Help!

[detectingpro]

I'm having the hardest time deciding what detector to buy! I go in circles trying to decide! I currently own The F2 but I'm looking at a AT pro, or a Fisher F5 but I'm open to other brands, I'll be hunting mostly parks with occasional older homesites, and some beach. Waterproof is not a factor as I will not be hunting in deep water. I want a deep seeking coin/relic detector with stable ID numbers. I know the at pro is a great detector, but does anyone have any other detectors in mind? Thanks in advance!
-Ryan

 

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[Gaspipe]

I own an ATP and while I will probably draw some criticism I feel it is only an OK machine. It is certainly overhyped by dealers and the like. In my opinion and I know all the talk on Garrett's customer service being good ; which it is , too many of these machines have issues. Also having seen other comparatively priced machines in the field would I buy an ATP again knowing what I know now .. the answer is no I would not.

 

[badpenny]

So which one would you buy? I believe that was the question that was asked. I am not saying that the At Pro is the best machine on the market, in its price range, I haven't used enough of the others to make that conclusion. I would like to know which one/ones you like though for my own personal reference. Thanks!

 

[Gaspipe]

He seemed to be all jazzed on the ATP so I was giving him my honest opinion since I own one. The next machine I would buy would be a T2se or F75ltd considering they come with 2 coils I feel they are better machines at a comparable prices and certainly deeper.

 

[detectingpro]

I was set on an AT pro, but then I heard some bad reviews, so I had mixed feelings about it. Do You think i'd be better off saving a couple 100s and get an f75 or T2?

 

[Gaspipe]

Here ' s how I look at it you"ll get a hundred opinions .I hunt primarily fields ,woods , cellar holes but I also will also do old fairgrounds etc. Ive hunted with guys who use the machines I mentioned and they out preformed my ATP side by side they are deeper and I like that because I often detect through 2-3 inches of leaves , pine needles or snow so in essence that's why I like deep seeking machines. Having said that teknetics I feel has a steeper learning curve from seeing it used but that doesn't bother me personally . So if it's your first machine you need to practice and be patient . As far as price by me buying the 5x8 coil as an add on for my ATP these other machines aren't really that much more expensive . Just remember as with any detector you need to patient and learn to decipher what it is telling you. So since you want my two cents I'd get the f75 or t2 se ... Remember they are both basically made by the same company.

 

[detectingpro]

Ok, thanks for the input, Im just curious to know what mode and discrimination setting you use?

 

[Gaspipe]

ATP ; pro zero ; sensitivity maxed ; discrim depends. As far as other machine I will be ordering my T2 next month no need to now 2 feet of snow on ground.

 

[gunsil]

Whatever you opt for wait until you can use it. I don't understand folks in the northern areas who buy a detector before they can actually use it since the warranty just clicks away while the machine is inactive.

 

[Rookster]

Ask around and try to get the average mineralization of the soil or how high the iron content of iron is in your area that you hunt. Some machines like the higher mineralization i.e. minelab. Usually the Whites, Garrett's, Tesoro's are easy to run in high minerals. I don't have high mineralization here and we like that. This is probably not a decision maker but one to consider. Good luck.

 

[fishstick]

I can tell you this, the F5 with a 11"dd can hang with a ATpro ALL DAY long!!!! I hunt with some fellows that have pro's, so I know this first hand. I fell for the AT hype and got a ATgold thinkin it would be better ( true AM ). Boy was I wrong!!! When I break out the T2 they go runnin for the hills...lol. If at all possible try a few machine's out before hand and go with what you like.. GL&HH.....

 

[RobRieman]

You didn't say anything about a price limit so if your really looking for a deep seeking accurate machine I would say get neither one and buy a higher end machine like a V3i or a 3030 or something similar. You will never have to worry about someone out gunning you again.

 

[John-Edmonton]

Detector comparisons on a detector specific forum can often times cause some dissent amongst users. Having said that, and not putting down any machines, the AT Pro can meet and beat those other detectors under certain conditions. The AT Series allow you to hunt in the rain, snow and water, to 10 feet because they are water proof. The AT Series can also be used in below freezing conditions using the push buttons without any issues whereas knobs on some detectors sometimes seize up because of the unequal contraction of the various components built in and around the knobs.

