soon to be noob question

[ammo_u]

I am about to get my first MD. I am leaning towards the ACE 250 but some have told me a few Bounty Hunters (503 etc...) in the same price range are better? I plan to do some coin shooting and take it with me to some sites we arrowhead hunt. I just would appreciate any and all advice. I have never used a metal detector in my life. thanks in advance.

 

[Uncle Willy]

There is no Bounty Hunter better than the 250. If so they would be the top seller instead of Garrett. Put your money on the 250 and you won't regret it.

Bill

 

[oldranger]

Hi Ammo

Im new this is my 1st year.. i started with the ACE250 and Love it..
Im learing the GTI1500 but i still use the Ace a LOT

Its Great

Stay on this site there are Many poeple with a lot of
experince that will help

Look at some of the ACe250 questions posted by others
to get an idea

Happy Safe Fun Hunts
Ron

Rangers Lead The Way

 

[John-Edmonton]

n/t

 

[ThTx]

Two things:

1. If you go with the 250 you will never regret it.

2. If you don't, you will!

IMHO

 

[TURNMASTER]

I wouldn't buy another BH. They do work well for some users, but not great for me. Stick with a name brand. The BH does not have the fit and finish of Garrett, Whites, Tesoro, Fisher or Minelab among others.

The BH machines will struggle with hot ground.

Many seem to like the Ace.

What is your price?
What is your intended use?
Where are you? (what is your soil like)

Jeff

 

[whadda]

we .live in aus and use the 250 with great sucess my wife uses it and has had no trouble getting used to it, she has never detected before and has had zero trouble getting the hang of it,, it also handles our hot ground very well( that is in both meanings, as in temp and minerals)
cheers Whadda

 

[Jewelry girl]

I have used lots of different detectors out there and I think the Ace 250 is the best BANG for your BUCK! I also think it is easy to use and is great for newbies and people just getting into the hobby. As u gain experience in the hobby you can add other detectors to your detector family and then use the Ace 250 for a back up detector.
Good Luck in choosing your detector!
Michele

 

[dahut]

- - get the Garrett.

I tried another detector recently in the same niche, i.e., low end model. I was fairly impressed and found it as good as the Ace 250 in the ways that matter, although the coil was a bit frail. I wont mention the name here, for obvious reasons.
It only shows that the makers have definitely gotten better at this, and whichever model you select you should do okay!

But, you can hardly go wrong with the Ace 250.
I have noted a tendency for their resale value to drop off slightly, but then you can say the same about all detectors, these days.

For all the right reasons, the Ace 250 is a great place to start. Now if you can keep your expectations in check, you are on the way.

 

[bloodyknees]

I won't knock any other brands because there are a lot of good detectors out there. I will say you won't be disappointed with the 250. And frankly I have never owned one. I jumped from the old ace 300 to the gti 1500 and love it. I am high on the 250 because so so so many people on this forum and other forums speak so highly of it. I am thinking of buying the 250 for a 2nd detector.
Al

 

[ammo_u]

I wouldn't buy another BH. They do work well for some users, but not great for me. Stick with a name brand. The BH does not have the fit and finish of Garrett, Whites, Tesoro, Fisher or Minelab among others.

The BH machines will struggle with hot ground.

Many seem to like the Ace.

What is your price?
What is your intended use?
Where are you? (what is your soil like)

Jeff

First thanks for all the advice.
Price:
I am not as concerned with price as much as not being over whelmed being my first MD and all. I dont expect to open the box and have it mastered but it would be nice to have something a newbie such as myself can figure out. I have been told the more expensive the harder to master.
Intended use:
Hit the parks and ball Fields around here. I also know of old houses and really old foundations and some older native habitation sites. I thought it might be neat to use it while walking the creeks looking for points. As a kid I found an old settlement that I have been really wanting to run over with a MD. I also know some old trail routes and just might have found a fur trapping spot complete with French inscriptions carved into sand stone near the spot. We found a cache of 1880 silver dollars in a mason jar near an old trail that is freakishly reminiscent of what they find in KS linked to James, found it because of a large rain washed it out from under a large rock. Lot of old boom towns here and a few swimming beaches as well. I think the better question would have been what am I not using it for LOL!
Where am I:
I am in Northern Oklahoma (Osage County).

I think it is important to note I am going to get my 9 year old son one as well. He is always with me when I go looking around and he is a history junkie like myself. I thought if we had the same machines it might be a little easier for me to teach him as I learn.

You guys are great and I hope to add some finds to the site in the near future.

 

[danGeorge]

I HAVE A GARRETT 1500, BUT I BOUGHT A 250 FOR MY GRANDSON. I AM AMAZED AT WHAT THAT 250 WILL DO. FORGET THE BH.

 

[LINDABONITA]

The Ace 250 with 9 x 12 coil is even better than the $1000 dollar machines so don't think about it. Just have patience and be persistent.

 

[ThTx]

PS - I have an ACE 250 that goes with me every time I go out. Sometimes it is the backup, sometimes I use it just because it is light and easy to use.

A