Newbie needs advice for a GOOD device

[747FltOpsMgr]

A newbie asks for your help.
This is not my gig, But, My wife has an interest in this. Don't get me wrong, I would love to find a civil war relic treasure hidden in an oak stump here in GA, but, I guess I'm not that optimistic.

I have used amphibious metal detectors before, and, now need to find a newer version - not exactly looking to spend millions.

So what do the REAL pro's use? I don't want to go on E-Bay and spend between $850, and $250, since I can't tell the difference. I could easily dig a hole and drop 250 gold 1 dollar pieces in the ground and get the same effect ..... but I have a sneaky suspicion that there is someone out there that knows what I am trying to do. ,I just don't want to buy a pile that will sit on my work-bench without doing at least a little work!! (I will do it if my wife doesn't), and call it even .... so, Who has the intel?? What should I look for, What brand actually works, Waterproof not required .... I will pay CC or cash, not looking for Jimmy Hoffa, just need a decent unit ..... but keep in mind, I do know a decent unit - I have already found several ball rounds on my GA land ... so, who can help on a better unit??

 

[Bill_S]

I think it all depends on what you want to use it for. You mentioned round balls so I assume you want to look for civil war relics. Do you want to coin hunt too? Will you be using it other places? Trashy parks, schools etc? Do you need a digitial display or do you just want a beep and dig unit. There are many detectors on the market in your price range that will do the job. Just need a little more info and I am sure the the guys on here with a lot more experience than me can make a suggestion.

 

[dewcon4414]

I agree, some of these machines are pretty unique as to their strong point. How deep are we talking, do you want out of the box performance with little tweaking, how deep and what specifically are you looking for... gold, silver, relics, or just coins? What kind of conditions are you working in... iron ridden, EMI, water, clay, sand, woods, parks or old house? Sounds like a one time use thing... if so try renting one first. There are a ton of machines out there at the right price once you narrow down your needs and abilities.

 

[Shambler]

You didn't give enough information. You asked for a sportscar that goes fast and isn't a waste of money... based on what other criteria? All sportscars are fast. A 40K 'vette is pretty freaking cool and will fit the bill, but who could argue that a 'vette is better than a Lamborghini?

Honestly, an ACE150 and F2 will both beep over metal and they're easy to find for $150 (and the F2 has a DD coil). BUT there's a reason the Etrac, Explorer, DFX, F70, and F75 are 5-7X that price.

 

[Erik in NJ]

Get her a Minelab E-Trac and you won't wish you had, u can PM me for more info as this is the Explorer forum - a used Minelab Explorer SE Pro is a good second best...sorry i cant tell u where to get the best price without being kicked off of this forum