PLEASE HELP *Buying my first detector"

[ecam1495]

Hey everyone, I'm interested in getting into some detecting on my spare time and believe now is the time to get my first detector. I am on a strict budget so that is the main reason I didn't get into it sooner because detectors tend to be expensive. So, next week for boxing week sales, a store has the Bounty Hunter Discovery 1100 metal detector on sale for $99, at a regular price of $199. At half price this seems like a good time to buy, I'm not looking for any thing fancy just an entry level detector. Will this work for me? or will i have problems and wish i waited for a better one right after purchase? Thank you for any info it really helps.

 

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[relicmeister]

Don't know this model. Have you considered a used detector? might get A more capable model for a reasonable sum.

 

[Flex68]

Not familiar with this model, either, but it can be obtained for less than $99 online.
I would suspect relicmeister is correct that you would be able to locate a more capable used detector without having to bump your budget too far....and that you would be more satisfied.
The difference between well-respected detectors selling for $300-600 and the 'bargain basement' models are generally pretty substantial

 

[newgoldfinder]

I'd say it depends on what you are using it for. Just coins and such or are you looking for small amounts of gold?

 

[cudamark]

Regardless of which detector you buy, you'll always want a better one!

 

[dirtscratcher]

For an entry level detector it will work just fine. That thing will work better in tot lots than expensive detectors with dd coils by getting closer to poles. All depends on what kind of hunting your going to do. If you like this hobby and want to upgrade keep the bounty hunter for a loaner. My grandkids do fine with one just like it.

 

[Tired Rooster]

Get what you can afford. If you find that you really enjoy detecting, then you can upgrade hopefully later on down the road. I would check around on some good used detectors though..........some times can get a really good machine on the cheap........

 

[LootHunter]

As an entry level detector this will work fine. Don't expect amazing depth but they are easy to operate and I am sure you will become addicted to the hobby! My first detector was a Bounty Hunter. I still have it, works great.

 

[Koffee]

I think no matter what machine you get, you just need to give it some time and learn the different sounds your machine makes on the different targets you find. In metal detecting it is more often the Archer and not the Arrow.

Ohh, and the amount of time spent in the field

Cheers - Koffee

 

[crazy4coins]

Look for a used, or even new Fisher F2. They are awesome detectors and come at a great value!

 

[mineralized_miner]

Better than F2 on the beach, gets about 4" on a quarter. I wish I had better, but for the beach its all I'ge got.

 

[cudamark]

Only 4" on the beach?? My 43 year old BFO machine would do that!

 

[crazy4coins]

Only 4" on the beach?? My 43 year old BFO machine would do that!

Yeah, my F2 can do a lot better than that! We're you using it on the dry sand?

 

[g-olden years]

In the 3 years I've detected with Bounty Hunter Tracker IV, have enjoyed digging silver, gold, & relics in fields, beaches, parks, abandoned dirt roads. Easy to use & depth is good! With your tight budget, also spring for a $25 Harbor Freight pinpointer which will save you lots of time with each find! (May have to replace that pinpointer switch but only $5 & easy to install yourself). My son shared our Bounty Hunter for 2 years finding more silver & gold than I did, before he upgraded to a Teknetics this year for greater depth and precision. Have FUN! Andi

 

[rainyday101]

You can get a Tesoro Compadre with the 8" coil for about $160 and maybe a bit less if you call one of the forum sponsors. At that price you will have a detector that is simple, effective, life time warranty, and has decent depth. If not the Compadre look at a Fisher F2. Both can be had on ebay used. The used Compadres on ebay go for almost the price of a new one.

 

[Papalittle]

I bought one of these as my first detector and it worked very well for me, I now use my Ace250 more but still take the BH with me to detect in tight areas. I have found many a coin and other neat stuff with it. good beginner machine.

 

[markp]

Go to pawn shops, classifieds and such and get a better detector for less. Nothing wrong with a good used detector, better than new cheap one

 

[Cali49erAU]

I detect with a fisher gold bug pro, my 8 year old an ace 250 which would be my recommendation as a starter machine. Easy to use and very versatile. Most stores i.e walmart and radioshack don't have good detectors need to go to specialty store and need to be careful on line as a lot higher end detectors are being sold are knockoffs only authorized dealers can sell many brands. The only place I'll by besid es the manufacturer online is kellycodetectors.com. They can also help you decide what detector best fits your needs.