This girl needs a little advice

[Beckorama]

Hi,...I am new to the site and to metal detecting. I have some questions, I am hoping someone might be willing to help with. I live in Portland, Oregon. I am going to make a purchase of a metal detector in the next few days. I want to hunt for coins and jewelry. I want a machine with a display and waterproof coils. Something easy to use for a beginner. Something that will be able to detect coins and jewelry well. I plan on using it in parks, at the coast, and around popular summer river spots. I am willing to spend up to $600. I was looking at the Garrett Ace 250, but keep getting mixed reviews. I want a display that I can read, not just tones to listen to. Any suggestions? I have been reading so much info lately that it seems like everyone has an opinion that contradicts other information I have read. Getting a little confused on what I should purchase. Can you guys help a girl out? What should I buy? Thanks guys

 

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[bill from lachine]

A couple of questions which might help narrow it down somewhat....you mention the coast so I'm figuring salt water beach if so you'll need a machine which can handle salt also whether or not you plan on detecting in the water and if that's the case you'll be needing a waterproof machine.

The Garrett Atpro is waterproof but don't believe it does well in or near salt water.

Regards + HH

Bill

 

[DeepseekerADS]

My hunting partner uses a Tesoro Tiger Shark for both land and sea, and has for several years. I've been pretty impressed with his finds and the capabilities of this detector.

Kellyco has this detector for around $640.

Tesoro Tiger Shark Metal Detectors- Kellyco

And, it has a lifetime warranty with Tesoro.

You can always check prices elsewhere. I do not remember the last time I saw a used one for sale - which speaks a lot about it as well.

 

[Terry Soloman]

The Garrett AT Pro is your best bet in your price range. Saltwater detectors differ from freshwater machines, and are more expensive. Look in our classified section for some good used machines. I have a Tiger Shark for sale there.

 

[voodoo]

Sorry rechecked Garrett's site. AT Pro would be the machine if you are using it in and around salt water. Tesoro Tiger shark is also a good choice.

 

[eyemustdigtreasure]

Check out the Garrett 400.......Might just fit your needs. *Full disclosure* I have used Garrett machines since I started a long time ago. I have never had a problem with my machines. I have used minelabs recently and they are wonderful machines as well. If I had that budget Garrett would be my choice. Also pick up a pro pointer (Garrett AT.. It's submersible to 10ft). Well that's my 2cents. I'm sure others will chime in. Let us know what you decide! Cheers and Happy Hunting!

As much as I favor what I use for a detector, I'd recommend the Garrett 400 as well, since it is WATERPROOF (you need that in Portland!), AND it has LARGE
target ID numbers....PLUS that Garrett AT Pro Pointer is waterproof as well - however, I favor the NOKTA POINTER - it too is waterproof....in total, all of that should be close to your budget.
Good Luck and Happy Hunting!

 

[Beckorama]

I have done some more research and I am very interested in the Garrett AT Pro,...I have watched a few videos on operating it, and I like that it is totally submersible to ten feet. That will be nice on hot summer days, I can get in the water and cool down. I am really interested in finding lost jewelry. Coins and other things are cool too.

 

[Terry Soloman]

One of my detecting buddies is 90-lbs muddy and wet, and she swings her AT Pro with ease. I think you'll love the machine, but be careful! My partner Angelika caught the bug and now owns several machines including the Minelab CTX 3030. It is addictive!

 

[gunsil]

Hi Beck, I agree with the others that the ATP is a great all around machine for the money. Since you will be a beginner I'm sure you will appreciate a numerical read out but as time passes and you learn your machine well you will likely end up ignoring the read out and rely on your ear for target ID as most of us with multiple sound detectors do. The ATP offers two modes, one with a single "bell" tone and the Pro mode which has many tones to better ID target and depth. I hope you get your dream machine soon and learn it well and find a ton of cool stuff!

 

[SusanMN]

I am with those that recommend the Garrett AT Pro. There are a number of machines that have waterproof coils but the machine itself is not, so

if they get splashed, they can be ruined. Not the case with the At Pro, which is submersible, plus it is light, in your price range, and easy to use.

 

[GA_Boy]

ATP you your needs-------------all the way.

Marvin

 

[BigWaveDave]

At pro, At pro, At pro....
Now call Bart at Big Boys Hobbies, or Kellyco....any Vendor here on Tnet.

Good luck!

 

[MrMikeJackie]

Don't forget the new Whites MX sport. Fully waterproof, big screen, whites reliability.

 

[LordoftheZincs]

Don't forget the new Whites MX sport. Fully waterproof, big screen, whites reliability.

I'm with MrMike on this one. Your only 95mi from Whites headquarters, I'd load up in the car and go pick one out.

 

[ChampFerguson/TN]

I have done some more research and I am very interested in the Garrett AT Pro,...I have watched a few videos on operating it, and I like that it is totally submersible to ten feet. That will be nice on hot summer days, I can get in the water and cool down. I am really interested in finding lost jewelry. Coins and other things are cool too.

The ATP is an excellent machine, possibly the best value for your money. However it is a bit lacking in saltwater (dry sand is ok). I would suggest that you buy it as your first machine to learn the hobby with and if metal detecting is for you, pick up a second machine for saltwater at a later date. Your ATP will continue to serve you well on dirt and dry sand even after you get a dedicated saltwater machine.

disclaimer: I have never owned an ATP but a couple of hunt buddies use them and I know that they hold their own against most any machine most of the time. if you can afford one as an entry level machine, an ATP is what I recommend to everyone. (and youll note I am something of a Minelab fanboy)

 

[cache finder]

I have done some more research and I am very interested in the Garrett AT Pro,...I have watched a few videos on operating it, and I like that it is totally submersible to ten feet. That will be nice on hot summer days, I can get in the water and cool down. I am really interested in finding lost jewelry. Coins and other things are cool too.

They have a sale on amazon for this whole kit!! Hope this helps!
http://amzn.to/1Ribia7

 

[Scrappy]

Buy something lightly used. You'll stretch your $$ further.

 

[Peyton Manning]

you did not limit the advice to a detector:


The Lord loves a working man (woman)

Don't trust whitey

If you get it go to the doctor and get rid of it