Im tinking about spending like 100-200$ on a detector that works for beaches and underwater detecting. We're gonna travel around alot, so i dont want something that gets too much in the way. Am i asking for the impossible here?
Close to it! No decent detector for salt water hunting that is currently around, even used, will go for that. 300-500 - yes. That low, no.
The Tiger Shark is a good detector - I have one. Paid $375 for it used. How good is it in the salt water where you will be going? No idea. It is not the ideal salt water machine, since it is a single freq VLF. It works, though, and many have success with it. I'd call it a good choice.
You might also want to have alook at the Garrett Sea Hunter II. It's a PI unit, so it has little DISC, contrary to company claims. BUT, it can be had used for about the same money as a Tiger Shark. I'd call it a good option, too.
But what is most important is where you take the detector. No sense going to beaches that are unpopulated. You're going to want beaches popular with Asian and Euro tourists. The good side is you will probably be alone with no competition. The bad side is you will be alone, in a foreign country. Many is the tourist who has run afoul of both criminals and the law under such circumstances. Find out about THOSE things before you go.
Does anyone have experience of traveling with your detector
Yes to traveling. Most detectors break down into pretty small packages and with a little planning you can create a tidy little "suitcase detector."
Not so a sand scoop. I have yet to see the scoop worth having that breaks down well into a compact bundle. In fact since you dont know what sorts of beaches youll find, you need to prepare for the worst by having the strongest. Most of these dont break down at all, so youll be carrying the thing everywhere with you as is. You may also want to check with the airlines first - things change all the time with them.
Also, some countries will confiscate your detector on two broad premises:
1. You're planning to take national treasures or antiquities
2. You are importing such a device without paying duties.
When I went to Mexico last time, I was told by the Mexican tourist people that there were no SPECIFIC metal detector restrictions, but that mine might be snagged at customs for one of the above reasons. I was told that customs officials don't normally listen to pleas of innocence on these matters and since you are planning to stay 6 months, they might listen to even less of them. Others have told me the same things about several countries. Will this happen to you? Probably not. I've known people to whom it HAS happened, though. They were fortunate in that they had a plan to mail the detector back home BEFORE they passed customs. Are you gonna check into it beforehand? Yes, if you're wise....
)... if i don't bring my 8" coil instead.
