what one is the best of the two?

[bcoop]

If your wanting to get in the water then that narrows the search. You need a water proof machine. Look at Garrett, Tesoro, Minelab, Detector Pro, Whites and Fisher those are going to be your most popular brands. Determine which of their water machines suits your budget and particular needs/style of hunting.

Which Type of detecting is going to be your most desired to do.

1. Salt water wading
2. Salt water beach
3. Fresh water beach
4. Fresh water wading
5. Dry Land hunting

Look at the machines from the manufacturers that meets your hunting expectations and match it up with your budget. All these companies produce a good quality detector, some have a longer learning curve than others but that's the fun of detecting, learning your machine and getting more confident with each hunt.

 

[Bobbie]

I have been to Kellyco in FL.....small showroom but huge warehouse full of detectors and related items. They sell the cheap junk to people who want a quick fix metal detecting and don't want to invest into a real machine.

 

[bdahunter]

It performed well but it was constantly nulling on iron because it takes so long to break down iron in freshwater compared to salt water. I would say that based upon the feedback over the years on this forum and others, the Tiger Shark is the best choice and the most affordable. It is sensitive to small gold items that other underwater detectors miss completely and still hits just as hard on bigger gold and silver.
Whatever you do, avoid PI detectors because they do not discriminate well and you will wind up digging a ton of iron in a freshwater environment. That is frustrating beyond belief.

Cheers,

BDA

 

[gmanlight]

Joe if your head is not spinning enough Yes you can use a water machine on land but most are heavy .
Not a problem in the water but on land you might want to hip mount it to take the weight
off your arm.

 

[grumpyolman]

I read that you will be "doing mostly land". Land machines will work while wading in the water as long as the electronics don't get wet or splashed. There's a risk involved when taking a land detector, even in water ankle deep.

It sounds like you will being doing land detecting 95% of time. Therefore, you need a good land machine...not a water machine. Generally the water machines are pretty cumbersome on the land. I have a top of the line E-Trac but I also have a Garrett Ace 250. You can find them here, in the forum, from $175-$250 depending on the number of coils that might be included in the deal. I used to hunt with a guy that used that, 'yeller feller' and he, more often than I'd like to admit, kicked my tail when counting at the end of the day. Somebody once said that Garrett put $700 electronics in a $250 machine.

You might pose the same question on the metal detecting portion of this forum. Then go look at the classifieds. My original post suggested to explore that option. For $700 you could get both a good land machine and a good freshwater machine. I kind of think I know where it will end up. I prefer water hunting. However, where I live it's a lot more miles and a lot more gear to get to a hunting site. On land one only has to drive a few miles to find a place to recover targets. The best to you...Jim

 

[joepierce]

Maybe I should.... go with a land one for now.... till I can save up some money to get a water one just for that alone.. It sounds only smart to get one for land and one for water... kinda reminds me of shampoo and conditioner in one bottle... why? Your loosing half the shampoo and conditioner..

and about my head spinning O yes it is..

And Ideas on some good land ones.. and learning about it.. will fustrate but trust me.. it will keep me wanting to know more.. the challange... of it all

So do you guys ever cash in your rings and coins.. I never hear you talk about it...?

 

[BARKER]

Hi Joe; Honestly, There's nothing to be scared of. It only sounds more complicated than it really is. You can get a goood Whites SurfMaster Amphibian or BeachMaster for about $200 used. Whites backs them across the board so to speak. If on land I use the Fisher ID edge althougfh I want to upgrade to the Fisher F75. You can get the Fisher ID Edge used here for between $200 - $300. Fisher backs their detectors as well.This way you can take your own choice of either beach hunting or land hunting. The BeachMaster and SurfMaster work on both the sand and in the water quite well and are fairly light to carry.
On land the Fisher ID Edge and the F75 both will tell you wether a target is copper, silver or gold.They will block out pulltabs and other trash as well. You will see the target ID on the screen via a series of numbers we call VDI #s meaning "Visual Identifcation Numbers." These along with the type of signal you get will tell you what the target is in fairly accurate manner. That is the same basic method that all "decent" land detectors use today. Again there is "nothing" to be afraid of. Like bcoop said the learning is the "fun" part.You will be a regular pro in no time. I PROMISE.!!! Another thing is that for a digging tool, on land I use a spade shovel unless I'm on a nice lawn or park.Then a small hand trowel like the Gator Dgger is perfect.I dig a small round plug around the target making sure to push the trowel in at a "slight" angle about 4 - 6" deep and pop out the plug.After the plug is out just rescan the plug and the hole.If the taget is in the hole dig deeper around the edges of the hole and lfit out the dirt.You don't want to scratch or dent good target.If it is still in the plug just shake the plug until the target falls out and afer you have your target in hand just push the dirt back in the hole and reset the plug on top and lightly step on it so it does not show Ok.?? RULE # 1: ALWAYS fill your holes.!! Trust us these steps are a lot easier than they sound.You get both detectors within your budget, you have a lot of fun and excercise, and YES you will definitely find enough stuff to repay the expense of your detectors. Everything else you find after that is pure gravy. Last try to find some guys or a Club in your area .They will help you tremendously as well and you'll make some great friends along the way. PS: "ALWAYS" carry extra batteries with you no matter wher you go.There is nothing that will drive us crazier than having our batteries die out on us and no spares around. We call it "THE END" along with a few other choice words ha ha ok. So relax and have fun. My view is if your not having fun then hang it up.!!! Anyway enough said. Until later; May God bless you and yours. PEACE:RONB

