Christmas detector shopping advice for the newbie

[Elton]

I being a long time detectorist know how a lot of detectors work.Or at least an idea of the basic operation.
Yes, they all detect metal.
Are they all the same in this respect yes!.
Are they all equal?. Thats a harder question to answer today than it was twenty(20) years ago. Lets just say to be fair they are all a lot closer in operation than in past years. The Microprocessor has equaled a lot of ground.
If you read everyone of these forums it seems and with just cause each and every one of us think we own the best detector, or detectors in many cases.
I would not take any of you on and try and dispute that thought.In a sense, if it works for you, you like it, it's the best detector. No Argument.
Now whats the new person supposed to think...If they are all the best which one do they buy. My thoughts are this. Seek out a local dealer..or a club in your area. Ask lots of questions, see what works well in your area. Spend a little time investigating the different detectors. Read, read, and read some more. Visit your dealer. Most are detectorists and they will advise you on that basis rather than trying to sell you any old detector.Purchase a name brand detector.
Spend whats comfortable and make certain you really like what you purchase. It's not cheap buying a barrage of detectors looking for the right one for you. Learn the detector you purchase.Expect a learning curve. Do not keep switching around makes and models.Buy some detecting how to books.Read the forums. Ask for help.Make an informed purchase and you will be well on your way to being an accomplished detectorist................and above all...make it fun.!!!
Just for the record I am not a dealer, or sales rep of any detecting equipment. I just think it's a tough process for a new person in todays tecnological available detectors to know whats good , bad or what works well, or doesn't work and one should do a little research before buying the first detector. Thank you for reading.
Your thoughts are welcome.and if they are different than mine please post them..It may help someone make an informed purchase and get them started in a great hobby..............and with all you many, wonderful detectorists out there you can make a difference !!!

 

[Larry (IL)]

Another approch for the newby is to find a local MD club and ask what they are using and why, then follow suit. They often have spent thousands finding what works best for them in their area. Local clubs offer valuable advise at no charge, less the cost of joining the club.

 

[tabdog]

Five months ago I got back into MDing after a 23 year layoff. The task is daunting and difficult.

Don't get an expensive detector to start out. Any name brand detector will work well and give the newby a chance to see if this hobby is right for them with out spending too much.

Used detectors are a good way to get started. It's also a cheaper way to build an arsenal of useful machines. But, buyer be ware. Read read read. Think.

I went through much frustration until I found what suited me. Now I'm very satisfied with what I've got. The thing that paid off for me was reading what real users said and not companies. Most people don't like my kind of detector but that's what makes the world go round. It was my third try before I found a metal detector I liked. Like most people, I feel mine are the best.

It's a great hobby,

 

[Elton]

Excellent advice Larry !! In the event there are no clubs..Read the forums, and drive a little distance if you must for hands on Dealer showroom detectors.
Nothing..and I repeat nothing can or will be better than holding the different detectors, and, getting an explained explanation of how they work. Weight, ease of use, settings, and what you
are going to be hunting for will make a difference on the detector you buy. An uncomfortable heavy detector will also make the difference..Though in all fairness most only weigh little and the heavier ones only weigh a few pounds. But it will make a big difference if you know the weight in advance. I have bought a few that just the swing weight made them a terrible experience. I didn't care how deep they went. If it hurt I didn't use it. I am willing to bet you will be no different in the end.If after an hour ,your arm, and shoulder, feels like it's going to drop off, my friend that is not fun !!!

 

[Elton]

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[John(H)]

The weight of the detector should not stop someone from preferring it over others! There are other factors such as ease of operation, stability, pleasant tone, depth, and are there other coils available for it?- some detectors have no other optional coils available! Also are the batteries used easily available and is the power consumption reasonable.Now I didn't say operate it in pain, in the old days we got use to searching with either hand, some even can use both hands, also their are hip-mounts and shoulder harnesses. The best place for a newbie or even a seasoned veteran to try several detectors at the same time is your local detector shop! Some dealers even let one try out their demo's for free and other may have rentals. I have been detectoring for over 37 years and I like to call most of the present detectors....AUTOMATICS but like driving a car some like me prefer the feel of the MANUAL drive. In other words, some do everthing for you and others let you set it up the way you want! For the final word.......... some get lucky and pick exactly what they prefer the 1st time and use it for the rest of their life while others may have to go thru several detectors until they find their dream detector!...................................GOOD LUCK...............Joe

 

[Elton]

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