detector help

[101numlock]

Looking for opinions on what would be a good Target is detector for a rookie 12 year old on a budget around 300

 

[usafaviator]

-Titan 2000XD. It is lightweight, easy to use and works well. Many dealers are including an additional small coil (as well as the larger coil) all in the 300.00 range.

-Garrett Ace 350. Seems to be a popular option as well.

Additionally, there are many used options listed in the classifieds here on the forum.

 

[gmanlight]

Most of the major brands have something in that range.

The one key option might be , does it need a adjustable ground balance or not .
If your soil is mild then your all set but if the soil is heavy in minerals a adjustable ground balance might be better.

 

[SteveP(NH)]

Stick with one of the major brands, Garrett, Whites, Fisher, Teknetics, Minelab or Tesoro and don't buy any other brand. They are all well established companies with long track records. Each one has extensive dealer networks, and USA based customer support. Garrett, Whites, Fisher, Teknetics and Tesoro are all made (some would say assembled) in the USA too.

Probably the best you could do is to visit a local multi-brand detector dealer with your son and have him try different models so he can see which he is the most comfortable with and which appeals to him the most. Most local dealers will meet any price you can find on the internet and you will get much better support. Most local dealers are also hooked in with the local network of detectorists and so you can find out about local hunts and groups that can help you get started too.

 

[nw1886]

A truly good used detector can be found at that price. (Try posting in the Classifieds for sure.) We all have our favorite brands, but sticking with the ones listed....all quality that lasts.

Having one that ground balances is the dividing line that assures a "growth path".

 

[fowlercharles]

Hi 101, you got some especially good advice about buying to fit your soil conditions(GB, if needed) and of course you will want something light enough for a 12 year old to handle with ease. I would suggest you also check the different forums and see just who gives the "Mostest, Bestest, and for Surest Mostest Convient and Caring LIFETIME Warranty" for almost always Free Repairs and Maintenance on their Detectors, whether they are New, Used or , however many owners they have had.Tesoro does that and their owners will tell you so(so long as not Modified or Abused). None of the other Major Detector Mfgs. did that from their beginning as Tesoro has and their record speaks for itself. That will give you a good shot at shopping around for a good deal on an older, proven, favored detector at a good price, and not have to worry about any charges for any repairs or Maint. if ever needed. Tesoro also Pays Return Shipment also, and that is Cool for sure!.Go snoop this out with folks and see what they say. I think you will be glad you did. HH, Charlie

 

[gmanlight]

Charlie , very good points. My thinking is a metered machine would hold there attention longer.

 

[fowlercharles]

Maybe so Gmanlight, Tesoro has some good metered machines from what I read, though I have never used any metered machine. These kids now days are great at tech stuff too,I am pretty sure an older model metered Tesoro could be found for a good price.I was thinking more of pure simplicity and weight, and you would be surprised at the number of old hands that hunt with the simple Tesoro Compadre. In certain places it is a Giant killer and a real ball to hunt with. HH, Charlie

 

[digginLa]

The Tesoro DeLeon is a good detector but costs more than you've indicated you want to spend, you might want to check out some of the Teknetics detectors to see if they have what your looking for.

 

[Mtnmn]

In your price range there are only two detectors which really fit the bill for today's 12 year old tech savvy kids. The Teknetics Delta 4000 and Garrett's Ace 350. The Delta can be made slightly shorter and weights a full half pound lighter than the Ace 350, plus has 99 target I.D. segments to the 12 that the Ace has and comes with an adjustable volume control and a 5 yr. warranty, rather than the 2 yrs. for the Ace. The Ace 350 comes with its own instruction video, has a larger DD search coil, only uses 4 AA batteries rather than a 9 volt like the Delta uses and has 6 different search modes compared to the 3 of the Delta. Everything else is pretty much the same between the two. Good luck with whatever brand you finally choose...

 

[101numlock]

Is the delta 4000 similar to the fisher f-2 ? Kind of leaning that way.

 

[Mtnmn]

The Delta 4000 and F-2 are both made by the same company, First Texas which is why they are quite similar. The Delta does have a few more features than the F-2 because of its extra cost such as requiring one less 9 volt battery (important), an adjustable volume control (important) and one extra search mode. While the F-2 has one more audio tone than the Delta and comes with a 1/4" headphone jack rather than the Delta's 1/8" jack (important), plus the Delta is simpler to use because of its fewer controls. The F-2 is considered a very good entry level detector because of its simplicity for those people just getting into the sport, while the Delta is often selected as a first or 2nd owned detector because it offers more operator control than most entry level detectors and as a result possibly has slightly more depth...













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[digginLa]

The Delta has both the 1/8" and 1/4" headphone jack

 

[Mtnmn]

You are correct, I had already sent out my message before noticing my mistake. Sorry...

 

[DiGGER27]

Love the F2, great for a beginner.

The F2 and a Propointer would be a great package for about $300.