Myers Depot Metal Detectors

New and chomping at the bit

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Ronnie C

New Member
Joined
May 23, 2023
Messages
17
Recently retired(war dept,,wife,,)calls it retarded lol. Getting bored. I'm about 20 miles from gulf, bout 60 miles south of Houston. Never handled a detector. So here's my questions, ease of operation, waterproof, beaches and couple riverbeds. I have limited access to some pretty old places and think I could have fun. In ya'lls opinion whats the best route for a newbie? Many thanks
 
Congratulations on you recent retirement. There's nothing like it. When you say waterproof, will you be entering the water, or just shoreline? If entering the water, and submersing the unit, then I, personally, would consider looking at the Minelab Equinox 700, or 900. Both high performance units while remaining relatively easy to learn for a new user. If just wanting to be waterproof enough to go knee deep, or less, then besides the two units mentioned, you might look at the Minelab Vanqish line. Although not submersible, they have similar performance to the 700/900 and are considerably less expensive in case you find this hobby isn't for you.

There are many other options, but I'm not experienced with them. If I may suggest, go to the manufacturer's website, and download the User Manuals for any units you might be considering. By looking at the User Manuals before making a commitment to purchase, you will have first hand information about them without the biases that everyone has, including me, about their personal choices.

Good luck with whatever you choose, and welcome to, what I believe is, the best hobby there is. At least it has been for me over the last 50+ years...
 
Tex I probably will never go over knee deep, don't like sting a rayes lol,, I want to thank ya'll for the replys
 
Ronnie C said:
Tex I probably will never go over knee deep, don't like sting a rayes lol,, I want to thank ya'll for the replys
Click to expand...
Even if you won't be going more than knee deep.There is also the possibility of a down pour.you don't want want to soak the control housing.I like the fully waterproof units that you don't have to worry if it accidentally takes a bath.
 
Congrats on the retirement, and welcome to the mayhem. Now as far as what to get, get what you can afford and learn it well. In this day and age almost all of the major manufacturers have very viable machines. Read reviews carefully and talk to people on here that swing the brands you are interested in and make your choice from that. In most cases it can and will be quite the investment. Take your time and do the research and you will come away with a machine that will serve you well. Good luck.
 
Welcome from Detroit! WARNING Metal detecting is addictive. I started 6 months ago and I can't shake this bug. Regarding your first machine, "buy once cry once" Don't buy the super cheap units as you will be disappointed. Lots of good packages on the market under $1,000.00 which will include a pinpointer and other essentials.

Good luck.

Mark in Michigan
 
I'm probably going bat ---- crazy watching video's and reading up on detectors. As mentioned by Metaladdict in previous post, I'm really looking at the x-terra pro. I got lucky and found a detecting club nearby so I'm gonna attend their next meeting. Does anyone have info to volunteer on this model, as always thanks
 
I have a xterra pro (the wife uses it mainly), its a good beginner machine, i dont think its that great though. It does do salt water as all we do is beach hunting in FL. However, the machine is very inconsistent and all over the place when it comes to ID numbers which a beginner may find more frusterating. Its a machine that you will need to dig everything except straight iron. It cant disguish between much of anything, so be prepared to dig A LOT of trash. If you want my opinion, equinox 700 or 900 would be your best bet, if you can afford the 900 go for it. If you can pick up a used equinox 800 that would be a great machine as well.
 
Ronnie C said:
I'm probably going bat ---- crazy watching video's and reading up on detectors. As mentioned by Metaladdict in previous post, I'm really looking at the x-terra pro. I got lucky and found a detecting club nearby so I'm gonna attend their next meeting. Does anyone have info to volunteer on this model, as always thanks
Click to expand...
Attending that meeting should be quite helpful. You'll be able to get an idea of what instruments the club members use as well as information about the hunting conditions where you are located. Don't know if anyone mentioned the Nokta Legend, but it may be another option. I've never used one, but I see a lot of posts, and videos, about how well they do, and their popularity. The other thing I may have missed is your budget for the new adventure. Don't forget there are other ancillary items you'll need in addition to the unit itself, such as a good pinpointer (Garrett is one of, if not, the best option), a good digging tool, a finds pouch, possibly headphones if the detector you choose doesn't include them, along with other accessories as you find a need.

Good luck again with your choice. I've been, and am, involved in other hobbies, but metal detecting (it was called ''Th'ing" when I started), has been my favorite for over 50 years. Even though I don't hunt anywhere near as much as I use to, due to health conditions, it's the thrill of the chase, and not knowing what you might dig up next that has kept me hooked for all these years...
 
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