I appeal to the pros...........

[Monte]

Let me start out with some easy-to-consider replies.

If anyone cares to know alittle about me. I'm an old man, not well, my doctor wants me to walk. My dear wife is on my back about getting out there and walking, which is hard for me to do unless I can accomplish something at the same time. I figure metal detecting would be a good hobby. I live in a very old village [early 1800's] in northern Illinois and I have access to alot of property in town that no one has ever searched before. There is a very large creek that flows thru town along my property, I will be moving to Georgia [south of Atlanta] within the next year due to my health. If I can get the least bit of help with finding the right metal detector for myself it would help me feel good about helping so many others all these years, I've already been misinformed by a metal detector salesman and this time I want to get the proper equipment. I am not an idiot......well I don't think so anyway, lol.

By calendar, I am only 61, but other health issues have me in the 75-80 "age group" due to diabetes, high blood pressure, nasty arthritis and degenerative disc disease. This is a wonderful hobby if you just put in the time and effort to learn your detector and search coils (at least two). I've been a a very avid detectorists since i started in early '65 and as long as I can deal with health concerns, I'll be doing my best to get my share (or more).

Let me also suggest you keep your thoughts on a smaller, lighter, well-balanced detector and remember to invest in a smaller-than-stock coil. I like some of your picks, but will side with 'Markmac' when it come to one of the best investments in a very versatile detector ... Omega 8000. Another okay pick to save you a little would be the Gamma 6000. I use my Omega 8000 with the stock 10" elliptical concentric coil about half the time and the other half I've got the excellent 5" round DD coil mounted. Yes, I have the 11" BiAxial DD coil and use it on occasion, but most sites I hunt are trashy and the 5" DD coil is a killer.

I've been lurking for a few days now and the members here are very nice and seem to know their stuff. I am just getting into detectors at this time. I have done a bit of research on the model/brand that might be best for me. But its really all so confusing even tho I have alittle knowledge. So heres my question; I want to get a decent metal detector so I don't have to upgrade for a long time. I would like one that can detect relics, coins and gold. Tho I realize that I should get a dedicated gold detector I am told that there are some regular metal detectors that can do a fair job with the gold. Tho gold is not my main concern.

You didn't express exactly what features/functions would be good for you. As for "looking for gold" that's not a big deal, UNLESS you are specifically searching for native gold nuggets. Serious "nugget hunting" does call for a model that has the proper mode and flexibility, a decent operating frequency, and a good search coil selection. Most "gold" we find, however, comes in the way of gold jewelry found on beaches, sports fields, playgrounds, etc.

I have up to $1000 to spend but I really want to get my moneys worth tho I know its possible that some less expensive models can be very good. Here are the detectors that I think might be decent.

Minelab Safari w/standard DD 11" coil
Minelab Soverein GT w/ standard 10" coil
Minelab X-Terra 705 w/standard 9" and 5x10" coils
Whites MXT 300 w/standard ltd 300 12" coil
Whites MXT pro w/standard ltd 300 12" coil
Garrett GTI 2500 pro w/standard 9.5" and 12.5" coils

These are the ones that I decided upon and were recommended to me by several people. The coils listed are the standard coils purchased with the detector packages at Kellyco. Any other detectors or packages you might suggest would be great. I would appreciate anyones opinion on these or any other detector for what I plan on useing it for. [coins, treasure and some gold prospecting]. I am open to any suggestions on different metal detectors as well as different coils. Ease of use, weight, and all the other important things are always a consideration, Gosh I hope I'm not asking too much here. I know that the detectors I have listed should be decent but still I'm so confused.

The better model you have listed for seeking out gold nuggets and such but versatile for everything else would be the White's MXT, MXT 300, or my favorite of the MXT's the new MXT Pro. That said, the best coil for most detecting use ... my biased opinion ... is the 6

 

[Premium Parrots]

Good Lord Monty you must be my long lost twin. I hope you have the great support of your family. It helps a lot when dealing with health issues. Great post tho, thanks. Adjustment features.......hey I'm just getting my head straight on the coils..

 

[Crispy Critter]

The T2, Fishers F75 or F75 LTD are all well balanced, light and great performers.

