Looking for a detector for my son, who is very interested in getting started with metal detecting. Does anyone have any input on a detector that won't break the bank just in case he doesn't like it.
Detector for my 9 year old
- Thread starter mikeal
- Start date
crusty metal
Jr. Member
- Feb 13, 2013
- 49
- 5
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
Mike- I'm by far not a weathered MD guy but heres my thought: Three come to mind and lowest(cheapest) first then up. (1) radio shack- just to get the feel (2) Bounty Hunter from Walmart (3) Tesoro silver. The last being the best choice for still at reasonable price. Again..I'm not a long time detector guy..but seen the post and prices on these. Others may have better input. Gene (Garrett ace 150 another possibility)
TreasurePirate69
Hero Member
- Jan 20, 2012
- 589
- 196
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
I have three suggestions:
1. Bounty Hunter Tracker IV: This machine has great discrimination, is lightweight, and does an all around good job. Depth is not spectacular so you won't get over 6" on a quarter with it. But depth is reasonable for the price. Hobby Lobby often has a 40% off coupon which brings the price down to around $60-$70. At that price it simply can't be beat as a starter detector. Because of the depth he will want to upgrade sooner down the road. But if he loses interest you aren't out much.
2. Tesoro Compadre - Good machine for decent price. Pretty deep but very little in the way of controls (one knob). Around $160. Personally, I'd pay a little more for a better machine but this one is good if you are really price sensitive.
3. Tesoro Silver uMax - Great machine but more expensive than the other two. This machine is really one of the best values you can get on a beep and dig machine. Around $250 but worth every penny. This thing is deep and has a great discrimination control. Just enough controls to make it powerful yet easy to learn. The problem with this one is that you may end up wanting it for yourself. Countless people have thrown away their "better detectors" because the Silver uMax is just so easy to use and does such a good job.
I would suggest sticking with a beep and dig machine. The lower cost machines with target ID like the Ace 150/250 really don't do that good of a job with target identification. This will lead to missed targets and frustration. They also take a little more effort to learn and a 9 year old might not be able to really grasp the nuances. That's my two cents. Good luck.
1. Bounty Hunter Tracker IV: This machine has great discrimination, is lightweight, and does an all around good job. Depth is not spectacular so you won't get over 6" on a quarter with it. But depth is reasonable for the price. Hobby Lobby often has a 40% off coupon which brings the price down to around $60-$70. At that price it simply can't be beat as a starter detector. Because of the depth he will want to upgrade sooner down the road. But if he loses interest you aren't out much.
2. Tesoro Compadre - Good machine for decent price. Pretty deep but very little in the way of controls (one knob). Around $160. Personally, I'd pay a little more for a better machine but this one is good if you are really price sensitive.
3. Tesoro Silver uMax - Great machine but more expensive than the other two. This machine is really one of the best values you can get on a beep and dig machine. Around $250 but worth every penny. This thing is deep and has a great discrimination control. Just enough controls to make it powerful yet easy to learn. The problem with this one is that you may end up wanting it for yourself. Countless people have thrown away their "better detectors" because the Silver uMax is just so easy to use and does such a good job.
I would suggest sticking with a beep and dig machine. The lower cost machines with target ID like the Ace 150/250 really don't do that good of a job with target identification. This will lead to missed targets and frustration. They also take a little more effort to learn and a 9 year old might not be able to really grasp the nuances. That's my two cents. Good luck.
Last edited:
I use the bounty hunter 1100 and am very pleased with it so far, price is very reasonable around100 - 150 and it wrkd very good. Easy to learn and he can use it as it has height adjustkent and arm size adjustment, i would recomend this for his first machine
George.°~° HAPPY HUNTING €°~°£ may the odds be ever in your favor ¡¿¥°~°£¿¡
George.°~° HAPPY HUNTING €°~°£ may the odds be ever in your favor ¡¿¥°~°£¿¡
Old man walking.
Jr. Member
- Aug 25, 2012
- 42
- 29
- Detector(s) used
- Bounty Hunter Time Ranger
XP Deus
- Primary Interest:
- All Treasure Hunting
Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. About $80 at Hobby Lobby with $40 coupon.
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