Advice for a newbie?

[Johnny Cache]

So I have had my 550 for about 5 months, and love it. I'm already thinking about getting another detector, but can I really justify buying another one so soon? I was thinking about getting an E-Trac, but it's so expensive and I am still learning the basics of detecting. The new AT Pro looks fantastic, but I think I might wait for some reviews and see what the general consensus is on how people like it.

Maybe the right thing to do is to keep using my 550 for now, but spice things up with a new coil. I was thinking of the Garrett 8.5 x 11" DD
PROformance Search Coil. What would you experts say?

 

[TURNMASTER]

Asking about an Etrak on the Garrett forum. The Shame. Just kidding. I run Minelabs and now a Troy too. I started with a Bounty Hunter. It took no time to step up. These guys speak highly of the 550 and it sounds like a good machine. I think if you are getting good results and like the machine then another coil could be a good move bigger or smaller???? both have advantages. One of these days I will get me a Grand Master Hunter and the AT Pro will likely be my next Garrett. The only way you will find out which machine works best for you is to use a few of them, borrow or rent one for a few hours.

Jeff

 

[Johnny Cache]

You can rent metal detectors? That would be so cool to be able to try different ones out, but I think the nearest place that sells detectors is at least 500 kms away from me.

 

[Old Katz]

Personally, I would wait. Once the AT Pro is out then I would contact
people who own the 550 and ask for their comparison, the 550 and AT Pro.
Can you prospect with the 550? If the khz isn't around 14 then probably not.
Does the 550 need to be ground balanced or is it preset? You can ground balance the
AT-Pro which is a real plus when you get into mineralized soil and prone to false readings.
Is the 550 water proof? Probably bot, which means if your caught in a thunder storm
or you accidental drop it in the water, your screwed. The 550 has been a good machine
to a lot of people but lets face it, it's old. AND unless you like that sickly green color
(its a matter of personal taste) then the AT Pro with all its innovations and change of appearance is
a plus. And how much does a new 550 cost over the AT Pro? I don't know for sure but I think the AT
Pro is lighter, but your wise to wait it out.
Katz

 

[Uncle Willy]

Get the new DD coil and it will be like having a new detector. The 550 is a great little machine and loves rings. The E-Trac isn't all it's cracked up to be and has quite a learning curve.

Bill