Metal Detector Beginner - I Need Advice, Please!

[Coin Sniper]

Howdy, all!

My name is Victor. I was born and raised in Miami, Florida. I am 44 years old, have been married to my better half for 23 years and have three beautiful children, one of which is already in college. I've been through a few health issues and a couple of near-death accidents, so it's pretty safe to say that life has taught me and continues to teach me to get the most out of every day. Throughout my life, I've realized that there have been certain things that I have wanted to do, but for whatever reason, was unable to. I love the outdoors in general. More specifically, I enjoy boating, guns, ATVs, barbecuing/smoking and different types of photography, but there's still one thing that I haven't ventured into and that's metal detecting. I remember seeing different detectors in stores and wanting to give them a try, but never got the opportunity to do so. Well, that's what has ultimately brought me here!

In my almost non-existent spare time, I have been reading up on different metal detectors. Over the last 6-8 months, I've tried to absorb as much knowledge as possible about metal detectors by scouring the internet. I've seen my fair share of forum posts and YouTube videos. Being a gadget person and since I feel fairly comfortable with anything electronic or computerized, I have leaned heavily towards those metal detectors with informative screens on them. Since I have never owned or used a metal detector and am literally starting into this hobby from scratch, I wanted to run my decision by all of the experts here before pulling the trigger on the wrong piece of hardware.

I've decided that I will, more than likely, be purchasing a Minelab CTX-3030 Standard detector. I like the fact that it has waterproof capabilities and this is what edged my decision towards the Minelab over the other detector that I was ultimately considering, which was the White's Spectra V3i. I have a lot of opportunities to detect in or near water and wouldn't want to miss out on those opportunities by not having a waterproof machine.

At this point, I guess I have three questions for all of you before I proceed:

1) Would this be the wrong detector for a beginner like myself? I figured that I should just jump into the deep end of the lake and learn how to swim.

2) In your opinion, what would be the learning curve for a detector of this caliber? In other words, what I really need to know is, would this metal detector and the knowledge needed to run it properly be overwhelming to comprehend without first learning on a basic machine?

3) I have seen many posts made by current 3030 owners indicating that they've purchased their units for well below the standard MAP pricing that every vendor has to advertise on their websites and on eBay. Where can I purchase one of these metal detectors at a fair price, but also from a person or entity that will support me after the sale?

In closing, I apologize for my long-winded post, but I hadn't had the chance to formally introduce myself and I wanted to make sure that I covered all of my bases on my first post. Thank you for your time, your knowledge and for allowing me to become a part of your metal detecting family!

Take care, my friends, and "HH"!

 

[leroy1937]

my first machine was a Garret 1500 it has belltone when you hit coin it sound like a bell
Find a dealer and check it out.
Don't know if water proof
dealer will know

 

[Joel-Winnipeg]

Garrett's AT PRO would be a good first choice, good for land and water.
Reasonable priced for a beginner and learning curve that's not to steep.
You can then upgrade to a higher detector once you've got the bug
and use the AT PRO as a backup.
Check out that At Pro forum.

 

[mudpuppy]

Great post Victor! Informative, well written, and gives us insight as to your personality traits...You sound like the kind of guy that can handle just about anything, getting good at this is a matter of commitment, ie; coil to ground time...i'd say you are over thinking this...just go ahead and jump in the deep end, theres plenty of help on this forum to assist you, as well as a "detectors for sale" thread just in case. I for one, look forward to your success!
Mud

 

[Elton]

It is at the top of first page..Those guys have the experience on Ocean Water detecting with the CTX.........

They read this forum too.But maybe not as often as there................. Good Luck with what ever detector you decide on....

 

[scubadetector]

If you have the cash and want to jump in with both feet, yes the CTX3030 will be a great machine that you shouldn't grow out of. I do believe you will also get lots of expert advice on the CTX forum. Good luck in your endeavors

 

[WIHawker]

Wow that is a hell of a first detector. Lot to learn on that beast. Metal detecting can be very frustrating at first. Patience is the best tool for the hobby. Doing your homework on places to hunt is sometimes more important that doing your homework on what machine to use.

