New MD?

[Shaw]

I need some of you guys input on the best machine for what I am doing.


I am looking for something that can run up and down my local creeks (not completely underwater)

I am starting to look around my surroundings of old structures that existed in the late 1800's, I want to hit relics and metals.

I also would like to sit around the 500 mark if possible. The cobra beach magnet keeps coming to mind for me but maybe you guys will have some better input.


Thanks in advance for you guys opinions.

 

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[stoney56]

My thoughts would be something with a manual ground balance. Possibly a Tesoro Vaquero or a Tejon would be my choice.

 

[BamaBill]

I think you're going to have trouble getting a waterproof unit for that price. I would contact a few Whites dealers and see if you can get a used MXT and use a swingy thingy as insurance against dropping it in the creek. The swingy thingy is a couple of web belts that form a body harness that supports the weight of the detector.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

If it was me I would stay completely away from the cobra beach magnet. IMO a total waste of money.

There are some non water proof units you can use that work well in the water, the controls are not water proof, but the coil is.

With any non water proof unit you have to remember, water will run down hill inside the shaft so if you put coil higher then controls you got a major problem, also keep in mind, one slip where controls go under, and you will own an expensive paper weight.

I can only speak about the ones I know ...........

The Minelab Sovereign GT is a great machine, land and water, one of the best in shallow water, but not waterproof. (New its $800, used $350-$600).

Whites Beach Hunter ID is a good machine, it's water proof, and works great on land. (New $800 used $300-$550)

There are other good units, but I can't say anything about their performance in water, never owning them. I own a Tesoro Conquistador, Troy Shadow X2 both good land detectors, and a Minelab Excalibur. Excal is fantastic in water, works good on land, but way to heavy to be a land machine.

Remember, Metal Detectors are like golf clubs, different units for different circumstances. There is no one "do it all machine". You wouldn't tee off with a putter, or putt with a sand wedge.

 

[Keppy]

I agree with Treasure Hunter ...stay away from the Cobra .... the Sovereign GT is the best land and beach detector........ and then that Whites beach Hunter ID is also a good detector........==Jim==

 

[Shaw]

Thanks everyone for all the great input, I am pretty new to MDing and just want the best bang for my buck.

I will let you know what I get soon.

Thanks again for the info!

 

[labradoodle of pa]

Tesoro Tiger Shark will work in water and also on dry land you could fine one used in the 500 dollar range or there is alot of good detectors out there new from all manufactures in that price range I wouldn't go for the Cobra Beach Magnet what ever you get learn to use it well just my opinion good luck and happy hunting Bob

 

[EasyMoney]

A Fisher 1236x-2 would do it just right. It might be the closest to the perfect detector for your uses. And it's lightweight and powerful too, and cheap. It has a pretty good iron masking mode.

A little "FlexableSeal" (brand name) is ideal to seal the coil cable too. Even PI's sometimes need a sealant. FlexableSeal has a 25 year waterproof guarantee. It works much better than anything else for water sealing, including Silicone 2, by leaps and bounds. I put some on an old Dodge PU windshield 12 years ago and it's still waterproof and flexable after being blasted by 70 mph winds on the freeway. You can get it at a roofer's supply store, such as ABC Roofing Supply.

The 1236 should work very well in Texas soil.

 

[Shaw]

Thanks again for the input, I will be placing my order next week for the Fisher 1236 x 2 after reading up on it. Seems like a great model for the price tag. I will get me a submersible unit later on -

Easymoney,
When I get it in and in my hand I will go over the sealing with you if you don't mind.

Thanks again for all the help.

 

[JOe L]

Another would be the Detector Pro Pirate, seems like it will fit the bill.