ACE 250 or GTAX 550?

[einstien01]

I have recently owned the Prism IV but sold due to a lack of interest. Now that I am retired I am very interested in getting back into metal detecting. I have approx $550 as my spending limit. I was not that impressed with the feel of the prism's as they felt like they would not withstand any kind of light abuse. Having some difficulity finding any users info on the 550 but quite a lot on the 250. Most of my time would be spent at county parks after a permit is purchased. Any info on the above 2 detectors would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Dave

 

[Uncle Willy]

This forum and its archives are loaded with info on the 250 and I have a field test on the 550 at losttreasure.com plus I have a same as new 550 I might part with.

Bill

 

[wag-jr]

i own a 550 and recently purchased a 250 with a sniper coil.i guess i am partial to the 550 because i have used it so long.the 250 is a good machine.guess i need to get used to it.let my nephew use the 250 last weekend and he loved it first time hunter and he did well.i don't think that i will ever part with the 550 but want to try the 1350 for the profiling.hope this helps

 

[Uncle Willy]

Yeah the 550 is an excellent detector, but then so is the 250. If you get a 1350 you'll like that one for sure.

Bill

 

[robert roy]

Willy
I saw a 550 in a metal detecting catalog for $264.00 with the 7 1/2 coil.
Is that a good price?
Robert R

 

[Skillet]

IMO it's 'more' machine...

You want to make sure it has the upgraded Power-Master cicuitry.

Again, just my opinion. I've been using a 1000 PM for years now and it's a good machine if you're looking to buy one used.

HH!
Skillet

some observations here:
http://www.findmall.com/read.php?18,638082,638082#msg-638082

 

[Black Davy]

I have a 550x and it is a good machine. It sort of sits sideline and is used as a back-up stick with my others that I use. For around $300 bucks you can pick up a ACE 250 Pro package and have enough for the sniper coil and digging tools and hit a invetsment level of about $400 then add a pin pointer and you will have all the tools you need for a $500 investment. This is just what I recomended to a buddy of mine and he is very happy. The 550x seems to be the lost stepchild in Garretts line up. You can get perfomance on both sides of it's invetsment level with equal and better performance. just my 2 cents

 

[einstien01]

Thanks a lot for all of the feedback. It is really appreciated. I have decided to go with the GTP 1350 which also comes with an extra coil (can not remember which one). THANKS AGAIN, Dave

 

[rredsun]

I am a newbie,and have the Garrette 550. I get alot of miss readings. Some were accuarate,like a pile of pennies,3 " deep next to a tree. I set it to all rings/coin mode,because our yard has a barried barn,from the 50's. Old nails,junk ect..I bought a probe on ebay,but don't know how to use it,and coin plugger-which really only made small holes. when ever I get a signal-I start to dig-then re-check it-pin point it-and then another or different target shows up- Plus I tried not to tear up the yard-and try to shovel a half/moon..any suggestions,or did I buy a "stepchild"..that I should sell for something better. Thanks