Best of luck with your decision,
bottlebum

 

[Cupajo]

Detecting is not how I "pay the bills", so I don't consider myself a "Pro", however I have sold some gold and silver I found over the years and I'm told that maybe I do qualify as a "Pro".

Anyway, most of my hunting has been beach and water hunting with just enough dry land searching to stay competent.

I have never tried one, but I've been told that a "Swingy Thingy" can make handling a detector even a heavy one a pleasure.

Best of luck to Ya PP,

CJ

 

[JeffNS]

I don't see Fisher in that lineup. They've got some very nice machines. In your price range...F5, F70, perhaps used F75. I am waiting for delivery of a CZ-3D. If you google Tom Dankowsi you'll find a wealth of information on this an other machines. Everybody here has alot of great advise too. I'm no pro though...just got into the hobby myself. Another hunt to two and I'll have broken the 1000 coin mark. Nothing amazing yet. Dug a few silver rings and a few silver coins. Just get out there...pace yourself. It's not a race. And most importantly have fun.

 

[hershey1]

You have gotten some great replies so here comes another one maybe not as great but this is what I think might help you with your decision. You mentioned a detector shop close by. When you can go by try out the different machines you have on your list and if there is one you like ask them for a demo price. They may give you a good deal on what you want and get the warranty also. Just a thought. HH

 

[Neil]

You said in your post that you're an old man and not well. If you aren't exaggerating there are a couple of important factors that haven't been mentioned, the weight and balance of the detector you choose. I'm pushing 70, arthiritic and have been swinging detectors for over 40 years. Until four or five years ago I could detect all day with any of the several detectors I always have on hand, regardless of weight or balance, but those days are gone and I now have to either hipmount or use lighter, well balanced detectors if I detect for much over two hours at a time. Weight and balance probably isn't a factor to the young guys, but they definitely become factors as we get older.

This is a great point. If its to heavy your not gonna want to or be able to swing it for any real time. from the list you have Id add a few others, like a metered Tesoro or perhaps a fisher F75/F70, something light like that, that still performs really well.
Neil

 

[rapidroy7]

welcome to the addiction premium parrots, i just love the way Monte breaks things down for you i see that in your post 2! If you took his advice on the omega you could buy a second detector for your dear wife or for hunting buddy or back-up? wonder if Kelly-co still has the bogo sale or maybe a tesoro compadre light and 1 button simplicity?happy hunting grounds 2all^

 

[bumshot]

Listen to what Monte says. He knows his stuff. I am well over 71. I had a Minelab Explore ll. It got way to heavy for me. I had the swingy thingy on it. It helped a lot, but was a hassle when digging. Also disliked the slow reset. I got the Teknetics Omega with the three coils. Now it is fun to detect again. The little five inch coil really does a good job. Very light and easy to learn to operate. I am finding more coins now than I did with the Explorer and more fun.
With your arthritis problem, I would think it would be better for you to live in Arizona. It has low humidity. Georgia has high humidity. Arizona is hot in the summer, but Georgia is hot too, only with high humidity. I don't have to worry about heat here in ND in the winter. It does get hot in the summer.

 

[dirtdigginlady]

n/t

 

[BuckeyeBrad]

I've owned and used the detectors you're considering minus the 705 but I've had several XT 70's and I'm comfortable in that those are close enough to be "the 90 for the 10". You've gotten a wealth of opinions in this post and none of them are bad information. I hope you take these opinions, mine included, as useful guidence but not something that you should exclusively just take to the bank. First detectors are tough to nail dead nuts right UNLESS you are of the mind that you plan on using and mastering it as much as possible whatever you wind up with. Others that posted may have used all of the 'tektors you mentioned and have valid preferences based on their experiences and needs. Fast forward to a year from now and your opinion may be different. Myself, I'd prefer and recommend a few that you apparently aren't considering. Others have already mentioned them so I don't need to. I guess what I'm basically trying to say is, (like others have already), consider avoiding the detectors that may prove to be a physical burden, and as you digest this input from others, consider to a degree how many different detectors they've personally used and no matter what THAT answer is, realize that would be best not to use that as your sole reason(s) for buying a particular detector. Try and do as much of the homework that you can do, relax, have fun, and know that the detector you buy will inevitably initially be a leap of faith to a degree. Despite that, you have the opportunity to make it all that you'll ever need unless you wind up getting into the hobby deeper than your head and budget.

