a little confused on what detector to start with

[visitor21]

Hello!

Thanks everyone for having a really cool forum that is very helpful to a beginner!

I really want to go and hunt silver coins. I plan on looking in parks that will have a lot of trash. Can anyone recommend a good detector for me?

I thought I had read somewhere that some detectors have a display that will show you whether or not you are likely to be over a coin or not. Is that correct?

What would you guys recommend for me to buy?

Thank you!

 

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[DirtTGuy]

Hello visitor21 I have been detecting for a couple years now. I started with a fisher F2 has a very good display on it.
It is an entry level detector but works very well. Has a nice large display that gives you a numeric read out as to what it is you
may be over. The higher the number the better the find, unless it is a bottle cap or big iron. Most detectors will show you if you
may be over a coin but it is no guarantee. Good luck to you hope this helps a little.

 

[Kuntzy]

I use tesoro detectors, but any good brand will work.

Note on displays!! Never Ever fully trust a display. you will miss finds with it. learn to hunt by sound, the hum of your threshold, and you will have a leg up on others

 

[xr7ator]

See if you can borrow or rent one. The thought of going to the park and finding silver coins has been around since the 60's and the parks have been hit already...many many times. That doesn't mean you can't get lucky and find a silver!

 

[cudamark]

What is your budget?

 

[Terry Soloman]

Welcome from White Plains, New York!

 

[visitor21]

Thanks DirtTGuy! That info does help!



I will look into the F2!

 

[visitor21]

Yeah Kuntzy, I am learning more and more from what I am reading about displays, that they aren't always good. Does it take a long time to get good at listening to the hum it makes in order to know what you are probably looking at?

 

[visitor21]

Yeah, I'm hoping to get lucky. I'm also looking in asia in Taiwan actually, where there are a lot of old temple sites / shrines where people used to leave money. I'm hoping that not as many people here are into the hobby!

My budget is around $500. I've been thinking of getting into it for awhile.

Terry Soloman, thanks for posting the video and for the warm welcome!!!!!

What do you guys think about pointers? I was thinking about getting one as it seemed to really help if you are looking in a big pile of dirt

 

[redcobra8u]

AT Pro. Works great for what you're looking to do.

 

[Carolina Tom]

Redcobra is right... AT Pro is a good one.

We look forward to seeing your finds!

Good luck.

 

[Kuntzy]

AT Pro or tesoro vaquero would work

 

[DigToChina]

I still consider myself a newbie but I'll give you an opinion as a newbie. I choose to get an F2 as a beginner machine but I think the logic would likely apply to any entry level machine. The reason I choose the F2 myself is because of 1: it had good reviews as an inexpensive entry level machine. I was pretty certain I would like the hobby but if I didn't, I wouldn't be in as deep (although after pin pointer, Lesche etc. what difference would it really make). 2: the F2 at the time had a package deal where you got the 10" and 4" coil and a pinpointer (piece of crap). The price was around $100 if I remember right. 3: being new, i didn't want a new machine that was hard to understand and complex which would add to discouragement as I found my footing. Now that I'm comfortable with this machine and have started finding the goods, I'll probably upgrade but I'll always have the entry level machine to fall back on.

Additional items I've needed: Headphones, pin pointer, Lesche, Neoprene cover, coil covers. You're going to be banging the cool against ****. You do not want it broken.

They're ok with hunting shrines and temples over there?

DigToChina

 

[RustyGold]

Teknetics makes some really good detectors. Eurotek Pro and Omega come to mind then the AT Pro for a little more money.

 

[visitor21]

DigToChina thank for the super helpful information!
Oh, I should clarify I mean abandoned sites where no one goes anymore. No, I would not go near a place where people are worshipping without permission ( or go any place without permission), and I know that they would almost 100% not want that, and I respect that. Also going to hunt in the parks too. Hope I get lucky!

 

[visitor21]

So I was pretty set on the Garrett 450, but it looks like they won't ship to where I live.

Anyone have any thoughts on the Fisher 44?
Thanks!

 

[DigToChina]

Try the Fisher forum. Captain Caveman has a post about the F44. Maybe there are others.

Metal Detecting forum > Brands > Fisher.

Brands would be a good place to check other kinds as well. Good luck.

DigToChina

 

[asrussell96]

Hey man check into the laws about digging at sacred sites over there.....That might be strictly prohibited

 

[Pathfinder100]

I have a whites treasure master I bought back in august. It has a display but I hardly use it. I listen mostly to the tones. The display will lie to you at times, but the machine does work great for me. My neighbor uses Tesoros and has great luck as well

 

[pinenut]

I have a couple of favorite park machines; all of 'em Tesoros.

The Tesoro Outlaw or Vaquero are a couple I'd recommend for most places, especially where soil conditions differ place to place. Outlaw is quieter or "smoother" in heavy trash, especially around steel bottle caps. Vaquero is a bit deeper.

If your soil is always relatively mild, the Cibola is also a great park unit with good depth.

On any of these Tesoros, your best discrimination will be with their concentric coils.
In heavy trash, I like the 5.75" concentric best. For general coin shooting and not-so-heavy trash, then either the 8" donut or 9x8 concentric.

Do remember to get yourself a good digging tool, headphones, an apron for your finds, and a pinpointer. Not sure if your total budget included those items or was just for the detector.

^_^