Is the Ace 250 a good detector to start and learn with?

[papawmark]

My wife and I are avid beach people. I fish for large sharks from the beach...she beachcombs alot. I thought this would be a good sport for both of us to share with all the time we spend on the sand.

Question: 1. Is the Ace 250 a good one to start with?
2. Do you need to be wearing headphones and listening while metal detecting? Would it make it easier I guess is what I mean.

Thanks everyone

Mark Thomas(papawmark)

 

[BigCatDaddy]

The 250 is a great beginner or seasoned hunters machine, but if all you are going to hunt is the beach, the 150 will do just as well. It has the same electronics in it and gets the same depth, just no pinpoint which you don't really need on the beach. Both will do quite well in the dry sand and yes, by all means, get headphones!! I would imagine you might not be able to hear it on the beach without them and if you could so could eveybody else. It's quite annoying when you are not the one using it. Be sure to get 'phones with a volume control as the detector is quite loud thru straight 'phones. Good luck with them sharks, yikes!!

 

[Uncle Willy]

Yes it is - the best. BCD recommended the 150 but if you want to do any land hunting get the 250. It's a great hobby and you'll love it.

Bill

 

[papawmark]

Thanks Bill and BCD for the info....let me ask ya'll this. At the beach, can the detector head work in the water? I guess what I'm asking is can you detect along the surf line at low tide and submerge the head in the shallows? I can get a 250 for $229 here locally, is that a good price or can I beat it on the net by alot? You know how shipping charges make internet shopping a bust sometimes. Anyway, thanks for the advice and info.

 

[Uncle Willy]

The coil is waterproof so you can hunt in the water with it. You might have to turn the sensitivity down a bit and don't try to scan from the water to dry sand and back. Check the net dealers and Kellyco Detectors. The net price used to be $199 but it could have gone up.

Bill

 

[NM5K]

Most all the online dealers seem to be at 212.00 the
last time I looked. That was due to the garrett increase
that kicked in a few months ago. I saw the ace machines
at a local "frys" store, and the walk in retail is a
good bit higher. About $250 bucks plus or minus.
I didn't look to see what they got for the 150's.
I prefer the 250 being it has the pinpointer.
I think it's worth the extra, but to each their own
on that I guess. It's not always needed, but it's sure
nice to have.. Myself, I'm pretty much spoiled on it
and use it all the time. Don't have to dig very big
holes..
I think the 250 is a great starter unit.. I did the
same a few months ago.. So far.. Two thumbs up...
I ended up buying all the coils, covers, rain hood,
yada, yada... It's a pretty versatile machine that
will last a long time before I really need to upgrade.
I think I've got about $430 total wrapped up in it.. I'd
have to double check though... That does include a
automax V2 pinpointer that I got fairly cheap with the
250.. It's been good too , so far...Knock on wood.
MK

 

[Uncle Willy]

It's a good machine to start with and end with as it is equal to a $600-$700 detector.

Bill

 

[papawmark]

Thanks for all the good reports on the 250. It's $229 at my local Frys and I think that is what I'm gonna pick up to get started. I have a couple of other questions for you guys....first...what kind of headphones should I be looking to get? Can I pick up a fairly inexpensive pair...like regular stereo headphones or do I need special ones for metal detecting? Another question I have is about this guys post I'm seeing about the 250 not reading in the saltwater (surf)? I really want to be able to search that lowtide line and out to around 6"-12" of that lowtide surf. Is this thing going to work in that environment? Also, I know the 250 has an optional larger coil. How much are they and is it worth the expense? I'm planning on starting my new hobby next weekend so I want to pick up the detector and headphones this week. What else do I need...like in the way of digging supplies to work with and what depths can I realistically figure on being able to detect objects? Thank ya'll alot for the info!!!!!

 

[papawmark]

Hey BCD....thanks for your input!!! I posted some questions under the other thread I started and wanted your thoughts....you seem to know your stuff and I'm a wisdom seeker.....lol....thanks!

 

[Uncle Willy]

I haven't used the 250 at the beach yet but those that have claim it works fine. Just don't scan back and forth from saltwater to dry beach and you'll probably have to lower the sensitivity.

Headphones are a must for most of us. Some folks buy expensive ones but I don't. I pick up the little Jensen stereo phones with inline volume control for about ten or twelve bucks and they work just fine - plus they are cool and my ears don't drip with sweat. If it's windy at the beach you might want the muff type phones to drown out the wind. You can pick up a decent set for under $30.

You'll have to check the online dealers or Kellyco for price on the larger coil as they vary some. The advantages of this coil is greater coverage and about 2-3 inches more in depth over the stock coil.

Bill