Newbie - Ace 250 vs. Prizm II vs. Musketeer

[Tinman]

Hello,

I've never been metal detecting before, but have thinking about coin and relic hunting for about ten years now, and have finally decided to do it - No More Excuses! I am buying an entry level detector in the next few days and have narrowed my choices down to the Ace 250, Prizm II or Musketeer. I've read a lot of good things about the Ace 250 (on this and other sites) and that is the front runner in my mind right now. Any input regarding the others? Or anything else on the Ace 250?

Thanks!

[SkiWhiz]

Not sure about the Musketeer,never used one, but the Ace250 is a good starter detector. So is the White's Prizm II. Steve.

[KESTREL0222]

Tinman,

I too have never used the Prizm or the Musketeer, but I do have an Ace 250 and I think it is the best machine in its price range. I asked a very similar question here when I was about to purchase my first detector. Most of the responses were steering me toward the Ace 250. I am glad that I got the Ace, it is easy to use and has everything (features) that a beginner could want.

Happy Hunting,

Tom

[Vito]

Hi Tinman,

Go for the Musketeer Advance. It's a really good and deep machine. Pinpointing isn't that easy as it is with a Prizm II, so there is a need for a pinpointer (sherlock or bullseye or vibraprobe like). The Prizm II is a well starter. Easy to handle, with a little modification also for kids. IMHO

...your choice.

But how you decide, Keep us posted.

[TonyinCT]

If you don't mind not having target ID then get the Musky. Next would be the Ace250 but the Musky is a great little detector. Let me know if you need any help with your purchase. 8)

[RI-Mark]

Rather than me just asking this question I thought I might reply here. I too am thinking of the Ace 250 because I live in a highly wooded area of RI. But I work in Bristol, RI and the place I work was actually where James DeWolf based his part of the triangle trade out of. The Buildings are all stone and renovated of course but was built in 1818. I asked the owner of the complex if I may hunt in this area and of course for his fair share he said it was OK. So I will be by the beaches constantly and wondered if the Ace 250 was good for the beaches as well? Any help is greatly appreciated.

[TonyinCT]

The Ace250 is not a great salt beach detector in wet sand. Most places it will not work well or at all. If you want to do both then the Muskyis still the way to go here. 8)

[xkxlxkx]

I'm in the same boat....total newb with a long-time interest, and planning on a first purchace. The Ace 250 seems like a no-brainer with the current info out there.
I will also dig everything, I'm just looking for history and fun, no matter how boring or useless. I live in Sarasota, FL. so it'll end up on the beach, but we vacation in the Blue Ridge mountains alot too (red clay). I'm the type who believes simple is good...I prefer a 3-speed blender over a 12-speed...I'd feel better with mechanical potentiometers instead of blister-buttons...etc....also...is it okay if I don't like the looks of the Ace's? I like the bottom rung Fishers and the Tesoro compadre alot, too. The fisher is 4.2Khz with a 7-8 in. coil...The compadre is 10Khz with a 6 in coil...the Ace 150 is 7.2 w/ a 6x9....all run about a buck-fiddy...Is the difference here, or in the features of the Ace?Is there much a difference in the performance of these rock-bottom machines? Any input major preeshed. I'm perfectly fine with no visual help, bells whistles, etc......I'd guess budget and depth are my biggest concern. Really looking foward to this hobby....might need to sell a few guitars first, though
Cheers & Thanks

[spittfire]

Originally Posted by xkxlxkx

I'm in the same boat....total newb with a long-time interest, and planning on a first purchace. The Ace 250 seems like a no-brainer with the current info out there.
I will also dig everything, I'm just looking for history and fun, no matter how boring or useless. I live in Sarasota, FL. so it'll end up on the beach, but we vacation in the Blue Ridge mountains alot too (red clay). I'm the type who believes simple is good...I prefer a 3-speed blender over a 12-speed...I'd feel better with mechanical potentiometers instead of blister-buttons...etc....also...is it okay if I don't like the looks of the Ace's? I like the bottom rung Fishers and the Tesoro compadre alot, too. The fisher is 4.2Khz with a 7-8 in. coil...The compadre is 10Khz with a 6 in coil...the Ace 150 is 7.2 w/ a 6x9....all run about a buck-fiddy...Is the difference here, or in the features of the Ace?Is there much a difference in the performance of these rock-bottom machines? Any input major preeshed. I'm perfectly fine with no visual help, bells whistles, etc......I'd guess budget and depth are my biggest concern. Really looking foward to this hobby....might need to sell a few guitars first, though
Cheers & Thanks

Welcome to the forum XK!

[Tinman]

I ordered an Ace 250 yesterday. I almost went for the Minelab Musketeer, but there is so much out there recommending the Garrett as a starter unit, I went that route. Ordered it from TC Metal Detectors. Am really looking forward to getting out there. I already have a field in mind that has a couple of old walkways (looks like there was a house there years ago).

Thanks for all the great input.

[Vito]

Ya welcome. Hope you'll post some pics of your finds soon. 8)

Good Luck with that new machine & 'njoy diggin'

[Scrltt641]

I have an Ace 250 and also a Prizm III, which is a little more than the 250. However, it's absolutely wonderful at pinpointing where to dig. THe Prizm III, that is. I can't, for the life of me, quite get "it" with the Ace. Pinpointing is more difficult, and not smack in the middle of the coil like the Prizm III.

I also use a pinpointer, a White's Bullseye, as a lot of time, once you have a plug dug, the dirt or mud hides the target and the pinpointer will find the metal item right away. I don't leave home without it.
Just my .02.

Trudy