New to metal detecting

[Rich2009]

I have been curious about the metal detecting hobby for a long time. (or is it an addiction)

Live in S.Florida so most detecting will be around parks, and beaches. An occasional trip to Ga. for some relic hunts, or prospecting.

Thoughts of buying a Minelab xterra 705 have been settled...not built in the USA, not buying one.

Our local hobby store has recommended a Whites 5G or M6.

I have never done any detecting, other than a "Radio Shack throw away" when I was a kid.

I am thinking of the M6 or MXT, would either on of these be too much for a 48 year old rookie?

Thanks for the advice and all the great knowledge I have been reading on this site.



Richard

 

[nw1886]

Hey! Either of those machines would be an excellent choice to start out with. Punch deep,stable,not real complicated to get an initial "learn" done with. (Still a lot to learn after that but that's true with any hobby and truly decent piece of equipment!)

Auto ground balance would be a must for you doing the beaches. Salt mode is another. Covered with both of those and you have a large assortment of accessory coils to choose from and grow into as your skills and needs evolve.

Typically I tend to promote the base line MXT with the 950 coil. In your case, and need for the beach hunting, the 300 (12 inch) coil may be better for the additional depth? Others may chime in differently but regardless, your choices there are two of the most "go to" machines in an industry.

Learn basic technique,theory and networking/research skills.....you live in a wonderful region of the country to pursue our hobby. Welcome!! Scott

 

[Larry (IL)]

2nd post in a year.........? A little shy?........ Just kidding and welcome to the forums Richard. I would have to agree with Scott that the 12" might be your ticket to fun not only on the beach but relic hunting as well. If you hunt parks and other high trash areas, you may want to consider a smaller coil to compliment your 12". My vote is for the MXT and you should visit the MXT forum and read what the MXT users have to say about their toy of choice.

 

[Davy Jones Locker]

Both are great machines bit if you want to do a little of everthing then MXT but if more of coin jewlery type thing then M6 .IMHO

 

[John LA]

I presently use the M6. I have had a MXT. I like the tones of the M6 and I'm not a dig everything person. I hunt coins and beach hunt. The MXT would be a better choice if hunting gold nuggets out west. The MXT may also be a better relic hunter for north Georgia.

 

[GoGoGopher]

My Suggestion is the MXT if you have that cash, and get a smaller 3.5 or the 4x6 shooter coil...The standard 950 is great to start with, but once you get into parks, tot lots, and trashy areas, your gonna want something that can weed through that trash and get the goods...
Welcome to the Addiction, and Good Hunting...

 

[Dustyroundup]

Howdy Rich,
Im a newb, to this myself.
Im 45 yrs old , and we just purchased an MXT earlier this year, after 6 months of research.
It is an awesome machine, capable of different ground types, and hunting modes.
Ithink the other big saler for it would be,,the book by Jeff Foster,the MXT EDGE.
It will open your eyes, as to just how much you can do with the machine.
Some have said ,its too technical, and others have said ,they believe in learning through experience.
But in my opinion, its a MUST have.
Go for the MXT if you can. Its true , what they say. You wont find a Used Mxt for sale.
Thats because, once you own one, you wont get rid of it.
Take a look at the classifieds. Heck it was hard to find a 6x10 DD coil a few months back.
Real Hard actually.
Yeah, and check out the MXT forum, ask them ??
But, whatever you choose, Happy Hunting , and Good Luck to ya.
And welcome aboard,
Dusty

 

[BarberBill]

IMHO you could start out quite well with either - both are very capable, but fairly easy to learn machines. The MXT has an edge in versatility due to the prospecting mode while the M6 has the tones feature which is very useful when coin shooting. They share the same coil compatibility so if in the future you might want a second machine you could add either to what you already have. I've been using the MXT for several seasons now with excellent results. I probably would have done pretty much the same using the M6, but as I live where prospecting is an option, I prefer the MXT primarly for that reason even though I haven't done a lot of that to date.
BB