Help... Which detector to buy?

[Justmarc]

Hi there,
I'm new here and to the hobby as well.

I'm looking to buy a detector and have settled on 2 choices. The Garret ACE400 or the Fisher F44. I figure these would be good for me as I am a total beginner and just getting into this. Any help from you Pro's would be greatly appreciated.

I figure I will be using the detector on dry land and maybe the beach (dry sand).

Thank you,
Marc

 

[Driftwoood]

I don't have any experience with the Fisher machine, but I find that its' audio is kind of annoying to me and that's a deal breaker right there... I'd go with the Garrett machine. A little bit extra will get you an AT Pro and I'm loving mine. I got it as an upgrade from the Ace 250. Good luck!

 

[Kuntzy]

Dont have experience with the detectors you named, but check out the Tesoro Vaquero. Great detector.

 

[Loco-Digger]

I recommend you watch videos of both. Listen to the tones, check some air tests out. Pick the one you like the best. Both will serve you well since they are both intermediate level detectors. I am a big fan of the DD coil over concentric coils.

If you think you will really get into this obsession, I mean hobby... get the best detector you can afford.

Many of us started out with lower end machines, got hooked, and soon upgraded to a mid level machine and then again 6 month later we upgraded again.

Where are you located? Nearest city and state?

 

[adamBomb]

I would save up for the AT Pro. Otherwise I would just get a cheaper model like the garret 250 or fisher f2 and when I was ready upgrade to the AT Pro. I saw a used AT Pro for sale not too long ago for around $450.

 

[Truth]

Personally I would go with the AT Pro, because in 3 months you're going to get it anyway.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Justmarc]

Located in Northern California

 

[against the wind]

The difference in price between the ACE400 and the AT PRO is a little more than $200.
My AT PRO paid for itself on 18 months in just clad finds. It will give you the luxury of hunting in fresh water as well as not having to worry about rain. There are numerous accessories that can be added as you progress in expertise. From coils to headphones. If I wasn't so attached, I would consider parting with mine.

 

[Terry Soloman]

The choice is ALWAYS what you can afford. The two machines you mentioned are great for a beginner in your price range. So is the Tesoro Silver uMax, Minelab Go Find 60; Whites Treasuremaster. Take your time, read and learn. Talk to Sponsor Dealers here on the forum, they make SUPER deals for members!

 

[civil_war22]

I'd go with tesoro. For the price and the lifetime warranty you can't go wrong. They are turn on and go machines with some having manual ground balance and ability to change out coils. I love my tesoros.

 

[DeepseekerADS]

Why don't you start out with one of the best beginner machines out there - Tesoro Compadre.

Simple and dirt cheap and the danged thing works dependably with a lifetime warranty.

If you and the hobby don't really get along, you can sell it and recover 75% of your money.

Also, don't forget the antiques! I've posted on that recently, my 30 year old machine going where my beast CTX3030 won't go.

Take a look at the Treasure Related Stuff For Sale forum here. And by all means start reading.

Terry can pop in and expound on the Compadre. You can't go wrong there. Yep, ATPro is a proven machine, but as you progress in the hobby, maybe you want to keep your options open?

 

[Ammoman]

Good luck with figuring it out. I say take all the machines mentioned by the others, along with yours, write down the names and put them on a dart board. Put on a blind fold and throw the dart. It may make the decision easier.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Hello Justmarc,

You received a lot of good advice! Do your research well, then call some of the Tnet sponsors; you will be very surprised with the deals they have to offer.

GL & HH

Doc