Needed: Metal Detector

Go to the link that John1 posted. You can get a Garret Ace250 with accessories for around $230. It is a nice little unit and I think it is great for beginners like myself. I got one for Christmas and it has performed very well. Just haven't a chance to use it lately. But check out what KellyCo has to offer. You may just wind up with a really nice unit.

Finally, a topic here I feel comfortable and safe sounding out on!

OK Sean, we need to know a few things about what you have in mind. Do you want to hunt for coins and jewelry, relics, gold nuggets or what? Are you going to be hunting saltwater beach, inland fields, old home sites, playgrounds?

All of these things can and will change the kind of detector you need. The big names are White's, Garrett, Minelab, Fisher and Tesoro. All of these companies make numerous models for differing needs and except for Minelab, have fairly inexpensive models for beginners.

Avoid the Chinese made junkers. They sort of work, I guess. Bounty Hunter brand gets a bad rap but I've got one I've had for several years that's found lots of change. They aren't real durable, but they do work OK but, like any other machine, you need to know it.

They three keys to successful metal detecting are:

1) Good technique pays off. Swing your coil at the right speed and the right height, perpendicular to the deck and overlap every stroke, getting full coverage. Patience and consistency are the hallmarks of the successful digger.

2) Know your equipment thoroughly. Practice in a seeded area. Listen for the whisper of the deep target and know what your machine is telling you. People still make great finds with 20 year old machines. Dig ALL your targets.

3) Research, research, research. Know where the targets are; old home sites, abandoned businesses, old disused parks, former fairgrounds. if it isn't there to be found, you aren't going to find it.

With all the above and yes very well said SPQR

many nice things are said about the Garrett Ace 250 that sells for around 250.00 american. It's one that you can sell later and not take a big loss if you decide the hobby is not for you.

PLUG: If you'll check the top of the column, you'll find Bobby recommends us, and we offer the standard 250 for $212.45 delivered. It won't outperform a $700 Garrett, but it's a fine starter machine. See http://metaldetectors.ecrater.com for details.

This thread is a bit old and most likely the principles involved have long ago purchased a detector.

But, since coininsean's original post here was on my birthday March 9, I feel I must comment lol.

For a starter machine I'd recommend something rather simple but reasonably deep.

In your price range I'd go with the Tesoro Silver uMax. These can be had in near mint used condition for as little as $150. Contact online dealers for better deals than ebay. I've seen people pay nearly new price for used Silvers.

The Silver is a great detector and even used machines are often fixed for free by Tesoro. All new machines come with a lifetime warranty second to none.

The Silver is nearly as deep on coins and jewelry as other brands costing up to 3 times more.

Also the Silver accepts different coil sizes such as the excellent 10x12 concentric which makes it as deep as my Minelab Sovereign GT.

Many times these 10x12 coils can be had used for $80 shipped.

And when the day comes to move on to another machine Tesoros usually sell fast.

Just my -2 cents.

Kid