mikey52
Member
Hi! I'm looking at metal detectors, but never owned one, before. What brands do you use, and why do you like it? I'm looking at Garret Ace 350. Thanks for your help! Mikey
which metal detector do you use?
- Thread starter mikey52
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Steve in Vermont
Member
- Joined
- Jan 16, 2011
- Messages
- 1,969
- Reaction score
- 1,379
I bought the Bounty Hunter Land Star several years ago and like it very much. It comes with the large coil and I'd recommend purchasing the small (4") one as well. Better for tight places and very small objects. Also, whatever one you get add a good pair of headphones. They make it easier to hear and extend the life of the batteries.
bobcat
US Veteran
I use a White's M-6, a turn on and go model, and it's a coin magnet. +1 on headphones, easier to hear the signals and allows you to discriminate the tones better. Most of the decting sites have good things to say about the Ace, and people have made some spectacular finds. Do some research on the detecting forums, but you're going to find it's like asking what someone's favorite hunting caliber is, you're going to the broad spectrum of favorite brands.
As an aside, it's probably my favorite hobby, and I've found some interesting stuff, I'm not going to retire on the proceeds, but you truly never know what's in the ground. Have fun and good luck making a choice...
As an aside, it's probably my favorite hobby, and I've found some interesting stuff, I'm not going to retire on the proceeds, but you truly never know what's in the ground. Have fun and good luck making a choice...
cass
Member
I use a Whites, but have used/owned several of the top brands. Only advice I can offer is stay away from the El Cheapo ones (like Radio Shack) - try to stay in the mid-range of the brand's offerings. The really high dollar units aren't really that much better than the medium priced ones. A good unit will provide you a lot of great exercise, and some very interesting finds. I use mine nearly every weekend during the Spring and Fall.
Mikey 52,
I live 40 miles from White's factory, and have taken their tour in June as I too am interested in getting a metal detector. I was very impressed with how they build their machines and the care that goes into them. I also met some their sales reps as they were doing some internal training the day I was on site. You can order online or go through a sales rep. in your area, and the prices will be the same. I also met one rep at the factory, and by chance he lives about a mile from me, and has been very hepful.
I was able to try out several models, and I am leaning toward the Spectra VX 3. It is a little more money than I planned to pay, but, for what I want to accomplish, I think it is the best choice for me. Whatever model you choose, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
______________
Rodger
Retired LEO
I live 40 miles from White's factory, and have taken their tour in June as I too am interested in getting a metal detector. I was very impressed with how they build their machines and the care that goes into them. I also met some their sales reps as they were doing some internal training the day I was on site. You can order online or go through a sales rep. in your area, and the prices will be the same. I also met one rep at the factory, and by chance he lives about a mile from me, and has been very hepful.
I was able to try out several models, and I am leaning toward the Spectra VX 3. It is a little more money than I planned to pay, but, for what I want to accomplish, I think it is the best choice for me. Whatever model you choose, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.
______________
Rodger
Retired LEO
Lee in Quartzsite
Member
I have had my Tesoro Lobo Super Traq for about 3 years. It's easy to use and works well in the desert. I have found lots of old stuff like square nails and mule shoes..so far no gold. Downside is that it's a bit pricey:
Tesoro Metal Detectors - Official company web site with metal detector models for treasure hunting land or water.
Tesoro Metal Detectors - Official company web site with metal detector models for treasure hunting land or water.
sipowicz
Member
I lost my metal detector at the beach last summer. I need to tape some quarters to my feet and go find it...
I bought my first detector in 1969, a Fisher M-Scope. Was $90 bucks used. Then a off brand something or other that I found a 1858 dime with. Then a Garrett Beach Comer that worked fine, I got my first Tesoro in 2000, good machine, nice & light. Now Have a Whites GMT for nugget shooting. I've had a ball with all of them. Oldest coin I found was a 1854 quarter. Lots of rings, watches, necklaces & bracelets, too.
speedyquad
Member
both dad and my grandfather had whites...i'd go with them every weekend when i was a kid...i was "the digger". they could tell what was junk, what was a quarter, dime, nickle, penny, etc by where the tone was on the dial. they both used headphones...now that dad s gone, mom moved it into the basement...i've been tempted to ask for it.
quneur
Member
I have a Fisher M-Scope. Found it at Goodwill. Think I paid four dollars for it but it uses special batteries. I can probably hardwire a 9v battery to it.
Allen in MT
Member
- Joined
- Mar 4, 2012
- Messages
- 104
- Reaction score
- 229
All the major brands are pretty equal now days, White's, Fisher, Teroro, Garrett, Minelab. I have used most them all of them
What is your planned use for one??
