Best detector for $400 or less

[cambell]

Hello all I am asking for your help. My friend has been detecting for a while now and asked if I wanted to go with him a few weeks ago. I went out and bought a cheapo harbor frieght detector and we went to the beach and gave it a try. He uses a minelab super expensive water machine. I quickly saw the difference a good machine makes and saw the shortcomings of my harbor frieght special. I returned mine as soon as I got back from the beach. So now im in the market for a new machine but, im on a tight budget. i understand that there really is no one machine that does it all but i would like to get something decent for a beginner for $400 or less. I plan on doing land and beach with maybe some shallow water looking for jewelry and coins. So far I have my eye on the whites coinmaster gt. I like the backlit display and the number readout. Is there any other machines that I should be looking at that might be better for the same money or less? Thanks for your help.

 

[Wyomingmedic]

I have used a White's Prizm for a few years. I never used it on a beach (no water here in the desert), but I had some good luck with it.

I have been looking for a cheaper truck unit lately and I've liked the look of the Tesoro units. That said, I have never actually used one.

WM

 

[wvwildman]

i use a whites coinmaster pro works good

 

[JmCraz8]

Garret Ace 250 is a good machine for the price, I think it's something like $212.

 

[Frankyg]

I think with a small budget you would be better going for a pre-owned machine. You can pick up a Minelab Explorer for reasonable money on E-Bay. The advantage is that if you buy a good quality second owner machine the chances are that it was owned by someone who knew how to look after it. They are also likely to throw some extras in as well.

Good luck.

 

[Pulltab Parson]

IF your looking for a great machine for under $400 you should check out the Tesoro Cibola, its a great machine that runs deep and will find you treasure!
Cibola : :: Miller MDZ ::
Good Luck and happy hunting,

PTP

 

[Skidder]

The Garrett line up has the Ace 250 for a bit over $200 the Ace 350 for around $300 then it jumps to the At (pro and gold) line but with that comes the price increase to over (usually) $500+ hope this helps with the Garretts.

 

[Jim P]

Hi Campbell, I am looking to buy a detector myself, so I cant help you a lot..But I would suggest that you go to
metaldetector .com and use their compare tool..They sell all kinds of detectors for what seems like good prices.

 

[Jim P]

Hope I didn't goof up by mentioning a web site..just trying to help..will try not to do that again..
I tell ya, there are so many machines with so many prices and so many opinions, it hard to know what to buy, and where!!
Just want one soon so I can get started again..At my age, I dont have time to waste!!

 

[Twinkletoes]

I think with a small budget you would be better going for a pre-owned machine. You can pick up a Minelab Explorer for reasonable money on E-Bay. The advantage is that if you buy a good quality second owner machine the chances are that it was owned by someone who knew how to look after it. They are also likely to throw some extras in as well.

Good luck.

I agree that a quality used machine is far better deal than a new lower price one. I bought a White's XLT 12 years ago for $500 and it's all I will ever need for land detecting. I have a water machine like your buddies, if you want one of those save your money! H Digs

 

[cudamark]

I think with a small budget you would be better going for a pre-owned machine. You can pick up a Minelab Explorer for reasonable money on E-Bay. The advantage is that if you buy a good quality second owner machine the chances are that it was owned by someone who knew how to look after it. They are also likely to throw some extras in as well.

Good luck.

I agree. You can get much more bang for the buck. If you plan on hunting salt water beaches, there isn't anything new in your price range that will work good in wet sand. A used Sovereign or Explorer would be a good choice.

 

[huntindog1]

I would suggest a Bounty Hunter Platinum which is the same as a Teknetics Gamma 6000, I seen them for $299 online.

 

[gerryk]

The garrett at pro is more than you want to spend but call garrett and see if they have any factory refurbs they are selling. I k ow garrett does that but not sure about the other manufacturers.

 

[dimedigger]

ask bart at bigboyhobbies

 

[derdmann]

Whites Coinmaster Pro. Got mine for $224 and love it. Garrett Pro Pointer has been a HUGE help. Wouldn't go out without one.

 

[gwhitson]

don't know if yr supposed to sell on here but i have a white's xlt and a whites pinpointer that's had little use, that i'm going to sell for 500 it belonged to a friend that was 75 and i don't think he put 4 hrs on it in the last 5 yrs oops sold it

 

[x#1]

I have used a White's Prizm for a few years. I never used it on a beach (no water here in the desert), but I had some good luck with it.

I have been looking for a cheaper truck unit lately and I've liked the look of the Tesoro units. That said, I have never actually used one.

WM

tesoro's are modestly priced and no frills yet super productive.i am not sure that you used "cheaper"in the proper context regarding a tesoro.i researched tesoro's(as well as most all detectors in my settled price range) until my eyes bled before buying my cibola.you simply can't beat a tesoro overall when considering the lifetime warranty.nothing "cheap" when a company offers that extra-


oops.just noticed this is an older thread. oh well.perhaps it will be of benefit to another.

 

[marh415]

If I did it all over again, I would go with the Teknetics Euro Pro with a Garrett Pro Pointer! Your welcome!!

 

[hughmaster10]

I just got a minelab xterra 305.. And while it's the only detector I've ever owned.. It is SO much FUN!!! It is pretty consistent with coins.. I haven't gotten a false signal for coins yet.. Although I am planning on getting a new coil as I don't believe the factory coil is very good with jewelry.. But if you are looking for coins or relics, I would get the 305.. But go with your gut feeling! It's a detector, it detects metal.. Lol

 

[Normsel]

Call Bart at BIG BOYS HOBBIES. NET

He will give you an honest opinion and the best package deal with no junk. He has fast shipping and service 2nd to none