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 Replies: 11 / Views: 3,211 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
880 Posts |
So I was browsing the Coin Community forum and stumbled into Metal Detecting. This may sound stupid, but I have not even heard of this type of thing before (or if I have I dismissed it).
I told my wife and she looked at me like I was stupid, and I probably am. But the great part is, she said she'd be willing to do it with me!
So here are the beggining questions, go ahead and laugh if you want - remember that I did not even know this thing exsisted.
I'm trying to do my research, but am I okay with an entry level detector? Or should I spend a bit more...
Is it something hard to pick up on your own or is it easier to have someone show you how to work them? I'm sure they come with instructions, but from reading these forums there seems to be a lot of adjustments you can make.
What are the best places to go? I live in Maryland and can get to the beaches with about 2-3 hours of driving, or I can get towards historic Gettysburg in less time. I'm really interested in spending some good time with her, but I'd like it to be a successful trip too.
I know I have a lot to learn and my guess is that with Winter coming up, this isn't the best time of year to pick up the hobby. Any chance there's sales this time of year?
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Rest in Peace
United States
1729 Posts |
I would strongly suggest that you click on Bigg Fredd's link (the first post in the general metal detecting forum here) and nose around his web site for more info and some answers to your questions. I bought my detector from him in November and never regretted doing so. Metal detecting definitely can be a great family hobby. Perhaps you could start with an entry-level detector, learn on it, and then pass it along and invest in a more advanced one?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2661 Posts |
A great entry level detector would be the Garret Ace150 or the Garret Ace250. They are very easy to use and you can have lots of fun with them. You would be surprised at what is right under your feet.
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New Member
United States
1 Posts |
First off, Gettysburg itself is strictly off limits. If you plan on going to ocean beaches you need more than an entry level machine. If you're pretty sure you're going to pursue the hobby I'd invest a little more and get a mid level metal detector. Check out the minelab xterra 705 and whites m6 or mxt line. There are many others to check out but these are the 2 I'm familiar with and are versatile machines that will do ok at the beach and general land use. I bought entry level machines and quickly upgraded because I was unhappy with their lack of features losing money on the way. Would have been better off starting with mid level machines to start. Just my opinion.
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Valued Member
United States
497 Posts |
google maryland metal detecting and look to make sure its legal in areas you plan to go to. ple ASE |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
880 Posts |
I planned on that eventually. But I'm still at the point of getting the detector.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
880 Posts |
Alright, so I've been to the site that's listed in the forums for buying a detector. I didn't find it all that helpful to be honest (not saying it's a bad place to buy - just not loaded with information).
A quick question would be ACE 250 or GTAx 400? The price is only about $40 more for the GTAx. I could bump up tot he GTAx 550 for roughly another $100.
Follow up question - Is the 550 worth the extra $100? If so what benefits do I gain?
Thanks for everything
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Rest in Peace
United States
1729 Posts |
I can't compare the 550, which I have been using, to anything else, but I can state that it is ultra-sensitive (how about detecting a piece of metal the size of a pinhead?), and the pinpointer works like a charm. I'm not at all sorry that it's the one I decided on.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
880 Posts |
How do pinpointers work? From what I remember reading, they're supposed to help you dig directly? Rather then within a few inches correct? I guess it's a time saving type of thing?
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New Member
United States
2 Posts |
Check out Tesoro's line of detectors before you buy anything, great detectors at a lower cost and with a life time warranty.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
880 Posts |
I will make sure to do that tomorrow. Thank you
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5953 Posts |
I'm happy with my Ace 250 If I upgraded it would be to GTA2500 I am lucky enough to have a shop fairly close and got to try out several machines before I bought. I also checked with the local detecting club and went to a couple of meetings to see what others thought. You will find most people are very brand loyal as I am. I did try others but for Me the 250 had everything I wanted at the time. I can't recommend a machine as I am firmly biased to mine.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 3,211 |
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Posted 10/11/2010 3:38 pm
