Should I upgrade?

[Boatlode]

I posted this in the metal detecting forum and only got one response, hopefully more of the braintrust will help me here. I hunt strictly on the beach, and strictly dry sand. I would rather find an old Spanish ships spike than a diamond necklace (i.e. I'm all about history, not money). I have been using an old (1973) Bounty Hunter I. Yes, I dig everything. In the opinion of the braintrust, would upgrading to a Fisher F2 or Garrett Ace 250 be worth the investment? I cannot afford a dedicated beach machine like the Tesoro Sand Shark.

 

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[Sir Gala Clad]

As long as I was satisified with the metal detector I was using and could use it effectively, I would continue using what I had.
I would wait till either that detector fails or I had sufficient money to purchase a detector that was far more capable.

As the detectors you are considering are also balanced induction metal detector operating in the VLF frequency band
at the same power level controlled by the FCC at a slightly different frequency, they would also operate satisfactorily on dry sand.

The main differences in these detectors would be in their capability to discriminate which does not matter as you are a dig it all type anyway.
I would hold off till I could afford a more capable detectors such as the Garret AT Pro, an All Terrain detector, which in my
opinion offers a lot for the price.

 

[Terry Soloman]

If you are looking for more depth and sensitivity, you can get a machine for $255.00 that outshines both the F2 and Ace 250 in the DRY sand and dirt Tesoro Metal Detectors - Official company web site with metal detector models for treasure hunting land or water. Good Luck!

 

[fishguy]

I had my f2 down at north myrtle and was having ghosting issues even on the dry sand...

 

[Sir Gala Clad]

What modle?

If you are looking for more depth and sensitivity, you can get a machine for $255.00 that outshines both the F2 and Ace 250 in the DRY sand and dirt Tesoro Metal Detectors - Official company web site with metal detector models for treasure hunting land or water. Good Luck!

 

[Terry Soloman]

The link leads to the Silver µMax

 

[Boatlode]

From what I'm reading here on this forum and hearing elsewhere, I think I'm going to stick with my 40 year old BH I. In dry sand it finds dimes at 4", and I haven't ever had a problem with it. I dig everything, so a discriminator is unnecessary for me.

If I ever decide to get my feet wet and search the shallow surf, then I will look into a Sand Shark. But as long as I'm searching dry sand, I can't justify upgrading to an Ace 250 or an F2.

 

[fireguy]

I have a 250 and I was really happy with it wheb I took it to the beach. I dug everything but I could tell you with certainty when it was a bottle cap (my wife uses them for craft).

-as for stability I don't know your beach conditions but I was able to use it in the wet sand and water. I discriminated the first 3 notches so iron, foil, and just below Nickle. One of the times I pulled a penny out of about 3" of water 7" deep on the sand. I am using a nel coil though.

-not knowing what bh you have I couldn't tell you the difference in features or screen readout.

-there is a good thing that I can see with going with the 250 is that you have the option to get a large coil to cover more ground. I was using a 13x14 dd coil and I was covering a ton of ground each time.

I would say if your not needing a shinny new one fresh out of the box and just looking for a newer detector look at buying one used. You could probably find one for $150-$175. And I know you can get a 8.5"x11" dd coil to cover more ground if you wanted for about $100.

As for stock coil I get dimes and nickels 7" penny's at around 8" coppers slightly more. And quarters are just shy of 10"

Id say if you made the bh last this long why not upgrade because you would have this detector for many years also.

 

[Boatlode]

 

[PullTabProphet]

What's the weight of that bad boy? It LOOKS heavy.

 

[fireguy]

Yes you should upgrade. Oh my gosh. Like he said the weight alone would be a HUGE upgrade.

 

[Boatlode]

What's the weight of that bad boy? It LOOKS heavy.

LOL - it is, and I have the forearms to show for it. Built like a tank, that's why its still humming after 40 years.

 

[fireguy]

I will add that it's cool to see how nice of condition that is.

 

[Sir Gala Clad]

Wow!
That is really something.
I would think that it would be worth some money as a collectable.
You might be able to get enough for it from the right person to buy an AT Pro or better.
Thank you for sharing.

 

[donkarlos]

Looks a lot like my White's Coinmaster from the 1970's except it was a blue color. Took 14 AA batteries.

 

[Boatlode]

Wow!
That is really something.
I would think that it would be worth some money as a collectable.
You might be able to get enough for it from the right person to buy an AT Pro or better.
Thank you for sharing.

It was a 12th birthday present from my Dad. He paid $60 for it, and that was a lot of money in 1973. Been using it ever since. I wouldn't trade it for a brand new Minelab, too much sentimental value. But I am thinking about getting a Tesoro Sand Shark so I can search shallow water.

 

[Boatlode]

Got my tax refund today and went ahead and pulled the trigger on a new Sand Shark. Next time I hit the beach I can get my feet wet.

 

[OBN]

Good Move...Congrads on the upgrade...

 

[Trevset]

Congrats. I'm sure you will definately enjoy the difference in weight when you go out hunting for the first time.

 

[Boatlode]

Sand Shark arrived yesterday. I just put it together.