Where to buy?

[bottlecap]

Where do you guys recommend purchasing a detector? I am looking to buy my first one and was curious where you make your purchase? The F2 looks like it is quite highly recommended for a new guy like me. This should be interesting. For work I am a utility locator....everyone walking by when I am locating always asks if I have found any gold! Wonder if detecting is similar to locating in any way? At work there are garbage tones and money tones, I have been doing it long enough that the false tones, or non target tones don't even grab my attention anymore.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Minelab PRO-FIND 35 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector for Experts with Tone ID & Adjustable Sensitivity - Grab it through Amazon!

[RustyGold]

Online at Kellyco.com was a positive experience for me! Good luck!

 

[Terry Soloman]

Always buy from a local dealer if possible so that you have easy access to answers for your questions and service when needed. If you do not have a local dealer, then use one of the sponsors here. You want a dealer that does NOT steer you to a particular brand, and LISTENS to you and your needs. The dealer will want to know what YOU are interested in finding, what the soil is like where you live, and the conditions you'll be hunting in. Here are some GOOD starting machines:

 

[Diggin4nails]

I use kellyco.com. They have pretty much anything you want for detecting and they have fairly good prices. Also the customer support has been excellent. At least for me.

 

[dholland02]

Pretty much anyone with a shop is cheaper than kellyco. Look up MillerMDZ, tom is a great guy to work with.

 

[bottlecap]

Thanks for posting that video Terry, very useful to know what's out there. All of you have been extremely helpful and patient with me and I appreciate it. If considering the Fisher F2 I have heard a lot of people talking about getting the 11" DD coil?? Is this something you would do right up front or is it maybe not necessary. Thanks.

 

[Terry Soloman]

No, an 11" coil is not needed right away. Get used to your machine and how to pinpoint.

 

[Mach1Pilot]

If I was to suggest a place to buy, it would be considered biased.

But if you are looking at the F2, consider the package with the 4" coil the 8" coil, and the pinpointer. It's only $16 more than the standard F2 and is a very popular package.

 

[SusanMN]

Best is to buy in person from a local detecting shop. Next best is to buy through Amazon.com. The reason for Amazon vs KellyCo or other online vendors is the return policy. Amazon will do full refunds. All other vendors will charge you a restock fee of something like 30% if the detector is assembled or even taken out of the box. It is a huge hit if you don't like the detector.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Best is to buy in person from a local detecting shop. Next best is to buy through Amazon.com. The reason for Amazon vs KellyCo or other online vendors is the return policy. Amazon will do full refunds. All other vendors will charge you a restock fee of something like 30% if the detector is assembled or even taken out of the box. It is a huge hit if you don't like the detector.

They charge the 30% restocking fee because once returned the detectors can no longer be sold as new, once returned they are then used.....

I wouldn't want to pay full price for a detector that has been sold and used already.....







American by birth, Patriot by choice.

I would rather die standing on my two feet defending our Constitution than live a lifetime on my knees......

 

[Sandman]

Before you decide you should give Bart a call at Big Boys Hobbies. He can answer all your questions. http://www.bigboyshobbies.net/

 

[SoCalBeachScanner]

Best is to buy in person from a local detecting shop. Next best is to buy through Amazon.com. The reason for Amazon vs KellyCo or other online vendors is the return policy. Amazon will do full refunds. All other vendors will charge you a restock fee of something like 30% if the detector is assembled or even taken out of the box. It is a huge hit if you don't like the detector.

It takes a woman to post practical common sense in both her post and in her signature statement. I got my ATX from Jeff Bezos at a ridiculously low price for uncommon reasons.

 

[SoCalBeachScanner]

They charge the 30% restocking fee because once returned the detectors can no longer be sold as new, once returned they are then used.....

I wouldn't want to pay full price for a detector that has been sold and used already.....

Exactly, and Amazon does not charge a restocking fee.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Exactly, and Amazon does not charge a restocking fee.

To each his own, it is why I would never buy a detector from Amazon....






American by birth, Patriot by choice.

I would rather die standing on my two feet defending our Constitution than live a lifetime on my knees......

 

[SoCalBeachScanner]

To each his own, it is why I would never buy a detector from Amazon....

I respect that, but would you admit on TNet to purchasing a detector from a local dealer close to your home? I bet not

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I respect that, but would you admit on TNet to purchasing a detector from a local dealer close to your home? I bet not

Sorry you lose that bet... I bought my first detector from a local dealer......

Kellyco is my local dealer , bought my first detector from Kellyco in person....






American by birth, Patriot by choice.

I would rather die standing on my two feet defending our Constitution than live a lifetime on my knees......

 

[SoCalBeachScanner]

Sorry you lose that bet... I bought my first detector from a local dealer......

Kellyco is my local dealer , bought my first detector from Kellyco in person....

The odds were against you, but you just had to live by a supporting vendor ... Too Funny ... You Win

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

The odds were against you, but you just had to live by a supporting vendor ... Too Funny ... You Win

I lucked out. I was talking to a customer at work and told him how I miss the thrill of the hunt, I use to live in Mo. and hunted artifacts. He suggested I try metal detecting... I searched the internet and found Kellyco was local so I went there to shop....






American by birth, Patriot by choice.

I would rather die standing on my two feet defending our Constitution than live a lifetime on my knees......

 

[treasurecoasteric]

For that model I would go with (removed by mod - not a supporting vendor) and is a super nice guy. He also has a GREAT YouTube channel featuring tons of Fisher videos. His is such an honest and patient guy. I am sooooooooo done with kellyco and am starting to do all my business with smaller vendors who actually care about their customers. last year I had a good run and dropped close to 2K at Kellyco and once the deal was done you were history. I also felt like they were pushing certain models based on promotions, quotas or even possible better commissions. I actually had a guy thinking that I was a complete newbie trying to tell me that the Minelab Xterra 305 was better than a Whites M6 !!!!! The 705 could be, the Etrac I am positive is, but the 305 Then they give you like a pile of dollar store crap and tell you that you're getting $287.93 in "Free Accessories"..... Yep call Russ and talk to a guy that wants you to get started right, making finds and enjoying the world's best hobby !!!!

 

[bottlecap]

Good responses folks thank you. Tomorrow on my way up north I am going to stop in to a local shop in Coon Rapids just to get my hands on a few units and see how they feel. You have all given me some great suggestions and a lot to consider. For me personally customer service is #1, then my next consideration is price. I will give Bart a holler over at Big Boy Hobbies for sure, and also chase down the rest of the suggestions on here. You guys/gals are a wealth of knowledge....never even thought about Amazon! Like a lot of you I am itching to get out, I already have a few really good spots in mind, this will more than likely be something I stick with, I'm sure it takes a lot of patience, disappointment, work and time but giving up when things seem fruitless is not the way I am....just makes me try harder! Gonna start a couple new threads tonight, have more stinkin questions for you guys......