Need expirenced Metal detectors input on buy my first detector

I am just getting interested in Metal Dectecting as a hobby. I have been looking at several models of dectectors and have come down to two that I am interested in purchasing as my first metal detector. I have been looking at the Bounty Hunter Discovery 2200 and the Fisher F2. They both seem to look the same but the Fisher seems to cost a bit more but seems to be a quality machine. I have been looking at the Discovery 2200 for many weeks and only just started to look at the F2. As I am new to metal detecting I dont really know a lot. I do know I will be hunting in all sorts of terrain. I live near the beach and near historical areas of my town. I will also be taking trips out west to Arizona to see family and thought about checking their land for any placer gold. Is one of these machines better than the other? Are they good for someone who is planning on using them in the terrain I mentioned? I appreciate all the help Im just axnious as I want to be able to go metal detecting on the beaches since they have not been fixed up since Hurricane Sandy.