Want to buy a MD for my 12 year old son - what do i get??

[sqzdog]

I want to get my 12 year old into the hobby. Don't want to sink a ton of money into one since he doesn't stick with things long at this age. Can anyone recommend a good MD for a beginner that will adjust to child size?

 

[gregl01]

Garrett Ace 250. Probably the best choice for beginners.
Greg

 

[SC_hunter]

He might lose interest now but might surprise you and start back after he gets a little older....My son didn't want anything to do with it until he reached age 20....Now he loves it...Keeps the old man busy chasing after him about every other weekend..lol I agree on the Ace 250...$212 or so new and see some from time to time on ebay for a little less. They do hold their value pretty well so if you did sell it later you wouldn't lose much on the deal. I love mine..HH

 

[Wally]

I Agree Ace 250 is the one you want.

 

[TonyinCT]

The Ace150 or 250 are both excellent starter units.

 

[RON (PA)]

I have never used the ACE line of detectors, but have heard great things about them. I started with a Tesoro Compadre and I still use it. I love it. Very simple to use and adjustable pole for my 4 little neices. They love it. Hope it helps.

 

[Chester Copper Pot]

Whites Prizm line is a goods place to start. I bought a Prizm II for my boy who is 9 but my nephew who is 7 gets more use out of it. It has found silver and has easy pinpointing.

 

[BIG61AL]

Only four name you needs to know

3 to buy - whites, garretts and minelab

1 to avoid at all costs - bounty hunter

 

[sqzdog]

Thank you to everyone that offered their advice. I think I am going to get him and Ace 250. That way, I can try to get my wife into it too and she can use that. I have an XLT E-Series and a Blue & Gray.

 

[Wally]

Good choice, i have the 250 as a backup and keep it in the back of my truck just in case a pass a field that looks good, and a very easy machine to use if i take any newbies out. it is simple but you can still do some fine tuning. also sunray now makes a probe for it too.

 

[Night Stalker]

For a 12 year old, I'd first check my local Radio Shack or Super Walmart - they normally carry inexpensive detectors for under $100.00. Not much resale value in those models, but on the other hand, not much invested either!

 

[Hoosier Kingfisher]

Garrett ACE 250 Good for beginners and pros

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I would buy a good one, if and when he loses interest it would be "my" backup.

 

[ronald99]

I would agree also on buying a decent detector.If you want your son to be interested in the hobby,buy a detector that will enable him to locate, and also if he is not interested this would give you a back up, plus if you have a friend that is interested in the hobby you could let him use it with you,Alot of people talk highly about the ace 250.Your going to spend around 225 depending what and where you purchase.What type of detector do you currently use,and type of location do you detect,has a great bearing on the decision you choose,Good Luck.Also TonyinCT would be a good starting point,Ronald99

 

[AgileMJOLNIR]

The Ace 250 or even 150 is an excellent choice but if $200 is pushing it then just go to your local Radio Shack. Thats where I started years ago and I found stuff in my own front yard. The Radio Shack detectors are basically the Bounty Hunters with different markings.