Newbie Looking to Get Started

[stapuftman1970]

Hello, just stumbled into this forum while searching for info on purchasing my first "real" detector. I have had some before, good and bad, mostly bad though. I am somewhat familiar with certain aspects of the hobby, however I am basically a novice. I am looking to purchase my first professional detector. I am wanting to get information on what would be a good, all around detector for a beginner. I am located in north central Missouri and I would be doing most of my hunting either here locally, in southeastern Iowa or west central Illinois. Not looking to go too far from home anytime soon. I want something that is capable of detecting and identifying everything from basic mixed metals to silver and gold and that has a fairly precise discrimination and detailed information display setting. I don't want to spend hours and hours digging up trash and I figure that most of the areas I will be searching will be riddled with garbage and junk. I have always wanted to get into this hobby, but limited physical ability and a meager income have always kept me from it. While I don't see my income situation improving anytime soon, my physical condition will soon allow me much more mobility than I have ever had before and I will be looking to stay physically active. I figure this would be a fun and interesting way to enjoy exercising outdoors. I'm also a history NUT and I love all things old. I think almost every old object has a story to tell and even if you don't know for sure what the history of a find is, it's fun to imagine what it might have been, who it may have belonged to etc. Anyway, any advice would be appreciated. I am only looking to spend about $200 to $250 to get started if I can help it. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[Ron from Michigan]

My suggestion for your price range buy used.If money is a problem and you buy any of these detectors they have a very good resale and you can recover your investment.Tesoro Silver,Whites Classic ID,Garrett GTA 500,Fisher 1235X,Fisher 1236-X2.You also need a pinpointer Harbor Freight has them on sale for as little as $14.95.Good Luck Happy Hunting.Ron

 

[WV62]

Agree Tesoro gives you a big bang and fun for your bucks. Do a little home work and I would suggest you try to find one that you can ground balance.

Big congrats on over coming your limited physical disability, and welcome to the world of detecting and the forum.

Keep the questions coming, seems to be a lot of folks out here that like to help.

Ron in WV

 

[Hank68]

The ace250 would be a good detector to start with, the ability to notch targets and cherry pick, and the accessories are a plus that you can get for it. Hank

 

[TerraDigger]

Teknetic's Greek series detectors in your price range are my recommendation. Ultra light/deepseeking & great target ID capabilities. And will do very well in Iowa soil (low mineralization). Better than Garrett's or older Fisher units of same price range in my humble opinion. Plus they have a 5 year parts & labor warranty. Just be sure to buy from a 'authorized' dealer, like our Findmall dealers, so that you get the 5 yr warranty.

 

[stapuftman1970]

Thanks for all the suggestions and support, I really appreciate it! Question, how does the Garrett Ultra GTA 500 compare to the Ace 250? I've found one of each in about the same price range and I am wanting to know which is the better one of the two?

 

[larryk56]

I purchased several detectors ove the last few years.

From the high end detectors to the lower priced detectors.

You don't need to spend alot of money to get a good detector.
If you ever want to hunt in water then the AT Pro offers a good
bang for the buck.

If water hunting is not something you are going to do, there
are many good options.

If you want a simple dig and beep detector Tesoro makes
a great detector. If you want something that is affordable
with the notch feature ...I would agree that the ACE 250
is a good choice.

You may want to go on Youtube and watch a bunch of
videos. That may help you in your decision.

HH

 

[Canine]

Try to save some $ for accessories. I won't hunt without a pin pointer; what an amazing time saver. The Garrett Pro Pointer is my fav. A quality digger will also make life easier. My 40-year-old knees can't hack it as much anymore, so anything to make the digging faster is high on my list.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

The Garrett GTA 500 is a good unit.I'm surprised the don't sell for more.Deeper than the Ace 250 and has a much wider notch and ID.My suggestion get a decent pinpointer and digger.Good Luck Ron