Rookie looking for a start-up detector

[jcrocker]

I live in Long Beach, CA and want to get a metal detector for beach use, but I'm not sure what I should be looking for. I definitely want to take it into shallow water besides just beach combing for teenage girls' lost cell phones.

There are so many options and so many factors, it seems to look at; PI vs VLF, discrimination, etc. I'm not sure what is important for my situation.

Any suggestions? I guess I'd like to spend approximately $500.

Thanks for any and all help!

 

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[Sandman]

For only $500.00 you will not get a new waterproof detector. You might find a used one if your lucky. You could get a land unit that has a saltwater mode and hip mount it for wading. This is the cheapest route if you never fall down in the surf. Your best bet is a regular water unit and there are two types to choose from, PI's and VLF's

PI's like Whites Surf Pro II, Tesoro Sand Shark, Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II, Infinium LS, are all very deep detectors. You will dig giant holes for tiny nails, staples, etc. because they have almost no discrimination and love iron.

VLF types like Fisher 1280, CZ-20, Whites Beach Hunter ID and Tesoro Tiger Shark are fine detectors that have discrimination. Then there is the King of Beasts, Minelab's Excalibur at $1095.00. It doesn't discriminate out iron, it ignors it with 17 freq. that will still pick up a gold ring under a large piece of iron. Nobody else does that.

Suggest you check out the manufactures websites and learn about the different detectors for the water. When you find what you think you need, try to get it from a local dealer or Tony here in the forum.

check out thegoldenolde.com/

good Luck,
Sandman

 

[jcrocker]

Thanks, Sandman.

I read somewhere that VLFs don't work properly in salt water? I'll take your advice and check out manufacturers sites for more info.

Anything else I should know before getting started?

 

[TonyinCT]

I would be glad to help you out . Give me a call.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Thanks, Sandman.

I read somewhere that VLFs don't work properly in salt water?

I have no problem with my Excal in the salt water, well there are two problems now that I think about it, the high surf knocking me on my butt, and the eye strain from all the bikinis, but neither is the fault of the Excal.