Hey guys. Preface: I am your ordinary normal American male citizen. I also have a limited income, which I will not delve into right now, and therefore, also have a very limited amount of resources to afford any kind of high end purchase. On the other hand, I do struggle to live as comfortably as I can, which, I guess puts me right about in the middle there I suppose. Anyway, as the title of this thread would suggest, I am looking to invest into a metal detector. Well, as I began to scan my surroundings and start searching the internet for one that would fit a limited budget as well as perform the task for which it was purchased has turned out to be a nightmare for me. All I want you guys, is to be able to detect a few precious metals... gold, silver and copper. Now, keep in mind that I am not afraid of the rain and may even want to hang it over the side of a boat sometime, so it needs to be water proof. It would also need to be sturdy and reliable because I am wanting for this to be a long term commitment, which means I need this thing to be around long enough to start generating its own profit because I will have very little to zero money to purchase another one, at least anytime soon, that is. Now that you have made it all the way through that, my apologies, do you have any advice for me?
When I was a kid, I pulled together my tip money from both of my paper routes to buy an inexpensive Radio Shack detector. Long story short, it paid for itself in short order (1970s and a silver boom helped). I always wanted to buy an expensive rig, but the more I found with my cheap detector, that feeling passed. Flash forward 30 years or so, I bought another Radio Shack special one day when the kids (we were at a party) were growing restless so I thought this might help pass the time. My advice to them was to ignore the discriminator feature...hear something...dig. But they wouldn't listen. After a couple hours, they were bored again and left the detector with me. I spent about 2 hours working an area where an old deck once stood. I found an 1867 Indian Head cent if Fine or better condition. Nicely toned. That cent went to the birthday boy (my nephew) and the kids re-engaged in the detecting. That day, that cent paid for my second inexpensive Radio Shack special.
There are many good detectors out there. I use a Bounty Hunter which is a low end priced detector. @paddyman98 definitely is the one to ask on this forum about detectors.
I recommend start low end , Minelab and Garrett both have them entry level machines . My favorite that I like and will buy is the Minelab Vanquish . There's a few lower end one's . Under $300 . My white's Xlt cost me $800 in 2001 but the New one's today are more technology lower priced . Go figure .
I like that advice. Ease into it with a lower investment for perhaps a better piece of equipment. The catch for the northern detectors is where the frost becomes a nuisance this time of year. In the south, I hear those folks are happiest this time of year since the snakes are in their pits keeping warm. Lots of good advice...and while I think that there is an advantage to better equipment as your develop an 'ear' for detecting, that may be a future endeavor. Paddy does have a lot of success so his investment is paid off quicker than most. It all depends on how you approach the hobby.
When I was 15 my parents bought me a bounty hunter quicksilver detector. It costs around $100, but when I actually used it the thing didn't work at all. I could even swing it in the air and it would still ring. Was a massive disappointment; it would have been better had I taken that $100 to the coin shop and gotten a nice VF bust half or something. Needless to say (In my experience) when it comes to detectors, under $250 isn't very reliable. And one more thing, if you plan to buy from Garrett/other major brands, many Youtubers have their own gift codes for like 15% off on detectors. It's best to look around some major metal detector YouTubers for those kinds of discounts.
I recommend the AV Minelab Vanquish 440 Less than $300.00 Coil is waterproof. I've used it in the rain. The processor has a protective cover.
This is what I use not the exact metal detector but this is what it looks like it used to be my grandfather's and then I got it been using it for 5 years I metal detect during hurricane season in 2020 I found 8 spanish coins/3 spanish 8 reals and 5 one reals.
I almost feel embarassed after seeing that old garret.. i just got my lil bounty hunter gold digger, but I like the sealed/waterproof coil for at the beach not the best but has worked well for me for the last 5yrs ...
I'm just waiting for the ground to thaw. Then I'll be out there with my MineLab Equinox 800. Good luck swinging.
