Hello all..............

[joepierce]

I've been informed that I need to come here.... and ask the questions that always gets asked... WHAT is good?
I will be doing land hunting most of the time... and with me being into computers and learning quickly.. I do not want to make a mistake at spending hard earned money on a detector that I will get bored with quickly... I want one that will keep me on my toes... and teach me..

There are sooo many out there.. and I'm afraid to pick one on my own.. for I'm soo green but I know once I get into it.. I will learn quickly...
I've been told by the doctors I need to go walking and move instead of sitting at my computer all day... I have had 2 heart attacks and a major surgery so this is not only something I need to do but something I want to do..

So do you ever turn in your coins or rings for cash?

Thanks for the wonderful help and once I finally get one and go out.. I promise to share.. I'm here to stay.. at least as long as God allows me.. I've been told I can have another heart attack at anytime..

So help this 44 year old that doesn't know what he is looking at.. my price range is about 6 to 700.00

 

[BarberBill]

IMHO what you've said makes me think you'd do well with either a Whites XLT, DFX, or V3. You may need to look for a clean used one to stay within your budget, but they can be found. Simpler machine? MXT or M6.
BB

 

[Joel-Winnipeg]

Whites detectors has a nice little detector with not much learning curve .
Heard good reports and very reasonably priced under $200.00 made in the USA.
Good beginner unit and its called Coinmaster very light to swing.
I use the MXT, bit more learning curve about $800.00 new.
Also use the XLT longer learning curve.
Coinmaster would be a good back up if you liked the hobby and decided to upgrade

 

[dave5710]

All of the brand name manufactures make entry level machines. My best advice would be to talk to Richard at Backwoods detectors and see what is available from him. Also keep in mind that you will need a little money for necessary extras as well. You will need batteries, a digging tool, some kneepads, and a finds pouch. These don't need to be expensive, but they do have a cost.

As far as keeping or selling your finds that is totally up to you. I collect coins and I keep the best example of all the silver coins I find. I don't have a problem selling off the less desirable duplicates. I also sell any gold and silver jewelry I find, as I don't have any use for it.

Still it is nice to keep some things, so that you have something to brag about. Common modern day coins can be cashed in as you find them,or at the end of the year, or as necessary. Otherwise you will have buckets of them filling up your basement or garage.

The important thing is to get started and to get moving, you can always trade for something better later. Or you may want to keep your first machine as a back up or for your buddies to use. Hunting with a buddy is usually more fun.

 

[joepierce]

Richard at Backwoods where ? here?

 

[woodwizard]

for a real good entry level ya can't beat a ace250 you don't want to get a top of line machine that complicated to learn as ya will just chuck it the closet or sell it.-ya must crawl before walking-do your self a favor get an ace 250 run/learn it for a yr than up grade.have seen them complete with headphones-which are a must have-and a case for around $215.00-another piece of advise -stay away from kellyco

 

[Larry (IL)]

Richard is a good dealer, but I don't think he is a White's dealer anymore.....I might be wrong. I would give the White's line of detectors a long look. Quality products and excellent service too. The White's M6 or even the MXT might fall into your price range. You can go to www.whiteselectronics.com and type in your zip code for a dealer near you.

 

[dirtdigginlady]

I'd suggest the White's MXT. It is easy to learn but will keep you busy. It is a great unit for the price.

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Probably an XLT....would fill your needs...My advice visit a mult-line dealer or attend a local metal detecting club meeting as they usually allows guests and could offer good input for your area...

 

[joepierce]

for a real good entry level ya can't beat a ace250 you don't want to get a top of line machine that complicated to learn as ya will just chuck it the closet or sell it.-ya must crawl before walking-do your self a favor get an ace 250 run/learn it for a yr than up grade.have seen them complete with headphones-which are a must have-and a case for around $215.00-another piece of advise -stay away from kellyco

Why stay way from Kellyco... I've heard some say ok.. and others not.. just want to make sure I go where I should...

 

[shawnrmartin]

for a real good entry level ya can't beat a ace250 you don't want to get a top of line machine that complicated to learn as ya will just chuck it the closet or sell it.-ya must crawl before walking-do your self a favor get an ace 250 run/learn it for a yr than up grade.have seen them complete with headphones-which are a must have-and a case for around $215.00-another piece of advise -stay away from kellyco

Why stay way from Kellyco... I've heard some say ok.. and others not.. just want to make sure I go where I should...

