Beginner In CA, Help Needed Please!, Where do I start? What do I buy?

[Patricia In CA]

I just joined a site based here in CA also. This is a copy of the post I submitted there first. I am hoping to get more opinions, advice etc, so am posting here also. (for those who may be on boths sites, I appologize for the duplicate). I have searched Craigs List & Ebay now, but would like to get more info/opinions before making a decision. THANKS!
...

I have ALWAYS been interested in metal detecting/treasure hunting. I have put it off for so long, for lack of knowledge, time, money & so on. But I just can't fight the urge any longer & have decided there must be a way I can get involved in this hobby! Thanks to the internet, I have realized I can reach out here for help! So, now that I have decided to persue my interests...Where do I start?

I live in Orange County, CA, not far from the beach. I want to involve my 13 y/o son who is also interested in hunting. (would love to get 2 detectors so we can go on family hunts). I would like to be able to hunt on beaches as well as dry land.

What do I need to buy? I can afford very little, so obviously I need to buy USED, and will probably need to go basic, but best for the money. If I went "cheap", like a $50 or $100 model from walmart/radio shack etc, would I have any luck? Do I need 'professional/expensive'? Please suggest what I should look for, what are the best/most needed features for beginners etc.

Any ideas on how to meet others who might be able help me learn more about this hobby?

Is there a book/books I should read?

Suggestions on other websites I should look at?

In CA are there any general rules/guidelines about hunting (like where you can hunt, legalities etc.)

Right now I am not thinking of finding $$$$$, I am thinking about finding 'lost stuff' and maybe a piece of history etc. I understand finding valued items is the icing on the cake.

Thank You in advance for helping out "another newbie"...

Patricia
Anaheim, CA

PS: From the post I made at California Metal Detecting, the following advice has been offered. Any other suggestions etc?

...Here are some brands to check out. My advice to to buy used. You get a much better value on the dollar.

The things you might want are:
tone id: make a different sound for different classes of objects (ie: coins vs tabs)
visual id: some kind of icon display (this can be a numeric id on some detectors)
headphone jack
waterproof coil: if going to the beach
all metal or pinpointing mode

Things I find useless:
depth meter: they're just always wrong

Things you'll find confusing:
ground balance: ignore it, none of the detectors use gb for discriminate.

Bounty Hunter Discovery 2200 ~$70 used (4 tone, lightweight)
Garrett Ace 150 ~$115 used (3 tone, light)
Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 ~$133 used (4 tone, All Metal mode, lightweight)
Whites Classic III ~$145 used (all metal mode, no tone id)
Garrett Ace 250 ~$175 used (3 tone, light)
Whites Prizm II ~$175 used (no tone id)

If you're willing to spend a little more, you can get a Minelab Musketeer for $200, great detector but sadly no tone id.

For a little more than that, at $350 you can find a Minelab Sovereign XS. Great depth, great tone id, great great great.

 

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[SHERMANVILLE ILLINOIS]

Pat,

so many questions.

Don"t rush. Go slow.

My advice. Find a club in your area, they will
answer all your questions and you will get hands
on experience on picking a detector.

have a good un............

 

[paratrooper]

Probably the best AND closest store to you is Pedersens Metal Detectors in Santa Ana . It's right by the 22 freeway and Grand Ave. The managers name is John Forrey . The number is 714-771-6463 . He can help you with an entry level unit and clubs in the area which are an invaluable resource . The guys in California Metal Detecting are having a hunt in your neighborhood next Saturday . Get in contact with someone and just show up even if you haven't decided on a unit yet . I'm sure someone has a spare (we ALL do) you can use just to get acquainted with the hobby . If it doesn't interest you as you imagined there's nothing lost . You might even find someone that has a back-up unit that they will sell you . This serves several purposes . First you get a unit from someone that knows it well and can show you all the "nuances" of it . Also they better treat you fair since everybody knows them . Good luck .

 

[Born2Dtect]

You want detector that has at minimum a water proof coil so you will not damage it if you get into the water. If you want to go up to your waist get an underwater machine. Make sure the unit is recommended for beach use. A beach is different than a field. Not all detectors work at the beach, wet or dry sand. A good dealer or experienced club member is worth their weight in gold. good luck and happy hunting. When in doubt take the information from a local user as the best. You won,t go wrong.

Ed Donovan