Need advice on a detector - newbies

[crasster]

Okay, here is the deal.

I went to harbor freight tools and they had a metal detector on close out for $49. I had a 20% off coupon and picked it up for $39. It's model 43149. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=43149

The experience has been "ok". Took the kids out and we found a license plate from 1951 and plenty of garbage.

The thing is my daughter has really taken a strong interest in this hobby. Of course I knew when we bought this, it was a cheapie and not something to "define" metal detecting with. It was just a test rig and a cheap price.

I did a few test runs and planted a gold ring under about 4 inches of dirt. It did not find it.

So basically I sit here thinking I "REALLY" want to take off and do this hobby right. I know its going to take a nice detector.

What I'm afraid to do is go out and buy an ACE 250, then want to upgrade later, then upgrade later, etc... I'd rather just spend the money now and buy something that will last and I won't feel that I need to upgrade.

We may one day take the camper out to where we can detect for gold.....

I guess the budget is around $700 to $800 tops.

There is somebody in my area that has a Garrett Master Treasure Hunger CX that includes a Treasure Hound attachment and headset. But I don't know if that is considered a "lifelong" detector. ($550 in great shape)

Thanks in advance
-Chris R.

[Forino]

There are two ways you can look at it. 1. You can buy an expensive detector but since you have little experience it is going to take more time to learn it and you may get frustrated. 2. You can keep uprgrading as you said, which a lot of people do and gradually learn more and more.

Personally I would go with option #1 and buy a nice detector. Chances are that youll want to buy another one, even if you get a nice one. It seems that collecting metal detectors is just as addicting as the hobby itself. If you do get a high end detector, be prepared to be patient. I can not recomend a machine to you because I've only owned White's so my opinion is bias. Good luck with you choice.

[seas1to2]

I got into this hobby 4 plus years ago,the very first machine I ever even touch was a minelab sovereign,I paid right at 600.00 an I still use it every trip I go hunting,only other machine I bought was a water unit.I have never needed to up graded.It did take me 3-4 months of steady use to learn the machine.Some people like too learn from the bottom up.I like too learn right from the top an stay with the machine I learned from.

[Regis]

Until you are farther into detecting, you will not likely know what suites you....and your daughter. Everyone has their favorite (including the sales folk). Like someone said, you'll probably buy another one and it doesn't matter if you shoot your entire budget 1st or not. High-end detectors are not "magic". You still have to learn them and the "sound" of each target. Yep, there is better discrimination on top $$ machines and usually better depth(not guranteed). There is never enough money in anyones budget because, you will see/learn something new (and they keep making them better). Get good descrimination and controls that you understand. A dealer or club local to you is a great help. All the top names make great detectors, Whites, Garret, Fisher, Bounty Hunter, etc. Can't say the same for the harbor freight import.

Once you get a good machine, you must learn how to use it and that will take field time....reguardless of $$$ investment.

Best of luck, I've owned several and will continue to occasionally buy another one.

Regis

[father/son/ohio]

Originally Posted by Regis

Until you are farther into detecting, you will not likely know what suites you....and your daughter. Everyone has their favorite (including the sales folk). Like someone said, you'll probably buy another one and it doesn't matter if you shoot your entire budget 1st or not. High-end detectors are not "magic". You still have to learn them and the "sound" of each target. Yep, there is better discrimination on top $$ machines and usually better depth(not guranteed). There is never enough money in anyones budget because, you will see/learn something new (and they keep making them better). Get good descrimination and controls that you understand. A dealer or club local to you is a great help. All the top names make great detectors, Whites, Garret, Fisher, Bounty Hunter, etc. Can't say the same for the harbor freight import.

Once you get a good machine, you must learn how to use it and that will take field time....reguardless of $$$ investment.

Best of luck, I've owned several and will continue to occasionally buy another one.

Regis

i totally agree. i personally use the minelab xterra-70 and love it.

[Trapper]

I was in the same boat this spring. I didn't want to have to upgrade so I did as much research as I could and decided to by a White's M6 and still wish I had gone one step further and gotten an XLT. I noticed no one bragged about their Prizms (at 8Khz) etc. I won't be able to afford a new land machine and having taken up this life controlling hobby on the wrong side of 60, I'll probably never need to upgrade. I'm happy with the M6. So do your homework...you've got the right idea.

[RickO]

Welcome aboard Chris... since you know about what you are willing to spend, let me give you this advice... First, buy the best you can afford, Second, take the time to LEARN the machine - read, practice (it's fun and you will find things), Third, ask questions here (and elsewhere if you wish). And my final recommendation is based on personal (with many other opinions agreeing) bias, buy a White's machine. The customer service is incredible and the machines are high quality. Good luck.. HH RickO