MD3010ii ::: Anyone have any experiences with this machine???

[Lexicon7]

I've been seeing these things from China going as low as 50 bucks or thereabout on ebay auction. I have done a lot of research and seems they are indeed a Garrett knockoff but what about doing upgrades and mods. Say changing out the search coil??

 

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[Loco-Digger]

Lexicon, you can buy what you want, just remember you get what you pay for. I started with an El Cheapo TC-1023. It would hit a quarter at 7 inches and had 3 tones. I soon wanted to go deeper so 60 days later I bought a used mid level machine. I recommend you start with a machine from one of the main manufacturers. Keep an eye on ebay and craigslist. I have bought most of mine used and have never had an issue. Heck last summer I picked up my F2 with 2 coils for $100.

Here is a list of great starter machines IMHO that I have seen being sold cheap this past year.

Fisher F2

Teknetics Delta

Teknetics Eurotec Pro

Tesoro Compadre (cheap beep and dig machine with a lifetime warranty if you buy new)

Garrett Ace 250 (I am not a fan of the bell tones and this does not give you a numeric target ID like the others I listed)

Whites Treasure Master

Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro (the best bang for the buck IMHO) Has many of the bells and whistles that are standard on more expensive machines.

GL & HH

 

[Lexicon7]

Thanks Loco, that's some good onfo...

 

[ChuckT]

Lexicon, you can buy what you want, just remember you get what you pay for. I started with an El Cheapo TC-1023. It would hit a quarter at 7 inches and had 3 tones. I soon wanted to go deeper so 60 days later I bought a used mid level machine. I recommend you start with a machine from one of the main manufacturers. Keep an eye on ebay and craigslist. I have bought most of mine used and have never had an issue. Heck last summer I picked up my F2 with 2 coils for $100.

Here is a list of great starter machines IMHO that I have seen being sold cheap this past year.

Fisher F2

Teknetics Delta

Teknetics Eurotec Pro

Tesoro Compadre (cheap beep and dig machine with a lifetime warranty if you buy new)

Garrett Ace 250 (I am not a fan of the bell tones and this does not give you a numeric target ID like the others I listed)

Whites Treasure Master

Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro (the best bang for the buck IMHO) Has many of the bells and whistles that are standard on more expensive machines.

GL & HH

Surprised to see Bounty Hunter in your list. I thought they were pure trash.

 

[ecmjamsit]

I just saw a Whites Goldmaster II go for 87 bucks on ebay. I already have two of them. Nice for old gold mine sites with lots of square nails. It will tell you if it is iron! If you are near Bend,Oregon. I would consider one of these old classics. I have read on other forums about gold being found in stream near Bend.