Which detector is good for me?

[Jose]

Hello FMDF,

My name is Jose. I am interested in buying a new metal detector. I want one that I can use at a local lake and will also use it to hunt our local beaches. Mostly lake though..

What do you recommend? TIA

 

[GKL]

from South Carolina!

I'm new to detecting also, but from what I learned here on this forum some will likely suggest the AT Pro if you are detecting in fresh water, but for the salt water beaches I think it won't be as good from what some say, but I'll let other more experienced members give you specific details.

 

[Briman05]

at pro for freshwater excal for saltwater or ctx for both fresh and salt.

 

[Barracuda]

Not sure why people say no to salt water mine did great at myrtle beach in and out of the water...

AT pro live action in salt water. this guy finds a few rings in the video live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KqKs6d5a1Q

Not saying its the best for Salt water but it does it all.

Unless you can afford a nice minelab then maybe ignore everything i just said

 

[Zipngo]

Jose...

I guess the question is going to be " how deep in the water". There are some great beginner detectors that you can the coil wet and not the control box.

This question can also be addressed by how much you want to spend.

I started for the second time in this hobby about six years ago with Garrett Ace 250. Although. Not the best for a ocean beach. It can be used just not effective as others I have used a Tesoro cutless. Minelab, this is one of those hobbies where the grass is greener with another machine. LoL
Currently, I have an Garrett AT pro for land and fresh water, a Tesoro SandShark for salt water and ocean beach. A couple others...
You might consider a begining detector to expand upon. Ask more question and check out YouTube. These folks will help, I am sure. There is more info here than you can imagine. Keep us in the loop and post your finds. We like to see them!

 

[Lucky828]

Welcome to the forum. When I was looking for my detector I weighed out this scenario. I knew I wouldn't stay out of the water. Although most detectors have waterproof coils I knew it would only be a matter of time till I accidently dropped the control box part in the water and it would be ruined. Its nice just to let the AT Pro float while you dig your finds. Just

 

[Digger-Dave]

Welcome from central Massachusetts.

I would also recommend the AT Pro.

They could be the best all around machine in the mid-price range.

....and yes, they do float......even with the stock coil attached.

 

[Big Treble]

Welcome....I defer to the beach hunters

 

[Cfmct]

Fresh or saltwater... Minelab Excalibur, CTX or Fisher CZ21

 

[rreahard]

Another vote for the AT Pro. Or get a CTX if your budget allows.

 

[Jose]

Thank you Team.

I will consider the AT PRO but I want to make sure it will handle the beaches of Southern California.

If not, then ill just keep saving to get myself an Excalibur 2

 

[Jamflicker]

Thank you Team.

I will consider the AT PRO but I want to make sure it will handle the beaches of Southern California.

If not, then ill just keep saving to get myself an Excalibur 2

The AT Pro will work on the beaches here but you just won't be able to use it in the water or on any wet sand.

 

[Tygirl]

I have the bounty hunter quick draw II and every time you turn on it will adjust to your soil.

Sent from my SM-T550 using Tapatalk

 

[Mr.Meadows]

I love my ATP, but never used it in salt water so not sure.

 

[DIGGER27]

I have the bounty hunter quick draw II and every time you turn on it will adjust to your soil.

Sorry but....no.
Fixed ground balance on this one.

 

[NectarDetector]

Confused yet? Give us a call. ..

 

[Chipk]

I guess the question is going to be " how deep in the water". There are some great beginner detectors that you can the coil wet and not the control box.

This question can also be addressed by how much you want to spend.

I started for the second time in this hobby about six years ago with Garrett Ace 250. Although. Not the best for a ocean beach. It can be used just not effective as others I have used a Tesoro cutless. Minelab, this is one of those hobbies where the grass is greener with another machine. LoL
Currently, I have an Garrett AT pro for land and fresh water, a Tesoro SandShark for salt water and ocean beach. A couple others...
You might consider a begining detector to expand upon. Ask more question and check out YouTube. These folks will help, I am sure. There is more info here than you can imagine. Keep us in the loop and post your finds. We like to see them!

I have 8 machines, including these two and I agree with the choices. My ATPs (2) get 80% of my time. Good all around machines. At the beach I use a Sand Shark or a Sovereign. Easy and effective saltwater machines.

Consider looking for used machines. I only buy used anymore. Too many people try MDing and lose interest after they don't find gold in 10 minutes and you can get some great deals on barely used equipment.

 

[NectarDetector]

Get a warranty with your machine...used machines are a !!!! shoot....just fyi

 

[MrNovice]

Consider looking for used machines. I only buy used anymore. Too many people try MDing and lose interest after they don't find gold in 10 minutes and you can get some great deals on barely used equipment.

Wha...? People don't find gold in 10 minutes?!?!?


Losers!