buying my first metal detector

[filipinebernie]

Hi Everyone,
I'm new here and a pre-nuby metal detector guy. I live in the good ole USofA and am heading to the Philippines next month. We own a house there and will be spending a month there. I want to take a metal detector with me in my luggage; don't want to spend a fortune on it as it's my first time out of the chute. So what I'm asking for here are some ideas of what to buy, how big it will be (so it will fit in my suitcase) and just some general purchase information. There is an old WWII Japanese encampment very close to where our house is, and I'd love to do a little 'prospecting' around it as well as around our house. Any thoughts?
Thanks, Filipinebernie

 

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[MrMikeJackie]

Minelab GoFind 20/40 (highly packable), Garret Ace 150/250, Whites Coinmaster/Pro, Fisher F2/F3, Teknetics Alpha/Eurotek, Tesoro Compadre, Detectorpro Pirate(highly packable. All these series of detectors will set you on the right path. GL HH Mike

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

A month isn't long to order, receive and practice a bit with a detector so you're better off with something relatively "pre-set" and simple.

The Minelab GoPro 40 looks like a great choice, especially for packing & travel, but you probably won't get one anytime soon. They are on "pre-order" as they have just been introduced and it would be a shame to show up two days after you'd gone.

The Fisher F2 or the Teknetics EuroTek Pro would be my recommendation.

 

[RustyGold]

Teknetics Eurotek Pro would be my choice! Easy to learn and use and breaks down very small for carrying in luggage.

 

[JackalopeZL1]

I am not of the mindset to start with the cheapest machine. Buy a machine that you can afford. Most machines that are a little more money have awesome starter programs. And if you are hunting beach areas in asia at minimum have something that you can ground balance.

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

Consider a midrange detector like the AT Pro, the Diggers Special gives you some great accessories a ta discounted price. Breaks down to fit in suitcase or backpack.

Wayne

Garrett AT Pro Diggers Special ? Metal Detecting Stuff

 

[RustyGold]

I've owned the AT Pro and for target ID'ing and ease of use I'd still recommend the EurotekPro. It works great on the beach and in wet saltwater sand w/o falsing!
Also has an auto ground balance!

 

[DCMetal]

A month isn't long to order, receive and practice a bit with a detector so you're better off with something relatively "pre-set" and simple.

The Minelab GoPro 40 looks like a great choice, especially for packing & travel, but you probably won't get one anytime soon. They are on "pre-order" as they have just been introduced and it would be a shame to show up two days after you'd gone.

The Fisher F2 or the Teknetics EuroTek Pro would be my recommendation.

Hey Charlie P,

I'm also looking for a new machine. I started out with a Bounty Hunter Tracker and then bought a Bounty Hunter Time Ranger 4, which is now broken. I found that the Time Ranger was difficult to use in highly mineralized soil. I'm sure its based more on user failure but I just couldn't master it-- it seemed too confusing. Based on that, which models are easy-to-use but go deep, etc? Or am I asking for too much? I don't want to spend more than $1,000 but I'm willing to consider.

Would love to get your seasoned advice. Cheers! ; )