[*ASH*]

looking for good overall , maybe fold up metal detector , want a small one when camping . not a cheap bounty hunter but not a 1,000 dollar one either . we do some beach searches in summer . looking to get one

suggestions ??

[zackwatt]

[RenoF250]

Originally Posted by zackwatt

That only detects ferrous metals there sparky.

[LASTRESORT20]

Few options for ya ASH....I have always liked the Whites Metal Detectors...American made excellent quality.

Here are some choices for you with different prices and descriptions...


http://www.walmart.com/search/search...3938271465&wl4=

[NDLAWRENCE]

Garrett ace 250 for the cheap, Garrett AT pro with a pro pointer if you've got the money.

[NDLAWRENCE]

Read to your hearts desire http://metaldetectingforum.com/

[BSA70]

I strongly suggest Tesoro metal detectors. Google them. I have an older model Amigo that breaks down into 3 pieces and fits nicely in a suit case.

They have a very good detector. I have hunted for civil war relics, coins, and the beach and found many good items. Enough to pay the detector many times.

They're about the most economical detector consider cost and performance.

[RWBlue]

Let me ask a couple quick dumb questions.

1. For those that do it, do you ever make money or is it a time killer hobby?
2. Is the technology improving? i.e. Wait until I have time to play with the new toy, or buy it and use it once a year for many years and then continue using it when I have more time.
3. What is a reasonable amount of money to spend? I.e. What is the price point for the Glock of mettle detectors?

[BSA70]

Originally Posted by RWBlue

Let me ask a couple quick dumb questions.

1. For those that do it, do you ever make money or is it a time killer hobby?
2. Is the technology improving? i.e. Wait until I have time to play with the new toy, or buy it and use it once a year for many years and then continue using it when I have more time.
3. What is a reasonable amount of money to spend? I.e. What is the price point for the Glock of mettle detectors?

1. It CAN be both! Most of the time, it's a time killer. You may hit big with an item here and there, but it is far from consistent. Years ago, when civil war relics were still laying around. There were people that made a living doing it. Those day are gone.

2. You can take a detector made 15 years ago, use it today and well into the future. How do I know? I use one that old. There is a multi frequency detector, minelab, that kicks but and probably the newest technology out in detecting.

3. Like everything, you have a low price, mid price, then the high dollar stuff. Stay away from the low priced bounty hunters and garetts. They are cheap junk that you throw money at. Mid price is about $500, which is what I have. Then you have the over 1K detectors. I had the high priced detector but sold it when my activity waned. If you can afford it that is the way to go, minelab or fisher.

If I was going to go mid price, Tesoro has some very nice options. IF you can afford to go high, look at fisher and especially minelab.

What is the difference in a mid price Tesoro and the fisher and minelab. Depth! Tesoro will pick up a coin 6 to 10 inches. The fisher and mine lab can go 12 plus!

I was hunting a civil war battlefield and picked up a shot gun mini ball with a minelab at almost 2 ft! The signal was not strong and would take an experienced ear to hear it but I found it. I was a believer in minelab after that!

[Detectorist]

You can pick up some excellent used detectors Tesoro brand. Tesoro will still honor their Lifetime warranty.

Cibola
Vaquero
Tejon

These can be had for $250-$350 used. For the first time buyer, I would recommend the Cibola or Vaquero. You would also need a good set of headphones and a good digger and then you're set.

[*ASH*]

thanks for replies , i know every year i plan to buy one when camping because who knows where treasure is ARGGHH!!!!!!