You probably heard this 1,000,000 times before but...

[gjcflint]

After looking at some of your posts my mind is spinning. You guys are pros with cool nicknames. I'm just looking for a good starter metal detector for the beach. I did a lot of research (a whole hour until I got dizzy) but figured some helpful person can help point me in the right direction.

To be honest... I'm just looking to search the beach sand for starters for drunken tourist money & jewelry and what-not for exercise, fun, a tan, and to pay off my detector so I can upgrade (hey, I'm frugal). There is also an old Civil War fort a few blocks away but I will worry about that at a later date. I was thinking about a used Garrett Ace 250 for now? Not sure what a CSI 250 on ebay is (I don't want to search for bodies lol).

Thanks, guys, any help would be appreciated so I can get started and learn!
gjcflint
Fernandina Beach, FL

 

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[Alan Applegate]

The Ace 250 is not a bad detector for what you need. However, it isn't waterproof except for the coil. The same goes for the Ace 350, and if you have the monies, it is worth the extra tariff in my opinion.

By the way, not all of us have "handles". I use my real name, I have a listed telephone number, and anyone can find my address if they are so inclined. We live in a day, after all, where Big Brother is alive and well, and where dropping off the grid is all but impossible.

 

[topdogintampa]

Welcome to TN gjcflint!

ACE 250, 350, Fisher F2, Tek Eurotek pro, Tek Alpha or Delta, Bounty Hunter Platinum are all decent entry level detectors imo. $150 -300 range. They all will not be as good in wet sand/saltwater but will do fine for dry sand and soil. I would keep my eye out for a nice used higher end one in your budget that will carry you until you want to upgrade...That usually comes pretty quickly for some..

Good luck and HH!

 

[BigWaveDave]

Whatever you choose, you will do well. BUT, listen to me when I say... Fort Clinch...... Don't even think about it. Highly frowned upon.

 

[Red James Cash]

I use my real name, I have a listed telephone number, and anyone can find my address if they are so inclined. We live in a day, after all, where Big Brother is alive and well, and where dropping off the grid is all but impossible.

Why help them out any?Make them work for it.

 

[signal]

All the detectors mentioned are good. Best to go a little above low end if you can, so say ACE 350 would be better than ACE 250. The thing is, if your budgeting, make sure you budget for a Sand Scoop ($100-$150), a pin pointer (about $125 for a name brand good model). If you plan to hit any sort of off beach sites, like parks, you will want a dig tool, about $40-50 or so for something real nice like a Lesche.

The ACE's won't work that well in the wet sand, and you should keep it out of the water as its not designed for water and not waterproof. If you want all weather, then the AT Pro is a good option but substantially more expensive.

I hit the beaches with most of my detecting. I highly recommend the many books by Gary Drayton, he is a well known Florida beach hunter and he gives lots of useful advice on how to read and hunt beaches. In the beginning, you don't need these books, just hit the beach and learn on your own, learn your machine and have fun. But as you want to start to improve your efficiency, you must learn about beaches.........just gridding a beach is not the way to success....its time consuming, and you only have so much time, and the beaches can be very large, so you must use skill, which you will learn on your own and through reading, forums, etc.

Best of luck

 

[gjcflint]

Thanks all! I feel more confident now on what to get after examining these options. I'll let you know when I find El Dorado

 

[Boatlode]

I have heard nothing but great things about the Tesoro Compadre, and it is $70 less than the Ace 250. Plus you get a lifetime warranty instead of only 2 years from Garrett.

 

[Lores]

I found a AT - Pro with Garrett Pro Pointer on Craiglist for $420 after negotiating a bit. AT-Pro is waterproof to 10 feet. I have not had any problems with chatter in the wet sand / surf with it.

 

[tiburciovasquez]

It's just my opinion but I would say do not buy the ace 250 if you plan on beach hunting. Before I got my At Pro, my ace 250 broke after only a tiny bit of salt water went over the control housing. I know the machine is not supposed to be submerged but I wouldn't risk it in case a rogue wave washes over your machine.

 

[Msbeepbeep]

If you are going to be " In" salt water get a machine that is salt water proof, even if it is used on the web.

 

[lookindown]

The Ace 250 will work fine in the dry sand. You can dig most targets just by moving the sand to the side with your foot and scanning to see when you've moved it out of the hole...wear shoes though...I found this method. much faster than using a scoop of any kind. You can upgrade your detector and add all the scoops, diggers, pin pointers, etc if you end up liking the hobby...that's what I did...Ive got all that equipment now but you dont need it to start off dry sand hunting like your going to do...good luck.