A more normal but age old question.

WHADIFIND · Apr 20, 2013

What's a decent but CHEAP starter metal detector for a child of 8? I know, I know, probably asked and answered a thousand times on here. But, I could use a little help.

Gotta start basic, then, we'll see how to upgrade.

Thanks!

HH!

CoinHunterAZ · Apr 20, 2013

I would recommend the Tesoro Compadre.

WHADIFIND · Apr 20, 2013

CoinHunterAZ said:
I would recommend the Tesoro Compadre.

Thanks. But, uh, no. I said CHEAP! LOL Don't want something that expensive, especially if it's just gonna be wrapped around a tree.

Radioshack had one a long time ago that was a bear to use but it worked. Maybe, a step above that?

SusanMN · Apr 20, 2013

I think the Compadres are around $160, and come with Tesoros lifetime guarantee. I really don't know if there is anything less than is not an easily breakable toy.

WHADIFIND · Apr 20, 2013

SusanMN said:
I think the Compadres are around $160, and come with Tesoros lifetime guarantee. I really don't know if there is anything less than is not an easily breakable toy.

Exactly!

Thanks!

TempUserName · Apr 20, 2013

If buying new a Tesoro Compadre or Garrett Ace 150 are about as cheap as you'll get for the big brands. Your next new choice would be a Bounty Hunter...some of their low end machines are about $60. Or look into the used market...there are some great machines out there, barely used, for great prices.

bigfoot1 · Apr 20, 2013

fisher f2(got one for my wife)199.00....often comes with a lil pinpointer and other goodies...sniper coil etc.I can tell you that machine actually works well...surorised the heck outa me.

TerryC · Apr 20, 2013

Terry Soloman is our resident Tesoro expert. Where is he? My suggestion would be the Ace 250 at about $225. TTC

WHADIFIND · Apr 21, 2013

TempUserName said:
If buying new a Tesoro Compadre or Garrett Ace 150 are about as cheap as you'll get for the big brands. Your next new choice would be a Bounty Hunter...some of their low end machines are about $60. Or look into the used market...there are some great machines out there, barely used, for great prices.

Now, just HOW the heck did I NOT think of that!?!? Used/trade-ins etc!!! Thank you very kindly for jump starting this old brain!

Everyone else, thanks for giving me the hints for buying something new. They are all good ideas!

HH!

thrillathahunt · Apr 21, 2013

For a child, a simple yet effective low cost detector is the Bounty Hunter Tracker 4. About $100 My son had one for years before he upgraded and it paid for itself many times over in finds.

Ruchman · Apr 21, 2013

Lucky kid, when I was 8 I told my dad I wanted a metal detector. He took a magnet off the fridge tied a string to it and said " knock yourself out and keep it away from the tv". I actually had alot of fun dragging that thru the dirt :icon_thumleft:

CoinHunterAZ · Apr 21, 2013

WHADIFIND said:
Thanks. But, uh, no. I said CHEAP! LOL Don't want something that expensive, especially if it's just gonna be wrapped around a tree.

Radioshack had one a long time ago that was a bear to use but it worked. Maybe, a step above that?

You said "decent" but CHEAP.

If you are serious about getting your youngster involved in metal detecting, spend a few extra well spent dollars and get him a truly decent machine. Both of you will appreciate it, and he will grow into it. While the Tesoro detectors may look like a toy, they are no joke...believe me. Heck, if someone bought me a $60 BH, I would even wrap it around a tree

liftloop · Apr 21, 2013

bounty hunter junior
my sons gram-pa got him one and that little bugger works great for kids he will find thing with it easy to use...

liftloop

thrillathahunt · Apr 21, 2013

CoinHunterAZ said:
You said "decent" but CHEAP. If you are serious about getting your youngster involved in metal detecting, spend a few extra well spent dollars and get him a truly decent machine. Both of you will appreciate it, and he will grow into it. While the Tesoro detectors may look like a toy, they are no joke...believe me. Heck, if someone bought me a $60 BH, I would even wrap it around a tree

......

CoinHunterAZ · Apr 21, 2013

Thrilla,

I raised 3 kids, all of which were 8 at one time or another. I now have two grand-kids, one 8, one 13. 8 is NOT 4. They were all raised to respect others, and people's property. Did they have their moments? Yes of course. They both love to go metal detecting and target shooting with me. Would I let either one go out unsupervised with a .22 rifle? Not on your life. Would I let them go out with a $160 dollar Tesoro detector? Hell yes, and I know it will come back in one piece. If they trash it (which they won't) Tesoro will fix it. I know MY money would be better spent on a machine that will give them the opportunity to learn and grow into. Your kids on the other hand, are probably in the back yard throwing rocks up in the air and smacking them with your detector. Kids these days!

thrillathahunt · Apr 21, 2013

.......

CoinHunterAZ · Apr 21, 2013

Thrilla,

I was just kidding on the batting the rocks part, as to the 8 year old part, Been there done that! Oldest son is on the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, defending our Nation. Middle daughter is raising two kids in New Mexico, her husband works for the State Highway Dept. Our youngest is in Oregon finishing her degree. Grand-kids are the best thing that ever happened to me! They don't bat rocks! And they are pretty fair marksmen and metal detecting buddies.

WHADIFIND · Apr 21, 2013

Ummmm, Coinhunter? Thrilla?

I think I have enough info to go on, no need to play oneupmanship on how they raised their kids. That wasn't the purpose of the post.

I raised 27 youngins and all of them are currently the leaders of the countries in all of the world. :P

TempUserName · Apr 21, 2013

WHADIFIND said:
Now, just HOW the heck did I NOT think of that!?!? Used/trade-ins etc!!! Thank you very kindly for jump starting this old brain!

Everyone else, thanks for giving me the hints for buying something new. They are all good ideas!

HH!

Glad to be of help. I've bought a couple of used machines and have been very happy with them.

Produce Guy · Apr 22, 2013

Personally I won't buy a cheap metal detector for kid,I would buy a $200-$300 one for the sole purpose of resale,if the child doesn't want it after a month or two,and the parent doesn't want it ,then you should be able to advertise it here or on Craigslist for $150-$250.If you buy a cheap one ,say under $100,then good luck trying to get some money for it.
That's just my 2 cents worth :icon_thumleft: