cydlo, thats a touchy question, I started in this hobby with a detector(bounty hunter) bought at radio shack,it beeps I dig. this was good in the beginning because I was not sure I would like this hobby and like you money was tight. I have been at it about six months now, my son bought me a ace350,otherwise id still be using the bounty hunter. Tell you what , I still go back to the bounty hunter every now and then. while the ace350 looks cool and has all kinds of buttons and what not it is a little difficult to use. In my opinion use your cheap one, see how much you enjoy this hobby before spending any money, if your dilligent in a year you can find enough clad (coins lost and discovered) to buy a better model if you want. Also dont go into this hobby thinkin its going to make you rich, not happening unless your very fortunate. .ood luck whatever you decide
