Posted on 03/09/2013 5:12:05 PM PST by The Louiswu
Hi - My wife has said she would like a metal detector for her birthday in late April. I know nothing about them and would like some help so I can get her a really good one.
I am willing to spend a few hundred dollars for one if that is what it takes, but I want one that will do a good job locating objects and is good quality.
Thanks in advance!
Why not buy a cheap one and use the money you’ll save to buy some interesting coins and jewelry for you’re wife to “find”?
I don’t know if Consumer Reports at a library would be a help. http://www.detecting.com/ might help you.
Best place for info: www.metaldetectingforum.com
MineLab 705 Gold
Fisher Gold Bug 2
Get whatever the TSA is using. Those detectors are capable of detecting over 80% of handguns brought through, which is pretty dang good.
Do some research. Find what’s good - what’s not.
Shop Craigslist. I just entered ‘metal detector’ in the search bar on my local craigslist. Tons of hits.
Why? I suspect people like your wife think they would like one - they get one - they soon lose interest and they sell them for 1/2 of what they cost new.
Metal detecting is highly regulated in most public spaces in Indiana. My father used to detect there and gave up. You need to go here and see the regulations before you plunk down the money: http://www.mdhtalk.org/maps/fp-map-regulations.htm
you can rent a GPR for $500 bucks a month.
I use a Whites GMT Goldmaster to hunt for small nuggets in Alaska.
Its more specialized for that and has an auto ground adjust feature.Its not cheap though but is easy to use.
I use a White XLT Spectrum. The model has some age on it but almost new ones could be had for @ 400 on eBay.
MFO
Where did you leave it last?
I didn’t realize that model was bringing that much. I have one of those that I never use anymore.
I bought a Whites back in the late 80s. It cost around $500 and I could not find a better price no matter how I checked. I did find a few interesting items but no where near what some guys find. I eventually lost interest in it.
There can’t be that much stuff in them to justify the price. I wonder if anyone is making cheaper ones now which still have the same or better features.
I gave mine away to my S.I.L. this Christmas. The original rechargeable batteries were replaced many years ago with holders for AA batteries.
I have two. One is a White’s 6000 Si pro SL from the early 90’s. The other is a White’s DFX that is about 6 or 7 years old. Both work great but I really don’t use them.
Check them out here Garrett
Good hunting!
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