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F2, Ace 250, or Whites Coinmaster - How do they compare?

J

JRayfield

New member
I'm planning on getting a detector for my father-in-law. I'd like to keep the 'outlay' to around $200, plus or minus a bit. I don't know how much he'll really end up using a detector, so I don't want to invest too much in him, yet. If he likes this, and makes decent use of it, then maybe an upgrade will be in order in the future.

I've kind of narrowed my choices down to a Fisher F2, a Garrett Ace 250, or a White's Coinmaster (or maybe a Coinmaster Pro...maybe).

I've had a little experience with metal detectors over the years (had a Garrett Freedom 1, now have an old White's Eagle Spectrum and a Fisher F4), but I have not had any experience with the F2, the Ace150, or the Coinmaster (or Pro).

I'd like some input from those who have used at least two of these machines (the F2, the Ace 250, or the Coinmaster (or Pro), so that I can get an idea as to how they compare. What did you find different between them, both good and bad. And if you preferred one over the other, what led you to that preference?

I don't really want input that isn't 'detailed'. I see comments from people on forums where they pretty much 'bash' a particular brand or model of detector, and then comment that they've never used that brand or model. I do NOT want that kind of input. If that's all you can do is 'bash' another product, without ever having used it, then don't even bother posting a reply to my post. This probably sounds kind of 'harsh', but I get tired of reading that kind of 'garbage' on forums and review sites. It doesn't do anyone, any good.

I look forward to some good input from some of you more experience detector users. By the way, I realize that this is the Fisher F-Series Forum, but I've kind of been leaning towards the F2, to be honest, so I thought I'd post here in this forum first. I may do the same in the Garrett and White's forum, later, after I see what kind of feedback I get in here.

John
 
You cannot link to other forums on this site, and I can't send a PM to you, so I will post this here.

It is true I have no experience with the other 2 choices, but you have no idea how much research I did on all three of these before I made my choice of the F2.

I hang out more on another forum...a very "friendly" forum, I use the same name and I have a running review of my experiences with one of your choices.

Over 4100 people have read this review so far, and several have told me they picked the F2 because of it and are very happy that they did.
I am by no means an expert with this, but I am pretty observant, and I think I have a small ability to disseminate some pertinent info on products that I do think are value oriented and that I enjoy.

I hope you can use this info.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is my experience with the F2 for the last 6 months or so.
I have never used a 250, but I have seen tons of video on how it works.
Also all videos I could find on the Coinmasters.

I have also read hundreds of posts and reviews from users on all three of these units on several forums.

I cannot speak of the others because I have never used them, but I do also own a Vaquero, and I picked the F2 because out of your three choices and all other beginning detectors, the F2 works most like the Vaq and has a VDI screen.
I do like to have a screen in front of me from time to time just for a change of pace, otherwise I would have bought a Tesoro Silver

The things I wanted in my choice for a backup/take on vacation detectors besides a screen were these features.

1 Rapid recovery speed. The Tesoros are fast, faster than most..so is this one.
More than the other two choices on your list according to users reviews and all the videos I have watched.

2. Target separation. As far as I can tell, and from my experience, this one also excels in this area more than any other in this price range.

Depth. I have extremely mineralized soil in my area. I wold have been happy with 6 inches...I was really surprised when I found I am getting 8 inches and more.

4. Quality and a decent warranty.

5. Fun factor. This one is easy to use, quick to learn and all about fun.

6. Value. I bought the 2 coil package with the free pinpointer for about $200 last August.
The pin pointer is just about useless, but the extra sniper coil in this package makes this one of the best values on the market.

Just some good information on one of your choices, and even though I don't have any hands on experience with your other two picks, I can tell you before I spend my hard earned money on any anything I tend to research all choices to death.

That's just me, and I hope this info can do you some good.

Good luck with your decision!

Digger27

(David)
 
Perhap's you can find a dealer who will agree to let you buy a unit, and if its not to your liking, let you get the other model. Of course there will probably be a small penalty for getting the other unit. Contact one of FindMall's dealers and see if this is possible. Better yet, contact a FindMall dealer, before purchasing, and get their advice on what unit would probably serve you best under your particular circumstances.
Good Luck
 
John the f2 is the winner of that bunch. It's lighter, faster recovery, responds to trash better and has a 5 year warranty. Call or email me if you have more questions. F2 has a really good holiday packages with it to! Holler if I can help.
 
