My first metal detector

[TreasureHuntress2010]

Hello I'm brand new to metal detecting! Can anyone recommend a metal detector for a newbie and also not too expensive? Or somewhere where I can find a used metal detector? Any info would be great!

 

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[RustyGold]

The EuroTek pro is a very easy to learn and great little detector. It does what the more advanced detectors do for a whole lot less.
Welcome and best of luck out there!

 

[DeepseekerADS]

I usually see a lot of used detectors for sale on Craigslist.

 

[scotter1]

whites xlt.get a used one for 250-300.still up there with the best of them.you cant lose.

 

[patiodadio]

See if you can find a metal detecting club near you and check out some of their machines.

 

[Sandman]

Beware of buying used as there might be a good reason its being sold. Contact Bart of Big Boys Hobbies.http://www.bigboyshobbies.net/

 

[Pgh_Tom]

I started metal detecting in December, went from a bounty tracker (100$ very beginner but solid) to a fisher F2 with 11" DD coil (300$) and its a very solid machine and perfect if you want the feel of an expensive machine and also find some good artifacts and coins. Currently I'm looking to sell the F2 now and save up for an AT Pro ($600), just because i'm pretty hooked on metal detecting. Based on my experience as a beginner, if you want a true entry level low cost detector, go with the Bounty Hunter IV, if you want a little more advanced but still beginner, I'd look at the fisher F2 with the standard coil ($200).

 

[flgliderpilot]

Fisher F2 and Ace 350 are two which come to mind, a better option is a used AT Pro.

If you are not ready to spend $200-$600, Harbor Freight sells a very cheap 9 function detector for about $30 I think when it's on sale.

It's not made well but it does work, and it'll get you digging while you decide if you are going to invest serious $ in the hobby.

Ace 150 is also a very inexpensive option, as well as the bounty hunters which run around $100

AT Pro would still be my recommendation if you can find a used one cheap.

 

[Gwenifer]

I'm new to Metal Detecting to. Thanx for the info RustyGold I see your from Cali. I live in June lake just north of mammoth lake. Can you tell me if you know of any good spots here in the eastern sierra? Or point me to where I can find some info

 

[joee5]

I got a Cibola that's a closet queen. If your close by and interested. I won't ship though.

 

[Sandancer]

Depends on you definition of not too expensive. For real cheap look for a used Ace 150 or Fisher F2 on Craigslist or EBay. Pay about 1/2 retail. For inexpensive but excellent look for a used ATPro if you can find one. If you can afford it swing for a new ATPro. You can always easily sell it for good money if you decide that detecting is not for you. If you buy real junk you will have a bad experience and may decide against a great hobby because of lack of a positive experience.

 

[Fletch88]

Hard to beat the Eurotek Pro if you want a digital readout. The Tesoro Silver uMax or Cobola are a very good machines but you may not appreciate the single tone/ no screen design of Tesoros as a first machine.

 

[Troller]

I am new to metal detecting as well and I love my F5. The knobs are nice as it allows for fine tuning. Being that I am new however don't take my word for it. What I have found in the 12 or so hours that I have had to work with my new metal detector is that initially this metal detector was a bit overwhelming. 12 hours in however I have the metal detector dialed in pretty good. I am now finding more coins than pull tabs. This being said I know that I have a lot more to learn before I can utilize this metal detector to its fullest potential. Also my F5 has a DD coil. I only have a basic understanding of how this is beneficial over the concentric coil so as of right now its just a nice feature. What I really like about this metal detector is that I can kind of grow into it. Again this is just my take on the F5 as a newbie, if there is anyone out there with advice on this metal detector please let me know!

 

[Liu21]

Take my advice, buy a AT pro. Look at everyone who commented here. They all have more than one or multiple detectors, which means if you get into this hobby you will follow suit. Best to start in the mid range, than to start in the low end and then jump into the mid range within 6 months or a year. If you dont like this hobby, a atpro will resell close to its retail value. Thus minimizing your lost.

 

[cudamark]

What type of detecting are you planning on doing?

 

[Skrimps]

Harbor Freight sells a very cheap 9 function detector for about $30 I think when it's on sale.

It's not made well but it does work, and it'll get you digging while you decide if you are going to invest serious $ in the hobby.

That's how I got in... cheap and not a bad unit to learn with. Make sure to pick up pinpointer for $12-15.

 

[RustyGold]

I'm new to Metal Detecting to. Thanx for the info RustyGold I see your from Cali. I live in June lake just north of mammoth lake. Can you tell me if you know of any good spots here in the eastern sierra? Or point me to where I can find some info

Hi Gwenifer,
My apologies about my slow reply, been on vacation.
I don't know your area very well as a result of just being a beach shallow water hunter so I couldn't really recommend a place.
That said, go to your local library and any other place that can show you the history of your area. Look up old photos of what was once there and hunt those places.
The more you know the better you'll get at this wonderful pastime.
Plus read as much as you can here.
Welcome to TNet!

 

[dave_e]

I recommend the Ace 350. Some people hate on them, but they're a top seller world wide for a reason. I traded up, but I miss those bell tones.

 

[Normsel]

Do as Sandman says, don't buy used and call Bart @ Metal Detector For Sale Specialized in Minelab, Garrett, XP, Fisher, Teknetics. | BigBoysHobbies

 

[Dirtrider]

I just purchased a Eurotec Pro myself with an At pro pointer and digger tool. Hope to get it this coming week and try it out. I looked for about a month before settling on the ETP. Price vs features I think it has the best bang. I will let you know how it works out. I think my next detector will be either a whites MX sport or the AT pro for the water advantage they have.