Another newbie asking for advice on a MD

[John Madill]

This summer I picked up a like new Simplex+ with wireless headphones for $150. On Facebook marketplace.
You might look for a similar deal.
Watch ads here on the forum top for accessories. Easy to pick up good gear at a bargain price.

 

[Princess]

I never considered Garrett 200. Would that be a good MD for a beginner on a budget or should I stick with Simplex Lite?

Will look at the Quest XPointers that are on sale. Thanks for the info.

I'm using the Garrett Ace 250, which is one step up from the 200. From my experience, Garrett's Ace models are very beginner-friendly... I think their ease of use & simplicity allows you to enjoy the hobby without too much of a learning curve.

On Garrett's website, the 250 sells new for around $225. The Ace 200 is more basic with fewer features, but similar. As I noted earlier, it would be good to contact one of the sponsors and mention that you're a member on FMDF. They might be able to offer a lower price, or a package deal when combining a detector with a pinpointer.

 

[drabina]

Is there a list of vendors that sponsor the site? I know there is a Sponsor Specials Forum but looks like only two accounts post there.

 

[Princess]

Is there a list of vendors that sponsor the site? I know there is a Sponsor Specials Forum but looks like only two accounts post there.

I think right now there are just two sponsors. You can scroll to the bottom of the forum's home page to find them (they're listed under the heading, "Our Advertisers"). Be sure to mention you're from FMDF!

 

[MuddyMo]

Minelab X-Terra Pro, fully waterproof and it has an actual saltwater beach mode

Minelab Vanquish 440 which has the minimum amount of features, the 340 is a great little detector but no pinpoint mode and no iron audio On/Off among other things, the 440 also has outstanding simultaneous multi frequency beach capabilities but only the coil is waterproof. Really accurate target ID system

Nokta Double Score, simultaneous multi frequency, fully waterproof and lots of good features,

Nokta Simplex models, fully waterproof but you had better really like the tones on the Simplex detectors. I would not recommend buying one unless you have heard what they sound like compared to the ones listed above.

Nokta Legend, awesome full featured, fully waterproof detector and there is a used one for sale in this forum's classifieds for $330 which is a total steal. You won't need to upgrade for a long time.

This is the best answer and almost exactly what I was going to post. I’ve had 2 simplexes (hated the tones), all 3 Vanquishes- 2 were gifts to my adult kids. I own and am selling a lightly used Legend and a like new Double Score because I bought a Manticore.
You can get a good finds bag for $15-20 and a PP for $15-35, that will work a lot better than what I had for years because they didn’t make them back then.
PM me your phone number and I’ll make you a good deal for a detector and bag. I have probably 6 or 7 I am selling as I’m trying to get down to 4. I may even have a PP too?
Oh I forgot, I’ve been using small $10(?) shovels from ace hardware that work really good for $.
Btw I wouldn’t touch a Garrett ace, no offense to the ace users.

 

[drabina]

An update: I bought a Simplex+ from a forum member here. Very nice machine and within my budget.

 

[OldManDetectingMetal]

The Nokta Simplex Ultra - Serious beginner pack is on sale for just under $300. A pin pointer is handy but not absolutely necessary for all but the smallest targets if you use the pinpointing function. But if you can spring for a pin pointer in the future you would be good to go. You could go the other way I think and get a set of head phones and use something you already have for a pouch (old first aid kit and Altoids tin for jewelry) and figure out the money somehow for the pin pointer if you find out it is necessary. FWIW one thing that I find necessary is my knee pads which I already had.