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 Replies: 18 / Views: 4,774 |
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Valued Member
United States
314 Posts |
Hey there...
Another question..
We have beach house and I have been thinking of doing some metal detecting in the mornings on the beach.
I had an old Garrett detector YEARS ago and did some detector as a teen in local parks, but it was a pretty "basic" unit. But I did used to find some coins and even a few silver coins.
What detector would you recommend as a good "higher end novice" detector that would work well for morning "hunts" on the beach, but also be able to do "double-duty" if I wanted to take it to some town parks and search there as well?
Want something that I can learn/grow with, but not be crazy/expensive. Can probably stomach a few hundred dollars for something. Would be best if it is somehow "upgradable", so I can upgrade it down the line if I wanted more features/power.
Thanks.
Michael
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
Check your other post  John1  |
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Rest in Peace
United States
18456 Posts |
Mike ,if your looking for a detector that won't be too expensive; check out Whites and the new Garrett's . Minelab will empty your bank account .  |
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Valued Member
 United States
314 Posts |
Thanks.. Will check out the Garret's.. I had one YEARS ago and was a workhorse..
Would like to spend $300 to $400 for a nice set-up, including all accessories..
Michael
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Valued Member
United States
314 Posts |
Checked Amazon, and looks like I can get: 1) A Garret Ace 400 with a Waterproof Search Coil, a Garrett Pro Pointer, and various accessories for about $467 https://www.amazon.com/Garrett-Dete...p/B01FSZGVWC2) A Garret AT Pro (which I believe is a completely waterproof detector?), a Garret Pro Pointer, and various accessories for about $680 https://www.amazon.com/Garrett-Dete...p/B06X9Q16R7Probably need to add a few other accessories as well (few extra digging tools and pouches). The $400 to $500 range is probably my 'sweet spot', but I would maybe spring for the AT Pro which hits about $700 to $800 for everything if it is really a MUCH better detector and a better long-term investment. What do you think of these two units? Any other good options in this price range? Thanks. Michael |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
Dry land AT Pro.
Or Minelab Explorer SE, $600-$700.
When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Valued Member
United States
314 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
@einstem - you are looking at the right model, the AT Pro entire unit is waterproof to 10 feet. Amazon price is right, but no digging tool. I recommend a Lesche digger, because I don't like shovels where I hunt. There are other vendors, large one for instance offers the package for $552 but there is no Garrett carrot offered (It's a great pinpointer so far...($120 extra)... My buddy who swings MInelab has been working the AT Pro. When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Pillar of the Community
United States
887 Posts |
I'm a little late to the game, but is this freshwater or saltwater? If it's saltwater, the Garrett will give you headaches with all the falsing. I use a Minelab Explorer SE in saltwater here on the GOM in Florida without issue. Almost every detector made nowadays by the better brands will have waterproof coils, but very few can be used successfully in saltwater.
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Valued Member
United States
314 Posts |
It's a saltwater beach.. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
But I only intend to hunt in the sand.. not in the water..
And also plan to use the detector to perhaps hit some local parks in the area as well (as allowed!).
But main use would be walking on the beach in the morning and looking for a few "finds"...
Michael
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Valued Member
United States
314 Posts |
Beefer518 - the minelab explorer is no longer made and I was more then twice the cost of the at pro. any other beach detector options?
thanks
micharl
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
The Minelab Explorer can be found used, for the same price or less than the AT Pro.
My Explorer is over 10 years old, just cant kill it, but it sure can kill the silva!
When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Valued Member
United States
314 Posts |
What would be the closest "new replacement" for the Minelab explorer if I wanted to buy "new" instead of purchasing used?
Michael
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4333 Posts |
The closest new upgrade in machines from Minelab after the Explorer (which is discontinued), would be the Etrac, priced near $1,200.
Next after the Etrac would be the CTX 3030, priced at around $2,500.
When I listen to LED ZEPPELIN...so do my neighbors...
Roll hunting since '77
Dirt fishing since '72
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Valued Member
126 Posts |
AT Pro is waterproof but not good in salt water shallows. It is good on dry sand but useless in wet sand or salt water.
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Valued Member
United States
314 Posts |
Ok.. thanks... The eTrac is out of my price range, and the CTX even more so.. Sounds like my best bet is to try to find a "used" or "reconditioned" Minelab explorer.. maybe I can check my local Craigslist and even ebay to see what I can find... Michael |
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Replies: 18 / Views: 4,774 |
Posted 04/22/2017 08:15 am
