Need some members advice

[tadbitangelny]

Hello everyone
The Boyfriend and I are looking to purchase our first metal detector but with all the different information out there it is hard to pick which would be the best one for us. I was wondering if I could get some opinions from people who use them on a regular basis. We are looking for something in the $300 - $500 price range that has good tones and is easy to use for us "newbies". Just for a laugh we tried using my father's from the 50's or 60's and never did find anything but we sure could pick up radio signals with it lol. We will be using this primarily on some old homestead lands we got permission to look at and some old dump sites. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

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[dmaki1988]

I would try the teknetics lineup. The Delta 4000, Gamma 6000 or omega 8000, all three of these machines are fun and easy to operate, you will get great results on depth and battery life and you can swing them all day. the omega might have a little learning curve to new detectorist, but its a nice learning tool for future more advanced machines. i used the delta 4000 for a couple years and i found some pretty exciting finds. theirs a lot of detectors out there, just learn it well and you will find more with it.

 

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[63bkpkr]

tadbit,

My first real detector was purchased in ~1975, a White's 6000D Coinmaster. It had an analog needle meter and I paid no attention to it 98.5% of the time. Instead I listened to the tones it made AND I learned what the various adjustments meant in the way it reacted to any specific target. It worked very well for all types of coins and jewelry:copper, clad, nickel, silver and gold. And yes I did find all of those metals with this detector and it makes such a sweet sound when it is over a silver object!! I still have that machine but rarely use it. I have a newer White's XLT which has a target screen and is programmable. The screen gives one an indication of what the target might be and once a person has learned the machine they are enjoyed. Does a person NEED a screen especially for a first detector, in my opinion no. The programmable machines take longer to learn however, here on Tnet or on the White's site kind people have shared their favorite programs so that others may use them. Still the ground you hunt could have a unique mineral in it and the programs that work well at another location could need adjusting to work well at your location.

Find a detecting club in your area, go to a meeting or two and ask around about what brand & model folks are using and what they find with them.

The best of luck with your search................63bkpkr

 

[tadbitangelny]

Thanks for the information and well wishes. I can't wait for spring, we have already been doing the research into abandoned areas near us.

 

[tadbitangelny]

Thanks everyone for your honest opinions about which detectors are better. The information we've gleaned from all your posts is invaluable thanks again for the honesty.

 

[gleaner1]

Just remember, no tecter is "better" than the other. "Better" is all just a matter of opinion. Is an Etrac really "better" than an Ace250, really? For some, Etrac is better. And what does "better" mean, really?. Is a '72 Chevy Vega really better at traveling down the highway than a '13 Lexus? "Better" depends on your wallet really. The wallet decides which is the best tecter. But not really. Actually, there is no better or best tecter. I know its hard to handle, but there just is no better tecter. Does not exist. It's like asking which is a better car. There is no answer.

 

[Rawhide]

I would say buy one good detector instead of 2 entry level machines. You are gonna wanna upgrade after the first 20 minutes, I still do, and I own three detectors now. The T2 is great for relics. The AT Pro is water proof and a proven performer. I did not have this info when I bought my last detector but very happy with the Boss Hog of all detectors. Ok, maybe my F75 isn't all that big, but I cant run it in parks with out just barely turning it on. I like First Texas because it is what I learned on. I like the sound it makes. My F75 is very noisy and should be run that way. My wife and I also detect together. I set the same sound 3 tone on my F75 to match the Bounty Hunter, also made by First Texas. We compare finds before we dig. Sandman gave some solid advice also. I bought my last detector used from another treasure forum, and was very happy with the purchase. There is some sponsored folks here on Tnet that sell new and will help you with your purchase. New England Metal Detectors, and Kellyco to name two. You Tube has hundreds of videos you can watch and see for yourself. If you are not sure you will detect very often, any economical low price detector will do. I think Garret gives you more bang for your buck as price goes. I look at battery type, weight, accessory's like coils, and price. I had to upgrade as I didn't want to dig pull tabs all day. Some of the more pricy detectors can help you with that. Also don't expect depths over 7 inches with the lower end detectors. When hunting dry creeks around here I dig well over a foot. In the city park your not gonna do that. Most finds will be in the 6 inch range anyway. Not many detectors can do much better than a foot anyway that the average person can afford. From what you have said so far, I would say get the AT Pro. You could easily afford one and one person could dig and person detect that way. I just don't like the sound it makes. Good Luck and be sure to post your finds.

 

[heathgeo]

These are the best options you have under $500 in my opinion...
For $50-$100 more you have a few better options by the same manufacturers... like the Garrett AT Pro for example...
BUT you may wanna use that money to put towards a Garrett Pro Pinpointer
Research them & check out the videos on youtube... these are all good detectors and will serve you well....
Minelab X-Terra 305 ($399 )
Garrett ACE 250 or ACE 350 $200 / $300 )
Tesoro Vaquero or Cibola ( $ 446 / $361 ) (Made in the USA & Lifetime Warranty)

 

[tadbitangelny]

Thank you all for your candid opinions. Even though I realize everyone has their own prefrences it is still nice to hear everyones opinions. I think we are leaning towards a garret or the Tesoro I like the idea that it is made in the USA. When we finally get out I will definitely post our finds. I am working on research now into the Lost treasure of General Sullivan and his soilders as they marched through the Finger Lakes killing all the indians. I think I have found the farm that they camped at in the valley of Canadice Lake, we have met the owner through one of our customers so I'm hoping with a little bit of facts and research he will let us MD the property. It will be interesting to say the least. Once again thanks for all your helpful information and well wishes.

 

[heathgeo]

Thank you all for your candid opinions. Even though I realize everyone has their own prefrences it is still nice to hear everyones opinions. I think we are leaning towards a garret or the Tesoro I like the idea that it is made in the USA. When we finally get out I will definitely post our finds. I am working on research now into the Lost treasure of General Sullivan and his soilders as they marched through the Finger Lakes killing all the indians. I think I have found the farm that they camped at in the valley of Canadice Lake, we have met the owner through one of our customers so I'm hoping with a little bit of facts and research he will let us MD the property. It will be interesting to say the least. Once again thanks for all your helpful information and well wishes.

Yeah I ended up choosing Tesoro my self and I love it... its a great detector with some of the best discrimination circuitry on the market..
Plus their made in the USA and have a lifetime warranty...
I dunno any other manufacturer offering that..
Garrett makes great detectors too.
I'll be picking up an AT PRO eventually...
And best of all their both Tesoro & Garretts are affordable so which ever you decide I'm sure you will to well :-)