Beginner in GA, which detector?

[CanCanGirl]

Hi, I've been reading posts and a few articles trying to decide which detector to buy. I had decided to get either the Garrett Ace 250 or Fisher F2 until I found out that these 2 might not work in highly mineralized soil. I'm not even sure if that applies to me, I'm in south ga close to the FL state line and from the map I looked at(can't find now), I think this was a fairly clear area. If someone from my area has used these successfully I'd love to hear about it Also, is there another detector close in price that will work in bad soil conditions? I really hate to spend a lot since I'm just getting started. ps. I have thin arms so the weight of the detector matters for me. Thanks!

[WildDigger]

I have seen a ton of success from both machines. Guys I know that have used them have done very well.

[fogcity]

Maybe check & see if there is a Metal Detecting Club in your area where you could go and see if anyone has a detector you could try out?

Welcome to the forum from Richmond, Texas !!!

[norbyx]

Well I have no idea on your type of soil there but the best thing you can do is find someone in your are with a metal detector and ask him how is the soil in your area. Now if you have a hi mineralized soil, very little solutions are available in a low price range. My personal advise would be to get a detector with a tweekable ground balance and not a fixed one.
Good luck and HH.

[CanCanGirl]

Thank you all for the replies! WildDigger, I know the soil varies from place to place in Ga, but if the friends you're talking about are in your area that's reassuring. Fogcity, that's a good idea about the clubs, I'll have to check that out. Norbyx, the smart thing to do would be to buy a detector with a ground balancing feature, but hopefully I won't have to do that. I'll see what else I can find out about the conditions here and then decide. Thanks again!

[GADirtFishing]

I have a Ace 250. On most metal detectors have a sensitivity adjustment. If your detector makes the beeping sound a lot when sweeping the ground, that means that you have the setting too high. I hope that helps you! I live in Georgia as well, the dirt around where I live is mostly red/orange color, almost a brick color. Some areas or even black soil. For a beginner any metal detector will work. Its your choice to buy the one you want. For your arms being thin as you said, detectors are not too heavy. If you want more of a lighter detector, they do sell junior detectors. Junior detectors or more light and less length.

[kaliguy]

to the forum from Costa Rica

[Jack Flynn]

That far south in Ga. you are good with anything. Nice sandy loamy soil down there. More sand than loam BTW LOL. I'm from middle Ga. where you can get stuck on flat ground in the red clay. Not friendly at all...........Good luck!

[Diggin Funatic]

Originally Posted by GADirtFishing

I have a Ace 250. On most metal detectors have a sensitivity adjustment. If your detector makes the beeping sound a lot when sweeping the ground, that means that you have the setting too high. I hope that helps you! I live in Georgia as well, the dirt around where I live is mostly red/orange color, almost a brick color. Some areas or even black soil. For a beginner any metal detector will work. Its your choice to buy the one you want. For your arms being thin as you said, detectors are not too heavy. If you want more of a lighter detector, they do sell junior detectors. Junior detectors or more light and less length.

The F2 is fairly light-weight. My wife and my 9 year-old like swinging it with the 8" coil so you should have no problem. I prefer using the DD coil which adds a little more to the weight. Also, the shaft on the F2 can be very easily adjusted to different lengths. This helps when we take turns using it as I'm about 6' and my wife and son are about 4' tall. In mineralized soil we have to turn the sensitivity down a bit to reduce false signals but really have not had a lot of trouble with that. Good Luck and have fun with whichever detector you choose. Enjoy the hobby!

[Surf Master]

551.00 ,3 coil's including lower shaft's and hardware,save a bit more run's at 10.6 khzs http://newenglanddetectors.com/ call for a deal,Earl

[Dan30Cal]

I live 50 miles from you in Florida just south of the Florida/Georiga line.
I own a Ace 250 and love it, and have no issues with the soil or ground conditions... At all.
Ace 250 Vs. F2 - it's like Ford vs. Chevy on this forum, you will get more people telling you to get the F2 I'm sure..... But - The Ace 250 is the best selling metal detector for a good reason.
What the F2 people will not tell you is the Ace will go deeper than the F2.

[Big Boys Hobbies]

I sell both. I pick F2 every time. Much faster recovery, longer warranty, lighter, and cheaper.

[CanCanGirl]

Thanks for all the replies! It sounds like I'll be okay with either the garrett or the F2. I keep reading that the pro pointer is really helpful too, but I think I'll have to wait on that. That outlaw is just too expensive considering this is my first metal detector, I want to make sure I'm gonna stick with it.