aarNew...need help!

[vodmarx]

Hello All,

I would like to start metal detecting. I have a lot of prospective locations waiting. I am a beginner and would like some input on what type of equipment to start with. The MP3 detector looks like a pretty good easy to use detector. The price is advertised at $249.00.
Can someone help me make the right choice on a beginners set?

Thanks,

Jimvodmarx@aol.com

 

[Marc(NB)]

Dont know anything about those MP3 dectors.Sounds like a cheap knock off from China.A good starter machine would be the Whites prizm 1 or the Ace 250.Ive tried both an are quite adequate for coin shooting.Both have meters and are very good for pinpointing.

 

[HotTexas]

I Agree with Marc, get a Garrett Treasure Ace 250 from a dealer and if you have problems you have someone to call. and I think they sell for 215.00 NEW. and a much better detector.


HH
Johnny

 

[Ron from Michigan]

The Ace 250 would be a great detector to start with for a beginner.If the Ace doesn't work out you could sell it and recover most of your money.The MP3 you'll stuck no resale value and have heard people complain about this detector.The Ace 250 is very pleasant to use good discriminate and depth.I don't think the MP3 is in the same class.One of my favorite units the 1236x Fisher it doesn't have the bells and whistles but it works very well more depth but no ID meter you could probably find a used one for around two hundred dollars.Go to a neighborhood dealers for an actual hands on demonstration.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Buy the Ace 250.

 

[tab-nabit]

For the price range, the ACE 250 is a good machine and is popular. Read the reviews and you shouldn't go wrong. The 4.5 sniper coil works well and is reasonable price too. The 250 does not have a volume control - I use headsets with volume control.

The Tesoro Cibola is a small powerhouse for a little more money. It does not have a screen so its all in the audio here.

Whites Prizm is another I saw mentioned.

As mentioned, go with a name brand and read the reviews and forums. You can usually find the manuals online to read on also. You already have a start by posting your question. If you have a detecting club nearby, folks would be willing to help as well as a local dealer. Good Luck - HH

 

[Uncle Willy]

The Ace 250 would be your best bet. Light, easy to learn and easy to use, and performs like detectors costing much more. About the most popular detector out there at the moment. Stay away from the off breed brands.

Bill

 

[Roper]

n/t

 

[khouse]

Some here have said to get a tone only detector to start out. Well, that's OK but if you know that your beep is more important the the ID you'll be alright. Get the 250! Your 250 WILL HAVE tone ID. That alone would cost you $450.00 on any major brand detector. I'm a newbie of 22 years of detecting and I use the 250 98% of the time. I would not be intimidated going up against a $1000.00 detector in moderate soil! Let's face it - your digger and eyes are the real discriminators!

 

[Tin Nugget]

What is an MP3? If it's made in China forget it.

I would pick up a Garrett's Ace 250 or one of the Whites Prism series or a Tesoro.
I recently was at a shop that was selling the Ace 250 for 212.00. Great buy.

 

[khouse]

The Prizms are good but over priced compared to the 250. Plus the prizm has less coils and they are pricey. The prizms has 8 target segments and the 250 has 12. The Prizms uses 2 expensive 9 volt batteries the 250 uses 4 cheap AA's

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I think you have good idea.Good luck

 

[Uncle Willy]

The Ace 250 is the one, based on my 44 years in the hobby, and my many years of field testing detectors.This detector performs like machines costing three times as much.

Bill