Can anyone recommend a good metal detector?

[Heathcock]

I've recently decided I'd like to have a metal detector and have researched it pretty extensively but seem unable to make a decision. The one I saw in Cabellas catalog is pretty pricey and the reviews I've read say it is not all it's cracked up to be particularly for its price ... about $1299.00. That particular machine was a Minelab Explorer SE I believe. I don't mind spending the money but don't want something that is too heavy or too complicated that I'll give up on it without giving it a chance. However I don't want a cheap one that I'll want to replace in a year or that can't decipher between junk and coins or "treasure". Can anyone recommend a metal detector for a beginner but not a cheapo one either? I've no plans to use it near water but you never know. However I'm not wanting to spend hundreds more just for that capability that I may or may not ever use. Thank you!




























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[swish]

i've got a minelab explorer se and it is all that it's cracked up to be. read the explorer forum and you'll get a good idea of the potential of this detector. hope this helps

 

[digginrebel]

I would not buy from the store you mentioned (Though I do buy other items there) - the sponsors of this forum will give you a better deal. Larry at NWI Detectors is awesome to deal with. As far as a beginner machine, the machine you are looking at is at the top of the experienced user list. However, with that said you may not have to fight "unlearning" an old machine, so the learning curve may be less for you. There will be a large learning curve with the Explorer, but it is worth it. I have used the Explorer for over 10 years now and now use the SE Pro and love it. I have bought and tried many other machines while owning the Explorer and always come back to it and I'm not a coin hunter - I mostly hunt CW relics. The Explorer can do a lot of things very well, not everything like nugget hunting, but most types of hunting is easy for the Explorer. Good Luck and above all else - make it fun!!!

 

[dewcon4414]

Id say the finds speak for themselves. There are a lot more finds being posted and less questions than most sites. The MLs are heavy, you do have to move them slowly, and there is a learning curve. A lot depends on the operator as well. If you dont have the time to spend using the Exps then it could be a waste of money. There are lighter machines with faster processors that you just turn on and go. Thou the Etrac has a higher price tag out of the box it has a much less learning curve and can get you where we are quickly. The FBS will handle the transition from wet to dry sand very easily unlike most single freq machines. They ARENT water machines.... dont get the box wet. There is NO machine that will without a doubt tell you what you are digging at depths of more than 7 inches. Since most average the targets... which includes size, trash, soil, moisture, and salt to give you a TID. So if you have a 12 inch coil on you may be processing 7 gal. of soil... thats a lot of targets. Have you looked at the AT Pro? Price is good, water proof, better on gold items and learning curve is easier. Dont get me wrong ... i personally dont believe its nearly as good at the SE... but for a starter based on what you are saying it might work for you.

Dew

 

[stasys]

second hand any explorer till max 750$

 

[dirt doctor]

You need to go to a multi-line dealer who has new and used and see , feel and listen to a few different detectors, that would give you a better idea of what you might like . No one here
honestly knows what you would consider heavy or hard to learn . Not too many guys ( if any ) are going to promote another brand or even a same company model on this Explorer forum that would be like trying to serve Jimmy Dean pork sausage at a Muslim Church picnic . Scroll up to forum index and then go to the metal detecting forum and post this question , there you will hear many different opinions and suggestions .Hope you find one that makes you happy .

 

[amc rulz]

You need to go to a multi-line dealer who has new and used and see , feel and listen to a few different detectors, that would give you a better idea of what you might like . No one here
honestly knows what you would consider heavy or hard to learn . Not too many guys ( if any ) are going to promote another brand or even a same company model on this Explorer forum that would be like trying to serve Jimmy Dean pork sausage at a Muslim Church picnic . Scroll up to forum index and then go to the metal detecting forum and post this question , there you will hear many different opinions and suggestions .Hope you find one that makes you happy .

Crazy you should mention Jimmy Dean sausage. I've dug tons of silver and oldies out of a small town that hosts the J. Dean factory. Learning curve on an Explorer? Fifteen minutes. Ya kiddin?

 

[Tom_in_CA]

good answer Dew.

 

[widebody]

[size=large]tried to p.m. you but you can't recieve as yet. i recommend the garrett ace 250. get it learn it and decide if this hobby is for you.
the minelab explorer is too much machine for a newbie. as stated above , you don't post on this forum asking which machine is best.of course the answer will be minelab explorer. that's a duh!!

HH[/size]

 

[dewcon4414]

The problem with reviews is the experience of those writing them. I know a couple of those writers and they dont use MLs. They like lighter, faster, and less complicated machines. The explorer isnt a machine you use once and make a review on it.... thats like air testing in and saying it wont got very deep. To write a good review of any machine you have to put in some time with it in the field. Anyone who buys a new machine will notice their finds drop off ... initially until they learn the ins and outs of the machine. Im NOT a brand specific kind of guy i will use which ever machine i believe is the best for my style and what im hunting for... right now its the SE.

Dew

 

[Bell-Two]

Thats a question that will get so many different types of replies it can make your head swim. I have the Minelab E-Trac and I love it, contrary to many opinions I do not believe the learning curve is too steep. Saying that any high end machine will require some time to begin to understand it. It is a constant learning experience in my situation. I have friends who have the Explorer series, different models, and they all make great finds, as well as friends with Fishers, Whites and other brands. If you wish to start out with a very moderate priced machine to find out if you like metal detecting and will want to stay at it, then one of the Garrett models, Ace 250 or Ace 350 would be a good choice. If you wish to go higher I can reccomend the Minelab X-Terra 705. My wife uses one of those and to be honest she is not a technical type of person but she caught on to it quickly. After using my old Ace 250 about ten times we upgraded her and in about 6 weeks she has found 6 Mercs, Silver Washington Quarter and a Franklin Half! The 705 is very light and easy to use. So there you go more things to think about. BUT buy from a metal detector dealer rather than a box sporting goods store. Check out the dealer sponsors on this website and or look for a local dealer you can see in person and check what they have to offer. Look to see if there is a local metal detecting club in your area, you can get good advice from some of the members as well as help in learning whatever machine you choose.

 

[Rob From ND]

I have been metal detecting for over 10 years and still consider myself a beginner. I have used White's, Garrett, and MineLabs. Although the MineLab Explorer is a little complicated I would consider it the best for beginners as their preloaded programs are easy to use, easy to tinker around with, work better than most others, and finally if you have problems with it there are a ton of people on this forum to help you out.

 

[jeff68aust]

I must agree had mine for about 5 weeks love it first beach hunt with it and with help from this forum got it to run smooth straight up auto sens but on second day ran manual sens
up to 28 and down to 24 depending on conditions your machine will give you signs and the forum wil teach you
regards
Jeff Happy Explorer Se user