Needing Suggestions.......

[SAINTaholic]

First time poster....... Living on a large lake that has well over a hundred years of historical population on it (tons of well-traffic / public areas), I've often wondered what treasures might there be. Not having any experience what so ever in metal detecting. I do feel that it's something that I will enjoy. However, my situation is somewhat "two-fold"; I'm not willing to spend the initial high dollar expense in buying a real nice detector mainly cause until I do try / go out there and hunt, I will not be certain if this is something that I'll want to continue to do / pursue. But on the other hand, I am afraid that if I go out and purchase a low cost / "cheapie" detector, I might spend 99% of my time digging up old nails and pull tabs (this will probably discourage about anybody the most). So my personal fix to this situation was that maybe I could find a Used "higher-caliber" detector on the internet (places like www.craigslist.com ) for a fraction of their origional cost. Of the little bit of information I've read, there are basically three types of detectors (VLF, PI, and BFO). Out of the three, the best ones are VLF followed by PI and to completely stay away from BFO's (PLEASE CORRECT ME if I'm wrong on any of this). I've read and pretty much understand the technology behind these three. But other than that, that's all I know. Getting back to the internet and looking for a used detector. I've seen an ad for a Whites CoinMaster Classic 3 for $75. From the little bit of information, it is to my understanding that this is a VERY OLD unit (again, correct me if I'm wrong on this) which really deters me from being interested. Another concern is the operation of a detector, meaning the "needle" type indicators or a digital indicator. I really want something that I necessarly dont have to have a degree to learn how to read what it's detecting. I realize that I'm probably asking for the world here (easy to use, very smart distinguishig between junk and goods, and cheap). Any / all of your comments is highly appreciated.... Oh another person who put up a detector that I've been talking to has one from Radio Shack (it's this type: www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3098887&cp=2032062.2032397&pg=2&parentPage=family ). Yes, I know it's a real cheapie but on the other hand it is a VLF and the best part is that the guy is only asking $25. I've noticed that it's a "needle" type indicator which being that I know nothing about reading this type really scares me. In all honesty, Im thinking of spending no more than $100 for a used one. Do you think I can find a decent one (one that matches my needs) for this price, or am I just dreaming? Once again, any input is much appreciated.

 

[Bugar In. USA]

OK a suggestion from a geezer, I been messin around with all brands/kinds o metal detectors since bout 1975, allright what your'e talkin about in money and craigslist or whatever, welllll I don't think's gonna happen, that kinda money will get you nothin but something to go in the dumpster in a better grade machine, and your $'s gone, to get the goodies around the lake (your'e going to have to dig all the signals anyway,) as gold gives the same readout and usually the same signal as junk, Soooooo what i would reccomend is get a Garrett Ace 100, they don't make em anymore, but some dealers have them still laying around unsold, so what possibly could take place is you get a new in the box old machine, with a new warranty, it is a very simple machine and would serve your purpose very well to get you going into detecting and learn what it is all about, one single knob, but it will discriminate good enough for what you want to do, like most it is not waterproof other than the coil, so just don't get the box wet, wrap it in a baggie, just like you would a $1,000.00 machine, and go about learning, and i'm pretty sure you could get by for under the mentioned $100.00, check with the sponsoring dealers or ask in the classified forum on Finds Classifieds, but what you want is a starter machine, and i think this would get you going without hurting your wallet too much, good luck, you will probably get other suggestions, but this one is mine, probly other people got other ideas, HAPPY HUNTING
Bugar

 

[SAINTaholic]

Thanks Bugar....... Yes, I've received other replies on other sites with different recomendations. Basically I'm taking alot of notes...... One thing I do want people to know is that by no means am I a cheap skate. But more often than not, I've been known to go out and pay high dollar for something that I either think I'm going to like or simply not doing the right research and paying high dollar for something that I should of spent the same amount for on something else once I became more educated, all in all resulting in something that just collected dust in a closet. I really want to avoid repeating this same mistake. So my goal is to buy something that will show the rewards of hunting, but not break the bank just incase this hobbie isnt for me. I'll have no problems later on down the line paying up to very high dollar for an above average md if that's what I want. Thanks for your input / suggestion. I'll definately look into it...

