Metal Detector

[C5BowHunter]

Any suggestions on a metal detector for a beginner? I’m looking to get my Dad one for Father’s Day. He’s mentioned wanting one to use out at my parents property. I don’t believe that he would use it anywhere else. So I’m not looking to go spend crazy money on one, but I also don’t want to buy him a piece of junk.

[Radar]

I have a White's Coinmaster that was not too expensive.

[Native Texan]

Any detectors made by Garrett are reliable. Just depends on how much you want to spend.

I recommend the AT Pro and they are going down in price since Garrett just came out with the Apex last month. Not enough reviews yet on the Apex, but it looks like a great machine too.

[Radar]

Any detectors made by Garrett are reliable. Just depends on how much you want to spend.

I recommend the AT Pro and they are going down in price since Garrett just came out with the Apex last month. Not enough reviews yet on the Apex, but it looks like a great machine too.

That is what I want, but they aint cheap. I plan on selling my White's and get one of the higher end Garrett.

[sailor]

A Garrett 250 is around $250...…….
That's pretty cheap, for a really good unit...…
I've got one.... And it works excellent...……….
If you get him a really cheap one... both in price, and function...
He won't be happy with it...
IMHO------------

[Native Texan]

That is what I want, but they aint cheap. I plan on selling my White's and get one of the higher end Garrett.

Until recently I was hunting with a Garrett Master Hunter CXIII that I bought new in 1998 for $600. It's a GREAT machine and Charles Garrett's favorite one. It has a true "all metal mode" and will detect deeper than most newer ones, but it's heavy and doesn't display conductivity number readings. I will still use it over the AT Pro for deep targets...as much as 3' deep. You could probably buy one used with all the coils for $150.

I bought my AT Pro used with headphones and 3 different sized coils for $400.

[C5BowHunter]

Sure wish the Apex was released already.
The 250 doesn’t seem like it has all the features I’m looking for. If I understand correctly the frequency won’t pick up as much as the Apex correct? I’m looking for it to pick up a variety of different metals including gold (you never know LOL).
Supposedly the tank on my parents place was an old dipping vat way back when, and cattle drives would stop through there frequently (not sure how accurate that is). They also have the Medio creek that runs along one side of the property and fingers off through the middle as well. That was also suppose to have seen a lot of action back in the day.

[flywise]

I’ve had a whites for 15 years. Not super high end but I believe around 200 or less when I got it. I’m going to say It’s perfect for a novice and will get them by until they decide if they want an upgrade

[Native Texan]

Sure wish the Apex was released already.
The 250 doesn’t seem like it has all the features I’m looking for. If I understand correctly the frequency won’t pick up as much as the Apex correct? I’m looking for it to pick up a variety of different metals including gold (you never know LOL).
Supposedly the tank on my parents place was an old dipping vat way back when, and cattle drives would stop through there frequently (not sure how accurate that is). They also have the Medio creek that runs along one side of the property and fingers off through the middle as well. That was also suppose to have seen a lot of action back in the day.

They should all detect any type of metal. Depth is usually proportional to coil size. Many choose to discriminate iron and focus on the coins and jewelry, but to find the gold you will need to dig foil and pulltabs.

I think the Apex is Garrett's first multi-frequency machine, so it should provide improved target ID.

Sounds like you have a good site located!!