Get the Fisher 5 or the Garrett gti 1500?

[gorester]

OK guys, I'm getting my first detector here and after mucho on line research, I had planed on buying the Fisher f5 detector ( on line $500. free pinpointer, free headphones, free shipping, I could pay with credit card). Then.......my friend at work informs me that I can get me a NEVER used Garrett gti 1500 for like $400. cash from a friend ( it was a gift that some dude didn't want) but no free goodies other than the detect. it's self. I know that they are both great units and I want to coin shoot and find gold rings ect... What do you suggest? I am good with all kinds of electric gismos like stereos, cameras, computers,ect... but have never owned a metal detector. I know that the Garrett is heavyer but has that size image capability. The Fisher is a little lighter an maybe a little more updated? Any insights or info here would be great!

Thanks,
gorester

 

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[sherpa t]

I think you should go see the garret and actually hold it, I visited Kellyco a couple months ago and after holding the F5 the garret gti 2500 was very heavy !! (did not look at 1300 but same housing ) and I didn't like the on / off button - very mushey feeling.
But being new you have nothing to pre - judge it by and maybe you will be fine with it and cut a good deal.
Did 'nt notice where you from, but if on bad ground, ground balancing ability's might be pretty important to you.
oh and by the way I liked the F5, and the little 340.00 tec. delta was just out that weekend and I liked it too.

 

[lms7652]

For your first detector there would be nothing wrong with a fisher f2. My daughter has an f2 and I have had two f5's. The f2 is just about as deep for $300 less. The f5 may have more features but are they really worth the extra $300?

 

[SaginawIan]

The new fisher detectors are very good and have great ergonomics, electronics, and processing speed. The Fisher is lighter, quicker, and probably just as deep. Out of the two detectors you mentioned, I'd go with the F5. However - For my first detector I would get a new F2 for under $200 or a used F4 for about $250 - save some of that money or buy some great headphones. I'd look at what you can get used for $500, I think you would be suprised. People are selling high end detectors cheap lately(economy). I almost always buy used machines and have never had a problem. Check the classified ads. Good luck.

Ian

 

[gorester]

Hey guys,
Thanks for your replys to my posting earler. I live in the North Texas area and don't know much about soil just yet. So the f5 has the ground balancing feature I see. I am attracted to the light weight factor of the fisher as my right arm is not what it used to be due to an injury a while back. I guess I'll just have to go see the garrett and see about that 4+ lbs and how it feels. This web site is GREAT by the way!

gorester

 

[George (MN)]

The GTI 1500 offers about the same performance as the Garrett Ace 250, depth wise, but the Ace 250 is about $212.45 new.

I bought my Fisher F5 used for $340; Then i bought a Fisher F70 (better, $649 MSRP) used for $420. F5 good, F70 great except it can't distinguish between nickels & modern tabs in my ground.

I bought a Minelab X-Terra 70 used with stock 9" MF concentric coil + 5.5x10 HF DD coil for $485. Great detector. New price $698.95+.

I sold a White's M6 used for $350 shipped ($699.95 shipped). I sold a white's MXT used for $400 shipped (MSRP $799.95). I sold a white's XLT for $395 shipped (MSRP $799.95). I sold a Fisher CZ6 w/3 coils for $299 shipped (new price over $1,000).

There is a Chinese detector that can reject most cans and air tests about 10" on a 25 cent piece for under $150. So there are many more choices than the 2 you mentioned. Good luck with whatever you choose! HH, George (MN)

 

[gorester]

Hey there George,
Thanks for the input. I live very close to the Garret headquarters here in Tx and I am going to try and take off from work and go check out their gti 1500 and see how it feels and works. I am a little concerned with how long the batteries will last with their detector. I know the Fishers can make the batteries last like 20 hrs or so.
Happy Hunting!

gorester

 

[SHERMANVILLE ILLINOIS]

Love the 1500.

Batteries: (what Garrett says)
Alkaline: 25 hours
Carbon Zinc: 18 hours
NiCad:7hours
I have never had an issue with the battery life.

Best idea, try it out.

have a good un......
SHERMANVILLE

 

[TonyinCT]

Get the 1500. Its a better deal for you. The free stuff may be junk.

 

[thompy]

i personally would get the f-5 just because i like the features, no of tones selection, and the fast target responce, light weight. does the 1500 have true all metal mode?

 

[ThTx]

Look at the classifieds here. How many people want to get rid of their Garretts compared to how many want to get rid of Fishers. This will give you some indication of customer satisfaction without the normal "I have to defend what I bought" attitude.

 

[Monty]

If you are concerned with weight, check out Tesoro. Monty

 

[Dcoop]

Love my F5,its real light,still using first set of batteries,<got it in Dec> been out probably 10 time couples hours each time,everything else pretty good so far..only drawback is its only got the coil it comes with now,i heard their making others,just dont know when they'll be out

 

[gorester]

Hey!
After swinging both the Garrett gti 1500 ahd the Fisher f5 last weekend, I've decided on getting a Fisher f5. It just worked best for me as I see it. Can't wait on getting one! I'll post my comments in a few weeks hopfully.
Thanks guys!
Gorester