 

[joepierce]

Garrett Ace 250. looks like a good idea.... with all the extras it's a good way to start... with the pin pointer and the sniper too..

 

[GraveDiggerMax-VaBch-Va]

n/t

 

[scubadetector]

Ok more of my 2

 

[BARKER]

Hi Joe; Great Pick. Now if you can hook up with scubadetector and learn how to waterproof it for wading your good to go.Also try to meet as many folks in your area as you can OK. Suggestion: After you find enough stuff to warrant it you could use the find money to buy a really good land detector as well like the Fisher F75 or the Whites Vision. Now your really cooking. Keep it up.Keep us posted and we'll help any way we can OK. PEACE:RONB

 

[joepierce]

I have a whiting company close bye and have talked to them.. a bit today....

Was thinking of going there this weekend... I love the idea of getting a really good one... but then I need pouches and pin pointer and something to dig.. and of course a case or cover to store it in.. and I'm sooo confused.. with this... I think after getting all of this will run somewhere in the range of 1 thousand...
And you know it..Rob.. once I make enough to replace the money I bought with it... I will get a much better one... and maybe sell the one I have first... ( so what one is good for resell? ) Or maybe give to the wife.. if she wants it.. I don't know... she thinks I'm silly.. because she tells me I will not get rish.. doing this... I believe I wall hae the last laugh.. and I tell you if I can make enough moeny to pay for my 500.00 meds a month. I will be happy..

So what you think I should look at when I go over the weekend... and what extras will I need for sure? I want to write this down so I don't forget...

Thanks everyone.. and I have not seen an clubs in my area.. maybe I don't know where to look..

 

[GraveDiggerMax-VaBch-Va]

first gold of 2010

 

[scubadetector]

if your persistant and do it 4 -6 days a week like I do. I have NO idea what your meds are for BUT most meds and water will NOT mix. You shouldn't have any medical condition where you might pass out, get too exhausted, have cramps. seisures or ANY emergency.

If you need 500.00 a month land hunting will never get you there. I have never used a pinpointer on land. I learned my machines quite well. It takes a lot of practice. A probe or screwdriver for shallow clad coins some sort of pouch and a long blade shovel is all you really need. You don't need anything else.


ABOVE EVERTYHING BE CAREFUL. I promise you will not get rich. I get lucky, and I also go where NONE of my friends can cause I dive a bit deeper than they wade.

 

[joepierce]

Oh I'm sure I will not get the 500.00 a month.. but ever little bit will help .. I have had 2 heart attacks and a majot surgery.... a bit over a year ago.. and I'm only 44 years old...
And about going deep in the water.. that will be much later.... I do plan to get certified in scuba... and with what I find will let me be able to do that...
Trust me I know what I can handle.. and when it comes to very hot or cold.. weather I'm not going out...

I'm looking to go to a whiting store local this weekend..

