Scavenger: If you want a decent beginner machine that is something a bit better than an absolute bare bones machine you may want to check out the RadioShack 2200. It sells for $199.00 plus tax. Recently, First Texas Products (parent corporation to Bounty Hunter) began making the Titan metal detectors for Kellyco. These are operationally identical to the units that First Texas makes for RadioShack and differ only cosmetically. Here's the comparison:
RadioShack Discovery 1100 = Titan 1000XD
RadioShack Discovery 2200 = Titan 2000XD
RadioShack Discovery 3300 = Titan 3000XD
The main difference is the warranty. The RadioShack rigs only come with a 90-day warranty, while the Titan rigs sold by Kellyco have a 5-year warranty. As you have probably noticed, the Titans cost more for the same features. In short, you can purchase the Discovery 2200 which has more features for the same price as the Titan 1000XD, or you can purchase the Discovery 1100 for less money than the Titan 1000XD.
You may also want to check out the Pioneer 202 at WalMart for $198.00 plus tax. It's a twin to the Bounty Hunter QuickDraw II, a good little rig. Also, check out the Pioneer 505 at WalMart. It's essentially a Bounty Hunter SharpShooter II with an added depth readout. It comes with a 4" coil (great for those trashy sites) as well as the standard 8" coil, digging kit, and video. Also it has no-motion all-metal mode...great for pinpointing. It sells for $278.00 plus tax, but if you use the layaway plan, you may be able to get this nice rig on a tight budget. I use the Bounty Hunter products. Don't believe the negative hype you read on the various forums. They work well and at a great price.
Finally, check out the new Garrett Ace 150 and 250. Great little machines for $250 and under, and don't forget the new Prism line (3 models) from Whites Electronics. The only other other rig I can think of in the $200 price range is the Tesoro Compadre...no meter but simple to use with a great discriminator. Hope this helps. BBJ
