Confused about all the different models

[bamamom]

I feel as though my head is about to explode. I'm trying to decide what model to get my 23 year old son for Christmas. I'm kinda stuck between the Quick Draw II, the Quicksilver, and the Tracker IV. When I compared them they all seemed similar, I really couldn't tell a lot of difference between them. He's real quick to pick up on stuff so I know he'll have no trouble learning to operate it correctly. Kellyco has the Quick Draw II with an accessory package on sale right now for around $ 170.00. Would that be a good deal? He'll probably use it mostly around old home places and take it camping to use around the campground and in the creek. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much!

 

[mwaynebennett]

I got an Elite 2200 for $150 about 18 months ago and love it. I have seen them for as little as $120. I also have a Pioneer 505 but almost never use it because it is heavy, has a small display that is difficult to read and has linear control knobs which are vulnerable to water infiltration when it is raining and to dirt infiltration etc. It is definitely old school.

There is a much more difficult learning period with the Pioneer 505 vs the Elite 2200. They are both good machines but the Elite is more modern technology and much easier to use.

Mark

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

I have the 505 and am very happy with it though it is my only metal detector out of four with Tones and Digital display. I'm more Old School and prefer to detect by sound (unlike tone) over visual aid. Have even hunted with it in cold weather and with snow on the ground and the standard coil has even taken a hit from a rattle snake.

Though I've been detecting since 1982 with the old manual set machines, I took to the 505 in a matter of a few minutes and found a coin in ground I had been over previous with a Garrett I've used for years. If your Son takes to things quickly, I suspect he will take to any of the BH machines with a smile. You may want to also consider if the machine you choose has optional coils to add to it. I added the 4" coil to my unit and love it in trashed out areas. Headphones and tools can be added along the way as well on birthdays and such.

 

[shortribs]

Bounty Hunter makes the same models under different name models so look at the features.NO Bounty Hunters are water proof just the coils so keep the box part out of the water.They areall about the same depth in ground so its just the features that make the difference generally.

 

[beep-beep]

I have the Quicksilver great for what it is. The one I have hits coins at 7 inchs but 8 or more you will miss them.

 

[casac]

It seems my best detector is always my next one, but really it the one you have in your hand at the moment. Weight as robert stated is pretty important if more than a casual user. I keep a economy Harbor Freight for guest as its lightweight. My BH 202, my first detetor does a great job coinshooting. I would not opt for the kellyco package, but it may be helpful to a new user. Pinpointers do increase finds, and help with keeping holes size down. If your son wants depth, and gold nuggets later, he can always buy a second machine. No matter which one you get, it will find things, mostly coins and trash. Just spend a little time on where you can hunt, so he doesnt get in trouble.

 

[SGMDosser]

HI all! Another newbie to the forum here.

In answer to the question (and as a newbie myself) I would have to agree with the statement that the best detector depends. When I bought mine last month I was looking for something easy to learn and understand. Features were important, but I did not want to spend a lot of money. I ended up buying the Tracker IV for 99.99. I am quite happy with it. I followed the simple directions in the manual and quickly caught on to how to use the discrimination and tone features. I have by no means gotten rich (yet), but I have been fairly successful in coin shooting and have even found a few relics. Whatever you buy for him, be sure he knows to have permission when hunting on private lands. Also he may want to research the laws in his state as the vary. For example, here in Arkansas you can hunt in certain areas on some of the state parks (mostly the swimming beaches I believe), but you have to fill out a form first and take it by the office at the park and then keep it with you while hunting. Anyway, best of luck to you on finding one for him.


SGM Dosser