New to metal detecting

[joshackerman90]

Hey all. I'm new to the site and new to metal detecting. I'm trying to figure out what detector to buy. I've notice they range from $50-$5000. I don't want to spend a fortune getting started but want something that will pick up small and large gold, but still be able to pick up in coins and other metals. Any recommendations? Are older models still good to use? Thanks in advance! Happy hunting.

 

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[UnderMiner]

Before buying a detector make sure you know what environment you want to be hunting in. For example a detector used in the woods vs. a detector used in the surf of an ocean. For general purpose beginner stuff like front lawns and ballparks any entry level detector will do, they're usually in the $100-$300 range. Anything brand new for less than $100 might be junk so be careful what you're buying. I would suggest something like this, it was like my original detector:

 

[cudamark]

A lot will depend on what your definition of "small gold" is, and your budget. I'm a fan of getting the best tool you can afford to buy. If you buy a popular model, you can always resell it if you discover that detecting isn't for you.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Cudamark is correct, get the best detector you are comfortable spending the money for whatever one it is, for everyone who says I wish I hadn't bought this detector, there are 5 who end up purchasing an upgrade within a couple of years, even less.

Decide if you are going to hunt land, water, or both is the water fresh or salt? When you say small gold what do you consider small gold, earring, or tiny gold nugget?

It is like scoops for hunting beaches, people think $60 or $75 is a lot of money for a scoop when actually a good scoop for hunting beaches is close to $200, and 5 years down the road they can still sell that scoop all day long for $150 used.

 

[angelito1]

Welcome to Tnet .. .. .. ..

 

[angelito1]

the minelab vanquish series and nokta simplex are great entry level detectors

 

[cudamark]

the minelab vanquish series and nokta simplex are great entry level detector

Unless you're hunting in salt water or nugget hunting.....

 

[oneguy]

like already mentioned above, first it really depends what and where you plan to hunt and what for? Answer these questions first and better responses will show up! I'd recommend going for a used machine geared towards what and where you plan to hunt, plenty of used machines out there for sale right now.... If you end up taking to the hobby then later you can upgrade to the higher end stuff.... good luck and have fun!

 

[cudamark]

Being a newbie to the hobby, buying from a reputable dealer, preferably local, is what I would recommend, regardless of whether you buy new or used. That way you can get support after the sale in case something is not right with the detector, or, you need some advice on how to operate it. If you have a dealer close by, you might be able to put your hands on a few to try out, and get a tutorial on how best to set it up for your local area.

 

[detectorcowboy]

Pick the best detector you can afford.

 

[ArfieBoy]

Welcome to the forum from Oregon, and welcome to the hobby! Good luck on finding your first detector.

 

[ZombieKnot]

The first thing i dug up was a door...to a whole new world. What are you wanting to find. Three areas of most detecting are coins and treasures like old things people dropped. next is gold. then there is water finding like beaches and streams, rivers sand bars, etc. this includes the first two but a waterproof machine.
Find a detector club near you and go to meetings FIRST. this introduces you to experienced people. they will have a used detector for sale. they will know the local areas to hunt or invite you to one of their organised hunts. you will learn more and faster from people in the hobby. learning you dont like to kneel down and dig in the dirt 100 times a day is a GOOD thing.
If you want to find gold in any size get a gold detector. if you want coins and such get a coin "shooter". I do recommend used at first in case you dont like the work of detecting as 50% of used detectors out there come from people who did not enjoy hunting for hours and finding nothing. good days; bad days in every hobby. this is a hobby and you wont get rich quick.
PATIENCE rules and rewards.
Happy Trails.

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

Hey all. I'm new to the site and new to metal detecting. I'm trying to figure out what detector to buy. I've notice they range from $50-$5000. I don't want to spend a fortune getting started but want something that will pick up small and large gold, but still be able to pick up in coins and other metals. Any recommendations? Are older models still good to use? Thanks in advance! Happy hunting.

Welcome to TNet...!
And, WELCOME to the (addictive) hobby of Metal Detecting...!
Yes, please get an entry-level (detector) machine, second-hand even.
Then the process of getting to know your machine, but
pass all kinds of metal, over your coil - so you can soon figure out what your machine says during a hunt.
Each solid target should then be guessed , before digging it up - to verify or not, what you figure it is..
Good Luck and Happy Hunting...!

 

[johnnyboy25]

Look at a quest x10 pro...$200 new. watch some utube vids...good luck

 

[Richard Guy]

Take a look at the Notka Simplex or Legend detectors. Most excellent value, seriously.