Can anyone tell me a good detector for a rookie?

I want to purchase a good detector to search for coins.  Any suggestions?   And first of all I want to be informed.  Can you tell me what to look for in a detector and options etc.?   Thanks for your help

Stick with the major brands, Garrett,Fisher, Minelab,Tesoro, Whites.  As far as the features it depends on what suits you best, what is great for one person may not be for you. Do you like to tinker with adjustments and different programs, or do you like to keep things simple?   Also where you are going to search makes a big difference, beach, schoolyards, ghost towns etc.  The standard answer for a beginner seems to be Garrett Ace 250, but this is not for everybody, everyplace.  Best bet is talk to a multi line dealer and discuss your needs, or at least give us a little more info.  Take your time, this is a great hobby and a lot of fun, but it can be frustrating if you get a detector that doesn't suit you.

Same question but I will elaborate a bit.
Complete newbee. Want to start detecting. Would like to keep it under $300.00 and plan to use it at parks, beaches and basically any other place where there might be interesting stuff to find. I have 2 small "helpers" that want to dig the holes for me. I am fairly certain they will get bored with that quickly. I would like to keep things simple and reliable. Perhaps something that will find most types of things fairly easily. I live in Southeast Texas - North Houston Area. I doubt I will be searching for artifacts or relics in the beginning, but would like to find something to keep me going. I prefer interesting things to just coins but will settle. Anyhow, any assistance would be helpful. Thanks in advance. This site is awesome.

J,

     Welcome aboard. Glad to have you with us. I would look at the Compadre by Tesoro. It is super easy to use. Just turn on and go. It is very lightweight and the shaft is adjustable for your helpers. I bought mine for less than $200. Just my opinion. Hope it helps. But please, stay with the major brands that are already listed above (posted by l.cutler)

I can't say enough about the Ace 250.  I have been detecting since 1984 with several brands and types on units.  I would say I'm not a novice.  I sold all my expensive detectors when I bought the Ace 250. Light, loaded, powerfull, small sniper coil, and only $200.00 for a new one!

Big.......I was in your shoes about a month ago. I had 2 old detectors and found a lot of stuff...bottle caps..pull tabs and a few coins...Since that didn't deter me from detecting I figured it was time for an upgrade. I did a lot of research and read most everything I could on the subject. I ended up with the Garrett Ace 250....I didn't have a lot of cash and they are very affordable..got mine for $212 with extra goodies to boot. I haven't had much time to use it but the couple of hours I have....at a local park and ballfield...found almost 6 bucks in coins and my first Merc dime.  Here is a forum you might want to visit .......
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/board,209.0.html
Good Hunting my friend\
Randy

Detectors from the Ace250 up to around 400.00 are still in the beginner range. If you need help decinding let me know. I can surely help you out.
TonyinCT
WWW.TCMETALDETECTORS.COM

   A lot of us beginners that have 20 plus years under our belts still like using the Ace 250.   Don't let the price alone tag a detector a beginer model.  I was sceptical to buy a Ace 250.  I thought "this thing can't be that good"  but it is!  I can afford any detector I want but the 250 is just too fun to swing. Yes, if your on a salt beach or highly mineralized ground you would need a different detector.  But for hunting good ground and fresh water this detector can do it.  Just my opionion.

Well said Khouse 

   A lot of us beginners that have 20 plus years under our belts still like using the Ace 250.   Don't let the price alone tag a detector a beginer model.  I was sceptical to buy a Ace 250.  I thought "this thing can't be that good"  but it is!  I can afford any detector I want but the 250 is just too fun to swing. Yes, if your on a salt beach or highly mineralized ground you would need a different detector.  But for hunting good ground and fresh water this detector can do it.  Just my opionion.

i agree that the 250 is an awful lot of detector for the money. for the price it is hard to beat. ;)

Good advice... but check this out....

To make a long story short.  Someone told me that they were recomended the Ace and bought it and as soon as they went hunting with someone who had a Minelab they went and bought a minelab.......  They said it was worth it and that much better. 

