have you read any of the posts in the Bounty Hunter Forum?
To get there click on the Form shortcut, and scroll down until you see the Brands Forum (right under the Metal Detecting Forum). You can select what brand you want to see posts for.
I hunted with a BH Land Star for 15 yrs and found it stable, affordable and predictable. The electronics finally started acting up and I upgraded to an AT pro. Biggest advantage to the AT is the depth it picks up, can get good readings another 3-4 inches down with the AT. Newer electronics and a higher quality machine has really paid off.
Upper line BH are good to start a hobby without paying too much. Once committed I would upgrade.