Need Opinions on a First Detector Please

[coincrawlin]

Hi All! I need some opinions on a getting a first detector and this seemed to be the best place to post this. I've been reading tons of information on this site about detectors and have learned alot. I think I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on something. Initially I was thinking about getting the VX3, but I really don't want to spend that kind of money. I'd rather get something low to mid grade now, and then if I find enough and want to upgrade later, hopefully be able to pay for itself with finds. I know there is no one detector that is really good at everything, but I would primarily use it as a land detector for coins, but it would also need to do ok on the beach occasionally.

On the low end, I am looking at a Teknetics 4000. For mid-grade, I'm looking at Whites M6. I also considered the AT Pro, but reviews seem to be mixed on that one. Same with Teknetics...I've read several comments about EMI problems with the Teknetics. I want a visual screen, so for those who like Tesoro....sorry . I am leaning toward the M6, but it doesn't seem to be real popular, so I haven't found a whole lot of comments from actual users of that model. Is the additional cost of a M6 over a low end detector like the 4000 worth it?

 

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[George (MN)]

If you get a new AT Pro with camlocks, it should not have any problems. For wet saltwater beach use, you'd probably have to turn down the sensitivity to about 5 & reject at least iron (40). I have to turn the AT Pro sensitivity down to about 5 when under powerlines.

For best results with this detector, I recommend manual ground balance. I was amazed it could correctly ID a dime 7" deep. The visual ID is very accurate but small & hard to read. 3 tone ID also good, goes back & forth between high & mid tone for zincs.

The other detector I have that I like alot is the Teknetics G2. My 5"+ deep dime, slightly tilted, bounced between dime & zinc numbers. It has continuous ground phase readings so you know when to redo the manual ground balance. Numerical ID is quite large. Lightweight.

I also had an M6. The depth at which it could correctly ID a dime varied from 3" to 6" in my soil types. It did surprisingly well with small gold & tilted coins using a Jimmy Sierra 12.5" round concentric Hot Shot coil. This coil is no longer made, but White's & Detech of Bulgaria (sold thru Kellyco in USA) have a huge number of coils for the M6.

The M6 has a fast autotracking that can be on or left locked after getting a ground balance. Heavier & requires 8 AAs.

I've had the Teknetics Delta 4000. It has good separation and a large numerical ID. Only way to eliminate noise from minerals or electricity is
turn down sensitivity. Very lightweight. Best wishes, George (MN)

 

[Adrian SS]

M6 or maybe think about an MXT. Both are great.

 

[Hosensack]

The X-Terra series is a very good "beginner" detector if you are looking at mid range budget. With the tones available on them you will learn to use your ears which is an important part of this "hobby" that is being neglected by many. The visual ID will help keep it interesting while you are learning and beyond.

But depth, tones, versatility and visual ID's on the X-Terras make them a hard option to ignore, I think they get overlooked a little too often by people jumping up to the big guns right away.

 

[Bart@Big Boys Hobbies]

Its hard to find a better machine that the Garrett AT Pro. It has two modes. Standard to learn on and Pro to really get depth and sensitivity. Waterproof and a DD coil.

I have a great package on my site. Feel free to call with questions or for a better deal! Thanks, Bart.

 

[treasurehound]

I have never used the AT PRO but I have heard some good things about them. I currently use the MXT PRO and love it. It is a great all around machine and is a great relic machine which is what I hunt for most of the time. I don't think you could go wrong with either machine. Minelab, White's, Fisher and Garrett all have great machines in your price range. A lot depends on what type of hunting you will be doing and what type of soil conditions you will be hunting in. Also if you are going to be doing some beach hunting don't forget about a good used DFX. Another option you may want to consider.

 

[U.K. Brian]

Tesoro do have a metered model for those that want them, the De Leon.

Tones, though the dealers love them, are not what they are cracked up to be and teach you nothing. Better to start off with a non tone machine or one where the tones can be switched off. You then soon learn good from bad signals without the application of loads of discrimination.

Do check what works best in your area. Whats best in one place can be poor in another.

 

[Sandman]

Tesoro do have a metered model for those that want them, the De Leon.

Tones, though the dealers love them, are not what they are cracked up to be and teach you nothing. Better to start off with a non tone machine or one where the tones can be switched off. You then soon learn good from bad signals without the application of loads of discrimination.

Do check what works best in your area. Whats best in one place can be poor in another.

The Tesoro Deleon is a great detector and many don't know about it because they believe the hype from the other manufacturers that have deeper pockets for advertising. In the White's line up the MXT or DFX are very good too. While I have a AT PRO it is not my go to detector for either land or shallow water.

http://www.losttreasure.com/content/archives/tesoro-deleon-field-test

 

[coincrawlin]

Thanks all for the comments and suggestions. I think I will go with the M6 if the price is right. White's seems to be secretive about their best prices, so if anybody knows what a good price to pay is for this detector please PM me. Thanks.

 

[Hosensack]

Tesoro do have a metered model for those that want them, the De Leon.

Tones, though the dealers love them, are not what they are cracked up to be and teach you nothing. Better to start off with a non tone machine or one where the tones can be switched off. You then soon learn good from bad signals without the application of loads of discrimination.

My apologies when I refer to tones(sound) being an important yet overlooked feature I am speaking of listening to the sound variations(crackles,pops chirps etc.) not tone id(pitch). Multi tone machines can be learned to a point where the variations in pitch and chirps give a lot more info than a visual id, you can however learn a single or dual tone machine just as well. I am assuming multi tone id is what you are debating against, if it is sound all together I believe a lot more than just "dealers" would disagree.

