New to treasure hunting

[dgallaway]

I've been wanting to start detecting for a while and my son has starting showing interest too, but I'm having a hard time picking out a decent detector that I can afford. Does anyone have experience with this starter detector? It seems to be the most affordable one I can find on Amazon that doesn't seem "cheap".

https://amzn.to/3I5NgDT

-Thanks

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

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[Treasure_Hunter]

You would be wasting your money on the Hazlewolke detector in the link you posted, (link violated our rules). It is a Chinese company making cheap detectors.

We have multiple supporting vendors and members here who can help you decide what is best for you, don't but buy a cheap Chinese detector, you will either be discouraged or will want to buy a real detector quickly and there is no resale value.

A good beginner detector will cost you about $250 -$300 min new, about $200 used.

You can check our supporting vendor section and used detector forums below it.

Barts Bigboy Hobbies is one of our supporting vendors.

Metal Detectors For Sale Specialized in Minelab, Garrett, XP, Fisher, Teknetics.

bigboyshobbies.net

 

[vpnavy]

I've been wanting to start detecting for a while...picking out a decent detector that I can afford...

Welcome Aboard! You didn't list your state (or country) in your profile. So, you might consider jumping over to Sub-Forum: Select Your Area.... and selecting location information (i.e., clubs, hunts, finds, legends, maps, etc.) directly related to your state (or country)...
Whatever you finally decide on - please consider buying one from one of

's Supporting Vendors.

 

[pepperj]

Don't waste your money as stated by others. Buy from a vendor on the site, or one that is in a physical location.
These Chinese off brands will disappoint for sure.
Now the question begs in the glowing reviews-how does a person play a detector?

 

[Blackfoot58]

Welcome to the forums! I started out using Bart at bigboyshobbies. I am extremely happy with my purchase and the service. I started with a Nokta Simplex+ and am getting along well. You could start with that, or a comparable machine from another maker. I wouldn’t buy unsupported on-line machines. You may get stuck, if there is a warranty issue. Good luck 🍀

 

[1637]

update yours and let him use the older one, just tell your wife its for him.

 

[Silver Saver]

Agreed with others here, you're better off getting a quality beginner detector. It will function well, won't have a need to buy something better right away, and hold resale value better. Nokta simplex and Minelab Vanquish are quality beginner detectors. With patience you could find a good deal on something used.

Welcome to the forum! It's an enjoyable hobby to get into. Lots of good people and info on this site.

 

[KSDirtfisher77]

Welcome to the forum. As others stated I would pick a Nokta Simplex or a Minelab Vanquish series. But I would like to reccomend 1 more detector, check out the new Minelab X-Terra Pro metal detector.

 

[djackson7348]

Welcome to the group from North Carolina.

If you buy a toy, you will get a toy and kids get tired of toys quickly. You don't need to spend a ton of money but you do need to buy quality. Nothing more discouraging to a beginner with a toy machine than finding nothing but surface junk while those around them are digging keepers.

Best of luck to both of you.

 

[sibbley]

I hate to go against the grain on these forums. These folks know their stuff and I would agree with the opinion to buy an Xterra Pro or Nokta Legend. Both are great machines. With that said, I bought a Dr. Otek MT-XR as my first machine. While not as good as an Xterra or Legend, I thought it was a great first machine to learn detecting at $119. I found lots of modern coins, toys, and more modern relics with it.

(Link removed for rule violation)

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

Welcome! As mentioned, there's not a lot of value in those Chinese detectors. Most don't discriminate well or have any US service centers. I'm a supporting vendor and would be happy to help you pick the right detector for your needs and budget.

Wayne

www.metaldetectingstuff.com

 

[teleprospector]

Welcome !
Jon from s/e Michigan

 

[scruggs]

Welcome to Treasure Net! My first detector was a Freedom Ace 150 from Garrett. I believe I paid $140.00 for it in 1984 and found 125 gold rings the first year with it. Good luck to you!