Need advice on my first purchase.

[drewspades]

Ok, so I need some advice and suggestions on a metal detector purchase that will fit my budget and what I want to do.
Ok, so right off the bat, my maxed out budget is $500.00, but, I wouldn’t mind paying less =). Also, I am completely new to treasure hunting with metal detectors, but I am a fast learner and am quite confident that I can learn the most difficult metal detector out there, I think.

1. I plan on digging anything and everything that gives me a good signal, even if I think its trash.
2. I plan on using it at the beach, Park, Desert, forest; I need something that is good for searching in all kinds of different soils.
3. I will not be using it in water.
4. I am interested in finding, coins, jewelry, old artifacts.
5. I am not interested in anything specific; I need a good all around.
6. I would like for it to scan deep, the deeper the better.

Is that enough information? Thanks in advance for helping me out.

 

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[spartacus53]

Man, every Tom, Dick, and Harry will have a different detector for you

Here is some sound advise, from my not so trustworthy source... Me

1- Read all the different forums specific to each manufacturer here
2- If you narrow it down to a few machines, throw a dart, stick with that choice and learn that machine
3- Perhaps go with a less expensive machine, until you decide this hobby is for you.

Why pay $500 for something that you may not use and let sit next to all that dusty indoor gym equipment you have

The above is the best "free" advise you will ever get...

 

[Dillis]

I feel this will work for you ........Regular price USD $549.95 Special Savings US $100.00 You pay only USD $449.95 Check it out on whiteselectronics.com NEW FEATURE! Ground Balance AdjustNEW FEATURE! Ground Balance Adjust
Easily adjust the ground balance for your hunting conditions for better performance and target depth.

MultiTone™

MultiTone™
Hear instantly whether it's a nail, ring, or quarter! 8 distinct audio tones - one for each discriminate zone - range from VERY LOW for nails up to HIGH for silver dollars. Just press MultiTone™ and listen as the Prizm™V metal detector tells you what kind of treasure you've found, OR, if you prefer the Prizm 4-style 3-tone I.D., it's here, too!

VCO Pinpointing

VCO Pinpointing
Voltage Controlled Oscillation gives a higher pitch as you approach the target. It's a simple and intuitive way to pinpoint. Prefer standard, volume-controlled pinpointing? It's here, too!

Waterproof 9" spider search coil:

Waterproof 9" spider search coil

Smart Notch

Smart Notch
You choose... detect or ignore them. Just push a pad and nails, foil, and tabs are in or out. The "Smart" system notches each zone based on your discrimination setting. You'll wonder how you ever did without Smart Notch!

Target I.D

Target I.D
With 8-Zone Discrimination adjusts so you pick what you want to see and hear. Hear and see it all, or just the good stuff.

Adjustable Sensitivity

Adjustable Sensitivity
Maximizes detection depth in varying grounds.

Depth Reading

Depth Reading
Once you've detected a good target, the screen shows you how deep to dig. No extra steps, it's automatically on the screen!

PinPoint/All-Metal Mode

PinPoint/All-Metal Mode
Makes locating your target a snap. Just push the pad!

Rugged, water resistant control box

Rugged, water resistant control box
Just 2.5 pounds, too.

Low Battery Alert

Low Battery Alert
Powered by two 9-volt batteries.

Battery Life

Battery Life
20+ hours battery life.

Adjustable arm cup and lower rod positions

 

[spartacus53]

And the ACE 250, that will do all of that and then some for 1/2 the price..

There are tons of choices, heed my advise

Except for the weatherproof casing & it uses 4 AA batteries..



Now do you see what I mean

 

[liftloop]

And the ACE 250, that will do all of that and then some for 1/2 the price..

There are tons of choices, heed my advise

Except for the weatherproof casing & it uses 4 AA batteries..



Now do you see what I mean

yea right the ace 2 fiddy...Really... the white's is a better detector

 

[williamsingr]

Read the reviews on the machines you can afford but the White's above is a good machine for a beginner its not the basic and its not the most expensive it is mid level and will do what your loooking for and the price he quoted is a decent price as long as its new with a warranty, have him throw in free shipping and get it. Whites is a great machine and they stand behind their product with top notch service unlike others out there i wont mention.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

You say beach, do you mean fresh or salt.... Most single and dual tone detectors have a problem with the salt minerals at the beach (salt water has minerals).. Multifreq detectors handle the salt water a lot better as do the PIs, but with them your digging every tiny piece of iron....

There is really no one perfect do it all machine, especially in the $500 range, decide what your going to hunt the most and lean towards that with your budget......

 

[drewspades]

I am definitely taking your advice guys.

You say beach, do you mean fresh or salt...

Salt water beaches

So, multi-frequency, hmm, you think that's the rout I should take?

Why pay $500 for something that you may not use and let sit next to all that dusty indoor gym equipment you have

And I have decided to drop the budget to 250.00 since it is my first one. I have also noticed that people like whites a lot, is that the best? should I get a warranty?

Also, how did you know about my dusty gym equipment?

Right now I am looking at whites detectors, I will post what I find soon. thanks for all the input guys.

 

[GoldenEagle]

you get what you pay for it. I started with radio shack, upgraded to a bounty hunter, and then a Garrett Gtax 550. I'm finally wearing out my garrett to it's max after 15 years. I suggest trying out a few different types or brands and consider there frustration to learning level. the main thing people fail to do is really listen to what your detector is telling you. also , scan different objects under some coils before you invest or buy. some of the best detectors have a hard time with certain types of metals.