Bigtime,
     Do you really want to spend $1000.00 on a detector only to find out you don't like detecting?   You could spend up to $4000.00 if you want.  Tell us all what your hunting and where?  We need to know your budget?  Don't forget accessories.  For most ground the Ace 250 will get the job done. Then if you feel the need to spend a thousand or two dollars then so be it. 
    I will tell you that finding the good places to hunt and just knowing your detector (any priced detector) will net you the goodies.  As long as you keep in mind that your not going to get rich detecting - you'll be ok. 
     

Well thats just it.  The Ace 250 very affordable and not that big of a deal if I dont like detecting (which I dont think would happen)   The minelab se I have heard good things about but its over $1000.   Thats a little steep. But I could wing it and if it is significanly better.... I might concider it.  $4000 is out of the question.  I plan on searching old houses.  Nails from the roof could pose a problem and I heard that the Minelab is alot better at detecting coins if they were near these.  Not to mention I hear stories about coins that are burried by my inlaws place but I know they are deeper then a few inches.    I think I am leaning twords the cheaper "starter" detector just because I can get a feel for what I want and later upgrade. 

I live in southern WI with alot of clay.  My inlaws live up north with more sand.  I plan on searching both areas.  Mostly the old houses school yards etc for coins mainly and whatever else I find. 

Thats another good question.  What do you need for accessories?

Old house sites are full of iron objects like nails,hinges,bolts,nuts,trash etc.....
This will mess with any priced detector.  What you need if you buy an Ace 250 is a sniper coil. heavy digging knife, electronic pinpointer, small pouch for starters.
    The sniper is for better target separation so you might as well get it when you order your detector. 
    I would recommend to start learning in your own yard.  Target recovery is key.  You can not just go to a yard and start digging unless you have good skills in this area.  After you search your yard then progress to a bark chip or gravel play area.  This will hone your pinpointing and retrieval skills.  Only after plenty of practice can you venture to a nice yard.  If you buy an Ace 250 start with the sensitivity at 4 bars then move up from there.

Beleive me  ; the Explorer SE is SIGNIFICANTLY better  .  Give me a call. I have a great special going on the SE. 

Well thats just it.  The Ace 250 very affordable and not that big of a deal if I dont like detecting (which I dont think would happen)   The minelab se I have heard good things about but its over $1000.   Thats a little steep. But I could wing it and if it is significanly better.... I might concider it.  $4000 is out of the question.  I plan on searching old houses.  Nails from the roof could pose a problem and I heard that the Minelab is alot better at detecting coins if they were near these.  Not to mention I hear stories about coins that are burried by my inlaws place but I know they are deeper then a few inches.    I think I am leaning twords the cheaper "starter" detector just because I can get a feel for what I want and later upgrade. 

I live in southern WI with alot of clay.  My inlaws live up north with more sand.  I plan on searching both areas.  Mostly the old houses school yards etc for coins mainly and whatever else I find. 

Thats another good question.  What do you need for accessories?

If you are leaning toward a starter but have a budget that allows the mid priced machines by all means, go with something in the $500-$600.00 range.  There are some excellent Target ID detectors available in that price range that will handle the iron at those old sites and are easy to use.  The difference in finds between a good mid-priced detector and top of the line units like the Explorer has more to do with the operators proficiency than anything else.  You will get a little better depth in some circumstances by spending more $$ but ultimate depth is not the end all.

Tom

Ron (PA) suggested the Tesoro Compadre and I bought one.
Went out for the first time today and learned the following:

1. City/County parks in my area don't allow metal detecting 
2. That the Tesoro Compadre is easy to use
3. That the Tesoro Compadre find things very deep
4. That digging 8-10 inches deep for a Chuck E Cheese token will certainly give you a chuckle

Found about 20 coins and 1 silver earring in about 2 hours. Nothing old or particularly interesting but a great learning experience.

This is a great hobby. Thanks for the tip Ron (PA). Now all I need is to find is places to detect.
I live in North Houston.

Ideas?

Tell them you work for the FBI and are hunting for underground Taliban fighters with shrapnel bombs filled with loose change.  See... I just found another quarter!   ;)

Thanks for all the info.  How much is the Tesoro?  and have you used others? 