 

[Premium Parrots]

Hi everyone. I've really done alot of research here and other places. I feel that I do need a lighter MD as all of you have mentioned. I'm probably going to go with the newly introduced Minelab 705 Gold Pack. That has the 5 x 10 DD coil. I really think the omega 8000 is a very similar detector so I think it would mostly boil down to personal use/experiance as to whether one is better than the other. I hear alot of good things about both. Of course, your thoughts are always welcome and appreciated. I will be makeing the purchase sometime tomorrow. Probably later in the afternoon because I am anxious to hear your response to my decision and I want to give you all time to see this post. You opinion really does matter to me.

I did go to the Xterra forum and the Teknetics forums here and read a lot..... I mean A LOT. These two are so similar but I'm thinkin that the 705 with that 5 x10 DD coil is right up my alley for what I want to do. I know I have to learn whatever detector I decide upon.

Thanks to Monte for taking the time to post his detailed information. And to all the rest of you for the info and the warm welcome.

Metal Detecting 101 for old folks. lol. good one.......and apparently more accurate than I would have ever imaged.

An fyi to the members in central Illinois. I have about 1200 private acres in Pekin Illinois that I have full access to. It has a 60 acre lake and several smaller lakes, ponds, streams etc. The landscape if simply beautifull. You might know of this estate. Its the Lutticken Estate and the main lake is called Lutticken Lake. My lifelong best friend owns it [inherited it actually]. I may have to visit him soon.

Anyway, tomorrows the day. I do think I'm making a decent decision. But your replys will say for sure.



edit. Buckeyebrad posted at the same time as I. So after i read his post I had to edit my post cuz he explained what I hadn't in my post about personal experiance reviews from the members and also how my opinion may change after a year or two. Good post Brad. Thanks

Thanks again to all of you.

 

[BuckeyeBrad]

n/t

 

[mattw]

On my DFX I find the DC phase to be very important for possible final I'd.

 

[Monte]

I owned the X-Terra 30, X-T 50 and X-T 70. Of the three I liked the X-T 70 the best, but in the end I sold it and went back, at the time, to a White's MXT. Why, you might ask? For a couple of reasons. I don't like to search with a long-extended rod as it gets too nose heavy and you can't control your sweep as well. For me and several others I know, the X-Terra series rod system doesn't adjust short enough. I'm just under 6' now and the shortest length just barely works for me, and three gals I know had to have a shorter lower rod installed.

Another feature that annoyed me, but then we are all a bit different, is the delayed audio response. When I am hunting trashy sites I like to have a very quick target hit and I find the X-Terra's, then and now, to have a delayed response after the coil's center has crossed the target. That's another reason I went with the MXT and thew 6

 

[Markmac]

PP im in Galesburg iLL so very familiar with pekin and the peoria area about 45 min from me.I wish you the best with your choice and to enjoy this great hobby which myself just got back in to this year after being away from it for about 20 years.I went with the Omega and the three coil pkg and have to admit that its been the best detector i have ever used.its the most fun you can have for around 700.00 dollars....let us all know what your first find is be it trash or a coin or relic..Markmac

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Tough to beat a gold nugget detector made just for that purpose but Jimmy Sierra was instrumental in the abilities of a MXT and would be your best bet for an all around unit...

 

[matthias]

Greetings PP. I agree with others that you should not spend a lot on your first detector. I am new at this hobby too and learned to walk before I learned to run. I am still learning to run and will be learning my Minelab Sov GT and White's DFX for quite a while. I introduced my brother and my neices to metal detecting by showing up one day with a Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505 and began finding coins within minutes.The 505 was my first detector and I quickly learned the essentials of metal detecting. One of the toughest aspects for me of metal detecting was pin-pointing. The last thing you want is to have to dig multiple or over-sized holes just to find a small coin. The 505, even though it had no fancy pin-pointing function, was easy to learn to pin-point. The 505 is made in the USA, it's lightweight, well balanced and has a great warranty. This info is just my two cents worth. No matter what you do I wish you the best. Happy Hunting. Matt