Garrett Master Hunter CX for beginner detector?

[napascores]

Hello. I would appreciate any feedback on the idea of buying a Garrett Master Hunter CX as a first metal detector and an inexpensive way to try out the sport. Looks rather old school as it has an analog display, but will it do the job to help me learn detecting? It looks VERY basic and straight forward. Also, if it is as easy to use as it appears, I think it would be a good detector to hand down to one of my sons or daughters whenever I upgrade.
Thanks

 

[straker]

I had one of these in the past. Also the CX II and CX III. Preset ground balance in the Discriminate mode. Very good clad hunter as it isn't a depth demon in the Disc mode. The deepest coin I found in my area was 5.5".
You can set ground balance in the All Metal mode if I'm not mistaken. You might want to turn both Disc knobs counterclockwise to get better depth in the Disc mode.
It's a bit rear heavy with the 6-C cell batteries. I don't think Garrett can fix the meter if it needs fixing. Easy to use,but I think most entry units today are equal or better in depth.

 

[napascores]

Thanks for the quick reply. What units would you consider as entry? Thanks again.

 

[Orion42]

Check out the Garrett ACE 250.

John

 

[grumpysrb]

I'd go with the 350 over the 250. Larger DD coil, and It pin points easier. If you are looking for very inexpensive the ACE 150. A better deal if you want a VDI is the Fisher f2

 

[napascores]

Thanks for the help guys! Going to hit the web and see what I can come up with and will hopefully be hunting in a week or so.
Mike

 

[JimmyCT]

I loved my Garrett CX II that I had. A little on the heavy side but did extremely well for me in old and modern coins. Personally, I wouldn't pay much more than $125.00 for it and would take it over the ACE 250 and 350 any day. And yes, I have tried them.

 

[napascores]

Appreciate your comments. I didn't expect this to be such a tough decision. I'm thinking $200 or under now for a used detector. I think I need to not over-think this but rather buy something and get started. The suggestions really help though as I feel like I can jump on an opportunity when it comes up based on the models I'm learning about on this forum. Really impressed with this forum, by they way. Everyone seems genuinely enthusiastic and very civil.

 

[napascores]

Used ACE 350 is on the way. Thanks for the help.