No one told me yet what other equipment I would need. 

Bigtime,
    Read my post #14.  I told you what else you'll need to start.

look at used minelab sovereign (sovereign, sovereign xs, sovereign xs2, etc. they're basically same machine) with modified minelab meter (reads on 180 scale versus 550 scale) or better yet sunray dti ll meter. in auto mode it is basically a turn on and go machine and meter will tell you what type target you have.as your knowledge grows you can begin to use manual mode and tweek machine for even better depth.(the sovs are legendary for their depth and are one of the very best at beach) finally,the price ,generally they go for around $350-$400 but just on this websites classifieds one was sold for $275 (i missed it,it was a real deal!)i've used a number of detectors over the years and the soverign ran rings around the rest. i've upgraded to explorer xs and had to sell my sov to swing the deal but as soon as i can swing it (ha ha) i will get another for backup and as a loaner for friends who want to try detecting.finally,i you decide you don't like the hobby sovs have good resale value. understandably this is just my opinion but do a little research and decide. to review som detectors go to www.metaldetectorreviews.net         good luc

Before you buy, at least talk to TonyinCt about the Minelab Sovereign GT, it's a really sweet detector. Advice is free, and he is a great dealer.

Alot of people will say a Garrett Ace 250. Nothing wrong with that - I have one. But I suggest one of the midrange Tesoros, like a Deleon.

What ever you decide on , save $100 more and get the next level up. You wont be sorry.

 The cibola is a fantastic machine for the money also and has a lifetime warranty.

i have a minelab SE as well as an ACE 250. i can honestly say i would not recommend an SE for a beginner. not that it isn't a great machine mind you, it is in a completely different league than the 250. its just that it is a complex machine that requires a fair amount of skill to use as far as pinpointing and identifying targets. in my opinion the 250 is a much better machine to learn with. and also an incredible value for the price.

Got to say for ease of use....ACE 250....It is about as easy as pushing the button.....Get a Sniper coil for it, and your set......

 The secret to hunting in a nail patch with an Ace 250 is to use the all-metal mode. Just ignore the low tone and wait for that partially masked mid/high tone. I've used many a detector over the years, high end to low, and find little difference in depth (up in our nasty B.C. ground) between them.. 'cept bells and whistles. A lot depends on your hunting style and circumstances. Even the most highly touted detectors have their drawbacks. ..Willy. 

The cibola is a fantastic machine for the money also and has a lifetime warranty.

BINGO!

If you really get into this hobby - you will undoubtedly get more than one detector.  Different detectors have advantages and disadvantages according to different styles of hunting, terrain, and what you are searching for.  For coins - an I.D. machine is probably the best.  However they are heavier.  Some of the lightest machines out there are made by Tesoro - and most do not have I.D. capability.  However - they are still some of the best that you can buy.  Stick with the name brand detectors - and you can't go wrong.  Certainly - more than one machine is better!

Tesoro Silver UMax.Real simple to use.Great depth.

Hi everyone....

I just joined this site today because I have been wanting to treasure hunt for years and finally decided to jump in and have some fun...  As I was looking around for a topic to post my question I found the same question I was going to ask... I AM a rookie in every sense of the word.... In fact I have never even touched a metal detector. I am just doing my homework before I go buy one. It seems that generally I see the same answers as far as which ones are good beginner models. My personal situation is I will mostly be looking in medium to high density soil. I wouldn't mind going to the beach and doing some searching there. I may be wrong but depth seems to me to be the key. Am I correct...? I would like it to be lightweight but that is secondary. I would probably spend about $400 give or take. I like techie gadgets. I am a software engineer and that stuff doesn't deter me. Any advice will be welcomed... I look forward to my first big find!  Thx everyone...

Hi everyone....

