Hi,
I'd like to buy my first metal detector, but since I'm quite new to this, I'm not sure which one to choose.
I've been checking some on Amazon. The "Bounty Hunter" models look good and received a lot of positive feedbacks. Which model would you recommend to a newbie?
Thanks
(05-22-2013 12:06 PM)dtommy79 Wrote: [ -> ]Hi,
I'd like to buy my first metal detector, but since I'm quite new to this, I'm not sure which one to choose.
I've been checking some on Amazon. The "Bounty Hunter" models look good and received a lot of positive feedbacks. Which model would you recommend to a newbie?
Thanks
If you're new to the hobby, I would STRONGLY advise you to NOT buy an expensive detector. I'd suggest spending $300 to $350 max on a new unit. Or, consider buying used to save even more money. A few great starter machines are:
Garrett Ace 150 or Ace 250
Fisher F5
Whites Coinmaster or Prism
The rationale behind purchasing an inexpensive unit is simple...
This hobby has a high dropout rate
People start swinging a detector & dream of digging up buried treasure & gold doubloons, lol. That's not the reality though. It takes time to learn your machine, detecting technique, how to find good spots, etc. There's a LOT of hard work & sweat that go into this hobby. So, best bet is...
Start off 'small' and see if you enjoy it
If you do - and I think you will - you can always upgrade to a more advanced detector later on.
Go to YouTube & type in the machines I mentioned above & watch some videos, read online reviews, etc. Then buy one and get out their and DIG!
(05-22-2013 10:11 PM)NjNyDigger Wrote: [ -> ]If you're new to the hobby, I would STRONGLY advise you to NOT buy an expensive detector. I'd suggest spending $300 to $350 max on a new unit. Or, consider buying used to save even more money. A few great starter machines are:
Garrett Ace 150 or Ace 250
Fisher F5
Whites Coinmaster or Prism
The rationale behind purchasing an inexpensive unit is simple...
This hobby has a high dropout rate People start swinging a detector & dream of digging up buried treasure & gold doubloons, lol. That's not the reality though. It takes time to learn your machine, detecting technique, how to find good spots, etc. There's a LOT of hard work & sweat that go into this hobby. So, best bet is...
Start off 'small' and see if you enjoy it If you do - and I think you will - you can always upgrade to a more advanced detector later on.
Go to YouTube & type in the machines I mentioned above & watch some videos, read online reviews, etc. Then buy one and get out their and DIG!
Hi,
Thanks for your reply. Yes, of course I didn't want to start with the most expensive detector.
Is there any other gear that is needed for this hobby?
You also mentioned "detecting technique". Could you mention a few?
Thnanks
(05-23-2013 05:00 AM)dtommy79 Wrote: [ -> ] (05-22-2013 10:11 PM)NjNyDigger Wrote: [ -> ]If you're new to the hobby, I would STRONGLY advise you to NOT buy an expensive detector. I'd suggest spending $300 to $350 max on a new unit. Or, consider buying used to save even more money. A few great starter machines are:
Garrett Ace 150 or Ace 250
Fisher F5
Whites Coinmaster or Prism
The rationale behind purchasing an inexpensive unit is simple...
This hobby has a high dropout rate People start swinging a detector & dream of digging up buried treasure & gold doubloons, lol. That's not the reality though. It takes time to learn your machine, detecting technique, how to find good spots, etc. There's a LOT of hard work & sweat that go into this hobby. So, best bet is...
Start off 'small' and see if you enjoy it If you do - and I think you will - you can always upgrade to a more advanced detector later on.
Go to YouTube & type in the machines I mentioned above & watch some videos, read online reviews, etc. Then buy one and get out their and DIG!
Hi,
Thanks for your reply. Yes, of course I didn't want to start with the most expensive detector.
Is there any other gear that is needed for this hobby?
You also mentioned "detecting technique". Could you mention a few?
Thnanks
The detector is pretty much the biggest investment you'll make in this hobby. Other definites you'll need are:
A good trowel or digging tool. Most detectorists use a Lesche. It's a tough piece of equipment...will last a lifetime. Predator digging tools makes excellent stuff. Don't skimp on this. A good tool makes digging many holes per hour a lot easier. Expect to pay $30 to $75 for a decent digging tool.
A finds pouch or apron to keep your junk & good targets with you while you hunt. These are cheap, $10 at most. Dealers usually send you a free one when you order your detector.
That's it for the definite NEED list. There are other things that aren't needed, but, make life a LOT easier in the field. Most important is a pinpointer. It will make your life a LOT easier
It will also save you tons of time on your hunts! It's basically a mini metal detector. Once you dig a small round hole, you stick the pinpointer in their to narrow down the location of the buried target.
You can spend as much money as you'd like in this hobby. I've heard of some detectorists having 20 or more detectors. It's all up to you. Start small in the beginning though
As far as detecting technique, you have to learn how to properly dig a plug and retrieve a target without leaving behind huge gopher holes, being informed about the rules & regulations for hunting in your area, proper ways to gain permission to hunt private property, etc., etc., etc. It will all come in time though
You may want to check out Tesoro Metal Detectors . They make quality detectors and the only company that gives you a Lifetime Waranty when you buy new . Good entry level and advance level detectors .
HH
Mike
Ratman beat me to it.. Tesoro. Even though they say they only warranty to original purchaser, I have found they will fix no matter what...so you may wanna consider used.
(06-08-2013 12:48 PM)deathray Wrote: [ -> ]Ratman beat me to it.. Tesoro. Even though they say they only warranty to original purchaser, I have found they will fix no matter what...so you may wanna consider used.
Wow, Rat, I didn't know the warrantee's were transferable through Tesoro! Learn something new everyday
Technically they are not Joe... but like that Bandido I have for sale, I sent it in and recieved a new coil, no questions asked. I didn't lie either. Ray
Here's a different point of view. Hay, I am forever stepping outside the box!
I have been detecting since the '70s and gone thru a lot of brands. Here's what is in my stable now.
Whites XLT, a 12 year old top of the line when new unit. It had pulled a license plate from 2' and has found gold & silver coins and many rings and other jewelry Items. This is my general purpose detector.
Whites Surfmaster PI, a 12 year old PI (pulse Induction) unit. PI units are king of the beach. It has found a boat anchor at 3' and a gold/emeral ring at 10". It also has found a fine gold chain.
Now for cache hunt I use an old Hays 2 Box detector. It has found a cache at 6' and can scan walls beside you to over 6' . It is for large objects, bigger than a softball.
Now where do you stand. How much do you want to invest in a detector and what are you interested in finding?
Here's my suggestion, Get an older, top of the line detector. One with turn on and go programs, but the ability to adjust the computer settings after you adapt to it.. Hay that sounds like my XLT. You can get one for around $300.
Jest my point of view. Frank...
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These are all well thought out frugal approaches but not what I reccommend. Most people drop out of detecting because the machines they buy don't provide the quality of exprience they are hoping for so I would suggest you get started right. The Garrett pinpointer is no brainer for $125 and I'd point you toward a new e-trac since you're going to want to try/own one eventually sooner or later anyway. Why screw around? We live in a society that depends on consuming , so it's time for you to do your part and start consumiing. Make a vow to yourself that your finds will go into a fund to pay for the machine , accessories and gasoline and you will never stop the hobby
. By the time you have accomplished that goal you will either be an expert with the machine or ready for burial. If you do let yourself down and break your vow , it's probably one of the most resaleable units out there and you can feel good about allowing someone else the chance to get one for a bandit's price.