What is your price range??
There are simple turn on and go machines and then there are the computerized type as I call them where you can build differen't programs depending on what you are looking for. The cheapest in shop is $189.00 the most expensive is over $6000.00. Probably my biggest sellers are the White's MXT, Tesoro LST, Fisher Gold Bug 2 and Garrett Ace 250.
What is your planned use for one??
What is your price range??
There are simple turn on and go machines and then there are the computerized type as I call them where you can build differen't programs depending on what you are looking for. The cheapest in shop is $189.00 the most expensive is over $6000.00. Probably my biggest sellers are the White's MXT, Tesoro LST, Fisher Gold Bug 2 and Garrett Ace 250.
carpriver
US Veteran
"Hi! I'm looking at metal detectors, but never owned one, before. What brands do you use, and why do you like it? I'm looking at Garret Ace 350. Thanks for your help! Mikey"
I would get the one the TSA uses at the airports, the can find they rivets on your jeans
I would get the one the TSA uses at the airports, the can find they rivets on your jeans
Viss
Member
I have a Whites coinmaster and an Eagle II by Whites, I bought them both new over 20 yrs. ago.
These machines work as good today as when they were new. The Eagle II has the digital type screen and the coinmaster has the old needle with the graph, I have found decent coins with both.
I wouldnt hesitate to buy a used Whites in working condition.
These machines work as good today as when they were new. The Eagle II has the digital type screen and the coinmaster has the old needle with the graph, I have found decent coins with both.
I wouldnt hesitate to buy a used Whites in working condition.
I use a Garrett Ace 250. It is a few years old and works perfect. That said, I am not a pro trying to earn a living or get rich off metal detecting. I bought it to have some fun with and the plus is that it has easily paid for itself in recovered arrows on my 3-D range. It is very extremely simple to use and I have found alot of stuff with it. I have to say if the 350 is soem kind of updated/upgrade to the 250 definately go for it...you will not be sorry. Now, if you plan to dive in with both feet and seriously do some all out detecting then you might want to look at one of the much more costly models that do alot more and are highly discriminatory. My thing is, I am in it for the fun and the 250 does everything I want it to do so why spend any more money??? Good luck. I found a three pound nickle iron meteorite in the woods behind my house.
Lots of fine detector brands already mentioned, but i have always used Minelabs. Now using the
e-trac, excellent for coins (especially deep silver) and programmable, but not cheap.
you can look these sites over for guidance...
Friendly Metal Detecting Forums - Powered by vBulletin
American Detectorist Metal Detecting Forums - Index
TreasureNet
couldn't have said it better
Getting rich from the hobby is as likely as winning the lottery, but digging up cool long lost items is what makes this my favorite hobby too. To me, researching to find older (1800s) home sites by using maps and plat books, or old aerial photos is just as enjoyable as detecting itself.
e-trac, excellent for coins (especially deep silver) and programmable, but not cheap.
you can look these sites over for guidance...
Friendly Metal Detecting Forums - Powered by vBulletin
American Detectorist Metal Detecting Forums - Index
TreasureNet
couldn't have said it better
Getting rich from the hobby is as likely as winning the lottery, but digging up cool long lost items is what makes this my favorite hobby too. To me, researching to find older (1800s) home sites by using maps and plat books, or old aerial photos is just as enjoyable as detecting itself.
Last edited:
HI! I'd like to thank everyone for their help, thoughts, and information. I'm going to buy one, but not set on which one yet. Getting opinions from people on here, means a lot. Also, thanks for the links, someone posted, I'll check them out. Lots of in info, and lots of websites, out there; but I like the forum opinions best. Thanks again! Mikey
MK
Member
- Joined
- Dec 23, 2007
- Messages
- 567
- Reaction score
- 150
I've had a Garrett Ace 250 for 5-6 years I guess.
For the money, it's been a real good machine.
Seems like I hardly get time to use it though..
I've got the extra two Garrett coils, so have the
stock 6x9, the 4.5 inch sniper, and the 9x12, which
is like the 6x9, but larger.
The Ace 350 is a good machine from what I hear, so
I wouldn't be afraid to buy one. It uses a double D coil,
and is kind of calibrated to favor relic hunting.
But it can be used for anything, same as the 250..
For the money, it's been a real good machine.
Seems like I hardly get time to use it though..
I've got the extra two Garrett coils, so have the
stock 6x9, the 4.5 inch sniper, and the 9x12, which
is like the 6x9, but larger.
The Ace 350 is a good machine from what I hear, so
I wouldn't be afraid to buy one. It uses a double D coil,
and is kind of calibrated to favor relic hunting.
But it can be used for anything, same as the 250..
