a machine that's not a toy.

 

[The Caped Canaveral]

Good to know, I might just get it! Does it do well in wet sand and/ or can it go in the water? And where could I get a sling for it?

 

[GA_Boy]

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Marvin

 

[The Caped Canaveral]

No what?

 

[The Caped Canaveral]

Well...I did it, I bit the bullet at $35! I am now the proud owner of a White's Coinmaster 2500! I can't wait to get out there and start beach combing!

I'm still unclear whether or not it can be dunked in the water? I read the entire manual and it doesn't mention water immersion, but it does mention rinsing it with tap water if it gets saltwater on it to protect it from corrosion.

 

[releventchair]

Well...I did it, I bit the bullet at $35! I am now the proud owner of a White's Coinmaster 2500! I can't wait to get out there and start beach combing!

I'm still unclear whether or not it can be dunked in the water? I read the entire manual and it doesn't mention water immersion, but it does mention rinsing it with tap water if it gets saltwater on it to protect it from corrosion.

Do not get the control box wet. Do not get the control box wet. Wiping it down with a damp cloth to keep salt off it after use by the ocean ..fine.
By setting it in the water ,or getting waves hitting it or by dropping it ,or raising the coil end up and water running back towards the control box...great risk exist of harming your new prize.

Inspect your battery connections on arrival.
Sometimes they can be corroded .
Pull the batteries before storing your detector.
Have fun!

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/m...35519-whites-coinmaster-oldie-but-goodie.html