Advice for a potential MDer

[teh nzectar]

I've been reading posts on tnet and it has made me want to get in to metal detecting. I would just like to know a good beginning metal detector for around 100-150 dollars or less, good places to hunt (I'm in the west coast) and any other helpfull information. Thanks.

 

[Michigan Badger]

I've been reading posts on tnet and it has made me want to get in to metal detecting. I would just like to know a good beginning metal detector for around 100-150 dollars or less, good places to hunt (I'm in the west coast) and any other helpfull information. Thanks.

Welcome to TNet and I'd recommend a used Tesoro Silver uMax but you'd have to wait a while to find one for $150. I just bought my 3rd one and it was $170 shipped.

Buying new I'd say the Garrett Ace 150 or Tesoro Compadre.

Badger

 

[nudels]

Looking at the low end landscape for the first time in 15+ years, this is what i've found:

Tesoro is the only one that offers a lifetime warranty (to the original owner) anymore. The Compadre is at ~$152 shipped on ebay right now, brand new. Simple but effective.

http://www.tesoro.com/product/detectors/compadre/


The Garrett Ace 150 has more bells and whistles, and about $152 on ebay, shipped, but not as long a warranty.

http://www.garrett.com/hobby/products/ace150.htm

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/garrett/garrett-ace150.htm


There is also Bounty Hunter which has quite the following, and is perhaps the best known in the sub-$150 category. 5 year warranty. E.g. Bounty Hunter Quick Silver

http://www.detecting.com/products/product.cmdl?c=a7cc4f5a2c3c4020

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/bountyhunter/quick_silver_buy.htm

If I were starting out today, i'd probably pull the trigger on the Garrett or the Bounty Hunter because of more features, but do some research, read the review forums, and see what you like the best. I listed links to Kellyco as it is a good place to browse as well. When you settle on one, google search and see who may have the best deal. e.g. beach audio currently has the quicksilver for $115 shipped, but not with the extra accessories!

All the above assumes land or dry white sand hunting, however, if you want one that works well in wet sand, black sand or the surf, you probably won't find it for under $150. .

Let us know what you get, and how well it works for you.

 

[TerryC]

There are dozens, maybe hundreds of MD'rs on this net. Many are looking to upgrade. Go to the CLASSIFIED ADS forum for some used machines. Check with your local Detecting clubs. I don't like e-bay, but maybe you do. Check with TN's new sponser, Kellyco. There's a few sources to start at. TerryC

 

[Ricardo_NY1]

If you're confident with cutting deals with online dealers, I'd also recommend going with a used unit. If you shy away from that sort of thing and want to buy something new.........I'd say get the ACE 150 for the following reasons........

1) You'll have an easier time learning with the Target ID as opposed to the Tesoro unit. It's probably the better detector but in the hands of someone who's new and does not have anyone to show him, this could end up in the closet quick.

2) You'll be spending alot less on double AA batteries as opposed to the Bounty Hunter units which use the 9 volts. Those things are expensive. And if I were to go with Bounty Hunter, I'd shoot for a Discovery 2200 in that price range.

You should post what type of detecting you plan on doing, parks, beach, etc. We can tell you off the bat that the ACE will not perform well at the beach. You may get away with dry sand hunting, and I think even that could be an issue.