I NEED ADVICE!

Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to read my message.  As I don't know anyone personally who metal detects, I need an honest opinion(s) on what detector to buy.  I'm completely new to the hobby, and I've done some research.  I've narrowed down my choices of machines to 3:

Garrett ACE 150
Tesoro DeLeon
Fisher F2

What is your opinion? 

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,36591.msg224195.html#msg224195

I agree - detectors are like cars - to a point. It depends on what you want to be able to do with it - you don't buy a mini-van to go 4 wheeling up the mountain. (well, most people don't). 

If you are going to water detect - (especially beach/salt water) most regular detectors freak out.  On the beaches away from the water, fine, but, in the water, not so much.  I have had a Tesoro Lobo, Garrett Stinger, Gold Bug, Whites (2 different Whites) and a Minelab.  The Minelab went down the road after a month.  I just don't have the time to set everything up every time I detect, and I'm spoiled by the Tesoro - as it is a "turn on and go" machine, and can go from beach to mines. (still, not in water).

If you are a beginner, I will start out by saying don't buy something with all the bells and whistles - A) they just aren't worth it - as the bells and whistles aren't really accurate most of the time, and for a newbie, it can be VERY discouraging.  Also - I don't suggest a Radio Shack special, either.  You want something that will have a good range (as in what it can find), good range, as in depth and width, can discriminate fairly well,  - and doesn't break the bank.  Of course, it also matters what breaks your bank.  IMO (and it IS just my opinion), something easy to use, not too expensive (no identifying everything - they are wrong many times), not too cheap - and enjoy.

Beth (Mrs.O)

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,36591.msg224208.html#msg224208

when i started i used a ace 250 and it started putting me off detecting its confusing,i switched to a xp adx 150 simple switch on and go and i love it. just my opinion.

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,36591.msg224228.html#msg224228

Again, thanks for reading my post and offering some advice.  The only reason I chucked the DeLeon in there is because I have the opportunity to get one relatively cheap ($300).  The F2 retails at around $200 but it usually comes with a pin-pointer.  The Ace 150, well, I don't see the point of getting a 250 or a 350, because from what I tell, they are very similar.  Point is, I would be willing to spend an extra $100 on higher quality. 

I live in Minnesota, so I was mostly counting on doing coin-hunting, but I would be open to doing some jewelry hunting as well.  I wasn't going to be doing any underwater stuff, and I wasn't particularly going to be looking for gold.  I have a few ghost towns picked out that I want to hunt, as well as many trails, parks and farmland. 

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,36591.msg224260.html#msg224260

I guess I should explain my "Radio Shack" comment - I had one years ago - and, it just wasn't worth the time it took to turn it on. If you had a 10 pound gold bar, you might find it with that machine, but..........  that said, I'm going to assume that they have gotten better since the 70's. 

And, on that note - the MOST important part of a metal detector is the person operating it.  Whatever you buy - practice, practice, and practice some more.  "Seed" some ground around your house and "find" what you seeded.  Make sure you use several different items - from pennies, to a ring, a dime, a quarter and a nickel. (note here - mark where you seeded them - I almost lost a ring when I first started).  And, listen, listen, listen.  Every machine - even if they are the same brands, act differently. My husband's Tesoro sounds different than mine on the exact same hits.

You also have to learn your "pinpoint" spot, any "halos" that your machine gives off - all that sort of nit picky stuff.  The key is to know whatever machine you use. My White's will sound off right AFTER I go over something - every time - not ON it, but right after it. (one of my White's - the other doesn't)  Neither one is ever correct on the meters, so I always listen.  Every time you use your machine, throw down a quarter and a dime, and "check" to make sure it hasn't gotten banged out of tune or something.

I'm a 1000% Tesoro person (though we do have several different detectors) - their customer service has been fantastic - even on the one I bought used, and even free on the one the dog chewed.

I just cannot stress enough this one fact - get to know everything about whatever machine you choose. Read the book, yes - but, you will also get much out of practicing with it. 

OH - and remember - its supposed to be fun!!! :

Mrs. O

Linkback:

You are not allowed to view links.
Please Register or Login

http://www.thunting.com/smf/index.php/topic,36591.msg224285.html#msg224285