Metal detector recommendations, please.

[USAF385]

Hello folks.

I'm looking to purchase a metal detector for my father in law.

One that can be used in water as well as dry ground. Probably mostly on dry ground in fields and woods, but I know he'd be interested in taking it in the river.

Any recommendations? Where to buy / what brands? I'm sure there must be members who use 'em and know what's good an what's bad. I have no experience with them.

Nothing too fancy... But as fancy as $300 - $400 will buy.

Thanks,
Ski

 

[Oldiron]

Hey USAF385, There is a bunch in Florida called Kellyco that I have bought a couple of detectors from. Have a totally submersible one for diving. Looking in water can drive you crazy however. A small chunk of fishhook or lead will lite one up like a battleship. Look them up and you can see the multiple lines they carry but you can also give them a call and talk to a person that uses the detectors, also most coils are water proof so a normal land use one can work in surf and shallow water. Hope this helps.
Larry

 

[USAF385]

Thanks! I pulled up their website and there looks to be a lot of choices.

 

[bunkshaner]

I have been researching to buy one for myself. kellyco seems to be the best priced/most products available and they have for every need and price range. most of their metal detectors come with extras.
Metal Detector Super Store - Kellyco Metal Detectors

 

[PA Reb]

I know a guy in Virginia that can get you any detector you want and will beat any price out there. Personally, I use a White's Blue and Gray. If you want his name, address, and phone number, PM me and I'll send it to you. I can also send him your name and tell him to expect your call if you wish. I won't say the name here but he was just on a diggers show that only had a short run.

 

[sipowicz]

I had a pretty decent one...can't remember the name of it...lost it in the sand at the beach some time back....

 

[Old 44 Guy]

I've been metal detecting since 1969. Bought a used Fisher M scope when the income tax refund came back, 90 bucks. Used it mostly at schools, parks & campgrounds. Found a lot with it, still have it & it works. Next I got a Bounty Hunter. Next one was a Garrett beach hunter for Florida beaches. Now I have a Tesoro, a real good machine & a Whites GMT gold hunter, Just use it for gold prospecting. I recommend any machine that you can afford, get something in the middle of the line. 2 to 300 bucks will get you a good machine.

 

[Robotech]

I like my White's DFX, but this model has been discontinued now. Got it off eBay in "like new" condition, evidently hardly used. They do have some models specifically designed for the beach environment.
White's

These are "high-end" detectors, with a lot of capabilities and features that let you tune the detector with either preset programs, or manually adjust it for your particular conditions and targets.