| Addendum:
Although I am not an "md'er" yet, I would like to buy
civil war bullets, buttons or other misc. things that have been found
that others don't want or have too many of. I am not a coin collector
yet...
Again, Thanks
Jeff
|
| I'm only familiar with two brands of detectors. Whites and Garrett.
Both have been around for eons. Well, maybe not THAT long, but they
are two of the top players in the metal detector business.
Granted, you probably don't need all the bells and whistles in the
beginning, but keep in mind that "some" bells and whistles are
necessary if you want a decent machine that won't just frustrate you.
You'll want notch descrimination, pinpointing, depth reading and
preferably, an LCD screen rather than needle. In order to get something
like that, I think your going to have to bump your price limit to
about $350 and go mail order. Go to your local book store and pick up a
treasure hunting magazine. That's where you'll find most advertised.
A good all around machine is the Garrett GTAx500. Mail order price is
about $349. It's an excellent coin shooter and works reasonably well on
the beach. Easy to use and a true turn on and go machine.
Whites has recently come out with two new models with the model name
Quantum. Mail order price should also be in the $350 range. I don't
have all the details off the top of my head, but they have built in
programs and good functionality with regards to programing. The Quantum
units have more of the "bells and whistles" type stuff, but if you can
get it for the same money, why not.
I's suggest going to a dealer and "looking" at the machines. Pick them
up, swing them, and get an explanation of how they work. Then see if
the dealer will try and come close to the mail order price keeping in
mind that there's something to be said for dealing with a real person.
If not, go the mail order route if money is the bottom line.
So, my suggestions would be for the Whites Quantum detectors, or the
Garrett GTAx500 in the price range you specified. My only suggestion,
from first hand experience, is that you get all the detector you can
afford first time out. Even if it means tossing out your $300 dollar
limit. It's MORE expensive to upgrade later and if you decide metal
detecting isn't for you, the better machines are easier to sell and
worth more.
Steve
|
| Hi Jeff,
Adding my two cents. I have only been a Whites user and have owned four
Whites models, so my experience is limited and therefore biased.
I would not overlook the possibility of going the 'used detector' route.
One can often find a good deal in a high end machine at a mid-end price.
Just last week, I saw a couple of White's Spectrum's in the local Want
ADvertiser paper for under 350.00. Those were $700-850 new, and if these
are working fine, then you are getting all those features for the price of
a lower-featured new model.
I'd like to put you in touch with a couple of folks out there in Colorado
Springs. JD Long, former Digital and notesfile participant, is a member and
officer in the Pike's Peak Adventure League. Ed Swierc is a member of PPAL
also and I have corresponded with him by email about issues pertaining to
the FMDAC (Federation of Metal Detecting & Archaelogical Clubs).
I don't have their phone numbers, but I'll send you their email addresses
off-line. You may even want to drop in on one of their upcoming meetings as
a guest. They may even know club members who are upgrading their equipment
and wanting to sell their two year old model.
|