what detector to buy ?

[Simpsonslammer]

Hey gang,, I was pretty heavy in to MD in the 80's and early 90's but do to school, work, kids and other interests i put my detectors in the closet. Recently I dusted off my old Garrett freedom II and started coinshooting again.Forgot how much fun it was. Thinking about getting up to date and buy a new machine in the $600 to $800 range. Im on the fence between a mine lab 705, Garrett AT PRO, or Garrett GTI series. Any opinions or suggestions?

 

[scubadetector]

Totally depends on where you are, what your going to do with it (AT Pro is also for water). I would try to find a club in your area and see what others have had good luck with. For example, my top of the line Whites was great in Utah, but the Minelabs smoked it in Michigan.

Best advice is to get one use and learn it and have fun.

 

[daddyflea]

Very few are real happy with a Garrett these days unless you are talking a Pinpointer. Tesoro and Minelab seem to have a cult following.

 

[Mtnmn]

The Minelab 705 is an excellent and very versatile detector, but to reach it's maximum potential you will need a couple of extra coils and they are not cheap.

 

[Shenandoah Digger]

The AT Pro is a good machine, along with the 705. You might look into the Fisher-Teknetics line too. A lot of bang for the buck.

 

[Sailorman]

Very few happy Garrett owners? Don't look at the forum then. Several dealers tell me the AT-Pro is one of their top movers. Met plenty of happy owners in person and I'm one myself. The GTI series is getting dated and the Minelab is a good detector from what I hear. One thing for sure is there's lots of good machines to choose from.

 

[mudpuppy]

Well, at least you have done this before and know the hunting end of the sport...now its just getting a new weapon in your hands, that 6 - 8 hundred ought to do it.. you found some nice old silver back in the 80's didja?
Mud

 

[Smudge]

Of the three you mentioned, I think you would the 705 to be the most versatile machine of the group. The sun is setting on the GTI series, IMO. Older technology.

Whatever you choose to get, do not forget to budget for a pinpointer. Very important accessory. IMO, Garrett makes the best and they run around $130.00.

Trust me, you really really want one.

 

[Bill_S]

Out of the three you mentioned my vote would be for the 705 too.

 

[Bayoutalker]

I am in the same situation as you are. I broke out my old White's Classic 3 SL, installed some new batteries and went back to it. It worked as well as it ever did and I was hooked again. Then I made the big "mistake". I went out with some friends with "modern" equipment and I quickly found that I had a lot of reasons to update my arsenal. I did the same as you and asked some questions and opinions and spent some time on several forums. What I ended up deciding on was the AT Pro and the Garrett Pro Pointer of which I am anxiously awaiting delivery. Should be tomorrow!!!! YAY!!

I shopped around and found my best deal at Big Boys Hobbies. I got a package deal including an extra coil and other goodies for well within your budget. Give Bart a call when you decide what you want. I am sure it will be worth the call.

 

[Mtnmn]

For under $800.00 you could get the XT-705 Gold pkg. and a Garrett Pro-pointer or for about a $100 less you could get AT-PRO and a Garrett Pro-pointer by wheeling and dealing with our various sponsors. Both are good detectors...

 

[bandido]

If you go used, the F-75 (Fisher) and E-Trac (Minelab) are (IMHO) the leaders of the pack.

I say used for your budget, but you may even have to throw a few more dollars at it for either of these models.