 

[drewspades]

what are the pros and cons to a multifrequency?

 

[drewspades]

Ok so I am looking at the -Garrett Ace 250 or 350 or Fisher F2, would these be good at a saltwater beach in dry sand and say most soils. I am looking for jewelry and all types of coins, maybe some old relics.

 

[U.K. Brian]

Multifrequency (and don't forget two or three frequencies which provide the same advantages) tend to be more expensive, heavier, consume more batteries, some have a slow recovery speed and also need a slower than average sweep speed to give their best. Other drawbacks are that multifrequency isn't giving you lots of nice pure frequencies but uses harmonics to simulate a different frequency. This increases sensitivity to iron and external noise.

Later models had work rounds for these problems but one thing remains and that is if you think your going to be a detectorist that rushes round a large field or beach then single frequency might be a better choice and single frequency with four filters where increased sweep speed improves performance is even better.

You can take a mid route with Whites (DFX or V3) as they can use one frequency or more depending on the site your searching. Only problem is cost. To cover what you want to do I would forget the lower end detectors and go for an older "flagship" detector of its time. You can pick up secondhand DFX's fairly cheap and it will grow with you as you get more experienced so no need for a change and more expense a few months down the line. Inbuilt programmes help you get started and you can tweak them to suit your sites and your needs (hearing loss for instance).
If you don't fancy Whites then there's lots of Minelab Sovereigns models. All are multifrequency with no choice of using just a single frequency but so simple to use.

Really when you have a shortlist you should try and at least pick up and swing each model. Balance is more important than weight. A dealer will often give his own warranty on a secondhand detector and if you get a Whites you can have the balance of its two year warranty transferred over.

Best of luck. I do think you should change your mind back to your previous spending limit. Cheap could put you off. Spending more doesn't mean money wasted if you leave the hobby as if you look after a secondhand detector you should be able to get most if not all of its cost back.

 

[spartacus53]

Drew, I doubt there is much difference between the Ace 250 & 350, except for the $100 price tag showing 350

There are videos I think in the metal detecting section that show a comparison of the 2, and there is no discernible difference. Most machines out there are decent, and so long as they BEEP, they work.. I'll dig every signal, you just never know, and those that tell you otherwise have a good chance of missing something.

Why pay top dollar out of the box, as I said you may not enjoy the hobby.. Besides, you can always upgrade later.. Just don't let it sit collecting cobwebs like your gym equipment

Just take your time and learn the machine you decide upon, that is second most important after making your purchase

Bottom line, everyone here will have a different favorite machine, I just say read them all, then decide..

Brian UK, gave you a "BIG IF" you like it Remember, If elephants had wings they'd fly and you'll be out some BIG bucks too

However his option of going used is good

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Ok so I am looking at the -Garrett Ace 250 or 350 or Fisher F2, would these be good at a saltwater beach in dry sand and say most soils. I am looking for jewelry and all types of coins, maybe some old relics.

There is really no cons to multi-freq, ace 250 and 350 and fisher f2 are not a salt water detector, they will do fine in dry sand at the beach but we salt sand will be a problem for all 3.

Your budget is the issue, you will not find a detector that performs well in the areas you want to hunt for $250. You are making the mistake many do, thinking there is a detector that will do all of that for a cheap price. .

One of the closest you are going to get to your budget and can do everything you wanted to do would be a used AT Pro, and even there you will need to add another $300 for the detector. Take the salt water beach out and any of the three you are thinking of will serve you as a starter detector.

Water / beach hunting is a totally different detecting style from land, remember even if your not in the water, there is salt spray in the air, protect a detector that is not waterproof when at a saltwater beach.

 

[drewspades]

There is really no cons to multi-freq, ace 250 and 350 and fisher f2 are not a salt water detector, they will do fine in dry sand at the beach but we salt sand will be a problem for all 3.

whats the difference between dry sand at the beach and wet salt sand. does dry sand not hold salt that will be an issue for ace 250 and 350 and fisher f2.

Ok, I am sure I am not making myself clear and or dont understand a few things. I dont plan in going in wet salt water at the beach, All I would like to do at the beach is detect on dry beach sand. would I need a multi-frequency in dry beach sand? What is a good budget for Dry beach sand and dirt? I am willing to raise my budget. should I get 1 detector for dry beach sand and one for dirt?

Dry beach sand and dirt, jewelry and coins, budget around 300.00. maybe 400.00.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Any sand at the beach that gets wet because of high tide will have salt water minerals and will affect your detector, if it doesn't get wet by high tide it is not an issue

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Check your IMs

 

[drewspades]

Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector Now Only $594.95

I think this may be it.

I was going to go used, but I want a warranty.

Also includes:

• NEW! Spanish 8 Reale Treasure Coin Replica
• All-Weather Detector Carry Bag
• Finding Treasure State by State Guide
• Lockback Folding Knife
• Pro Treasure Dot Gloves
• String Back Pack
• 2 Pocket Coin Pouch/Apron w/ Thin Pocket for Probes
• Kellyco 6x Power Sliding Compact Magnifier
• Non- Metallic Composite Digger
• Collectors Edition Treasure Hunting Magazine
• Trial Subscription to Lost Treasure Magazine
Deluxe Stereo Headphones
• Instruction Manual
• 2 Year Limited Warranty


Any thoughts?