New guy looking for advice

[flarng]

I'm going to be buying my first detector next week and I was wondering what to get. I live in Florida, but not near the beach, and was hoping to hunt for a variety of things. I'm not looking to brake the bank, so I was looking at the Garrett Ace 350. It looks really versatile, and the coil is water proof so I can hunt the lakes and rivers. Thanks for any help or advice.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Good luck, and Welcome! You should also look at the Fisher F-2, Tesoro Silver Umax and Cibola, and the Minelab X-Terra 305.

 

[fella]

What Terry said and the Teknetics EuroTek Pro!

BTW most coils on most machines are waterproof! It's not really an issue anymore!

 

[airscapes]

Give Phil a call over in Tampa, he can point you to what works best in FL within you budget. Great guy, great service, great prices.
Myers Metal Detectors

 

[BigWaveDave]

I am very happy w/ the 350, like you, not focused on the beach, but for old homes, it is a coin magnet. For a beginner, it is an excellent machine. I will prolly upgrade someday, but until then, very happy w/ it. Kellyco is where I started. Good luck

 

[Lores]

Buy a good pinpointer too, it will speed your hunts up alot.

 

[penzfan]

Welcome aboard flarng. Minelab and Tesoro make great machines. GL and HH

 

[topdogintampa]

Welcome flarng! If your interested I have a TeK Gamma 6000 with extra's that may be right up your ally for a great price. I am looking to purchase a Minelab Excal and need to downsize a bit first. Mint out of box cond for almost 1/2 price. If you may be interested drop me a pm.

Thanks and HH!

 

[fella]

Welcome aboard flarng. Minelab and Tesoro make great machines. GL and HH

As do Garrett, Fisher, Teknetics, Whites & XP!

 

[rldieter]

The Ace 350 is a good machine, but I guarantee my next will be an AT Pro, in trashy areas my 350 doesn't have the recovery speed needed to sort out when there's trash next to a good target. the VDI & pro mode on the Pro is a good feature, price on them is dropping too. My friend bought a Pro and smokes my 350 ( found 3 Indian Head pennies in his backyard in the same area he used my 350 when he wasn't sure he wanted to get into the hobby). don't get me wrong, I love my 350 and it will pay for itself soon and hopefully for a new Pro.

 

[vet67coupe]

did you sell that 6000...BiLL

 

[luvsdux]

Beware of too many conflicting opinions. Most of the major manufacturer's models will get you started unless, for what you want to hunt, you really need a water machine, prospecting model, or all the bells and whistles. Every machine has different plusses or minuses compared to others, so a good, basic model should work for you starting out.
luvsdux

 

[dirtdigginfool]

Check out the Garrett Ace 250...ive read many good things about it and for around $200 !!! Reviews were good too, contains many of the features of a higher priced machine. just my .02 worth...thx..ddf O-and like Lores sez...don't forget a good pinpointer!!

 

[bowwinkles]

You have a Whites distributor near to your location which might be a benefit to you. Look to local outlets if possible so you can have fast support if needed. The Garrett line has a lot of followers and good support but it is a long way from you unless there is a local dealer to work with.