I'm new to this

[AndyIreland]

So new i haven't even purchased a detector yet

I posted in here because it seems to be the most active part of the site, does this site have a subforum dedicated to helping beginners etc?

I'm really interested in buying a detector early this summer, and i want advice on what to get?

I'd also like to find out if there are any people from Ireland on here?

Thanks

 

[NH Bob]

My honest opinion is to get something like the Ace 250 to start with unless you are absolutely sure you're going to like the hobby.
A $200 loss is a lot easier to swallow than a $1200 loss. If in fact you have buddies that Metal detect and you are involved enough to know that you will stay with the hobby. Then buy a better unit .
The Ace 250 is a great starter machine and can be a loaner or back up when you move on up.

 

[AndyIreland]

Thanks for the info mate, i have never done it before but i know in my head that i'd do it all day long if i could

I'll look into the Ace 250, i was looking at videos a member here made of the Fisher F70 but i can't seem to find a price range for it, new or second hand it wouldn't really matter, any chance you could explain a little the difference between something like the F70 and the Ace 250?

Thanks

 

[AndyIreland]

Do you guys go out hunting much and come home with absolutely nothing?

 

[sanddogger]

It does happen, not every person finds something every time they go out.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

If you paid 200.00 for an Ace 250 your not going to take any loss if you don't like the hobby.Probably 15 to 20 dollars they resale very easy and hold their value.I've bought used Explorers and walked away with a couple hundred extra bucks after I found out that this unit wasn't for me.Do your home work.This hobby isn't for everyone.I don't have great finds every hunt but I've yet to come home empty handed.

 

[NH Bob]

The difference is about $700 for one thing. To start out with the F75 is something I would not suggest. First off it is a fast machine. Needs to be swung fast to get proper ID and good depth. It is more for the experienced user.
The Ace 250 is designed to give you the best technology of a midrange detector for a very desirable price.
Now you could jump right into an Explorer and having never used a Metal detector before, have very good luck learning it. It is all in how you approach it. I certainly don't want to discourage anyone from using a Minlab product so you might even want to look into one of the X-Terra series.

 

[AndyIreland]

hmmm decisions decisions

If i went for the Ace 250 do you recommend i buy anything with it?

I checked ebay and for 299 you get this
http://cgi.ebay.com/ACE-250-Deluxe-Bonus-Metal-Gold-Garrett-Detector-ACE250_W0QQitemZ310050835449QQihZ021QQcategoryZ14955QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and 220 you get
http://cgi.ebay.com/ACE-250-Garrett-Metal-Gold-Detector-Treasure-ACE250-NEW_W0QQitemZ310051134621QQihZ021QQcategoryZ14955QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

I'd probably go for the 299 one unless someone here says otherwise, especially seeing how good the

 

[AndyIreland]

One more small question, when metal detecting can you do it in long grass? or does the grass need to be pretty short?

Don't worry i'll be finished asking questions by about this time next year

 

[NH Bob]

In other words, if your coil is 2" off the ground you could conceivably lose 5" in depth. If your machine has an average of 8" in depth which the Ace basically does. You would only be hunting 3" deep. There are variables.
Why don't you look into the X-Terra 50 before you buy anything. Do a little shopping. Don't go by everything I say. I'm just an old Fuddy Duddy who loves this hobby.

 

[NH Bob]

n/t

 

[AndyIreland]

So i just found out metal detecting in Ireland is illegal :veryangry:

You need to get a license from the Department of the Environment, i doubt thats gonna be easy

 

[coinnut]

Maybe the hassle will be worth it!!! Did you ever consider how few people will get one? That spells lots of coins for those who do. Try and find someone who knows someone in that office or similar, and piggy back on their name. It always helps break the ice if someone helps you get in. Good luck.

 

[AndyIreland]

I'm probably gonna do it anyway :blush:

 

[Edgewood]

Make sure you got your laws from a reputable source. After I purchased my SE someone told me it was illegal to metal detect on the ocean beaches here in Washington state which I found out to be false. You just cant detect on private beaches and some other special places. Green beers and no metal detecting make no sense to me Good luck on your quest. I say go for the SE but I'm just starting out and with this fine forum there's lots of help. NH Bob would be the one to take advice from, he seems to be a pretty smart feller.

 

[AndyIreland]

Apparently you have to be pretty much an archaeologist here in Ireland to get a license and even then that doesn't give you the right to go as you please. Lets just hope i don't get caught

I'm sorta leaning towards the Ace 250 at the mo but i'm still undecided, a bit more reading around the forums and viewing youtube vids and i might eventually make my mind up