I just joined this site today because I have been wanting to treasure hunt for years and finally decided to jump in and have some fun...  As I was looking around for a topic to post my question I found the same question I was going to ask... I AM a rookie in every sense of the word.... In fact I have never even touched a metal detector. I am just doing my homework before I go buy one. It seems that generally I see the same answers as far as which ones are good beginner models. My personal situation is I will mostly be looking in medium to high density soil. I wouldn't mind going to the beach and doing some searching there. I may be wrong but depth seems to me to be the key. Am I correct...? I would like it to be lightweight but that is secondary. I would probably spend about $400 give or take. I like techie gadgets. I am a software engineer and that stuff doesn't deter me. Any advice will be welcomed... I look forward to my first big find!  Thx everyone...

Welcome to TN, I sent you an IM

I have to agree with the others: the Ace 250 is an excellent all around machine.
Tessor's are good but for an all around machine that lets you do it all, I think the Ace is the best buy.
I'd hold off on the F2 for awhile as it's too new and there is far too much negative feed back. So far the negatives are not really that bad in my opinion, but its still work waiting awhile. Also I don't see the F2 (from what I have read) as a do it all machine in the sense that the Ace is.
Regards
RObert R

 The problem with the F2 isn't so much that the reports are incredibly bad, it's that some people have hyped the machine soooo much that it can't live up to expectations. I'd think people would know better; have seen it done with other detectors and the backlash is often extreme. Some detectors weather the storm, but others.. ..Willy.

Willy:
I'll drink to that!
RR

Hi again to all...
I have been watching the replies and soaking in all the advice... I also talked to Tony with TC Detectors via email and he recommended the Fisher F4. He mentioned that it came with 3 different coils and it was a great value for the money (on Sale until New Yrs $425). Does anyone have any experience with this one? And if so how would they rank it against the others that have been mentioned. I am having to strictly go on advice from others with knowledge on this one so any and all comments and suggestions would be appreciated. Thx again...

I remember when I was trying to figure out what I wanted for my first real detector.  I researched for hours on end.  I finally decided that I was going to figure out what machine I wanted if I had my choice of them all.  Then, if it wasn't in my price range, I would find one used or save a while longer and buy what I wanted, not just something I'd want to upgrade later.  I figured out what I wanted, searched the web for that model for sale, and wound up buying a barely used $1000.00 machine for $310.00.  I got lucky, but it happens.

If you're like me, if you don't get the best, you'll always be wondering how much better you could be doing if you had the best.  That's why I suggest getting the best from the beginning.  Go ahead and jump in the deep end.

Cheese is right, dealers love it when you want to upgrade, they give you alitle for your trade in and make a good profit both ways, so start big....  Bill

Doing it the way cheese did, if you decide the hobby isn't for you, you can always get most, if not all your money back since you bought a top of the line machine used it will hold it's value a long time....

Well i have the Ace 250 use it like it...but.i.like the Minelab Sovereign... a lot better and the Minelab X-terra 70......the 2 Minelabs have tone ID ..and ..iron mask....................==JIm==

Take this advice for what it's worth.I'm on alot of other metal detecting sites,and i'm starting to read about people trading in Ace 250's for Tesoros.IMHO Tesoros are easier to pin point with. Plus they have a life time warranty.

Hate to beat a dead horse and repeat what everyone else has already said, but yeas, the Ace @50 will probably meet your needs.  HOWEVER, if you can find a used MXT for $400 then by all means snap it up.
Check the local Pawn shops in your area. SOmetimes you can find MXT's there.
Regards
RObert R

Hello


There are plenty of great detectors out there. Many of them with tons of bells and whistles, selling for hundreds of dollars down to under a hundred dollars. 

1. How much do you want to spend?
2. Where do you think you will use this machine most of the time?(beach, woods, parks)

Once you can answer these questions, then you will be able to find the right detector.

Larry

Just remember, the "Lifetime" warranty is only with the original owner and is not transferable..So if you buy a used one then it is not any good for your. Just a thought if you are thinking of buying a used one.

If your just starting out, by all means get the Ace 250. At just over $200 bucks it can't be beat for the price. It's the machine I started out with and it found a lot of coins for me. I got to really enjoy metal detecting and wanted a better machine and bought an Minelab X-Terra 70 with several coils. I love the X-Terra to death. The good thing about having the Ace 250 is that when the kids come over or if I go out with a friend who wants to try metal detecting, it is an easy machine for them to start and learn with. I almost sold the 250 when I bought the Minelab but I'm glad I didn't. It's fun introducing others to the hobby and it makes a great back up detector should something happen to you more expensive one.

