Best Detector for a Newbie

[wimbledonwoman]

I am retiring to the east coast of Florida in a year and need some advice on purchasing the right metal detector for me please.

I need a detector that I can use on the beach, and along rivers and lakes. I also want one I can use in chest high water and because my shoulders are not too strong, I've been advised to get one I can wear on my waist. I hope to find jewelry, coins etc. I don't have a huge budget but I want to start with a good detector that will be easy use with a large screen (I don't want to wear reading glasses in the water!) and one that will last or have a good warranty.

Many thanks!

 

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[G.A.P.metal]

Welcome to Tnet
Minelab Equinox 600 or 800 !
Gary

 

[ColonelDan]

Were I in your situation, I wouldn't hesitate...Equinox 800

 

[Loco-Digger]

I concur with the other 2, either the Equinox 600 or 800 will be the best priced machines for the salt water environment you will be hunting.

 

[vpnavy]

1st - I noticed this was your very first post - so, Welcome Aboard wimbledonwoman! Take a look at Sub-Forums: Florida for information (i.e., clubs, etc.) directly related to your state.
2nd - Whatever you finally decide on - please consider buying one from one of

's Supporting Vendors.

 

[Rookster]

First, welcome from Mississippi. As for a pinpointer. Minelab or the Carrot (Garrett) are both good ones. And lots of luck in a very good beach hunting area.

 

[LawrencetheMDer]

At this point I would NOT get an Equinox if you're looking to hunt in water since the Equinox doesn't have waterproof headphones or a waterproof headphone adapter for water and you would need to use the unit speaker in water, Bla. Perhaps in a year or two when they really make the Equinox waterproof. There is too much Hype regarding the Equinox right now and I, for one, am interested in the machine but not until it is really ready for sea water use. But you do want a unit that can handle salt water, which eliminates all single VLF machines.

 

[wimbledonwoman]

Thank you! I'm already looking at an 800. Seems very popular.

 

[against the wind]

Welcome to the forum from Port Allegheny, Pennsylvania

 

[dsdigger]

Welcome to the site. Something else to consider while looking at detectors is that if you are going to hunt beach and water, you will want a good scoop for the sand with handle. Do some research and ask questions. Most of the good one do not sell cheap even used. Check the Beach and Shallow Water Heading under this Metal Detecting Forum for more information and other threads about what others used and have found. Good Luck!

 

[wimbledonwoman]

Okay, well now this is getting more complicated.... never thought about the scoop. Thanks for your help. Now i'm off to look at scoops too.

 

[Ed Osmar]

Look into a Minelab Excalibur II, A new one from Bigboyshobbies.net is $1499.00 with all the extras you need to hunt, or find a good used one to start. The Minelab equinox 800 looks like it may be a better choice but hasn’t been on the market long enough yet. I have an Excal and may get an 800 when they are truly waterproof and ready to live in salt water.

 

[Pacific_Searcher]

I used my EQ600 in the saltwater just using the external speaker, worked fine and was definitely loud enough to hear clearly. That being said i am patiently waiting for underwater headphones to be released.

 

[Honest Samuel]

A big welcome from the great state of Connecticut. Good hunting and good luck.

 

[8Keeper]

Welcome from Daytona Beach, FL. If you find yourself in my area let me know. Wife and I live in the sand here.

 

[wimbledonwoman]

Great. We are hoping to move to to the NSB area so that would be great. Will be looking for a club around there too. Wish I was on the beach this weekend! Karen

 

[8Keeper]

Great. We are hoping to move to to the NSB area so that would be great. Will be looking for a club around there too. Wish I was on the beach this weekend! Karen

NSB is great! Still has the beach town charm. Wish we had explored that area more before we settled in Daytona. Moving from the Keys was a culture shock for us. The whites dealer here has a rental fleet if you would like to test drive a few of their machines.

 

[devldog]

A Big Welcome to you to the Tnet forum from Georgia. This is a great forum with lots of information made available in the hobby of MD'ing. You can also watch videos on Utube on almost any metal detector made today whether it be one for land, water, or all around use. Best of luck to you on your search.