Like it was posted before a AT pro would be a better choice IMO. Master the AT then get the minelab and have the AT for a back up or one to let a buddy or family member to use. Make sure to purchase a good pin pointer, it will save you time. I wont go detecting without one now.

Good luck

 

[Sailorman]

I started with the AT-Pro. A great first machine and not so hard to learn. Get the 5x8 coil with it! I then got my hands on an E-Trac but kept the AT-Pro. I still use both in different situations. I'd start of with the AT-Pro for a bit and get a feel for things. It would also help you to decide if you need a higher end machine or not and if you do, which way to go.

 

[Coin Sniper]

Leroy, thank you for your suggestiong!

Joel, thank you for your suggestion, as well!

Mud, thank you for the vote of confidence! I, sir, like the way you think!

Elton, thank you for your suggestion! I did not post specifically on the CTX forum because I don't own one, but I do read what they post over there (very informative group). When I finally acquire a detector, I'll visit that specific forum. Thanks, again, for your help!

Scuba, thank you, as well, and I wish you the same!

Hawker, I'm a patient person, especially when I decide to learn about a new hobby. I tend to overanalyze things, so I guess that'll be a good trait to have when learning the particulars of a specific metal detector (I hope!). I appreciate your suggestion about the pinpointer, as well. Unfortunately, it looks like Minelab dropped the ball on their unit. At least that's the impression that I'm getting from most of those who own it. Thank you for your suggestions!

Sailor, I considered the E-Trac, but figured that the CTX "should" have the latest technological advancements, so that was my logic for deciding to go the 3030 route, instead. If you look at electronics in general, the manufacturers will typically put their better/faster guts into their latest releases. Sometimes, the end result is not always better, but after seeing the reviews, I do think that the CTX is a very capable machine. Thank you for your suggestions!

 

[leroy1937]

go to a metal detecting deal in your area and have hands on experience
most dealers Handel many brands

 

[Sailorman]

When it comes to your first detector don'tspend too much time over analysing it to death. Get one in your hands and start hunting. That will teach you more than anything else!

 

[GunnarMN]

I think you are a smart person and could learn the machine, I know a lady up hear that got one , she started with a ace 250. but she pulled a record 71 quarters out of one spot hey look what people are finding lots of silver, I think its a good machine, and you could handle it it comes with a manuel and you have the help on this fourum , plus if you can get on the beach it will pay for itself. I would say go for it . now on the badd note, some have had problems with the machine just turning off, weather yours will do this who knows, I have owned two machines that i wish i got for my 1st detectors the GT and the bliss, let us know how you get on Gunnar

 

[5900_XL-1]

I agree with the folks who suggest the AT Pro first. You will want a backup machine anyway, and you'd not be the first to find out that detecting isn't what you thought it would be, so putting over 2,000 dollars into a 3030 from the git go could give the next owner a heck of a deal, and you losing some serious bucks. The AT Pro and the Garretts Propointer is what I would do, and then decide if I wanted to jump in with both feet. Just because something is the latest technology doesn't make it the wisest decision. Do you know anything about the Edsel automobile? BTW, I bought into the flagship of detectors in a Whites machine after simply playing with an older analog machine for a few months. I've had lots of stress with the thing. You say that you don't have lots of spare time("In my almost non-existent spare time",,,I predict that you might have many fruitless hunts with a top end machine because you can't give it adequate time each hunt. But hey, if you got the money and feel like going "all in" on the 3030, do it. I bought my Whites using your mentality, and it's had some satisfying days. I would have done it differently had I known then what I know now though. martin

 

[Nirros]

Hi Victor, Upon reading your post I must say.......It reminds me of ME almost to a tee. I actually have always had the bug since finding my first diamond ring while fishing in a local river at the age of 12. Many Many years later I became disabled and cant do the extreme outdoors things I use to . I am also in my forties and have found that if I dont do some of the things Ive always wanted to try then I may not ever get the chance. OK now to your question. I did exactly what you have done by research and I ended up getting an AT Pro. my reasons were this....even though I could afford a more expensive machine I wanted one that was cost effective, I wanted a machine that fit my learning curve but also let me go basic if I have a "brainfart" day, I wanted a waterproof machine as I live on and around water, lastly I didnt want to have to upgrade for at least 5 years. The AT pro is definately the best bang for your buck and if you are tech savvy the learning curve isnt that bad . I love this machine and only having it for 10 months I know what its telling me 95% of the time . I would definately pick up the 5x8 coil from the start.......took me 8 months to break down and buy one but I cant praise it enough. The weight of the 8.5x11 was about the only bad thing I could sy about the ATPro. Buy it , learn it , and love it! Its a great starter machine that will give you plenty of enjoyment.

