What to buy

[mitto]

Hi All --

I'm new to your site, and thought I would reach out for advice.

I currently have a Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker which I have had for a couple of years (this is my first machine). I am thinking of upgrading over the winter. I was wondering what would be a good machine that is not going to cost me a ton of money. I honestly don't need all of the bells and whistles that are available. I just want an upgrade from what I currently have. Actually I like my Fast Tracker. But now that the kids are getting a little older, I find myself out MDing more often and would like something a little bit better.

Any advice would be great.

By the way, I usually hunt schools, parks, boat landings. Nothing real exotic.

 

[ben2go]

I'm not familiar with your Detector.I have a Garrett Ace 250.Dunno if that's a step up or step down.I have had it for a year.I researched detectors for more than a year before making my decision.The major factors were close to $200,have a display,and be easy to understand with a good resale.The ace 250 in good condition can bring $150 to $180.New they are $200 to $230.I have had offers of $200 for mine in good used condition.I bought mine from a local dealer.It was considered a display,but had been tried out once.The man that tried it out stepped up to a much more expensive model,for a full water proof unit.I give $180 for my detector, in the box,just like new,that had been used once in the dealers back yard.I have found lots of things.Nothing of any value.Mostly trash from where I go to MD.Every time,I get a hit,there is always something there.I have only had my MD give me a false a few times.That was my newbie mistake by setting the sensitivity to high.I love my Ace 250.I may one day step up to something better,but that will be awhile.Hope this helps.

 

[tabdog]

If you like tot lots, the Compadre can not be beat. About $100 for a good used unit.

It's one of the best in heavy trash if you can master analog hunting. It's not for everyone.

I had a Bounty Hunter and liked it OK, but I fell in love with Tesoro'es and analog hunting.

When you get used to analog, TID's just suck.

The higher operating frequency of Tesoro'es respond to gold better than the low frequency

of some of the other machines.

Like I said, it's not for most coin pluckers, but I like gold. I don't hunt coins.

I hunt gold jewelry and artifacts/relics. I just find coins. I'll dig any small high conductor

like a coin. Never know when it may be some nice jewelry. I've seen gold coins on a chain

before.

If you want a better machine, go with the F 75 or a high dollar Min lab. Over $1,000 though.

The low dollar machines are below Tesoro, in my opinion. But you know what they say

about opinions.lol

That's just my obscure two cents.

Happy Hunting,

Tabdog

 

[GRAY GHOST]

hi mitto. the time ranger is a good tid machine, so you would definetly want to move up to at least a middle machine... like the white's mxt, tesoro cibola/vaquero, minelab sovereign, etc., or others. how much are you willing to spend? you can always check out metaldetectorreviews.com and get a good idea of what your're willing to spend on a good machine and get a good idea of it's features. the choices are almost endless. good luck, and check back with us. hh,
p.s. tabdog is right about the tesoro campadre... a lotta bang for the buck.

 

[marcomo]

Tabdog is right, the Tesoro Compadre is hard to beat in tot lots and it's great in high trash areas. But keep in mind it has a small 5.75 coil and the coil is hardwired so you can't change coils.

If you are looking for one all purpose detector that works well in a lot of different types of sites, you probably won't be happy with the Compadre.

But when I go to tot lots with my 8 year old niece she uses the Compadre and she usually keeps up with and sometimes does better than me and whichever higher priced detector I use, bless her little heart.

 

[Ron from Michigan]

I agree with Tabdog,the Compadra is a nice metal detector and its inexpensive.If you are looking for a ID unit get a used CZ.

 

[David]

I agree, a Compadre or Silver Umax. Tesoro is about the best in analog lightweight units. Also look at the Minelab Musketeer Advantage, super depth in a simple analog hunter...if you want a little better go to a X-Terra 70...

 

[Uncle Willy]

Try the Garrett Ace 250. Hottest detector on the market. I have nine detectors, many top dollar, and I hunt mostly with the 250.


Bill

 

[mitto]

What does the jury say about the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300?

I have read some good things about it, but I wanted somemore input

 

[silversmith]

Again, you can't beat a detector with target ID and multi-tone. The TID actually trains you to use the multi-tone. After a while, you don't even bother to waste time looking at the TID. You already know what's down there! Good luck.