I'm familiar with the CM and have had the other two. I could write all sorts of performance (or the lack thereof) data and points but the bottom line is to some degree, you'll be taking a leap of faith here based partially on the input of others so you'll ultimately take or leave what I have to say in the first place. Of the three, I'd recommend the F-2 by a fairly wide margin BUT, I'd also suggest you strongly consider the Teknetics Delta which I still own. "Street price" is around $279 and it's typically packaged with a very nice quality detector case as well as either some decent headphones or target probe. For actual pricing, check with Larry, Bart, or any of the other sponsors. Of these 4 mentioned detectors, I feel the Delta is both the best performer with the most features and the definitely the best value!! Good luck with your choice.
 
Has he 'swung your F4 or spectrum much? That's where to start and let him determine if this is for him. He may also enjoy the weight/ergonomics/simplicity of one brand over another! I say get the F4 in his hands and take him to an area an set it up and work with him for an hour or so and let his response after determine what to do. I can't comment on brands as I only have fisher and radioshack.
 
This is exactly the kind of input that I was hoping for. I really appreciate this. And I'm very impressed with the 'professionlism' here on this board. I know where I'll be 'hanging out', learning as much as I can about how to get the most from the detectors that I own. Oh, and I appreciate the additional suggestions, too (like the Delta, and like letting my father-in-law try out my detectors).

If anyone else has any further suggestions, please speak up.

John
 
out of the 3 detectors mentioned I have only used the coin master pro and recommend you stay away from it. White's cheapened the rod system up on it and it wobbles bad. They also never put any padding in the armcup and it will irritate your arm on a warm day. The stock 9 inch coil is too big for the coin master....a 6 inch coil would work much better in the trash. For the reasons mentioned I only kept my coin master for a week before getting rid of it. For the money spent, a Tesoro Silver
 
I wanted a good cheap detector for my son who is just turning 7. I got the opportunity to try out all 3 of the detectors, as well as watch tons of youtube videos and read countless reviews. To me it came down to 2, the Fisher F2 and Ace 250....I ended up going with the F2 and could not be happier. The F2 is a great machine for the money...I have recommended it to many of my friends who wanted to try out detecting but not invest much $$. Two of my friends have purchased the F2 now also and they are very happy. I worked a great deal out with a dealer. I got the detector, with 4" Coil, 8" Open Search Coil, a Pinpointer (reeaally cheap...get a Garrett Pro-Pointer)....and a coil cover for the 8" coil all for only $195 shipped...at that price with all that is included...its a steal. Also since it was for my young son I purchased an extended warranty from a top rated online company...3 years INCLUDING accidental breakage AND water damage...for only $27.99....which I figured I could not go without. PM me if you want the warranty company info....great investment to protect your investment.
 
joe dirt_1 said:
out of the 3 detectors mentioned I have only used the coin master pro and recommend you stay away from it. White's cheapened the rod system up on it and it wobbles bad. They also never put any padding in the armcup and it will irritate your arm on a warm day. The stock 9 inch coil is too big for the coin master....a 6 inch coil would work much better in the trash. For the reasons mentioned I only kept my coin master for a week before getting rid of it. For the money spent, a Tesoro Silver
Click to expand...
 
Again, thanks for the comments and suggestions.

I've heard good things about Tesoro detectors. But, my I think a digital detector with VID will be better for him. While he'll still need to learn the 'sound' of any detector that he uses, VID will be a big help to him, I think.

I noticed that there were some pretty bad reports on the Coinmaster and Coinmaster Pro, on another website, but I wanted input from this 'group'. I appreciate it.

I'll have to take a look at the Teknetic's Delta. While it's a bit more than I had planned on spending, it would be nice for him to have something that he won't 'outgrow' as quickly.

John
 
What is the level of ground mineralization where you hunt. Is most of the hunting going to be in the discrimination mode. Ground mineralization/disc is a key factor in choosing a unit.
 
He lives in Ottawa, KS....about 60 miles or so S.W. of Kansas City (Lenexa, KS, Overland Park, KS, etc.). I don't think the mineralization is too bad in that area, but I could be wrong. Most of his hunting will be in that area.

On the other hand, he'll also be hunting down here, too, when he comes to visit. I'm in Springfield, MO. Our ground has pretty heavy mineralization. But, when he come down here, he can also use my F4 (which probably is better in this area, since it can be manually ground balanced.....correct?).

John
 
Now that a couple of you have mentioned the Teknetics Delta, I'm taking a closer look at that machine. And, the question about ground mineralization has got me wondering how the F2, ACE 250, and Delta would compare in more heavily mineralized ground. Any thoughts?

John
 
So, does no one have any comments on how the F2 and the Delta 4000 compare in handling mineralized ground?

John Rayfield, Jr. CETma
 
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