Looking to buy a new detector in the 4-6 hundred range. I live in the pacific northwest where it rains quite a bit and near the ocean. I will be searching the beach, old logging camps and farm lands. I have no experience with metal detectors but retired and am ready to give it a go. I have been studying this forum and reading reviewes on the varios detectors in my price range. I have been looking at the Nokta Legend and the Garrett Ace Apex. I would very much appreciate your advice and recomendations on these 2 detectors or others in my budget range.
New guy here looking to buy
- Thread starter Northup
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John Madill
Elite Member
You get more for your $$$ with the Legend. Fully waterproof for your environment.
The Minelab Equinox 600 is now down to $499 also. Another Minelab, the X-Terra is under $300.
Budget in a scoop for the beach. Could be anything from a $20 plastic scoop to a $300+ Titanium scoop with a long handle.
And about $125 for a pinpointer and $50 for a quality hand digger.
You could also search for something used, might be a package with all the above mentioned accessories.
I have bought used several times and never had a problem.
The Minelab Equinox 600 is now down to $499 also. Another Minelab, the X-Terra is under $300.
Budget in a scoop for the beach. Could be anything from a $20 plastic scoop to a $300+ Titanium scoop with a long handle.
And about $125 for a pinpointer and $50 for a quality hand digger.
You could also search for something used, might be a package with all the above mentioned accessories.
I have bought used several times and never had a problem.
Cherry Picker
Forum Supporter
I think the Nokta Legend is a hard one to beat right now. Yes, you can get cheaper, but for the performance and features it is top of the pile.
Hey guys, I appreciate the help. I also should have mentioned that I need to wear reading glasses to see small letters and I hate wearing glasses--they fog up a lot if its raining. I would probably prefer a bigger screen as part of my decision to some degree. Not sure which unit has the better readout or if I am overthinking it.
VMC----I have never seen Bigfoot but I have seen some big ugly loggers in the woods.
metaladdict
Elite Member
Go with Nokta legend.
CalReg
Forum Supporter
I agree, the Legend is awfully tough to beat at it's price point. I've got an Equinox 600, and it's a great detector, but dated...
hoser
Forum Supporter
Disregard what the rest of these guys just said and go with the Legend. 
I don't own one, YET! but from all I have read and seen on YT, it is the goto detector.
I don't own one, YET! but from all I have read and seen on YT, it is the goto detector.John Madill
Elite Member
Honestly i cannot think of a bigger screen than the Garrett Apex.
I don't like the push button shaft but it is a light machine.
My dealer offered one to me at cost a some time ago. Said it was way too chatty. should have taken him up on it. Garrett updated the software and now he likes it.
I don't like the push button shaft but it is a light machine.
My dealer offered one to me at cost a some time ago. Said it was way too chatty. should have taken him up on it. Garrett updated the software and now he likes it.
Diga
Elite Member
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2022
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- 2,622
I love the Apex screen, much more than any other detector screen.
John Madill
Elite Member
That's the beauty of a brick and mortar store. You see all the screens and displays together for comparison.
And you may find what you want in a gently used machine.
And haggle a bit and perhaps get a discount if you bundle up some accessories.
I bought a used Vanquish, Equinox, Xp Orx and a Deus all lightly used, most with warranty left, and a place to bring them back to for advice and service.
And you will find things on the shelves you never heard of and didn't even know you needed!
And you may find what you want in a gently used machine.
And haggle a bit and perhaps get a discount if you bundle up some accessories.
I bought a used Vanquish, Equinox, Xp Orx and a Deus all lightly used, most with warranty left, and a place to bring them back to for advice and service.
And you will find things on the shelves you never heard of and didn't even know you needed!
Well I am taking you fellas advice, I will be getting the Legend and trying to decide on the contents of a pkg. deal. As I will be searching the beach, woods and fields----which 2 coils should I be buying??? As usual, I will be going over my intended budget---but ---- happens. The pro pack I am looking at comes with a pinpointer. Thanks for any and all ideas and advice.
too_pointer
Elite Member
North here is the vid from Hoover Boys, on hunting with the Legend, watch it if you like
too_
too_
Thanks TP, I watched the video and a lot of info there that makes my decision easier.
Dig-Dug
Forum Supporter
Where are you located? I'm in Ocean Shores, WA. If you want to meet up and hunt the beach sometime, let me know.
wolf-n-wa
Forum Supporter
Unless you go out to the coast a sand scoop is pointless in Puget Sound. Most of the beaches are full of rock and clay. Even the sandy beaches are only @ 5 inches deep. Nice thing is all goodies stop at the clay layer. Good luck and have fun. Carry a side arm if out in the woods looking for old logging camps. Lot of tweakers, salal pickers, weed growers, and mushroom pickers in the woods here. Sometimes they are VERY territorial.
John Madill
Elite Member
There are protective covers for the control head that have bright red markings over the buttons.
Hey thanks for the pointers guys, you are saving me from having to learn these things the hard way
Dig-Dug, I am located in Mcminnville, Oregon. Thanks for the invite and I may take you up on the offer some day--I might combine a razor clam dig the same day.
Wolf--I carry when in the woods, ya never know huh.
Dig-Dug, I am located in Mcminnville, Oregon. Thanks for the invite and I may take you up on the offer some day--I might combine a razor clam dig the same day.
Wolf--I carry when in the woods, ya never know huh.
maxxkatt
Forum Supporter
Needing reading glasses. During your normal hunting swings you won't be reading the screen, because I listen to the tones and if the tones are interesting to me, I may re-swing to see how the number are either jumping around and by how much or staying within 1-2 digits of the main number being displayed. Yes, by all means travel to your nearest brick and mortar dealer who will have the actual machines you are interested in buying. Good luck.