Good luck with whatever choice you make!

 

[golden sluice]

I agrees potentiometers dial nobs can become less sensitive with time. Lcd and rubber coated buttons that are waterproof are going to be more durable as long as you are not using it for a hammer. Besides a t series are very light weight in comparison to any dail a box detector. Happy hunting.

 

[deadeye 22250]

The AT PRO is a good dependable detector, that works good. When you mention you don't need a detector for deep water, you have to be very careful about using a detector in water that is not waterproof. There have been quite a number of detectors, that were destroyed from people slipping and getting them wet.

 

[dirtscratcher]

I hunt in very cold conditions with no problems with the t2. We have a ghostowon site that is a plowed field and use a pick.

 

[Kodiak43351]

First time I hunted in the river was after I bought the at pro. I was afraid to take a regular detector river hunting. I was there for about 10 mins when I was retrieving a target and my hand slipped and detector fell in water that was only a little over ankle deep but enough to totally submerge my at pro. I picked it up and finished hunting where as most other detectors my day would have been done and possibly my detector ruined. To me that makes this machine a great detector for what I do. I hunt rivers and dry land and it finds the good stuff. I'd love to see that t2 make me run for the hills in the rivers I hunt. The at pro does what it was designed for and it does it well so let it rest all you haters. If you don't like the at pro or gold go to your forum and talk up your detector and quite trolling the Garrett forum and picking fights. So tired of this. If you are planning on buying a detector do your homework and decide for the type of hunting you will be doing and the budget you have and then learn how to use your machine and you will find good stuff and have fun with this hobby. Good luck.

 

[fishstick]

First time I hunted in the river was after I bought the at pro. I was afraid to take a regular detector river hunting. I was there for about 10 mins when I was retrieving a target and my hand slipped and detector fell in water that was only a little over ankle deep but enough to totally submerge my at pro. I picked it up and finished hunting where as most other detectors my day would have been done and possibly my detector ruined. To me that makes this machine a great detector for what I do. I hunt rivers and dry land and it finds the good stuff. I'd love to see that t2 make me run for the hills in the rivers I hunt. The at pro does what it was designed for and it does it well so let it rest all you haters. If you don't like the at pro or gold go to your forum and talk up your detector and quite trolling the Garrett forum and picking fights. So tired of this. If you are planning on buying a detector do your homework and decide for the type of hunting you will be doing and the budget you have and then learn how to use your machine and you will find good stuff and have fun with this hobby. Good luck.

TROLLING?? This is EVERYBODY'S forum,not just YOURS!!! If you read the OP question, he was askin for info on machines. I have experience with those machines so I replyed. You Garrett lover's fall apart when someone say's anything you don't agree with, GET OVER IT!!!!
Not everyone hunts in water so bring that pro on land and we'll see how fast YOU run!!!!!!

 

[Kodiak43351]

TROLLING?? This is EVERYBODY'S forum,not just YOURS!!! If you read the OP question, he was askin for info on machines. I have experience with those machines so I replyed. You Garrett lover's fall apart when someone say's anything you don't agree with, GET OVER IT!!!! Not everyone hunts in water so bring that pro on land and we'll see how fast YOU run!!!!!!

for one thing I meant people always coming on this forum and bashing the at series and second I don't run from anything!!!!!!! I like my detector and this hobby and you don't see me going on other forums or threads bashing other detectors. I'm so tired of someone always coming on and bashing the at series. They sell a lot of them for some reason. You afraid to get wet?

 

[Tnmountains]

I have an atpro and hunt land and water with it. It does pretty well for the price. I can not pin point as well as I like but that is probably just me. It opened up hunting things like creek crossing and such. Before I had to be very careful to not get the control box wet. Now I just let the machine drift in the current as I pin point and recover my target. I also dig on land and once you master the setting for the area it does not miss much. Depth is average to good depending upon the target. I can sweep behind the area with an F-75 and snag a few things I missed but for the price and its all terrain claim I am happy. Like any detector learn to use it and do not get frustrated with it.