Finally getting my first detector!

[Fini]

Howdy folks! I’ve been wanting to get a metal detector for a long time, and finally I have a good reason! A friend of mine recently passed away and I am a co-trustee for his estate. Before he passed, my friend dug up some Kruggerands he had buried in his backyard, giving two to me! Another of his friends received two as well. I have no idea how many he buried and if they were all found! So I have this opportunity to search the backyard just in case he missed something.

So, I am quite motivated! I’m considering a lower-end Garrett (like the 250?) and a pin pointer (based on my obsession with Oak Island, Gary Drayton, and treasure hunting in general). I’d assume that requesting hardware advice is a daily occurrence on the forum, but if anyone has a link to a good discussion already posted, I’d appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

 

[metaladdict]

I started with an Ace 250 but now there are better detectors like minelab vanquish 340 for $200.

 

[FreeBirdTim]

Found a lot of great stuff with my Ace 250, but it had one annoying flaw. Steel bottlecaps always rang up in the quarter range! Drove me crazy because I could never pass up a quarter signal!

 

[TampaBayBrad]

I agree with the Minelab Vanquish 340 at $200 or the 440 at $300 if you can swing it. Check minelab's web site to see the differences between the units and then call this forum's detector shop sponsors before buying. They may give you a better deal than msrp.

 

[beamwalker]

Garrett makes good units, but my preference is minelab or nokta.

 

[markinmichigan]

My man if you're interested in finding gold, shoot for a high end machine. Quit screwing around when it comes to digging cedar. Good luck and HH.

Mark in Michigan

 

[John Madill]

And when you get a machine wave one of those gold coins over the coil. That's the number your looking for.
Are they likely buried individually or in a jar? That will make that number less predictable.

 

[hoser]

Welcome to the forum from N. Michigan. My advice is buy the best detector you can afford. You'll be much happier in the long run. Good luck.

 

[MuddyMo]

My man if you're interested in finding gold, shoot for a high end machine. Quit screwing around when it comes to digging cedar. Good luck and HH.

Mark in Michigan

This ^ Don’t waste your time with a Garrett 250 or any Garrett at this time (I mean that in all ways). Minelab and Nokta both have proven excellent performing detectors. I would recommend nothing less than a vanquish 440.

 

[Metal Maniac]

My opinion: I started with the Ace250 . If you can find a used one , give it a shot .If you decide you don’t like to waste your time metal detecting, you’re not out much plus you can try to sell it . If you realize you do like metal detecting , you can try to sell it and then upgrade to any brand metal detector you choose.

 

[too_pointer]

You might want to consider used machines, although you still have to check them out. Good advice in here, have fun and enjoy
too_

 

[Jet Peddler]

I agree. I’d go no less than the Vanquish 440. I have had both the 340 and 540 and they are both solid, easy to use machines.

 

[FreeBirdTim]

This ^ Don’t waste your time with a Garrett 250 or any Garrett at this time (I mean that in all ways)

Funny how I find the good stuff with my AT Pro, but there's always someone putting it down. Must be pals with Calabash! Lol!

SOLD FOR $475.00

SOLD FOR $985.00

CURRENT VALUE $400.00

 

[hoser]

Funny how I find the good stuff with my AT Pro, but there's always someone putting it down.

I won't put it down, I have, and like my AtPro. That thing has found a lot of silver for me. You did awesome with yours Tim. Very impressive indeed.

 

[Fini]

Wow, such great responses! I guess I’ll be eyeing the Vanquish 440. Is a pin pointer a good tool to start with? They seem pretty essential.

 

[stetam]

Wow, such great responses! I guess I’ll be eyeing the Vanquish 440. Is a pin pointer a good tool to start with? They seem pretty essential.

Pin pointer is a must

 

[Fini]

What’s a decent pinpointer to start with?

 

[DudeDoubloon]

If you want to stretch your budget - check your local classifieds pages (offerup, craigslist, etc.) for a Minelab or Nokta. Minelab X-terra Elite or Nokta Triple Score. If you're staying out of salt water the Minelab x-terra pro or Nokta Double Score.

 

[MuddyMo]

Pinpointers are very convenient and speed up recovery, they can also be used to help distinguish good targets from bad but they’re not required. They didn’t even have them when I started. An ok one can be bought for $40, a good one for $70 and the best ones will run you over a $100. They’ll all work, it’s a personal choice. My favorite is the Fisher F-pulse or the Teknetics equivalent.

 

[Jet Peddler]

Wow, such great responses! I guess I’ll be eyeing the Vanquish 440. Is a pin pointer a good tool to start with? They seem pretty essential.

For a better experience you’ll need three items in addition to a detector - a well-built detecting shovel (Predator Tools or Lesche), a hand digger (again, Predator Tools or Lesche IMO), and a decent quality pin-pointer. All else you can pick up later if you wish.

I’d strongly consider going with the Vanquish 540. It comes with rechargeable batteries and a charger, and in addition to having a couple more bells and whistles, it gives you the option of using wireless headphones instead of wired ones.

The 440 is not a bad choice, it’s just that the 540 is better. If you can find one or the shovel, hand digger or pin-pointer, used - bonus!

Best of luck and let us know what you end up getting!