"Vintage" Metal Detectors?

[hombre_de_plata_flaco]

"Vintage" Metal Detectors?

Yes, it's one of those Metal Detector advice threads. I tried to do a thread search for this information, but the term "liberty" seems to be present in very many threads... Apologies in advance to all you guys who have seen 1000 posts like this, but I would really appreciate any and all input.

Anyway, here is my situation - I am after coins and jewelry mainly. I may dig relics one day but now I just want to cut my teeth on pocket change. I am also on a budget, so the three models I am considering are kind of old. I would like to get a new ACE 250 or all the other models I have seen mentioned here, but I just can't spend that much at the moment.

The three models are:

White's Liberty 2 - $50.00
Heathkit Cointrack - $46.00
Fisher 1220X - $100.00

All are currently working properly - or so I have been told.

I was just wondering if anyone here had any experience with these older models and which one I should chose to best suit my purposes.

 

[Sandman]

Re: "Vintage" Metal Detectors?

Of these only the White's and the Fisher 1220 are OK.

http://www.losttreasure.com/?q=content/archives/whites-liberty-di

I couldn't find the field test link for the 1220 but can tell you it is a decent detector and better than the Liberty. However the Ace 250 or entry models from Tesoro are much better and lighter weight.

 

[hombre_de_plata_flaco]

Re: "Vintage" Metal Detectors?

Thank you for the advice sandman. The only reasons I was considering the Heathkit were:

(a) it has a sweet silver dollar graphic on it
(b) Heathkit made some pretty good tube amps back in the day

What is your opinion of the entry level 'Bounty Hunter' models?

 

[LM]

Re: "Vintage" Metal Detectors?

Out of those choices, the 1220X, and it's not even close (I use a vintage Fisher in the 1200 family- 1266x- for relics and its a beast)

Sounds like you're still in the 'teeth cutting' phase of MD'ing- you're doing it right. An inexpensive, vintage machine with a strong performance level will let you decide if the hobby is you or not, without having to worry that maybe you didn't like MD'ing because your machine wasn't performing up to snuff.

If the hobby takes, your cheap, classic machine makes a good backup or beater and you can upgrade as you please, if you please. If the hobby doesn't take, you aren't takin' a whuppin' trying to sell off a higher end machine.

Another one worth looking at is the Tesoro Compadre. They're $150-$160 brand new, lifetime warranty, light as a feather, real performers and if you decide to explore MD'ing further, the Compadre will still remain relevant in your MD arsenal, even after you upgrade to more expensive units.

 

[hombre_de_plata_flaco]

Re: "Vintage" Metal Detectors?

I think I will be purchasing the Fisher sometime next week if it is still available. Is that price fair?

Thanks again for the advice you all have given this MD noob.

 

[njnydigger]

Re: "Vintage" Metal Detectors?

If you can swing it, I'd go for a Fisher F2 or a White's Coinmaster Pro. They're both about $200 brand new and will be MORE than sufficient to get your feet wet. The older models you're looking at are heavy, outdated & might break within a few hunts. Get one of the two mentioned above (I'd get the F2) new or used and just go out and start finding stuff

 

[Joe(TX)]

Re: "Vintage" Metal Detectors?

...New detectors can break too......you probably already decided and bought something by now..but anyway/anyhow...I would like to recommend the Whites 4900....there are a few different versions but the Blue Box one is relatively cheap and is a sleeper and a powerhouse....The one that I have was purchased for $50.00 plus shipping.....Joe