Buying 1st Metal Detector - Which should I buy

[precibus]

So I'm in the market for my first metal detector. I played around with a friends which was right around $250 and I'm already hooked and obsessed. I'd like a better one then he has. I want it to read pretty deep be fairly easy to use and be percise. I'll be looking on land, parks, old farms, fair grounds, concert areas, trails woods, and ndian grounds.. I'd say my spending limit is right around $700. I'm leaning towards the "Garret AT Pro". Any opinions would be appreciated. Thank You

 

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[doninbrewster]

I don't think you could go very wrong with the AT Pro. Although I've never used one, those who do seem to be very successful and love the machine. I actually have a new one in an unopened box that I won at our club Christmas party. I use a CTX 3030 and couldn't imagine using anything else. It's very expensive and I wouldn't recommend it for a first time user. I've never heard a complaint on the AT Pro and that's part of the reason I haven't sold the one I have. I figure I'd keep it as a backup machine. They seem to have good depth and discrimination. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[Landlord Jim]

Another one to look at is the White's M6. A real sleeper of a machine!

 

[G.I.B.]

Go take out a loan and buy the most expensive detector on the market. You won't be happy with anything less.

Don't forget to get the best digger and pinpointer too, along with a great pouch. Good gloves are a must. Then add on an array of different coils for your new machine to round out the collection.

And if you can get a big enough loan, buy the second most expensive detector, just so you have a little variety and choice.

Forget about the spending limits. It only inhibits quality choices.

One day you will get the best anyhow, so why fool around with lessor machines and equipment in the interim?

Go for it-

You want to find the big treasure, go get the best.

 

[worldtalker]

Another one to look at is the White's M6. A real sleeper of a machine!

I'll Vouch for that.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Go take out a loan and buy the most expensive detector on the market. One day you will get the best anyhow, so why fool around with lessor machines and equipment in the interim? .

Ain't that the truth!

Beware, it is addictive, and you'll always wonder if another might be better!

 

[BobbysFace]

I use the Garrett ace 350 and love it. I've tried other brands and models they were good as well. I don't think you'd go wrong with the AT pro. Just make sure to get a pinpointer, it makes a world of difference.

 

[Mud Hut]

Buying a detector is much like buying a car. Some swear by Chevy's while others swear at them .. Some swear by Fords and while others swear at them ..and so on....... My advice would be to decide how much money you want to invest, and then research what's available in your price range. I don't mean just to look at them .. I mean dive in and research all you can about those detectors, and settle on the one YOU think would be best suited to YOU.

Good Luck and welcome to the forum and welcome to the hobby.

 

[bigfoot1]

welcome and gl.at pro isnt to rough a learning curvr for a beginer.It is alot of bang for the buck.If possible the 5x8 coil is a very nice light coil and great in trash.a pinpointer is as important to me as my detector,wont leave home without it

 

[Don57]

Also look into the Fisher F70. I have been reading a lot of great things about this machine. I think this will be my next one. Google Fisher F70 reviews and check it out on you tube.

 

[MrMikeJackie]

I'll Vouch for that.

Me too!

 

[MrMikeJackie]

Whites m6 is a great machine. Well built, great cs, many coil choices, fairly deep, hits hard on gold.
Or just go out and get a Minelab, you will eventually. Take a look at the X-terra 705. You won't be disappointed. Gl HH Mike

 

[CoinandRelicMan]

I'd vote for Xterra 705 Gold Pack. If I was a newbie starting out, that would be my pick.

 

[CincinnatiKid]

What G.I.B. says x2.
Buy the best you can afford.
The ATPro is a great choice, especially for the price and type of hunting you plan on.
Also mentioned by Don57, is the F70. Lightweight, accurate and blazingly fast.
Consider your "style" of detecting. Will your sweep speed be fast or slow?
Which ever machine you choose, you will want another.
GL
Peace ✌

 

[stickyfingers427]

2 years ago I got a whites vx3 off eBay.. It was only a year old and still had warrantee on it.. I paid $750 and it was like brand new and I couldn't of been happier.

 

[Mach1Pilot]

There are quite a few good ones in your price range, each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few of many to consider in no particular order:

Garrett AT Pro
Garrett AT Gold
Makro Racer
Minelab X-Terra 505
Minelab X-Terra 705

The main thing is to get one that ground balances... its the key to getting the best depth in most general use situations.

 

[stickyfingers427]

Alls I know is the whites machines are well built and when you hold it in your hand you will feel like you are holding a great piece of machinery.. I won't knock the performance of a detector like the AT pro but it's not so spectacularly built if you ask me... The whites customer service is great to.. And just look how solid their units are.. I can't say that enough