Good hunting,  John K

 There are a lot of good detectors for a rookie. Almot all manufactures have entry level machines. If you want to really learn what your detector is saying, don't start out with an ID machine. Once you use a simple two knob machine for a while you can understand what is under the coil. Fisher 1225, and Tesoro Compadre are excellent entry level machines. The Fisher can be used on the beach also, and if you want
even more depth, use the larger coil.

Stick with the major brands, Garrett,Fisher, Minelab,Tesoro, Whites.  As far as the features it depends on what suits you best, what is great for one person may not be for you. Do you like to tinker with adjustments and different programs, or do you like to keep things simple?   Also where you are going to search makes a big difference, beach, schoolyards, ghost towns etc.  The standard answer for a beginner seems to be Garrett Ace 250, but this is not for everybody, everyplace.  Best bet is talk to a multi line dealer and discuss your needs, or at least give us a little more info.  Take your time, this is a great hobby and a lot of fun, but it can be frustrating if you get a detector that doesn't suit you.

I beg you!!  Stay away from Radio Shack detectors !!

Tell them you work for the FBI and are hunting for underground Taliban fighters with shrapnel bombs filled with loose change.  See... I just found another quarter!   ;)

Thanks for all the info.  How much is the Tesoro?  and have you used others? 

No one told me yet what other equipment I would need. 

Khouse told you what you need right after you asked the next one down under your question

MINELAB SOVEREIGN GT....................

The Tesoro Silver uMax is the best under $250.00 detector made. The F2 is good, the Ace 250 is the most over rated detector on the face of the Earth. I owned two of the Ace 250's the first one to see what all the hype was about - didn't like it at all.  I wanted to give it a second chance so I got another one later on - still didn't like it at all. Very slow respose time and that horrid bell tone sound, bing bang bong.  Do yourself a favor and get a Tesoro Silver uMax. Steve.

MINELAB SOVEREIGN GT....................

The best machine for you to use as a Rookie is the Whites Xlt with out a doubt.




Ace250??!
                          LoL!

I figured I would put my $.07 in...
I have a bounty hunter quick silver.For what it is, I dint think you can beat it.It pics up coins, gold,silver,junk,bottle caps, beer taps, and everything else.It has 4 sections----coins / aluminum and  zinc  /aluminum and $.05  / and iron.There is no adjustments except the depth.  It doesn't like wet ocean sand one bit.It is water proof up to the box.It fact I found my "first"  ring in sophir swimming hole. I am upgrading soon, so I am actually on the look again myself...HH

For about $200 new, Garrett Ace 250 or Fisher F2. For $349, Teknetics Delta 4000. For about $150 used Ace 250. For about $100-$125 used Bounty Hunter Sharpshooter II or Landstar. Fisher F5 is $499 new & Fisher F70 $649, but great value if you can find them used. Whites M6 or MXT $400-500 used, liked by many.

Too many to choose from new or used if you can spend more: $600 for Whites Prizm 6T new (maybe $450 used); Teknetics T2 $800 new but look for used ($450-600); Fisher F75 $999 new but available cheaper used ($650-750). Minelab Explorer II if you can stand weight & complexity about $600 used. HH, George (MN)

I highly reccomend the Garrett Ace 250 for any beginner. I have had mine for about 3-4 years now and have found alot of good stuff with it(coins-old/new, buttons, relics Etc.). It's very simple to use, turn it on and there's not really much else to mess around with. Here are my complaints about it, the worst thing is that you get alot of interference from powerlines/other detectors and such. The Depth is usually not very accurrate and there is no volume control. I bought a big butterfly coil for it about a year ago and have found many, many things. I plan on upgrading but only because of the interference problem. Hope this helps.

