Newbie Questions

[Goldbug]

Hello to all,

This is my first post and I am brand new to art of metal detecting. I am planning to purchase two metal detectors this week. After much online reading and talking with several dealers, I have decided on the X-Terra 70 for myself. And, possibly the Ace 250 for my wife and son to share.

Today, I learned that Minelab will be offering the 3KHz Coil, for free, for purchases made in April. This is good, because I was also planning on purchasing the 18.75KHz coil, for gold prospecting.

I would like to know if there are recommendations, for which dealer to purchase from. And, any to avoid.

Since, I do not own any equipment at all, yet - I am enticed by some of the packages that are offered by some of the online dealers.

If anyone can offer some advice on what is essential to own, I would greatly appreciate any advice.

I reside in Orange County, California, any would like to meet others in the area who might like to detect for Gold in the SoCal areas. Also, Any thoughts on the Ace 250 for my wife? or, another low cost choice?

Jay

 

[Mick in Dubbo]

Hi Golgbug.
Welcome to the hobby.You'll have a lot of fun with the X-terra70. This is a great spot to come to, if you need any advise on the hobby. The guys here are very helpful and have a wealth of knowledge which they are happy to pass on.
As far as the Ace250 goes, although I've never seen one;from what I've read about, if your after a cheap 2nd detector' it's going to be pretty hard to beat.
Hope you find someone to team up with, as it will make the learning process easier. All the best with the hobby and keep us posted on how your going and what you find.
Happy hunting.
Mick Evans.

 

[BarnacleBill]

Hello GB,

Since you are a newbie I'm going to suggest some things that others may or may not agree with.

1. Buy the two machines, then take the X70 home and put it in the closet. Take the ACE250 and use it yourself for at least 50 hours, to get the fundamentals down. Then take the X70 back out of the closet and start by using coin mode with auto everything, Noise Cancel, GB, Tracking on, etc.

2. You mentioned looking for gold, learn to coin hunt first. Gold prospecting is very specialized and requires a high level skill set dedicated to that aspect of the hobby. I've been at this for 25+ years, and have never prospected, but I know I wouldn't dream of just striking off and trying it without someone like Steve H. at my side to show me the ropes.

3. And a definite yes on trying to find someone locally.

I'm not trying to discourage you, but to keep you from becoming discouraged from the outset.

Good luck on your first outings!
BarnacleBill

 

[Jake(NJ)]

Jay,
You might want to support the fine folks who sponsor these forums. I have had a dealing with one (DeMarco) and he seems to know what he is talking about and took the time to show me the diffent things I had interest in....He did not push when I let him know I had to think about it. I did go back and buy after I got the OK from the wife(maybe too much information).

I figure if I am spending the money I may as well support those that support this place...I enjoy the reading and knowledge of those here.

Just my 2 cent....HH
Jake

 

[Joe of South Jersey]

Thanks for the kudo's.

We want you to have fun out detecting, rather than have it sit in the closet collecting dust. I was glad to met you...I never push. I'm glad that you feel suporting us helps suport the forum.....that is true, I come and visit many times daily. But if I was not getting suport from the users then well you know.

Glad you are enjoying your X-terra....What about the other thing? Pm me or call me

 

[Andy Sabisch]

. . . . . . . be it from a local dealer or one you order from over the web. Many local dealers are a resource that should be tapped even if the detector costs you a few dollars more than you can find on the web. They have the experience in YOUR area and what conditions you will face. Not to say that a dealer selling on the web does not but what challenges they face may be way different than what you face in your area; i.e., ground conditions, etc.

Many times I have found people that saved $50 buying mail order only to find that they did not understand how to use it properly and wound up missing $500 worth of finds that they walked over unknowingly.

Since you are a novice, find a dealer that 1) knows the equipment you are buying, 2) can explain it in a way you feel comfortable with and and understand and 3) is willing to support you after the payment changes hands.

The forum sponsors are a good place to start . . . . I know Guvner chooses sponsors carefully so that his reputation is upheld as well.

Two dealers that I have known for years and stand behind what they sell before and most importantly, AFTER the sale are David Keith at Dixie Detectors and Joe DeMarco at Demarco Detector Sales.

Hope this helps

Andy Sabisch

 

[Digger]

I agree with supporting the dealers who sponsor this forum. I have bought a lot of detectors and accessories from many of them, and will continue to do so. I will also like to take a minute to thank Joe for all the information he has shared with us about the X-Terra. He has taken a great amount of time to share his thoughts and tips on the X-Terra. I appreciate and enjoy his posts. HH Randy