"Hi Folks!
I'm totally new to this and know NOTHING about detecting other than you hope to "find" stuff underground!
Whats a good inexpensive (or is there such a thing) metal detector for a beginner??
I don't want to spend a lot in case I don't like the hobby, can I get a decent detector that won't lead me on a lot of wasted digging for say $200.00??
I saw one at (you're gonna laugh) Wally World for $198.00. They had a cheaper one for $98.00 and a more expensive one for $298.00
I figured I'd get an inexpensive one to start out but I don't want one that would frustrate me into not liking the hobby either!!
What features do I look for??
Any brands to stay away from??
And of course which brands do you recommend??
Thanks,
Inquirer"
Answer from Webmaster: "The old saying "you get what you pay for".
First off, if you are unsure what to buy, join a club. Get to know some of the members, perhaps they will let you try their spare detector to try out. (try before you buy) You may decide you don't like this hobby. (I doubt it)
2nd, If you buy a unit under $300, you soon will find out that you wish you bought the better unit. Now you go out and buy your 2nd unit at $500-800. Combined, you now have spent $800-1100 to which you could have almost bought top of the line in the first place. See what I am getting at. Save up & buy an $800 unit in the first place. You won't go wrong.
A word of warning, brand new units are like cars. Once you drive off the lot, they depreciate to half their cost.
Which brings up the next idea. Buy a used top of the line unit from a good dealer.
Answer from a dealer: "As a dealer I can tell you up front and square that all brands have their plus's and minus's. The 1st thing you need to consider is how much detecting to you intend to do and what type of detecting and if you do buy a unit will it end up in the closet after a couple of month's because you under bought or overbought and dont understand the unit. If you are going to coin shoot at parks and schools there are many mid range units out there. The bottom line is you get what you pay for. What you really should look for is a unit that fits well for you to include.. unit features, warranty and cost. Buying your first is always a what if situation. What I recommend is that you hang out here and bug the hides off people on their unit to see what they like and dislike about it. Minelab, Fisher, Garrett and Whites are all good. I would avoid mass market retail outlets like walmart. The money you would spend on an inferior unit would be better served with a major brand. Do you live in the detroit area?. If so attend a meeting, talk with alot of the members. A lot of them represent brands as local dealers. Even dealing with mail order places have their nighmares(kellyco). Go on line and request every catalog you can on the different brands. Dont be scared to death of retail prices in these catalogs as these are msrp and local dealers can and should give price breaks. Look for a unit that you can use and it will do the job for you. Come to one of our hunts or go to a local dealer and ask for demo's on every unit they carry. I would put your min requirement's as a mid range or above. Mid range in a major brand will fit your budget if you are considering the top of the line from wallyworld. Shop till you find one that fills your requirement's."
Answer from a Larry C.: "Ask 100 different people " What's the best machine they would recommend" and you will get 100 different responses, unless of course they have had a bad time with their machine, cause they really didn't understand it. I have had whites, Fishers, and now am the proud owner of a Minelab Explorer XS, and wouldn't give it up for nuttin'. One minor problem with this machine, I've had it for over 2 years and am still learning it! Initially to learn it's proper use it took me minimum of 8 weeks! And my owner's manual went with me ( in my back pocket ) every time I took it out. The best advice I can give you, no matter what brand you select, " FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR OWNER'S MANUAL" Take it to the throne room with ya, Take it on long car rides, ( do not read while driving ) LOL. Put it in back pocket when you go out hunting. I wish I would have laminated mine...... can hardly read it anymore."
Answer from the late Tom Weaver "I would like to add to what they are saying, but they have basically covered it all. I would however recommend you take a good look at a good quality used detector out of the (Treasure forum's) Classifieds that still has a good warranty card. Theres a link to this Forum on our website. Now they say you get what you pay for. In this hobby it's no different. Most people who like the hobby do upgrade eventually for more bells and whistles. So that leaves allot of good quality midrange detectors for sale. I would recommend a Whites classic or a pro to start. These QUALITY machines are awesome to use in hunts and will give you hours of enjoyment in the field. They are well balanced and light and easy to pinpoint. In My own opinion, I would just get a good quality used one. You won't go wrong by doing this. You can usually get one for about half the price. For about $200, a White's pro or Classic should be no problem. Good luck and happy hunting."
Answer from Luke "Personally I love my basic entry level machine, a Whites Prizm 4. For a few months I felt low because I saw all the goodies found by these guys with $800 or $1000 machines. But a $300 machine will find you targets too, its just that there is less controls to fiddle with. Get some Treasure Mags and visit a few Treasure or Detector forums and read all you can."
More info on this topic can be found on the GLMDing forum. (Click Here)
If you have any comments you would like to add to this list or have some questions you would like added here, contact me. Email: webmaster@mth.greatlakesmetaldetecting.com