I don't know what he's talking about. I have bought 6 detectors from them in the past 25 years, 2 in the past 6 months, and never once had a problem.

 

[Old Katz]

Kelly Co is ok, its just sometimes the customer service seems to be lacking, or at least thats what some people claim. Others think its just fine.
They have good prices. It really just depends on who you talk to. When they say postage free beaware that if you take all the goodies/extras
that they give you with the detector, you have to pay the postage extra for those goodies. Some of the goodies are not that
interesting and one might even classify them as junk. But if your getting a free pinpointer, and I have seen some detectors come with them as an incentive then paying the extra for
postage is in your best interest.

Good luck with whatever detector you get. You'll have a lot of fun.

Katz

 

[Waterdog]

I would take a look at Garrett Ace 250. Simple to use, easy on the pocket book, and always people ready to buy one if you want to upgrade later at another type of metal detector. I have several metal detectors in my closet, some of them costing over $ 1000 and when I head out the door I reach for my Ace 250.

 

[Monte]

I've been informed that I need to come here.... and ask the questions that always gets asked... WHAT is good?
I will be doing land hunting most of the time... and with me being into computers and learning quickly.. I do not want to make a mistake at spending hard earned money on a detector that I will get bored with quickly... I want one that will keep me on my toes... and teach me.

There is a lot to learn, but the detector won't really "teach" you anything, as such. You will have to learn about two things:

Learn about metal detectors, such as how they work, in general, and specific to the make/model you have. This includes learning the merits of different search coil types and sizes, control set-up, sweep speed requirement and limitations (search coil presentation), etc.

You will also have to learn about metal detecting, and by that I mean search site selection, realizing the potential of some sites, reading a site to determine the more likely spots to hold desired targets, how to research for new sites, gaining access to sites, pinpointing and target recovery, and so much more.

There are sooo many out there.. and I'm afraid to pick one on my own.. for I'm soo green but I know once I get into it.. I will learn quickly.

Due to the wide-range of detector designs and little (or major) differences in how manufacturers make the work, site selection and site challenges, and little changes that come along in the way of detector design and site variables, it is a never-ending learning process. Sure, we can learn the 'basics' and go detecting and find stuff, but if we stop learning and think we know it all, we'll be making a mistake. I started out in the spring of '65 my making my first 'metal/mineral locator", as they were called then, and I think I have a comfortable knowledge of how they work and how to work them. I've had decent success through all these years, but one reason I fell I have been so fortunate is because I make it a point to always try to learn something new, or refresh my memory of something I have learned in the past.

I've been told by the doctors I need to go walking and move instead of sitting at my computer all day... I have had 2 heart attacks and a major surgery so this is not only something I need to do but something I want to do.

You won't get "burn-em-up" exercise that will wipe out high caloric intake, and you're not going to become a buff specimen from a metal detecting workout, however .... the benefits you gain, health-wise, are that you can occupy your mind, intake some fresh air, and NOT be a "couch potato" which can lead to boredom and munching. I'm sure we can all agree that idle snacking isn't the best thing to help us be healthy.

So do you ever turn in your coins or rings for cash?

Yep! I try to hang onto some "favorites" I've found, like my first Flying Eagle 1

 

[Oakman404]

You also might want to consider the Garrett GTP 1350. It is a mid range machine that you can operate as a newbie right out of the box but it has some very nice advanced bells and whistle's when you are ready. I don't think you would "out grow" it soon.

 

[hershey1]

You're at the right place. Read the forum's. All the good detector's are represented well and the people that can run them can make your decision a lot easier. As far as exercise. A few miles a day plus a multitude of knee-bends, what more could you ask for.
HH

 

[lafatlife]

You want to be kept on your toes with a detector that is in your price range, look for a Minelab Safari that is used. That will keep you interested.

 

[Xmarks]

I agree with woodwizard 100 % Grab yourself the ace 250 and dont look back. The ace 250 is a great starter detecter and you will find a lot of great things before you upgrade. I to would stay away from kellyco. I try to deal with the smaller dealers. Have fun!