Newbie here

[groundsquirrel]

Dear group, I am new to the forum and am seeking sound advice regarding a viable metal detector. I have tried researching, only to find more options, which has led to mass confusion on my part.
I have looked into Minelab Vanquish 440 and the Minelab X-Terra. I want to stay under $400. I realize there are many brands and other options than Minelab. These two were available for me to touch physically. I will predominantly be scouring the midwest countryside, fields, and along creeks. Your knowledge, generosity, and opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

[MasonDixonMding]

Welcome from Maryland
I have not used either of the machines you mentioned. But I hear good things about x-terra. Others here will know better.

 

[Valley Hunter]

along creeks ... X-Terra Pro is water prof 440 is not If you go Vanquish get the 540

 

[groundsquirrel]

Welcome from Maryland
I have not used either of the machines you mentioned. But I hear good things about x-terra. Others here will know better.

Appreciate the thought!

 

[groundsquirrel]

along creeks ... X-Terra Pro is water prof 440 is not If you go Vanquish get the 540

Ok, I had not looked at that model, Ill take a gander. Thank you!

 

[markinmichigan]

Why not look at a used detector on Craigslist or FB? You could save a few hundred bucks and get a better machine than buying new. Just my 2 cents.

Mark in Michigan

 

[groundsquirrel]

Why not look at a used detector on Craigslist or FB? You could save a few hundred bucks and get a better machine than buying new. Just my 2 cents.

Mark in Michigan

I think that I may make a mistake on that route. Not knowing much about detectors, I might find myself getting taken, maybe!

 

[hoser]

I think that I may make a mistake on that route. Not knowing much about detectors, I might find myself getting taken, maybe!

I do agree with you on this as I have seen it happen more than once. For a person who is new to the hobby, I would look to a reputable dealer who will give you good advice on different detectors. If you are close enough to a dealer you might even be able to take several for a Test Ride. That being said, coming here is a great first step in your quest for a first machine. I would trust the opinions of all the folks on here. Good luck and Welcome to the forum.

 

[John Madill]

Take a look at the Simplex. Waterproof and rugged like the x terra but more stable numbers.

 

[groundsquirrel]

Thanks for thee thought on that. Not everybody is a crook, but there are some out there just waiting for an uneducated person to bounce down the bunny trail.

 

[groundsquirrel]

Take a look at the Simplex. Waterproof and rugged like the x terra but more stable numbers.

I'll have to look at those, any particular model that would be a good fit?

 

[yatahaze323]

There are 4 models of the Simplex, 3 are still in production and 1 has been discontinued.

Simplex+ is the discontinued model, but it is still a very good detector that some places might still be selling it. Don't buy this brand new unless they've got a really good price for it (it was $250 when it first came out)

Simplex Lite, Simplex BT, and Simplex Ultra are the current models https://www.noktadetectors.com/metal-detector/simplex-bt/ .

Since you're just starting out and don't want to spend a lot the Simplex BT would probably be the best for you. It has wireless bluetooth audio support that the Lite model doesn't offer and few more features.

Contact Bart at Bart's Big Boy Hobbies https://bigboyshobbies.net/ , many people here have purchased detectors from him, my self included and he might be able to offer you some additional guidance and might be able to give you a better deal then whats full price for some of these detectors. It looks like there are some deals going on with the Simplex ultra model according to their site https://bigboyshobbies.net/nokta-makro-simplex

But definitely call before buying!

 

[groundsquirrel]

There are 4 models of the Simplex, 3 are still in production and 1 has been discontinued.

Simplex+ is the discontinued model, but it is still a very good detector that some places might still be selling it. Don't buy this brand new unless they've got a really good price for it (it was $250 when it first came out)

Simplex Lite, Simplex BT, and Simplex Ultra are the current models https://www.noktadetectors.com/metal-detector/simplex-bt/ .

Since you're just starting out and don't want to spend a lot the Simplex BT would probably be the best for you. It has wireless bluetooth audio support that the Lite model doesn't offer and few more features.

Contact Bart at Bart's Big Boy Hobbies https://bigboyshobbies.net/ , many people here have purchased detectors from him, my self included and he might be able to offer you some additional guidance and might be able to give you a better deal then whats full price for some of these detectors. It looks like there are some deals going on with the Simplex ultra model according to their site https://bigboyshobbies.net/nokta-makro-simplex

But definitely call before buying!

Ok, thank you for the information

 

[El Cheapo]

You didn't mention your budget, but here's a piece of advice lots of folks here might agree with: whatever that budget is, reduce it by $100 and get a good pinpointer - it is a nearly-essential piece of gear.

That said, I just got a buddy of mine a Simplex+ for $200, and depending where you live, good used ones can be found for $150 or less. I haven't seen nearly as many Vanquishes on the used market, but maybe that's just me.

 

[CalReg]

Depends on what kind of hunting you want to do. If you're primarily hunting parks and fields, the Vanquish will work fine. Look at the Simplex as well. If you are going to do some beach hunting, you probably need to look at something that is waterproof. The X-Terra and the Nokta Makro Double Score would fit the bill too. Whatever you decide, good luck and happy hunting!

 

[groundsquirrel]

You didn't mention your budget, but here's a piece of advice lots of folks here might agree with: whatever that budget is, reduce it by $100 and get a good pinpointer - it is a nearly-essential piece of gear.

That said, I just got a buddy of mine a Simplex+ for $200, and depending where you live, good used ones can be found for $150 or less. I haven't seen nearly as many Vanquishes on the used market, but maybe that's just me.

This was in my original posting: I have looked into Minelab Vanquish 440 and the Minelab X-Terra. I want to stay under $400

 

[groundsquirrel]

Depends on what kind of hunting you want to do. If you're primarily hunting parks and fields, the Vanquish will work fine. Look at the Simplex as well. If you are going to do some beach hunting, you probably need to look at something that is waterproof. The X-Terra and the Nokta Makro Double Score would fit the bill too. Whatever you decide, good luck and happy hunting!

Thank you for the information.

 

[The Lama]

You might check the Garrett website they have open box Apex's for 379 similar performance to vainquish but way more durable

 

[groundsquirrel]

You might check the Garrett website they have open box Apex's for 379 similar performance to vainquish but way more durable

Ok, thanks for the help!

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

There are 4 models of the Simplex, 3 are still in production and 1 has been discontinued.

Simplex+ is the discontinued model, but it is still a very good detector that some places might still be selling it. Don't buy this brand new unless they've got a really good price for it (it was $250 when it first came out)

Simplex Lite, Simplex BT, and Simplex Ultra are the current models https://www.noktadetectors.com/metal-detector/simplex-bt/ .

Since you're just starting out and don't want to spend a lot the Simplex BT would probably be the best for you. It has wireless bluetooth audio support that the Lite model doesn't offer and few more features.

Contact Bart at Bart's Big Boy Hobbies https://bigboyshobbies.net/ , many people here have purchased detectors from him, my self included and he might be able to offer you some additional guidance and might be able to give you a better deal then whats full price for some of these detectors. It looks like there are some deals going on with the Simplex ultra model according to their site https://bigboyshobbies.net/nokta-makro-simplex

But definitely call before buying!

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