Information for a beginner

[jkimble]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction for an entry level metal detectore for my 14 yo son. I would also be using it. Not searching for anything specific. The two models I have looked at are the Bounty hunter 202 and the Garrett ACE 250. I realize these are probably not considered top of the line but any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

John

 

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[jkimble]

Thanks for all your support and responses.

 

[eathabs]

Go with the Garret Ace 250. Many people on here use it and love it!! Great machine.

 

[jkimble]

Go with the Garret Ace 250. Many people on here use it and love it!! Great machine.

Thanks, I will do that.

 

[RON (PA)]

J,

Welcome to TreasureNet. This is a great place with a lot of super people who know tons about metal detecting/treasure hunting. Glad to have you with us.

Although I don't have either one of the models you are looking at, I would suggest the Ace 250. I have heard great things from that little machine. There are a lot of folks here on TN that have them. Hope it helps.

 

[jkimble]

J,

Welcome to TreasureNet. This is a great place with a lot of super people who know tons about metal detecting/treasure hunting. Glad to have you with us.

Although I don't have either one of the models you are looking at, I would suggest the Ace 250. I have heard great things from that little machine. There are a lot of folks here on TN that have them. Hope it helps.

Thanks, I appreciate it. I will be buying the ace.

 

[hollowpointred]

Thanks for all your support and responses.

be patient. sometimes it takes a little while for someone with an opinion to show up. i agree with the others that the ace 250 is better than the bounty hunter 202. the 250 is a lot of machine for not so much money. he wont be dissapointed with it.

 

[Night Stalker]

Welcome to Treasure Net John! ACE 250...hands down. I'm certain everyone else would agree on this one! Good luck and looking forward to your future pics! HH/NS

 

[dahut]

Good Information for a beginner

Follow the advice given here and get an ACE 250. Possibly the best newcomers tool in a long time. Then, follow these tips:
"Secret tips to Success...for Newcomers"

Here'e the stuff you'll wish someone would have told you at the start! Enjoy!

1. Dig! You wont find anything and you wont learn what your machine is telling you if you don't. Your goal should be to become a "Metal Recoverist," not a detectorist... if you dont dig, then you are merely "metal locating."

2. DO NOT rely on that meter to solve your problems. There is A LOT of junk out there and plenty of it masquerades as good stuff. The best thing about Imaging is it will tell you probable size - which might be meaningless if you happen on a roman brooch that looks like a big old can lid.

3. Turn the sensitivity down to start. Dont expect to find stuff halfway to China, as most good things are within the first FOOT. SENS that is too high only results in false signals and lots of frustration. Usually start it about 50% and work up.

4. Set time limits.
A. Plan to detect for a certain amount of time, as often as possible. Like any activity, good practice makes you better.
B. DO NOT detect longer that you should - set a limit on that, too. Remember you have a job and a family and friends.

5. Set Recovery Goals. A certain coin, or artifact, a certain number of coins, etc. Then work to achieve them.

6. Carry your detector with you as much as possible. You never know when a chance to detect will come along (but dont leave it in your car - EVER!! The heat is murder on it and thieves know what they are worth, too).

7. Learn about your area and what you might actually find. It does no good to take your detector to a parking lot. I tried it once...I'm right.

8. Talk to your friends and family about your new hobby. Ask if they know any old places, or good modern places, where lots of people have been active.

9. Plan to do all sorts of detecting. You are new and this hobby has lots to offer. Dont imagine yourself only "this sort" of detectorist or "that sort." Try it all.

10. Learn the Detectorists Code of Ethics.
Practice good recovery techniques and fill all your holes, ALL THE TIME.

11. Get a durable carry bag and keep these things in it:
+ Extra headphones - A broken set of phones will ruin your hunt.
+ Extra batteries - Likewise a set of dead batteries.
+ 2 Digging Trowels - NOT the crap from WalMart's garden section. Get purpose built tools.
+ 1 recovery apron - Most home centers sell nail aprons for a $1.
+ 1 10" probe - I make mine from a piece of brazing rod and a section of old broom handle. Use this to probe for coins beneath the turf.
+ 1 10" long screwdriver - for "popping" the coins you probe from the turf.
+ 1 8-10" inch hunting knife - Just plain useful. Cuts roots, plugs in gras, etc.
+ Garden gloves - ones you can manage dextrous work in.
+ Super glue and duct tape - you don't need this explained, right?
...You can have more but you'll need these things, sooner or later.

BONUS TIP #12: Determine to Have Fun!

Welcome and hang tough - it gets a little confusing before it gets good.

 

[Trescher]

Re: Good Information for a beginner

3. Turn the sensitivity down to start. Dont expect to find stuff halfway to China, as most good things are within the first FOOT. SENS that is too high only results in false signals and lots of frustration. usually start it about 75%.

And with the ACE 250, turn the sensitivity down to about 3 or 4, out of 8, to start. I wasted a month detecting at 7 and wondering where all the beeps were coming from. (Phantom targets.)

After some practice, bump it up according to the type of soil you are digging in. I have yet to go above 5 in South Texas and most often detect with it set at 4. China will have to wait.

Paul

 

[stoney56]

dahut, very good advise. Also get a good file to keep your diggers sharpened with. It makes things so much easier-trust me.

 

[Night Stalker]

Wow Dahut! That is one fine list! You covered everything...great advise for anybody.

I agree with Stoney - keep your diggers sharp, so much easier to cut a plug and dig with.