I am looking into getting into metal detecting and would like to know what is a good cheap metal detector (under $250).
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I am looking into getting into metal detecting and would like to know what is a good cheap metal detector (under $250).
What is your intended use? Here is a link to what I consider the best forum for metal detecting. Find's Treasure Forums
I was very into water detecting years ago and near the fore front of technology.
Here's a thought: an experienced detector operator with a cheap machine will out do a newbee with the top of the line machine. At the same time a cheap pos will fail you and will make you want to give up.
The last detector I purchased was a good used one for $450 but I had done my research and knew what I was buying.
The answer is there is no correct answer until you do more reading. Also if there is a local shop or local club to join you can be miles ahead with a mentor.
Here's a link to an online store I like and have used in the past. Metal Detectors for Hobbyists and Professionals from KellyCo
If you want more "help" let me know. Mike
I guess my intended use is too find jewelry, coins, scrap metal, and one that is water proof perhaps, i guess $250 might be a little lowQuote:
Originally Posted by miked
As an avid and experienced detectorist i can tell you a few things. First if you want to hunt the beaches in California you will need a high end detector there are 2 kinds pulse and some other kind either you will find the two in a garret sea hunter and a minelab excaliber. However those are only needed to hunt the wet sand and in the water both running you at least $1000. Now if you want to hunt the dry sand and parks you can get a detector for cheap. I suggest getting a garret ace 350 or 250. Those will only run you $250-300. The 350 can go underwater up to the control box. If you want an amazing jewelry finder I suggest what i have been using since uprading. I use the minelab xterra 705. Incredible machine running you $750. If you would like more advice let me know.
I also have been detecting for quite a few years. The Ace 250 and 350 are good machines, but another Garrett machine you might want to look at is the AT Pro. it is more expensive than $300, but it is a good land machine, and can be used in the water up to the earphones (the control box can be fully submerged). I have a whites Vision (high end, $1000+) and an AT Pro. The Whites is my main land machine, and the AT Pro is my backup land machine and main water machine.
I have a Garret 1500 GTI and I like it haven't found anything "cool" with it yet but one day I hope too.;)Quote:
Originally Posted by wayne1956
I was thinking of getting my kids the Garret 250 to play with too.
Eric
You can't go wrong with the "yella fella" (nickname for the Ace 250). It is reliable, and if your kids get tired of it you can loan it out to a friend who might want to go dirtfishing with you. They last a long time on one set of batteries.Quote:
Originally Posted by etack
The GTI is also a good machine. Just keep at it, and the good stuff will come.
I know they are not made of metal but glass, but the ball bearings are.
Since there are a few that have went prospecting looking for metals & such. How many glass marbles and ball bearings have you found?
I ask as I have found them around my place as well as other older properties when digging about on the top of the ground with rakes and such.
I was told by a older gent that years back when the sling shots were popular that glass marbles and steel ball bearings were the choice of ammo.
I'm looking at the garrett ace 350, looks like a good machine
I have done the same(loaned detectors and was loaned detectors) myself. In fact I have had the same with ham radio, there's nothing like getting to use the real thing and then buying one.Quote:
Originally Posted by wayne1956
As noted by someone else if you are detecting in a salt water environment you need special detectors. Take the time to read the forum I pointed out earlier and you will get lots of info. That forum is like this one, the best information with great sharing members. Mike
Been a Dirtfisher for a long time.
There are no cheap good metal detectors.
If you are serious about turf hunting I suggest a Minelab Explorer. Model II and up.
That's the only machine that here at the West Coast gives you a chance at the deep silver coins.
If you just want to pick surface chance and junk then yeah, any cheapo will do.
For straight coin shooting (surface coin hunting) I used my ex stepdaughter's Tesoro Compadre. Was $135 or so brandnew at a show.
Set the discrimination past pulltabs and you will find many many coins in parks etc. Also the occasional jewelry.
In the water I started with a Tesoro Tigershark (about $550 new these days). Fully submergible, great solid machine.
Did well for a few years. Then I felt the need to 'upgrade'. Bought a Minelab Excalibur. Hated it. It's shaped like a paddle and hard to swing in the water.
My finds were down but i thought it was just that I hunted out a lot of my spots and the replenishing takes time.
One day my Excali ran out of juice and I used the Tighershark which was my backup.
Instantly I started picking up targets all over.
Never went back to the Excali.
Just my humble opinion.