New to Metal Detecting ... need some advice

stunmo · Sep 15, 2015

I am new to metal detecting and love the hobby, but I have a older Whites Classic 2 SL detector which is not giving me much luck. I bought it used and not sure if it is discriminating properly. I have alot of nails in my yard and it is hard to find anything worth keeping. I am shopping for a new detector but my funds will only let me go up to only $375 dollars to spend. I am trying to decide on a Minelab Xterra 305, Fisher F44 or a Garrett Ace 350, which one is the best machine? Please help me.... Thanks!

redcobra8u · Sep 15, 2015

I'm not familiar with the Whites. I sure do like the AT Pro if you can step up that high in price. Paid for mine many times over.

Tnmountains · Sep 15, 2015

Do not rule out the line of Tesoro it really discriminates on iron.

Terry Soloman · Sep 15, 2015

Tesoro Cibola!

Chris R · Sep 15, 2015

I would get the F44 or the Treasure Pro from Whites. I would not even consider the Ace from Garrett. The first two have a lot more features than the Garrett. But that Whites machine is no slouch.

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Charlie P. (NY) · Sep 15, 2015

At that price point I agree with TNMt & Terry - check out the Tesoros.

Showtime2385 · Sep 15, 2015

If your looking for an answer as to one of the three you have listed than I would say the f44.

Loco-Digger · Sep 22, 2015

I just searched craigslist in the Springfield MO area. There is an Ace 350 for $200 in Nixa, you could then afford a nice pinpointer.

TheRingFinder · Sep 22, 2015

Always remember with any detector - If it's not there, you can't find it.

Start with any base model, get to know it - Find gold & silver - Buy a Minelab = Life is GOOD!!!!! :icon_thumright:

Tom_in_CA · Sep 23, 2015

That whites classic II should be able to effortlessly tune out nails. In fact, being a 2-filter machine, you should have some decent ability to get coins next to, or even under nails (assuming you haven't run your disc. too high).

Me thinks you are using it wrong, mis-intrepretting sounds, or whatever. Your best bet is to hook up with someone proficient in your area. Trade of flagged signals. Listen to what they're listening for. See what they're trying to isolate. See/hear what they'd chase vs what they'd pass, etc.....

RelicReapers · Sep 30, 2015

This is good advice, people may laugh but I currently use a Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker. It may not go super deep but for coins and things up to 6 inches deep I have no trouble at all finding treasure with it. I know of people who have an AT pro and I seem to do just as well with my $100.00 Bounty Hunter. It's all about getting to know your machine and what the signals represent. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=relic+reapers

Phantasman · Sep 30, 2015

Out of the 3 you mentioned. it's a no brainer. The F44 has ground balance over the other two (and the Tesoro's in that range), a better TID that is numeric 1-99 and not progressive like the 305, plus the F44 is faster in recovery than the other 2. The 305 and Ace are old hat. Go with the new technology that will take time to outgrow. F44.

MasonRoberson · Oct 1, 2015

I have the Ace 250 right now and I love it getting AT Pro for Chrismas I would get the Ace 350

Fletch88 · Oct 6, 2015

The Classic 2 was my first detector and I found my first Indian Head penny with it. I wish I had not sold it actually, it is a fun beep and dig machine.

ZR2guy · Oct 6, 2015

Buying a more expensive metal detector won't bring you the luck that you say your present detector lacks. There is a little luck involved with metal detecting but research and learning your machine is what gets the job done. Save yourself the expense right now and make a test garden to help you learn your machine and hone your skills. Buy a good pinpointer and practice using that Classic II. Happy Hunting!

NEPADIGGER7 · Oct 6, 2015

Take ur time buying on...you will get the best price right around christmas and after...do ur homework...rmemeber once u get to mid grade detectors they all work...u just gotta do the research and be lucky enough to swing ur coil over the coins first!

flgliderpilot · Oct 6, 2015

stunmo said:
I am new to metal detecting and love the hobby, but I have a older Whites Classic 2 SL detector which is not giving me much luck. I bought it used and not sure if it is discriminating properly. I have alot of nails in my yard and it is hard to find anything worth keeping. I am shopping for a new detector but my funds will only let me go up to only $375 dollars to spend. I am trying to decide on a Minelab Xterra 305, Fisher F44 or a Garrett Ace 350, which one is the best machine? Please help me.... Thanks!

While I own both an AT Pro and and Ace 350, for that price range I would buy, in this order, 1) A used AT Pro (I got mine for $350), or 2) The F44. Both are resistant, the AT Pro is good down to 10ft, the F44 I think is just splash proof.

The 350 is nice with the DD coil, but many times my hunt ended with rain, and it's nice to be able to wash off the machine.

The AT Pro is a great choice because it opens up the world of water detecting which for me has been most enjoyable. Those lakes harbor gold

Clair-VT · Oct 9, 2015

Loco-Digger said:
I just searched craigslist in the Springfield MO area. There is an Ace 350 for $200 in Nixa, you could then afford a nice pinpointer.

I would second the Garrett ACE 350 -- and if it is in good shape, snap it up. They are one of the best all round MDs. That's what I bought after much reading! Will be here next week.
Bought mine used too and with the Garrett carrot pinpointer. All for $275 -- I am a happy camper now and will be even happier next week!