Question

DPRoberts81 · Jul 14, 2009

I am pretty sure this question has been asked before, please forgive me if that is the case. I recently moved back to Florida, Gulf Coast, from a 2 year stay in Chicago. While in Chicago i found your forums and have been doing a little research and really think i would enjoy some time at the beach with a detector. My question is what, low cost detector, possibly with upgrades, is best for the Florida beach / shallow waters? I recently lost my job so i am really on a budget at the moment, i was looking into the Ace250 but hear it may have some trouble on the beach. A buddy of mine and I also are thinking about spending some time panning for gold in GA, so if it could double as a shallow fresh water gold detector that would also be great. Any advice or opinions you guys have on the topic would be greatly appreciated, i plan on upgrading eventually but for now i need to keep the price low.

Thanks again

Sean

Treasure_Hunter · Jul 14, 2009

First welcome to TN.

The ACE 250 would not be a good water detector, it is okay in the dry sand but not in the water, it could be used to some degree in the wet salt sand, but you would need to turn the sense way down as the salt water will drive it nuts.

You don't say how much you have to spend, but I suggest you look for a good used water detector, keeping in mind a good used water detector holds it's value, and a good salt water detector can be used in fresh water, but a detector that will react to small gold nuggets is not the same as a good beach detector in most cases.

Are you going to be in the water or just at a beach? Keep in mind the majority of the good finds at beaches are in the water, ankle deep to chest deep. Word of advice, one rouge wave, one mis-step, one second of loss concentration, first time you forget and raise the coil above the control box and a non water proof detector becomes an expensive boat anchor or paper weight.

Just a word of friendly advice, if your going to be in the water past ankle deep get a water proof detector. Remember, if you hold the coil above the controls, water will run down the inside of the shaft and into your control box. This usually equals :'(

DPRoberts81 · Jul 14, 2009

First of all thank you for the welcome and thank you for the advise. The plan is mainly beach and ankle deep water, i can't afford anything water proof at the moment I'm sure. I am looking to spend around 300, less if possible, a little more for the right deal, but i really do not have much in the way of extra cash at the moment. Buying a used one is great advice, would EBay be the best place to do so?

Lets say i wanted to spend around 300 dollars on a new or used detector that's primary use would be beach and shallow water hunting, with a possible and rare secondary use of river hunting for gold. Do you have a recommendation? I appreciate the help, thank you.

Treasure_Hunter · Jul 14, 2009

I would keep an eye open on the "for sale" forum first, lot of good deals there and you get the support of the members here to help guide you to the best deals.

Detectors are like golf clubs, different detectors for different situations. The best water detector is going to only be medicore at best for hunting tiny gold nuggets. Get a detector for what you will do on a regular basis.

One of the best shallow water beach detectors there is is the Minelab Sovereign, (non waterproofed Excal) if you have the chance I would grab one, though it will cost more then $300, I have seen them sell for $400 used. I own 2 of them and highly recommend them. No ground balance, it nulls on iron, but will tell you when you have gold on a piece of iron, most want. Simple to learn, and light weight.

You can use the Ace 250 at the beach but will need to turn the sense way down in the wet sand, and it will be a struggle in the water, the salt minerals drives it nuts.

Just my opinion, but i would stay away from the cheap-o's, and anything that has decals to give the looks of a snake.

Good luck.....

kc10bull · Jul 14, 2009

A good place to look for a detector is the salvation army, or goodwill stores. Every now and then a great detector shows up at a great price. I have heard of guys picking them up for less than $50. But as always timeing is everything and you never know what other treasure may be found. Lots of luck, give us an update.

JoeSWFla · Jul 14, 2009

DPR,If you want to seriously hunt the beach,especially saltwater
beaches,I would look into a used Minelab Sovereign.You can
get them for around $300 or less.Just make sure it is a trusted
seller.If you are going to be near the water,then use a hip-mount
bag,and seal the detector in a zip-lock bag inside.You will have
the same electronics as an Excalibur,just the land version.If you
are careful,and don't venture too far past the waterline you will
be fine.And the depth will amaze you,as well as the stability in
salt-laden sand.Well worth the investment.No comparison to the
single frequency machines.JMHO.Good luck and HH Joe
PS.I see someone just posted a similiar post as I was typing.
I agree with all of it,and the snake decal part. Buy the best,
not some toy,you will thank yourself later.

Treasure_Hunter · Jul 14, 2009

Joe, I see we see eye to eye........ :wink:

DPRoberts81 · Jul 14, 2009

Hello again, thanks everyone very much for all of your advice and assistance, i am soaking it up, being new to something is never easy and you guys are great. I found a few in the for sale area that were with in my price range or a little over, but depending on your thoughts i might be willing to splurge a bit, i have listed them below, your thoughts on them would be greatly appreciated, keep in mind it is for beach and shallow water hunting, i would go deeper than shallow water if i had water proof one, but only one of the below fits that, let me know. Thanks again.

Tesoro Tiger Shark F/S $425.00

Fisher ID Edge $350.00

fisher 1280 aquanaut $425.00

Tesoro Golden Umax W/2 coils, extra rod calrad headphones $270.00

Whites CLASSIC ID WITH "MR BILL MOD" $275.00

Prism IV $210.00

Your advice and personal thoughts on any of the above would be greatly appreciated, i am going to go check EBay too, thanks.

Sean

Florida Sand Digger · Jul 14, 2009

Stay away from the Prism.

I am a big fan of Whites machines, I own 4 whites machines, one being a prism III. If you want to hunt beaches though, you will not like this machine. It is limited to the dry sand only. It is a great machine for working parks and stuff like that but is not a a very good beach machine at all.

The others that you listed I have not used, nor do I know anyone who does, So I am no help there.

Sand Digger