Beginner Detector

[Hoosier Kingfisher]

If cost was not a problem, what would be the best detector for a beginner Mostly coins, relics ,dry dirt or sand. Maybe wet freshwater sand.

 

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[funkman]

even though cost is not a problem, I would still recommend the Garrett Ace 250 for a beginner detector. Down the road when you understand more of the hobby and how the detector reacts to different things and conditions, then you can upgrade to a better model.

My opinion anyway.

HH and look forward to seeing some finds from you no matter what detector you decide.

Funkman

 

[Sandman]

Funkman wrote:

even though cost is not a problem, I would still recommend the Garrett Ace 250 for a beginner detector. Down the road when you understand more of the hobby and how the detector reacts to different things and conditions, then you can upgrade to a better model.

I agree too. The Ace 250 is a nice detector to start with or use forever. For the price and features, it can't be beat I don't think.

 

[Hoosier Kingfisher]

You think starting with the ACE250 would be better than starting with a better detector and running it in its simplest mode and then gradually using more options as you learn? Thanks

 

[Sandman]

For most people that start they need a simple detector with less features and cost as they might not continue and only think of it as getting rich. The other ones I believe should start with a more full featured machine and grow into it. These are the people that usually stick with the hobby and learn all they can about it. I think half the fun is in the learning the detector anyway.

Buy the best you can afford as you'll get more enjoyment out of it an won't feel the need to upgrade. Seems that most that buy the BH are always wanting to up grade. The other ones learn to use the detector they have to it's fullest and do very well in the finds dept.

Good Luck,
Sandman

 

[Hoosier Kingfisher]

Thanks Sandman. Good answer

 

[Recruiter]

I received an ACE250 for Christmas and I am still learning to use it. The ACE250 was an upgrade and very happy with it. Maybe in a couple of years I may upgrade again but will wait and see. ACE250 has been great for everything I have wanted to do so far in MDing.

HH

 

[MEinWV]

Good posts, lots of good reasons to think about. After reading all the posts, I really think the Ace250 should be a first step, especially if you have never worked with a machine before.

Think about this one thing! The folks on this site that own, use and love their Ace250's have also had to "learn" how to get the best performance out of it. They ask questions also.

So, my question to you is this;

Do you want to enter into this hobby with a unit that you will become very familiar with after a shorter period of time, and have fun finding things, with a smaller outlay of cash?

Or;

Do you want to start with a unit that may take a very long time to sort out all of the features, and to be able to use those features to the full extent of the unit, at a more substantial outlay of funds?

The choice is yours of course.

Good luck!!

 

[BIG61AL]

I would not even consider anything but a GARRETT or WHITES detector.

 

[Boilermaker27]

I have been using detectors since 1970. I have had almost every brand on the market. I do mostly relic hunting. I have both a Minelab Explorer II and a Tesoro Tejon. For the money the Tejon can't be beat by any detector on the market. I easily find minnie balls in excess of ten inches. I also find grapeshot and very small objects with this detector. The dual discriminators make a meter not needed. I just push the trigger into the second mode and if it is still there it is a good target. Drawback is no depth indicator. Without the meter is OK because meters always, and I mean always, will give false readings on many occasions. Pinpointing is accurate, the target is always under the center of the searchcoil. Many relic hunters use this detector. There was recently a program on television about civil war treasure hunting and the person who put on the hunt was using the Tejon. This is a very powerful machine for under $600 and I can guarantee it will outhunt any machine in that price range and most machines even higher priced.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Something else to consider, the better machines hold their value longer. If you go to sale or trade you get more of your money's worth back in cash or trade in value.

Watch EBay at what some units sell for that are several years old and compare it to what they cost new.

 

[Gribnitz]

Cost not a problem and you don't care if you it sits a closet if you don't like detecting ? Heck no, I would NOT get an Ace250. You may as well get a T2, F75, DFX, or Minelab ES and start learning with a top of the line machine. The Ace packs a hell of a lot of punch for $200, but it will not stack up to the top of line machines. Heck, I thought about a 250 for a long time, but I think I will wait and get the T2 myself. I dig mostly relics and use a Tejon, but would like an ID machine. You will hear a lot of kudos for the Ace, it is well deserved for what it gives you for the price, but it is NOT $1000 machine. If someone asks me for recommendations on a machine for under $300 with a lot of features, the Ace 250 is the top of the list, but money no problem...no way.

 

[erikk]

If all you want to do is hunt kids play grounds, sand and wood chips then get the Ace250. You will find a bunch of stuff. It is when you get to the hard hit areas in dirt with deep targets and trash that you will want to have a high end unit.
I just bought an ACE250 to use in a comp hunt in sand because I didn't need to go deeper that 3-4 inches and needed a light detector. The Ace is light as a feather and will get coins at that depth. It also isn't bothered by interference with other detectors. I ran it next to my EX-2, Excal, DFX & CZ7a pro and it kept on running without any static.As for using it for any serious hunting-I don't think so. It is what it is, an inexpensive good low end entry level detector . Would I recommend it for a first detector for someone who isn't worried about cost and is serious about hunting-No. The EXplorers and DFX have entry level programs (turn on and go) that will far surpass what you can do with the ACE. Then as you become more familiar with the detector you can advance at your own pace and continue to find more and deeper coins. You will also probably not get discouraged and put it in the back of the closet. 02

 

[neilo]

Hi Hoosher, my advice is dont by a cheap detector which will be limited in the areas you can detect. The treasure ace will not perform well in some areas, eg moist salty sandy areas ,highly mineralised areas and depth capabilities are poor. Buy a detector which versatile and will perform well in all areas.Top of the range machines like your Explorers and whites dfx have these capabilities and are to my way of thinking offer the most to the learner detectorist.Dont go and by a machine which you will regret buying because it underperforms. spend a bit more buy the best you can afford. good luck and good hunting.seeya Neilo

 

[Willy]

Personally, I don't really thing that price determines the 'worth' of a detector. A lot of people will buy a whiz-bang new detector that does everything but make coffee and give you a back rub (mmm.. coffee.. back rub..), and end up using a limited number of the plethora of options. Yeah, some people will use a detector to it's limits, but most will get by with far less. In fact, take a look at Tesoro detectors. Really feature-limited compared to something like an Explorer SE, but they find a helluva lot of good stuff. If you're into some cheap entertainment, post on a Tesoro forum that an Explorer will blow away any Tesoro detector. WOW! talk about poking a hornets nest. You could also boast the superiority of Tesoro's on a Minelab forum for more side slappin' guffaws. Or there's a certain T2 forum or.. you get the idea. When it comes down to it, many of the most successful TH'rs I've met don't swing anything special. Basically, it's the man/woman behind the machine that makes the difference. ..Willy.

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Amen.

The best detector in the world won't find the coins or relics that aren't there.

The guy who knows his machine and has done some research will out shoot the techno-geek that thinks it's a coin magnet just because the display tells you the depth, soil pH, lunar phase and whether it's heads-or-tails.

 

[Hoosier Kingfisher]

O.K. Guys......Thanks for all the good answers...........