which older cheaper water machine works best

[scrounger d detector collector]

well ive read all the posts about infiniums and beach hunters.$$$. but to get my feet wet. i know not phunny. i need an older machine that will work well in salt water. my only experiance was a one day try with an old raelar turtle that i got for almost nuthin. i had it kinda half workin,did finda few coins and a junk ring.b4 it died permanently. been travelin alot so 300 dollars would be my limit. in land machines i always bought a cheapie first and moved up when my finds would support it. prob a good idea here also as used machines can have issues.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Are you talking about just getting the coil wet or a totally waterproof unit. If you mean a waterproof unit, IMO unless you buy used your going to have a hard time finding a "good" new waterproof detector for $300

You say used machines have problems, but if you buy from a respected member of one of the forums, you will get a good unit for a good price. I have bought used:
3 Minelabs (2 Excals 1000, 1 Sovereign GT)
Whites 6000 XL PRO
Tesoro Conquistador
Fisher 1235X

All units were working in perfect condition when I received them, 1 Excall was off of EBay the rest was bought off of either this website or one other popular MD site. I have a used Troy X2 Shadow on the way now from someone on this site.

Just my opinion, but if I had a $300 budget I would look for a good waterproof unit from one of our members. A good used unit will hold it's value when you want to trade up too.

Good luck and good hunting.

 

[DaChief]

I have seen some of the older Tesoro Sting Ray machines go for close to 300. Maybe a White's PI machine also for that. Watch Craigs List in your area for detectors. I have seen some deals there for my area. Got my Sovereign Elite for a trade on an old set of golf clubs off there.

One other thing. You need a good scoop. 75 bucks. probably a wet suit also to keep from getting sick. Even in Florida, I wear a wet suit in the summer. 80 degree water can cause you problems if you stay in it long enough. Other little things will run the tab up too. It aint a cheap hobby in the water.

Jim

 

[Sandman]

Da Chief, not a cheap hobby in the water is right.

Most used detectors in your price range might not do as well in the saltwater surf. Even PI's can become unstable there with the addition of black sand. I doubt you'll ever find a Excal or Tiger Shark at those prices, but keep looking.

I think you would be farther ahead to spend the money now on a new Excal and save what you would have spend on a cheaper detector since you'd move up anyways. Most of us have upgraded to the Excal or Infinium because of the way they ID iron. The Sov is the way to go even for wading if you don't get the box wet. Don't go cheap on the scoop either. Good quality costs $$$ and you don't want to buy a new one every year.

My saying at the bottom says it all.
Sandman

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Sandman and Da Chief are correct, water hunting isn't a cheap MD hobby, it's great, but not cheap.

I thought I was doing good when I bought my first scoop at $49, I broke it with in the first month.

Being about a mile from your vehicle hunting and breaking your scoop does not make for a good day. I now carry 2 good scoops, both over $100, both used, but still in great shape. (Zeek Scoop & Beach Brute).

Sandmans suggestion is the way to go (as usual), if you can't swing the new, then go used, but if you want to water hunt you need to bite the bullet and get a good water machine. If your not going to get the control box wet and you trust yourself, you can't go wrong with the Sov GT, I love mine. You can find a used SOV for $300-500 if you look.

I am bitting at the bit to get in the water with the waterproof one I just picked up from RJNail......Come on Spring Break!

Chief, i'm still looking forwarded to meeting up sometime and hunt together with the Sovereigns. I will let you try out the waterproof one I just got if you promise not to turn green.

Good luck and good hunting..........

 

[FLauthor]

Goto www.kellycodetectors.com and they will have a selection of Underwater detectors that will fit anybody's budget. Check eBay for Garrett AT3 and AT4's. These were nice TR machines that retailed for $600 but can be found for as little as $150.00. They are good shallow water units to 6 feet and they have notch discrimination and sometimes other underwater detectors can be found at a reasonable price. I got a nearly new Garrett AT3 for $150.00 last year and its my back up machine.