Metal Detector Recommendation

[Dr_Silver]

I am looking to get into metal detecting. Here is some info. about what I am looking to do with the detector. I will be searching beaches, in some shallow salt water and by fresh water beaches, wadding in NOT scuba diving, and mostly searching on land. Would like to travel with it, so portability is a consideration. Is there any other tools you recommend me getting? Thanks, Anthony

 

[waterfalljay]

What is your budget?

 

[Dr_Silver]

$300

 

[Tpmetal]

Save up a bit more nothing I know of in that price range for salt water. Someone with more knowledge may correct me though

 

[GA_Boy]

I may be wrong but the Garrett AT Pro at $500.00 is about the cheapest that is half way effective in Salt water.
I admit that I have not used one.
Marvin

 

[Wrecka]

I just picked up my AT Pro yesterday , after researching it was the detector that suited the exact same requirements as you outlined , comes highly recommend. Cost a whole lot more here though $1075 on sale.

 

[pinenut]

look at Tesoro Sand Shark..

Good-used Tesoro Sand Sharks go for 'bout $400 on ebay. You can dive down 200' with 'em, and they're pretty light in weight. Very effective on wet salty sand, but offers no discrimination (it's a pulse detector). I recently got my Sand Shark and it worked great in the knee-deep surf @ Carpinteria last week. Didn't find anything exciting, but the beach was sanded in and I understand that area is regularly scoured by locals.
Brand new Tesoro Sand Sharks go for around $575-$600 and come with a LIFETIME warranty. Made in USA, too.



Pulse (or PI) detectors are about the least costly type that works well in the wet salt. There are also multi-frequency VLF detectors that work well, and offer discrimination too..but they cost about double what a PI detector does.

You can get a water resistant detector like the AT Pro, but I hear they don't do too well in wet salty sand. Should be fine in freshwater areas.

 

[s.c.shooter]

Pay the extra $ and get a Sov GT. Will pay for itself.

 

[Honest Samuel]

Best of luck to you in your new hobby.