Little Help from the Coin Shooters please...

[fishlicker]

Alrighty, so since I've broken my cheap-o detector, I'm going to be buying a real detector soon. And since I mostly shoot for coins, I was hoping you guys that shoot mostly coins too could help me wade through the choices of detectors.

Here's my list of wants...someone tell me if I don't want what I think I want, etc. please. Feel free to suggest, poo-poo, laugh, whatever.




So,
1.something for coins and a few trips to the beach.
2.Something fairly lightweight since I have back problems ( though not anything too severe), and
3. Something that takes rechargable batteries( triple or double a's, even rechargable lithium 9 volts would be ok - but so many detectors say only use alkaline? )
4.something around $400 or less.



I'm in north GA, and if anyone knows if I need one with something more than the auto-ground thingy, please say so. I know I get alot of pyrite giving my cheapo $40 detector false readings. I like the look of the Fishers with the oblong coil...seems logical to me. Do I need the depth indicator, does it actually work? Would I actually dig down 8 inches for something? hmm...


coins, beach, rechargable batt's, and under $400. Is there such a machine, and if there is - is it any good? Any and all suggestions welcomed!

I'm so ignorant!

Thanks for the help( in advance)!

'licker

 

[quicksilver]

Well I know the Cibola is a great all around detector, it has no screen but goes quite deep and works fairly well on beaches, thats about all I know about it but for $340 I think you would want it.

 

[Greenman]

Well I like my Bounty Hunter Land Star but you may not like Bounty Hunters anymore. Not sure how it would do with ocean sand though. It does have a ground balance in all metal no motion mode but still not sure about wet ocean sand. It performs flawless for me on my beaches but you gotta realize that it is freshwater. I don't know about the rechargeable batteries because I run 2 alkaline 9v's like you did in your old detector. They run about $350 but I got mine cheaper because it was on sale. I'm sure I will be the only one to say anything about BH but I thought I would voice my opinion anyways. Can't hurt can it? My Land Star meets my needs perfectly. It may not fit your needs though. This is my opinion though.

 

[Sphelt]

The Garrett Ace 250 is a great machine for the cost ~$200.00 to $250.00 but it may not do well on salt water beaches. I think you may wish to consider the Tesoro Cibola. Light, excellent detector.

 

[booker]

Get yourself a little Ace 250. It will be a great machine for you !

 

[Treasurebone]

I've seen these questions before and you'll get alot of different answers. Honestly, I think if you stay with some of the big names you'll get a good MD. I use the Whites PRizm II, I like it I would suggest the Whites Prizm II as it has depth indicator, or the ACE 250. Looks like a solid machine with all the bells nad whistles.

 

[Sphelt]

As you can see from all of the previous posts there are many good machines that meet your criteria. We all have our favorites; in the end a call to Tony for a direct conversation about your specific needs will provide you with the best options to consider.

 

[booker]

Most machines will find items as you know from the one you had that broke. You have to have patents when hunting. Somedays all you get is junk but other days good things happen. To me the ones who finds treasures are the ones who dont give up and keep at it even on junk days. We kid around here about different MDs. But most of todays machines will do a good job in the right hands.The higher ends MDs will and should last a long time and have good warranties.

 

[zendpg1960]

Being that I was in the same boat a few months ago, I know the information about all the detectors was mind blowing. I would suggest the following:

Look in your area for a store that carries different brands and will allow you to pick them up and have a swing or two. Talk to them, ask questions. If they keep trying to get you into a particular machine that is out of your range, get out of there quick because chances are they are trying to sell you a model that is out of date or a low seller. Keep in mind that not all stores are like this and many many place are excellent at providing you information.

We have that kind of place here in Vegas. Excellent information and even suggested MDs they didn't carry. I elected to go with the Ace 250 for a few reasons. Being new to the hobby I didn't want to spend $1000 on everything only to get discouraged because I live in Vegas. There are some places around here that might offer up some interesting things, like Rustynails 'Pads' but these are few and oh so far between, so I really only coin shoot hoping for that 6 karat diamond ring the rich woman lost while strolling through the park! LOL

Since I can only speak about the Ace250, I do not want you to think I only endorse this brand and model. There are a few most excellent machines out there. The Ace 250 does have a depth finder which once you get used to the pinpointing feature, is rather accurate. This machine is very light at a little over 2 lbs and the user interface is very easy to read and operate. There are a lot of people on this site that own an Ace250, which is one of the reasons I chose this MD. The price is right. So before buying, check them out.

I hope this has help!

Zendog1960

 

[FXDiz]

My experience is with the ACE 250 and I can tell you that it is a fantastic machine for the price and it's light and easy to use. I got one for my wife and have been thoroughly impressed with it ... but ... there is always a but! It is not a good machine for wet beach sand (salt). It does well in the dry sand above the high tide mark, but (another one) you'll dig some junk up there. My wife does a pretty good job keeping up with me on the clad finds (GTI 2500 is my machine) and she has found a merc dime and a silver ring with it also. Just my two wheaties worth.