You may also consider a good digger tool and a pinpointer. The first year or so I used harbor freight hand held pin pointer and a Home Depot ames digger.
Since your new, you dont know where you want to hunt yet. There is many different ways to use a detector. I started with a Bounty Hunter and was happy with what it did. But soon wanted more. I would recommend you watch a few videos that is out there, so you dont settle. There has been some great suggestions here, and I cant tell you how attached and happy I am with my Fisher.
I would suggest you talk to one of the sponsors here that sells detectors, tell them what you want to do, and go from there. While used machines can be picked up at great savings, new machines come with warrantys and support for your investment. It would be easier for you to go hunt with someone in your area and see what some of the differences are. There may be a club in your area also. The videos you see online are from guys who have mastered thier machines and have good areas to hunt. Its a little bit harder than what they make it look like.
This is a one day hunt. What you dont see is the silver necklace and small jewelry I found. The coins are in a tin awaiting tumbling. I have top of the line equipment too and my old bounty hunter would have just slowed me down and digging way more trash. Its a number game for me, I have to dig so many holes till I find say a ring, or old silver coin. The Bounty Hunter could of found this stuff too, but mine beeps on everything. So if you spend a lil more you will help speed up your recovery time, which means more targets.
You should get a lot of responses to this question as it is asked alot. Look at the eurotec, the ace series, fisher, and tesoro to name a few. Kellyco has compare detectors page that helps also. I spent 3 days talking to Evan Granger from Barts Big Toys about a new detector purchase. My next detector will be purchased from them. Hope this helps a little and good luck. This is a addicting hobby.