 

[SAINTaholic]

Is a Garrett's Master Hunter CXIII a good MD? The person selling it is asking $250 for it. Is that a good price for the quality?

 

[ruggedjb]

hello Saint
I just recently started metal detecting about a month ago and really didn't want to spend all to much buck. I purchased the ace 150. it has digital graphic id, 3 different tones, and 3 different hunt functions. the hunt modes are all metal, all jewelry which eliminates iron and coin which eliminates iron and pulltabs. you still will run into your pop cans and what not on the coin mode but more then likely when you have it on coin and you hear the bell you've found a coin. only thing I would have done different is I would have got the ace 250, it has a few more options, I don't know anything about the last detector you mentioned but for 250 you could get the ace 250 that would be new with warranty and you get a lot of extras, go to kellyco.com.
just my 2 cents
Joe

 

[John 'n' W.Va]

The Ace 250 will be all the detector you will need for a while. Light, simple to use, and offers a lot so as you learn, you won't out grow the detector quickly. It can nearly keep up with the big boys. It also has a high resell value. There is a point of going cheaper and all you have is useless junk. My two cents!!

 

[slingshot]

The Ace makes for smooth sailin' and can help in the learning transition from relying on the ID to learning to dig some of those "bad" signals that usually mean rings-gold! You don't become discouraged by being tossed into the hunting scene without tools for different situations. Coins mode helps you in high trash areas and the other programs on the machine help to wean you to more serious forms of hunting-and there's always the screen to give you an idea of what to do. And don't worry about battery use either-with headphones you will wonder WHEN the batteries finally run out!

 

[SAINTaholic]

I just found an ad for an ACE 150 and is seller is asking $110. States it's in near mint condition. Is this a good buy, or would it be worth it to look for a ACE 250 for a little bit more (an earlier poster stated that I could find a "new" ACE 250 for about $250, I'm thinking that if it's indeed a far superior md, that maybe I could find a used ACE 250 for maybe $150 - $175.) Or am I just splitting hairs here, and therefore should not pass up on the ACE 150 going for $110?

 

[Uncle Willy]

It's obvious you are a stranger to detecting and detecting and are about to jump off a cliff. Stay away from BFO's ( ancient, outdated, technology - the Whites Coinmaster came over on the Mayflower ), stay away from PI's ( current but complicated technology ), stay away from $25-$75 detectors and bargain Radio Shacks. Unless you're prepared to spend $150-$200 for a detector new or used I suggest you take up needle point as a hobby. Since you are new get a detector with a pinpoint feature and save yourself a lot of grief.

Start with an entry-level detector to see if you're going to like it and for ease of use and learning. Detecting isn't as easy as it looks or sounds and you can't just get one and begin waving it over the ground and start finding treasure right off the bat. Get a simple, easy to use and learn machine, learn it and the hobby, then move up if you wish. Just don't shoot yourself in the foot right out of the gate.

Bill

 

[Uncle Willy]

It's a good machine but a bit much for a newbie.

Bill

 

[ruggedjb]

kellyco.com Ace 250=212$

 

[lazyaussie]

Yeah the ace250 is a good choice for a start it"ll last you for a wile & when you decide to update it makes a good backup detector actually i"v got a couple of other high end detectors but the ace is the most frequently used.
lazyaussie

 

[TesoroGuy]

Hi,
I just read your post. I have a used Whites detector that I will be willing to sell to you if you are interested. It is a discontinued model, but is only about 5 years old. It is a White's Classic II metal detector. It is a pretty nice detector. I am just asking $99 US for it. It has two control knobs on it, on for sensitivity and one for discrimination. For the money, it is a very good detector. Here is my direct email:
qualityspanishtr@yahoo.com
My name is Kevin.
Let me know if you are interested.

 

[Square Nail]

n/t