How would you test a used Metal Detector?

[Trops]

Hello,

I would really like to try some metal detecting.
I found, (by eye), in a creek , a Canadian 1/2 penny, dated 1872.
It was 1982 when I found it. Spent a lot of time cleaning it up.
Placed it way back in a cupboard and let my parents know NOT
to throw it away. I guess my mom did, because my dad is a
slight coin collector.

I live in Danville, Virginia. Last capital of the confederacy. Hoping I could find something around here local, like bullets, etc. I got a cd somewhere with a
lot of confederate maps on it, they show lots of marking where both sides
were located.

I need to probally start with a used detector. How would you go about testing a used detector to see if it is a good one ?

Sorry if the question is not specific enough.

[goodmore]

Well there are just rules of buying one that should be followed.

Decide what you want to detect. Coins, Relics, Beach Hunt... ect.

Buy one from a local dealer and they will probably help you and teach you about it.

If you buy one on line there are dealers there too. The dealers on this forum are well known. They have a wonderful reputation or frankly they would not be advertising here.

If you buy one from somebody in the classified section(Private deal) make sure they are regulars to the forum with a bunch of posts. People with a bunch of posts on here are a lot less likely to sell you junk or rip you off. Their reputation on the forum is usually worth more than a starter detector. At least mine is.

But before you do any of that do some homework and ask questions. You said you are from Virginia. The red clay in parts of Virginia will play a role in detector choice. Start with the area of the state you will hunt in. People will respond who have hunted there. They will probably recommend a few detectors. Mention your price range and detecting experience. The list will narrow quickly. Good Luck.

[~Alan~]

Welcome to the forum

I'd go along with all of the above.
I would definitely start with a used machine, as the hobby might not be for
you. It doesn't suit everyone, especially those with little patience.

I'd go for a detector with a good pedigree. It wouldn't have to cost a lot,
but stick with a well known manufacturer.

Whatever you choose, good luck.

[dogpound]

very good tips posted, also see if there is a detecting club in your area where you could maybe chit chat or tag along during a hunt and see a few different machines in operation and maybe get to test out, ask some questions and see what different opinions are

[ohiochris]

All good advice above. I personally wouldnt buy a used detector without trying it out first unless it was from somebody well known on this website that I trusted wouldnt sell me a bad one. Dont buy off ebay or craigslist without making a trip and checking it out first. You should be safe buying used from kellyco or other well known online dealer since they will stand behind what they sell , and probably offer some type of warranty that it works as it should.

[Trops]

Thanks guys for those fast replies

I am thinking of a pawn shop or such. Not much local groups going on that I am aware of. I was thinking of a pawn shop or such.
I was going to test it by geting some quart canning jars. Lay a quarter on the bottom of the jar and fill it with dirt, then pass the detector over it.
mabey another jar with the quarter on its side and test it.
Would that be a good test?

[ohiochris]

Originally Posted by Trops

Thanks guys for those fast replies

I am thinking of a pawn shop or such. Not much local groups going on that I am aware of. I was thinking of a pawn shop or such.
I was going to test it by geting some quart canning jars. Lay a quarter on the bottom of the jar and fill it with dirt, then pass the detector over it.
mabey another jar with the quarter on its side and test it.
Would that be a good test?

Probably not the best way to test it , but if you talk with the pawn shop guy and tell him you are interested , he should let you take it outside somewhere to test it in some real ground right around the pawn shop. If he dont , I would move on to somewhere else. Even if you had to let him hold your drivers license while you tested it that would be the way to go.

[Glimflashy]

Originally Posted by ohiochris

Probably not the best way to test it , but if you talk with the pawn shop guy and tell him you are interested , he should let you take it outside somewhere to test it in some real ground right around the pawn shop. If he dont , I would move on to somewhere else. Even if you had to let him hold your drivers license while you tested it that would be the way to go.

I would try and find out the actual price, retail, for the product new before I would buy from a pawn shop. I've seen Garretts that were supposedly new in pawn shops for more than the list price online.

[ct01r]

You should be able to try it out before you buy it. If you stick with a brand name detector, (Garrett, Whites, Tesaro, etc) you should find a reliable machine. Find dirt/grass near by, slide some coins an inch or so into the soil, and try it out. It should locate them, ID them, etc. If the pawn shop wants to make the sale, I'd think he'd want to work with you. If not, you might want to reconsider giving the guy your hard earned money.

You might be able to rent machines, too. I've lived in places where major rental shops carried several reliable detectors. Rent some, figure out the features and models you like, then go from there. It can help narrow it down to a few detectors. Good luck! Curt

[Curbdog]

I went to a pawn shop the other day and they had 2 Whites Prizm 2's. They were asking $199 each! The lowest he said he could go was $140.

Um, no.