Finding the right detector...Help

[Botne]

I am new to metal detecting. I don't have a detector yet. I've been reading everything I can on the various detectors. Especially the more popular ones listed in the various post on this forum.

Points to help you help me: (Things I would like out of a detector)

I am new (beginner)

I want one that once I purchase will last and I don't want to have to upgrade to a more advance model to meet later needs.

I want to use it around where I am located in Louisiana...pastures, wooded areas, creek (wet) areas, and the beach (Gulf). No I will not be diving into the Gulf or any rivers. I figured basically around the walking areas.

I do travel alot to other places throughout the U.S. and will be bringing the detector with me. I do alot of back and forth traveling to Texas.

I'm female so I don't want it to be so heavy I can't lift it or move easily.

I'd like one that is very accurate and once it beeps/pings I don't have to cover a large area of digging for an extremely small item.

It would be nice if it would detect small items as well as large items. I know my dad complained years ago that his picked up large items but smaller ones not so well. I'm also sure technology has advance since then, but I wanted to mention it.

Also in today's economy I'd like it to be fairly affordable. I noticed like buying anything theres a low end and a high end. I would like a happy medium especially with my wallet. I want a nice detector that I can enjoy.

[Patton]

AT Pro.....

[GetDiggin]

Personally, if you have a wide open budget I would FOR SURE try and sell you on a XP Deus, I mean it would be perfect for you, easy to use, its very accurate, its the lightest detectors on the market in its performance range. its packs down to about 20" so perfect for traveling, its got a lot of goodies so you would not need to upgrade ANY time soon, its all wireless so perfect for traveling too, wont get caught on anything or nothing and dont need to worry about batteries. its pretty straight forward to use and can be used in most ground conditions, the only down falls for you is its not water proof and the price.

But if I had to recommend something else to meet you needs would be the Minelab x-terra 705, or the AT Pro, both are mid ranger detectors so wouldn't be exactly childs play as far as price, but they are not monsters to buy either. if you needed it to stay under 300 bucks I would contact rpcruab from these forums and grab the Fisher F5 he has for a killer deal or find maybe a used Minelab X Terra 305 / 505.

Good luck on your hunt tho! and HH,
-Rich

[cactusrat]

Not knowing your limit on spending, for a low cost, easy to use and light, I would say a Ace 250 or 350.

If cost is not a factor, there are many to choose from. I don't know if anyone else can beat Garrett's customer service and I would go with the AT Pro.

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Originally Posted by Botne

I am new to metal detecting. I don't have a detector yet. I've been reading everything I can on the various detectors. Especially the more popular ones listed in the various post on this forum.

Points to help you help me: (Things I would like out of a detector)

I am new (beginner)

I want one that once I purchase will last and I don't want to have to upgrade to a more advance model to meet later needs.

I want to use it around where I am located in Louisiana...pastures, wooded areas, creek (wet) areas, and the beach (Gulf). No I will not be diving into the Gulf or any rivers. I figured basically around the walking areas.

I do travel alot to other places throughout the U.S. and will be bringing the detector with me. I do alot of back and forth traveling to Texas.

I'm female so I don't want it to be so heavy I can't lift it or move easily.

I'd like one that is very accurate and once it beeps/pings I don't have to cover a large area of digging for an extremely small item.

It would be nice if it would detect small items as well as large items. I know my dad complained years ago that his picked up large items but smaller ones not so well. I'm also sure technology has advance since then, but I wanted to mention it.

Also in today's economy I'd like it to be fairly affordable. I noticed like buying anything theres a low end and a high end. I would like a happy medium especially with my wallet. I want a nice detector that I can enjoy.

Best beginner machines out are the Fisher F2, Garrett Ace 250 and Tesoro Compadre. Around $200 starter units. Of course if your budget is bigger the options are unlimited.

Feel free to give me a call with questions.

[Terry Soloman]

Originally Posted by Botne

I am new to metal detecting. I don't have a detector yet. I've been reading everything I can on the various detectors. Especially the more popular ones listed in the various post on this forum.

Points to help you help me: (Things I would like out of a detector)

I am new (beginner)

I want one that once I purchase will last and I don't want to have to upgrade to a more advance model to meet later needs.

I want to use it around where I am located in Louisiana...pastures, wooded areas, creek (wet) areas, and the beach (Gulf). No I will not be diving into the Gulf or any rivers. I figured basically around the walking areas.

I do travel alot to other places throughout the U.S. and will be bringing the detector with me. I do alot of back and forth traveling to Texas.

I'm female so I don't want it to be so heavy I can't lift it or move easily.

I'd like one that is very accurate and once it beeps/pings I don't have to cover a large area of digging for an extremely small item.

It would be nice if it would detect small items as well as large items. I know my dad complained years ago that his picked up large items but smaller ones not so well. I'm also sure technology has advance since then, but I wanted to mention it.

Also in today's economy I'd like it to be fairly affordable. I noticed like buying anything theres a low end and a high end. I would like a happy medium especially with my wallet. I want a nice detector that I can enjoy.

Tesoro! Check it out.. http://www.tesoro.com/product/detect...max/index.html

[Botne]

Thank you! I've already contacted you about checking out the detectors in person in OKC. I will keep you in mind.

[Botne]

I've been reading all the responses to my request for finding the right detector. Thank you everyone. I've looked online at all the suggestions. I've begun leaning toward the Garrett AT Pro (youtube video on it very helpful), but I will continue looking until my hunt for the right detector is over...will let you guys know which one I end up with too.

[Longhair]

Xterra 705 has the AT Pro beat soundly for everything but actually submerging in the water. Far more versitile. An XT505 would be my second choice, and the AT Pro third.

[lem]

My vote would be the at pro if your going in water, another awesome detector and its light weight is the Tesoro Vaquero, with a life time warranty.

[detectingMO]

hard to beat a new at pro for all around detector. definitely consider one with DD coil style in your area. bart will set you up nicely.

[redsman]

I have an Xterra 505 and I use it for everything even in the ocean,of course I keep the electronics out of the water. It has served me well so far.

[Botne]

O'k I'm comparing the

Garrett AT PRO to the Garrett AT Gold

Anyone is there a big difference between the two? Are they basically they same?

Also thank you for any and all input. I figure to have a detector I can enjoy for myself by the holidays. If I didn't say it before I'm a teacher and back to school is approaching soon, and I want a hobby that gets me out an about.

[Botne]

I wanted to say "thank you" to everyone that helped me. Especially Bart Davis with Big Boy Hobbies. He was awesome. I purchased my Garrett AT Pro from him... and the rest of the items needed to get a good start with the metal detecting. Emails and phone calls are answered by him personally. I would recommend him anytime. Again thank you!

[SamuelLJackson]

I know I'm chiming in late here, but for what it's worth, I think you made a good choice for your criteria.

Welcome to the family and happy hunting.

[Briman05]

At Pro has a lower frequency then the gold get a xterra 705 with the gold pack if you want to hunt gold because then you can change the coil and it will hit better on silver