What is the best detector,period ??

[LIZARD MAN]

Hello,I am new to all of this.I need to buy a detector for me and my father in law to share.He wants one with "That Screen" that helps tell you what it is.We will be using it around the beach and lakes.Looking to spend as much as $500.00 give or take.What is the machine I am looking for?

Thanks,Lizard

[TonyinCT]

The best detector is very debateable. There are many opinions and some detectors work better in some areas and not as well in others. it depends on the users knowledge ,experience ,the capabities of the detector and whether or not yo can adjust them for different circumstances. Since you desire an ID screen , I would suggest the fisher ID Excel or Tesoro De Leon or even the Whites Prizm V. All are capable detectors that fit into what you are looking for. Now it boils down to preference. Maybe its the look or weight that will sway you. If you need more details or help in your decision please give me a call and we can discuss it in more detail.
860-623-1153

[Detector]

Welcome Lizard Man.

There is no "best detector period" due to variables such as differing hunting conditions, differing types of hunting(prospecting, relics, coins) and even a users preferences. Now one could ask what is the best OVERALL detector and probably get an answer. Although it would vary from user to user.

I'm a Whites fan so I'm going to say the Prizm V is good for around $500

[Digginman]

I agree with these guys. There is no best detector.

About the "screen". It doesn't show you what is in the ground. It is showing you what it might be.

DM

[Cfmct]

The best detector is the one you master... I always say its the person behind the detector that makes the detector great its not the other way around.

[Rudy]

The best detector is the one you happen to have on-hand when you
are at a hunting site.

[simonthesearcher]

Best detector is my partner,,i just cant hide anything from her

[dooby]

I have to agree with everyone, it comes back to the person swinging the machine, I use a Garrett ACE 250, very simple, but I rarely use the screen until I hit a "ding" that catches my attention. I probably spent 40 hours swinging my machine before I really began to feel comfortable.

[FelixtheCat]

The BEST DETECTOR is whatever is in my hands!

[beerdoodle]

Columbo...............Wait a minute..........you said detector, not detective.

[Jason]

In that price range... I used to have a Tesoro DeLeon. Good machine, VERY lightweight, but not a whole lot of bells and whistles. But it has a wide assortment of optional coils available. Maybe a Prizm III, IV, or V? I love the Prizm III. Good machine and ID is accurate. Depth is good, but I wish it go a little deeper. Give Tony a call, he can hook you up. You can trust him.

[wescowood]

The best detector you can get is the one you keep out of the closet and learn to use regularly regardless of price.
HH,Wes.

[Jason]

Well said!

[Florida Tabdigger]

I purchased a Bounty Hunter Land Star over 10 years ago and it is still my favorite machine. It is lite, has good ID, good depth, very fast recovery after hitting a large target, good battery life, and pinpoints very easily without having to go into a pinpoint mode. You will have to decide if you would prefer a threshold tone that you listen to for changes, or if you like a quick beep when you pass over a target (the BH beeps 3 different tones) low for foil,nichols,small gold, Medium for pennies, pull tabs, screw caps, and large gold, and high for copper pennies, and all other coins and silver items, as well as aluminum. The ID tells you what the detector thinks it is and is usually right. The quick recovery will separate different tagets within 3 inches apart (even with 8" coil). It is under 500 dollars and would be the one I would buy.(I did and am very happy)

[seadog2]

The best tool in my opinion is researching the area your hunting. If there are old coins there I will dig them up with a $1,000 detector or a 200 dollar detector. The important thing is that I know they are there.

[ModernDayWarrior]

For me, this is the best detector period. I haven't had it long but I am very impressed with it. What's the best for me may not be for you. Try some different detectors, read some manuals on line, and read some reviews. You'll find YOUR best detector, period.

http://www.garrett.com/hobby/products/gti1500data.htm

[dfxjedi]

There is no such thing as a detector thats perfect for every type of detecting.You just have to research the detectors thats good for your type of detecting,wether it is coins,jewelry,gold detecting,etc. and choose your detector accordingly to the type of targets you want to find.There's other things to consider when thinking of buying a detector,but i'll leave that to others on the forum to explain.

[Hrsetrder]

Beware of all the sales pitch which all detector companys have. They all promise this and that , some are good on that promise , and some are not. Best thing to do is go to your local dealer and try many different models in your price range in a test garden or in the field. What you read in print is not always what you get in actual use. If just starting out , I would stick with a simple format ( no programs), and then if you like the hobby enough , then spend the extra on a more expensive machine. A more experienced detectorist can achieve better results with say a bounty hunter outlaw , than an inexperienced hunter can with say a Whites XLT . Main thing is not to get overwhelmed and learn what your detector is telling you. There is no such thing as the perfect detector , and never will be , and if there was , would'nt that take the hunt out of treasure hunting? The fundementals are the same as they were in the peak of this hobby. I have used some lower priced units with better results than higher ended units. So price does not always mean you got a better detector either , just because you spent more. I started out with a BFO unit my dad handed down to me , it picked up everything , but was the detector that would either make you , or break you from this hobby. Good Luck with your finds and with whatever machine you decide on.
HH , David

[brooklynct2003]

I would happily be hunting with a $29 Toy detector than with none at all.

There are some specialized machines out there that exceed $20,000, more than most of us are willing to pay.

3 things to consider:

1st: YOUR BUDGET
2nd: Your desired target(coins, jewelry, relics, gold)
3rd: Your environment(grass, beach, under water, woods, desert, mountains)

Once you have those 3 things answered, and with a little guidance from experienced treasure hunters, you'll have your metal detector in no time.

Good luck hunting

Gil from CT