I saw this metal detector on sale at my local Radio Shack, I can't find a direct link to it online, but I found a link to the Owner's Manual for it: http://www.radioshack.com/graphics/uc/rsk/Support/ProductManuals/6303013_PM_EN.pdf I was thinking of getting one, I'm not going to spend $500 or more on a high end on, but I dont want to get stuck with one thats basically just a cheap toy. Any thoughts on that one? Does it sound okay? It's 'discriminating' which sounds like a good feature for a cheaper model, but anyways, anyone with experience with these things let me know what you think, THANKS!
I wouldn't buy it. A Garrett Treasure Ace 300 would be a better buy and save you $200 bucks in the process... They also have a newer model but I can't think of the name now??? Take Care Ben
No, sorry, I don't mean the Radio Shack one is $500, I just mean I'm sure for $500 I could get a nice one. The RS one is on sale for $50. And $50 isn't too bad, at least then if its okay, but not great, it's only $50, and if its any fun, I'll maybe save up and get a higher end one next year or something.
dopeuser: Ben is correct, save yourself a lot of money (like $50). I bought one of those Radio Shack jobs in 1970 and couldn't find a Chevy with it. Go to FMDAC.com, (Federation of Metal Detectors and Archaeological Clubs, Inc.) they are a not-for-profit organization and ask for suggestions from the members. There are a lot of good companies out there. If you are in the area, they are having a convention next month, in South Carolina. Frank
I would go with a Garrett or a Whites detector. They are dependable and have the latest technology. Just remember if you buy a cheap detector you'll go treasure hunting thinking of riches and come home with nails, pull tabs, bottle caps, and a few clad coins. If you want to see what kind of detectors are out there try www.kellycometaldetectors.com they are a 5 star dealer. Lou
My son purchased the high end detector from radio shack and it works great and accurately separates the junk from the treasure. [I don't know the model number]. I think their technology is underrated because Garrett and White have all the snob appeal. I wouldn't think a $50 detector would do the job for you and would sour you on the hobby without really giving you a chance to enjoy it.
Nowadays most detectors use the same technology to discriminate metals. Garrett and White detectors are good but so is a Bounty Hunter, it is all in the way you use it. Any detector will found you coins if you are looking in the right place and you are using it properly. You will need to research your area for the most likely place to found coins. If you just take a detector out to a city park or to a vacant lot you most likely will just found nothing but junk. Buy a detector that you can afford, read the manual, do your reseach and have fun.
Don't buy cheap. You don't need to buy expensive either. If I was doing it all over, I would opt for a nice mid-range machine but I would stick to either Whites or Garrett. You need to get a detector, keep it and learn with it. Get used to it and learn to "hear" it and soon you will be saving yourself a lot of useless digging but as with any machine you need to train yourself to understand what it is telling you and this takes lots of practice.
Ya get what ya pay for..If your going after older coins you need something that will go deeper. You will be able to find a few with a cheaper model but much more with a better one.
The Radio Shack detectors are made by Bounty Hunter as are the WalMart,Caballas, etc. They do work but I would steer clear of the lowest price models, not much depth, none of the features that help with your finds. The higher price machines are fine but for the same money you can get better. I recomend the Garrett Ace 250 to people getting started in detecting.
Actually so much depends on the area you are planning on searching for metals or coins. I've bought a few from Walmart that work great in remote areas such as a farm or forest preserve in remote areas. I bought my son a cheapy from Walmart that he used on farms in Wisconsin and they worked fantastic. However, people I know that have paid hundreds and try in our urban areas just get signals as soon as they turn them on. For example areas near the Chicago River in the downtown are are so full of metal garbage a metal detector mayas a well be a garbage detector and should be pointing to the residents on lower Wacker Dr. In our forest preserves near the big city areas, same thing. To many bottle and can tops in the ground. As I said so much depends on where you plan on using one. I suggest you first try a reasonable one just in case you loose interest as so many I know have and now there is this thing sitting there waiting for a garage sale.
