Hey guys, I want to start getting into metal detecting.
I have about $200 to spend on equipment, can anyone tell me what I could get for that sort of money?
And are there any brands I should avoid?
Thanks!
J.
i don't think 200 bucks will be enough for something that good, i'm planning to spend about $600-$1000 on my stuff to be honest, but i guess you could get something in between that would be ok?
(05-25-2013 12:34 PM)miller Wrote: [ -> ]i don't think 200 bucks will be enough for something that good, i'm planning to spend about $600-$1000 on my stuff to be honest, but i guess you could get something in between that would be ok?
Yes, $200 isn't much, but, you still have a number of options...
You can buy a slightly older, used detector for around $200 to $300. You can click the 'Classifieds' link on the top of the forum to go to our used listings website, or, you can also try craigslist or eBay.
There are quite a few new detectors you can buy in that price range, as well...
Garrett Ace 150 or 250
Whites Coinmaster
Fisher F5
They're ALL good & will get the job done
My personal pick would be the Fisher F5. The processor is quicker on it, has a very good digital screen which helps identify the buried object & gets pretty good depth. It's also light as a feather & is great on battery life
Read online reviews & watch videos on the models you are interested in before you buy
Let us know what you got after you decide
Thanks guys. Yeah $200 isn't very much I know, but I figured it might be a good starting point. Should have probably done a bit more research into the price of new ones first!
If I did buy a used one, is there anything I should check on it before buying it? Like should I be doing any tests on it or anything?
(05-26-2013 03:24 PM)James Wrote: [ -> ]Thanks guys. Yeah $200 isn't very much I know, but I figured it might be a good starting point. Should have probably done a bit more research into the price of new ones first!
If I did buy a used one, is there anything I should check on it before buying it? Like should I be doing any tests on it or anything?
When buying used, best thing to do is cross your fingers :P In all seriousness though, always try and buy local to you...if possible. If not, try and speak to the seller over the phone to 'feel them out'. Anyone willing to provide a phone # & doesn't mind answering a few questions about the unit, in most cases will be legit.
Also, ALWAYS see pictures of the actual item for sale BEFORE completing a transaction. Many detectors are sold fairly quickly after the initial purchase, as this hobby has a high drop-out rate. So, ask beforehand if the detector is still under warrantee. Many are
Ask if the warrantee is transferable to you once you purchase the unit, too.
As with anything else, let your common sense guide you. Ask questions, play it as safe as possible & do your due diligence
Here's my suggestion, for what it is worth. Acquire another $100 as best you can, then buy an older used top of the line detector. Hay, some of those old gems are as good as the new ones minus a few bells and whistles. I use a 12 year old Whites XLT that is turn on and go ,or you can custom tune anything in the computer. You can probably pick up a good one for app. $300. It will go down 2' for large objects like a license plate or will pick up coins and jewelry at lesser debts. It even has built in programs for coins, jewelry, prospecting, etc. I use it for everything but beach and cache hunting. PI detectors are raw power and king of the beach. I use my 12 year old Surfmaster PI for the beach. For cache hunt I use a Hays 2 Box detector. it will easily go down 6+'.
Hay get that XLT and play with it a while and then learn all the custom settings. It's like one of those old muscle classics. Frank...
I agree. If you are on a budget buying used is a good idea. You can get a good used detector for much less than a new one. When I bought my Fisher F2 I found it listed used on ebay. Turns out it was actually a brand new customer returned item. I got it for $160 and it came with two coils and a pinpointer. If you want a new detector in the $200 range I would suggest the F2. A real good beginners machine. I later got the DD coil for it and I loved it. Now I have a T2 that I also got used and it is awesome. If you can save a little and be patient and find a good deal on a better used model you will be better off in the long run.
Buy a Tesoro. Lifetime warranty, great disc. I have a bandido 2 on the claasifieds in that price range. Guarantee you cannot beat it .I have had a lot of detectors over the years, but always keep a Tesoro in the bunch. Its also built better than the f2 or Ace, and has superior disc.
Whites COINMASTER or fisher f2