Thanks for the input Koot. I barrowed a couple MineLabs from friends and found them fun and interesting. However, they where much heavier and after a couple hours really hurt my aging shoulders. I like the Garretts for their light weight. What detector are you currently using?
well I am currently using several different detectors and which one I choose to use depends on what I am detecting for on a given day
For Gold Nugget Detection I recently purchased the new Garrett Axiom, the Axiom is a PI (pulse induction) detector I am in the learning process on the Axiom I also use a Garrett 24K for my VLF nugget detector, I also carry a Nokta Legend with me when detecting for Gold Nuggets
The Legend is new to the Market it is a SMF (Simultaneous Multi Frequency) Detector this is one of the ones I would recommend to you, the Legend is still having updates sent to us but with that being said I believe this next update will most likely be the last one for quite some time.
The Legend runs on 4,10,15,20, and 40 KHz it can run all those frequencies in SF (single frequency) mode or it can run in MF (Multi Frequency) mode when in MF which it has 3 MF modes it will run a combination of 2 or more of the single frequencies all at once, the Legend has 4 modes of operation park,field,beach and gold modes.
I have two Legends because I like the Legend that much
another detector I would suggest to you is the Nokta Simplex plus, The simplex plus is a single frequency detector running 12 KHz, the simplex is touted as a beginners detector, it also has a price tag of being a beginner's detector but do not let the price tag fool you it detects way above its price point, it is a vary capable single frequency detector, I also own a Simplex plus and purchased one for my grandson to learn on
other detectors you could consider is the Mine Lab Equinox 600 and 800 but beware those two detectors had build quality issue. that are well documented known issues, I have never personally used either of the Equinox machines I stated but do have friends that own both and I have detected with those friends
Mine Lab has now come out with the Equinox 700 and 900 which by all appearances fixed the known build quality issues of the Nox 600 and 800, the 700 and 900 are new to the market and not much info about either as of yet
then there is the Mine Lab Vanquish, I have never used a Vanquish and just could not bring myself to purchase one because the control housing reminded me of the AT PRO to much in looks, and it was not the color as I had no issues with the color
the last detector I will mention is the ACE Apex made by Garrett, this is another Multi Frequency detector which I can give you no opinion on as I have never even seen one
the best bang for your buck in multi frequency detectors is the Legend
the best bang for your buck in single frequency detectors is the Simplex Plus
I have given you enough info for you to ponder and I suggest you use the info to do research each I have suggested and go from there and make a judgement as to what would be a good detector for you