RE: Metal detectors

[firefighterjake]

My wife surprised me the other day when she mentioned that she has often thought it might be fun to have a metal detector . . . I never pictured her as the type of person to walk around aimlessly looking for loose coins or rusty nails, but hey, if she's interested I figure it may make a good gift . . . and maybe provide me with a useful tool when I lose something in middle of the woods or what have you.

Anyone know anything about metal detectors . . . good features to have, reputable makes/models, etc.

 

[BucksCoBernie]

Stay away from the wal-mart or radioshack specials and pick up a quality detector. I have a Whites Prizm III which is a very good entry level detector that will set you back about $300-250 or less if you can find a good deal. Buying a cheap detector can make you loose interest in the hobby real quick.

Check out this site for more info on detectors/detecting
http://forum.treasurenet.com/

 

[velvetfoot]

I agree. The Harbor Freight model I tried was useless.

 

[kd460]

Metal detectors are cool. You can also use them to look for nails in logs to save your chainsaw chain. It's a fun hobby, and you can get some units that are of fair quality for under $200.

It is best (like suggested earlier) to educate yourself on a few forums. They will help guide you into a purchase. Might even come accross a deal on a used one. Some people like to upgrade as they get more into the hobby, and others get into the hobby and then get bored with it and want to sell them. Most of the metal detecting forums have a classified section.

There is a learning curve, and I have found some pretty cool stuff. I am still waiting for that big diamond ring, but you never know! I am a casual metal detector, and I believe what I have found has paid for my detector, but, I hang on to most of my finds. It is also a good hobby to spend time with kids, grandkids, whatever. Good luck. KD

 

[velvetfoot]

How good is a decent model in finding underground service cables to a house?

 

[BucksCoBernie]

How good is a decent model in finding underground service cables to a house?

Not very, at least not my detector. I would imagine the signal would be too strong for the detector and you wouldnt be able to pin-point the location.
I wouldnt use a detector for that, just call the utility company and have them flag it.

 

[sleepie]

i have a minelab for some years now----but i bought my son a ,, bounty hunter quick draw 2,,,, this seems to be a good machine for the money---about 200

kellyco is the cheapest place to find them and learn about them-----google kellyco metal detector

hope this helps--pat

 

[firefighterjake]

Stay away from the wal-mart or radioshack specials and pick up a quality detector. I have a Whites Prizm III which is a very good entry level detector that will set you back about $300-250 or less if you can find a good deal. Buying a cheap detector can make you loose interest in the hobby real quick.

Check out this site for more info on detectors/detecting
http://forum.treasurenet.com/

Thanks . . . this was a great source. At this point I'm leaning towards the Garrett Ace 250 as it seems to be pretty well liked as a decent beginner's metal detector.

 

[firefighterjake]

i have a minelab for some years now----but i bought my son a ,, bounty hunter quick draw 2,,,, this seems to be a good machine for the money---about 200

kellyco is the cheapest place to find them and learn about them-----google kellyco metal detector

hope this helps--pat

Funny that you mention KellyCo . . . in the short time I've been researching this topic, that company seems to get a lot of favorable reviews for their customer service and as you mentioned the price and package deals seem to be wicked good compared to a lot of other places.