Help in selecting a metal detector

[Novice]

I have never used a metal detector and went on the web to see what was available. I was over whelmed with what was available. I have been looking mainly at the Kelly website. http://www.kellycodetectors.com/indexmain.htm
I would begin using the detector on cleared and forested land and possibly some river beds. Are there any good samaritans out there that could tell me the best beginner configuration and brands?

Thank you in advance.

Novice

 

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[jeff of pa]

Well, everyone here is going to tell you different, as everyone has their favorite. one thing you DO NOT want to do is buy a TOO INEXPENSIVE detector . Too Inexpensive translates to CHEAP . Being a NEWBIE, you don't want to buy something that isn't going to find things, as the next thing you know, you'll end up putting it in the closit and that will be the end of your intrest. KELLYCO is a Good Company to deal with. of course they are not the only one. however that aside, my suggestion, check the forums, see what people are finding, and what they are using, then check prices and decide which one you can afford. My personal opinion has been nothing less then $300.00, However from what I'v seen , The Manufacturers are now producing good machines at around $200.00 . My personal Choice ? Minelab, but don't go by this, check around and follow your instinct. GOOD LUCK, & Happy Hunting. Jeff Morgan <><>? One more Suggestion, Give a Multi line dealer, OF YOUR CHOICE, a call, tell him what you are looking for in a good Detector to start with, DON'T Mention what you are willing to spend, even when he asks. after he makes a few suggestions. check prices & go with the one your gut tells you to. this is what I'd do. of course If you have a multi-line dealer near you, stop in and check them out first hand.

 

[Novice]

Thank you. I will check around and then make a few calls.

 

[True_Metal]

I also run a Minelab. Great detector, but i'm not biased as there are alot of great makers out there, so shop around. 8)

 

[Gretchen]

Most of the articles on field testing of metal detectors just test them on dry land in the magazine articles. Some of the testing is pretty bad. If you really want to find out about many of the detectors from the major companies - use a search engine and put in Joan Allen Metal Detectors.
This company is based in England and they test the machines in parks, relic hunting and at the ocean beaches - which they don't do much in this country. Also the workings of the machines are explained in detail. They also show pictures of their finds. Gretchen.

 

[Smitty in Atlanta GA]

I was wondering the same thing as you a few days ago. This was my first time buying a metal detector also. I still don't know which is the best one to buy for a newbie but here is what I bought after my research anyway. I searched the web sites and checked out different brand name forums and I finally settled on the White's Prizm IV. I also thought about buying the Bounty Hunter 505 at Walmart but after looking at it and comparing it to the White, the Bounty Hunter didn't seem to be as good a quality in outward appearance as the White and didn't have as good a reputation either. The Bounty Hunter 505 was $270 and the Prizm III was $300 which I first considered buying but I liked the additional features on the Prizm IV so I went with it at $400. From what I could find on the Internet White's has the lion's share of the market selling metal detectors and if they were very bad in quality word would surely have gotten around by now and they wouldn't continue selling so many.
Someone mentioned the $300 dollar range as being marginal for quality in metal detectors. I'd have to agree with that. I think whatever brand you buy it should at least have the depth feature on it and the no motion or pin point mode. Even the Bounty Hunter 505 has those features.

Smitty