 

[BARKER]

Hi Joe; It is called 'Whites"and they have some excellent detectors.First, It should not ever cost $1,000 at all. Second.You will "NEVER" find a sustained $500 per month rate. Third you will never get rich doing it.You will get "rich" in lifetime experiences that you and your wife will share forever.Also after she sees the stuff yuo start bringing home she "will" want one herself. hahaha. Yes you will find enough to pay for it. The rest is gravy. Now ask hm if he has a used deector for sale.You can get a top of the line detector for cheap.My advice I think would be great for you is the White M6 detector.Cost NEW: $700. USED; $300 - 400 It is lightweight, Easy to use, Accurate, and Sensitive. It also has a Beach Mode buil in and is designed to block out saltwater and fresh water mineralizatio.Just the fix for you.
As I remember you said you wanted to hve "fun and exercise" and that you also said you wanted a simple light detector that was easy to use, Accurate and worked on land and beaches.Here is your detector. I've use it and had very good results.It is "NOT" waterproof so you will stay in the low tide areas. Thats a small sacrifice given your health and budget. Last, For a shovel go to the hardware store an buy "SPADE" one for about $14. For a hand trowel ask the dealer for a "large" and "toothed" yellow one.Costs about $12. The pouch is a "must" have. Get a two sided apron type. Cost: about $4.00. He may even "give" you one free.Forget the Carrying case unless you live in a swamp or will store it in the basement for 10 years.Detectors are very sturdy and will last a long time.Besides White's gaurantees them across the board ok. There are a few other things to get not mentioned before now.First is a "good" set of Headphones. Do yourself a favor and get a better set. You can't find what you can't hear ok. I don't belive there is a treasure hunter anywhere that does not have them.Thet are a "MUST" but the better they are the more you will find.Cost $25 - 90. Next is a magnifying glass. Cost: $12. Next is a Tumbler.Cost $25 - 60 depending on model. trust me on this one and get the double barrel tumbler ok just ask the dealer.It will last a lifetime literally.Last to ID and Value your coins get the Yeoman Redbook. Cost $18. thats it.It is the Bible of coins.Maybe an extra battery holder ok.
Yuor total cost if yu buy everything brand new is about $850 - 900 Used: $500. Anyway let us know. Good Luck and keep us posted. PEACE:RONB

 

[joepierce]

First is a "good" set of Headphones. Do yourself a favor and get a better set. You can't find what you can't hear ok. I don't belive there is a treasure hunter anywhere that does not have them.Thet are a "MUST" but the better they are the more you will find.Cost $25 - 90.

Does it have to be "thier" brand.. or could I get one at say best buy... is that out of the question..? over the ear or ear buds.. what kind? ugh....

I like the M6 and it looks like it will be easy to work right out of the box.. and then once I get used to working it.. It will allow me to go manual.. kinda like a camera.. you know auto when you want it.. and manual when you deside to go that way...

What is the tumbler for .. I know that the two is best.. something about copper needs to be in it's own tumbler.. read that somewhere.

should I get a pin pointer too? I'm sure that will make things so much easier..

I know it comes with a stander coil... do you have any other coils I should think about.. a deeper one.. smaller.. I guess I would like a all purpose one that goes deep...
And about the shallow water for now is ok with me.. I have a idea.. that about 1 1/2 hour drive .. there is a public beach.. we almost bought a house.. near there. And one of the houses that is for sale then a few years ago.. I know it's not sold now.. if not tore down by now... I bet it has some stories... there.. do I go to the real astate and ask for permission to hunt?

I was wondering about someone stealing your MD... should I insure it also? We have a rough town near by and I guess I just want to know if someone desides to want to take it by force ( guns ) that I'm protected when I give it to them..

Thanks for the help.. and I'm really thinking the M6

 

[Waterdog]

VERY Well put

 

[kered]

Almost any headphones will work on any detector, that is to say they will make a noise when you pass over something that the detector see's as metal. The type of noise and what you hear depends on the phones. Good Metal detector headphones are made with the output of the detector in mind(ohm value) and also to cut out ambient sound so you can hear clearly. Another thing is the rugedness, metal detector phones are made to be used in the field, a set of HiFi ones will probably crap out in a very short time as they are built to use sat in an arm chair.
In my opinion on a straight forward beep and dig detector with no tone ID its not too critical but if you use something like the minelab sovereign multitone, detail and clarity in the sound is esential. Good makes are Sunray, Grey ghost, ratphones etc but a lot depends on your hearing too.
I suggest once you have the detector go try out different models if posible to see what suits your hearing and get the best you can afford as headphones are something you keep if and when you decide to change detector.


Things to look for

Essentials

Volume control
stereo/mono switch(to use on any detector)
90

 

[scubadetector]

n/t