 

[GeorgeinSC]

I just purchased my first detector in July. Had wanted one for many years but family finances came before pleasure. I purchased a Sovereign GT. It takes time to learn to understand what it is telling you. I am sure that the learning curve is also steep on other machines. Best advice is to see if you can try a few machines and then make your decision as to the machine that you want to purchase. I have spent a lot of hours swinging the coil and am learning something new from my GT every time that I go out detecting.

 

[edjcox]

See if you can barrow one or even rent it... You may hate detecting as in the beginning you find little of value.... The more you hunt the better you'll understand the hobby, only then spend big bucks CTX..

 

[GoldHunter80]

Just stumbled onto this post and read both pages of it..however I got to the last post on the last page and never did see what your final decision was regarding your detector choice..just curious if you did jump in and buy that new CTX or what you decided on..I too am new to the hobby and my first detector was the Minelab Safari..I was deciding between that and the E-Trac but due to finances I went with the Safari instead..I feel that I made a smart decision going with the Safari for my first detector because of the simplicity of it..I must admit that for a first detector it still was rather expensive not knowing if this would be something I grew tired of or if it just didn't turn out to be what I thought it would..however, so far I've just been bitten harder by the "bug" and don't see this as a hobby that's going to grow old in my future anytime soon..lol eventually I will be buying another detector and probably be buying the CTX myself..unless something bigger and better has come along..I do favor the Minelabs and want another of their top of the line FBS models for my next detector..anyway, I hope to hear back from you about which one you chose an how everything is going for you so far.

 

[RedRockNv]

My 2 cents. You are intelligent, organized and comfortable with tech. You will be detecting on land and water. Get the CTX 3030 that you want. Use the stock programs but first learn coil control. Once you have control of your machine and impulses (pretty much what we see ppl on TV doing with a detector (cop shows scheech)) then and only then start to play with the programs. By then you should be beginning to know what questions to ask. Without coil control all the fancy settings and programs designed for this or that are worthless. Might as well go buy the cheapest detector you can find and be satisfied with what you are lucky enought to stumble over. From your post I am sure you will do better than the average.

 

[DirtAngler]

I have to agree with the post by 5900 and what the OP himself stated. He says he really doesn't have much free time so getting a high end machine might not be a real good choice as every machine, even an entry level machine, requires time on it to learn it. A top end machine like the 3030, while it can be easily learned, requires many hours on it to fully learn it. I too feel a better first detector would be a Safari. It is a simple FBS machine that should meet most of his needs. Then if he feels this is a hobby he needs to dedicate more time to, go for the more advanced detector and have the easier to learn machine as a backup/spare. JMHO.

 

[Nauti]

Hi Victor,Redrock has given you the best advice.Get the machine that you are most interested in which is the ctx......if you get anything else you will always be thinking about your first choice and wishing you had purchased it.I do not believe in all this learning curve hype to be honest....again like redrock says there are factory set programs on all the top machines which hardly need any learning at all.....they are basically switch on and go programs.Use these first while you hone your detecting techniques and then slowly progress on to the more advanced features when you are more familiar with the detector.In the ctx you have got everything a detectorist could ever wish for and you will not outgrow it for years to come.If you by an atx pro (which is a great machine),it will not teach you anything about the ctx because they operate in a totally different way so why buy it to learn on in the first place.....you will still have to totally re learn the ctx after using the pro so effectively you will be at square one again.Just learning the ctx from the start will mean you get a full understanding of the machine without any distractions of the comparisons you might make with anything you have used before.Every detector has to be learned to get the best out of them and each one has to be learned differently so you will gain no advantage in using something else and the progressing to the ctx.Just go for it,learn it and enjoy it....you will have one of the best machines on the market today.