The Tejon is a great example of single tone machine that teaches you to use your ears before your eyes.

 

[Phillip_in_NM]

Can't go wrong with the M6. Look at the section here at Treasurenet that deals with individual white's machines. I believe it is the most underrated machine on the market. Seven tones or one tone, super easy ground balance, dynamite on gold jewelry.

M6! M6! M6!

 

[Viddy]

Here's my opinion based on what I have owned and used so far in the midrange detector area... PLUS if you enjoy detecting as much as I have in my first year, where to go from your first detector...

This is just my personal experience and opinion. Depends where and what detecting for also, you know?
My hunting is in western PA in local parks, state parks, old home sites, back yards, around old churches, old mining sites, some fields...

MINELAB X-TERRA 705 : my first detector. more accurate TDI than some of the lower end machines, good depth. some options to learn, but not frustrating. very light. Sold it and upgraded to the E-TRAC. Wish I would have put the 18.75 MHZ coil on it and used it as a back-up gold hunting machine.

FISHER F2 : my spare detector. Runs pretty even with the Garrett 250 which I saw someone use. F2 has the number display which the Garrett 250 didn't. Easy to use, which is great for a loaner for a noobie, but no real options for site criteria to fine tune. Great bang-for-a-buck.

GARRETT AT-PRO : great mid-range detector that is weather-proof. lot of initial problems when it came out like no cam locks, falsing when shaken, etc., but Garrett fixed many by 2012. I'd definately consider for a first detector, or for a back-up for a high end detector when the weather sucks and you still want to go out but not take the chance frying your E-Trac, F75 LTD, V3i, etc...

WHITE'S M6 : First detector I ever saw someone use and was showed how it works, at a park last year. People that have them, including the guy I saw, love the M6. Mid-range detector. At that time, I was pretty amazed at how it found some coins, and thinking back now, it seemed simple yet powerful. The MXT-PRO would be similar but even better!

TEKNETICS T2 : bought one off a friend who needed the money, used it a few times, and sold it. Why? Ran them head-to-head with my E-Trac. Decided to keep the E-Trac because of the time I put into it, which is bringing great results now. Any detector can be used 'out of the box'. If you have a little bit experience with detectors, know the basics, have 5 hours to learn the E-Trac and T2, you'll love the T2. Very light, easy to learn menus/fine tuning, and great depth on some coins I buried. I actually ran it very hot the few times I had it, yeah it was chatty, but MAN was it sensitive! At $200 cheaper than it's copy-cat Fisher, it's sweet power-for-price.

MINELAB SAFARI : Was out at a Pittsburgh park with a guy from another metal detecting site 'Safari John'. He had his Safari and I was using my Xterra 705. I loved how it separated good stuff from junk even better than my 705. He was experienced, BUT he explained 'how' he was using his Safari to do it, and I was impressed and saw how he was doing it compared to my 705. The is priced between the 705 and my E-Trac, but feature-wise, I think it falls perfectly between them too.

MINELAB E-TRAC : My main detector now. An amazing machine and you seem to love it more every time you use it because you learn more about it and how to take advantage of it's features. Tons of features and settings for different locations, treasures, etc. Takes time to learn how to maximize it, and people getting this detector and either #1 not taking the time to learn, or #2 want a turn and go will get frustrated or think the machine sucks, but it's more or less operator error or lack of operational knowledge. Costs about $1500 and I hope one day to meet up with someone with a V3i to check out both. If you are a computer geek, you'll love the USB port that connects to your computer to customize hunting programs for your personal locations and likes/dislikes.


..... well, that's my thoughts, and for a first detector in the mid-range $$, based on what I've used, saw. and researched (for my hunting locations), I'd get:

GARRETT: AT-PRO
MINELAB : X-Terra 705
WHITE'S : M6
FISHER : F70 (tuned down F75)
TEKNETICS : Gamma 600 DD
TESORO : DELEON (has the TID, which is great)

 

[sniffer]

I would first decide on what I would like to have some day, and then I would buy one that is close to what my dream machine. that way it's easier to upgrade in the future

 

[fistfulladirt]

My advice? Jetco Mustang. Low cost, turn on and go! You won't have to worry about the competition. You'll be digging all day long, believe me.

 

[coincrawlin]

Thanks all for the great comments. Viddy...great write-up and suggestions.

I decided to go with the Tek G2 mostly because it fit my budget, is light, and I have read many great things about it. Will be taking it out for its trial run later this week when I hit the gulf coast beaches. Been playing around with it a little in the backyard to get the feel for it and so far I like it.

Since this is my first detector I don't have anything to compare it to, but initial impressions out of the box are it appears to be a well made machine and the design fits me well. The control box mounting seems to be a little flimsy (read that in other reviews as well) and the battery (9v) was hard to get in at first but appears like it's getting easier over time. I didn't want a detector with endless control options, and this one has just enough to keep me satisfied without getting overwhelmed. I do wish it had volume control though. Also, why are Teknetics coil covers so ridiculously expensive? Dang near $20 for a piece of plastic. I see other brands coil covers can be had for around 10 bucks. These are just some of my first impressions. Will update when I've had a chance to actually use it.

 

[Cleetus]

I'm not sure if you know, but the Fishers and the Technetics are owned by the same company now. Your G2 is identical to the Fisher Gold Bug Pro or DP. Your G2 should be plenty of detector for you, it will be a lot better than you are for quite some time, so you can grow into it for quite sometime. When you have mastered it, you will know what it is you really want in a machine, then you can buy your dream machine.