Its really a loaded question. You really need to research all detectors you are considering individually, rather than take ones word and buy on a hunch. Go to a dealer if possible and gets some hands-on time. You will know which one(s) look, feel, and sound right. If that's not an option jump on Youtube and see the machine in action. I couldn't imagine blindly buying a machine on others advice, then receive it only to find out it performs/sounds nothing like I had imagined. To me, a machine has to be easy on the ears, MY ears. The Ace 250 is a very capable machine but I would never buy one for one reason. I have a buddy that uses one without headphones. Whenever he is near I find my self yelling "Answer that phone!" Maybe this just means I need better headphones. MXT was the same way for me. I planned on getting one, bought and read Jeff Foster's MXT Edge cover to cover numerous times and got my hopes up. It was everything I wanted in a machine. Then I heard the machine hunt. The sound alone killed my MXT dreams. Honestly, if you had the perfect machine that went 5 feet deep and could tell you the dates of the 300 year old coins before you dug,  except for one draw back: it sounds like my raspy sister-in-law, I wouldn't buy it. I don't think anyone should buy any machine that is hard on their ears/sanity and just hope they get used to it. Morale to my story: Make sure you know exactly what you are getting and why before you buy. Good Luck JJ

I read a few of the above notes and in my humble personal and professional findings the Silver uMax is cheap, works ANYWHERE (which NONE of the Aces do), and cherry-picks almost as well as nearly anything ever invented. Only the original Silver and Golden Sabres and various Compasses do a better job of squeezing in between targets of various types. In fact those old detectors are better cherry-pickers than the fabulous F-75's. 

In all my 36 years of metal detecting technology, repairs, and engineering I have never seen a better (all-around) cheap detector as the Silver uMax. It can be fitted with more than one coil choice and outdoes the Compadre hands down for all-around depth, high mineralization or not. There is a lot to be said about lightning-fast tank circuitry and the Tesoros use it.

The Aces really suck in high iron soil and pinpoint about as well as one could expect for something with early 1980's technology, which the Aces all use.

LL (AKA "EasyMoney")

Titan 2000XD  (Extra Deep) Pro comes with an extra coil for trashy areas and gold nuggets. Packed with features you see on more expensive machines. I.E.  Large Target ID/ Depth Reading LCD screen, 4 tone Audio Target ID, 9 Zone Programmable Visual Target ID, Automatic Tuning, Automatic Ground balance, Visual Depth Reading 0 to 8 plus inches, super light weighs around 2.5 lbs and has a 5-year warranty. Here's good review.

http://metaldetectorreviews.net/detectors/172-1-titan2000xd.html



Beats the Ace 250 with its glaring bell tone. Can pick them up for around $300.

Good Luck!

wow, this topic will be three years old in January, I am sure he bought one by now and he is no longer a rookie.

True, but newbies stumble on threads and the info is there for them to read. Many times the same questions has been asked over and over..............

with out a shout of a doubt Tesoro silver umax all the way #1 coil interchangeability #2 life time warranty #3 the frequency of 10 khz in my opinion in my experience is about the best in coin hunting and if you do get a used tesoro they will honor the warranty they just don't advertise it and this from personal experience resale value is very good as well!

wow, this topic will be three years old in January, I am sure he bought one by now and he is no longer a rookie.

Lol, that's a good point. It looks like he got an Explorer SE in '08.  JJ

Titan 2000XD  (Extra Deep) Pro comes with an extra coil for trashy areas and gold nuggets. Packed with features you see on more expensive machines. I.E.  Large Target ID/ Depth Reading LCD screen, 4 tone Audio Target ID, 9 Zone Programmable Visual Target ID, Automatic Tuning, Automatic Ground balance, Visual Depth Reading 0 to 8 plus inches, super light weighs around 2.5 lbs and has a 5-year warranty. Here's good review.

http://metaldetectorreviews.net/detectors/172-1-titan2000xd.html

Good Luck!

I bought this detector as part of the discount bogo deal when I got my Safari. I was very surprised, it is a very good second machine and amazed that when digging shallow clad I can fill my pouch much faster than I can with my Minelab! Depth is not the greatest but it doesn't matter because most clad is only 4-6" down anyway. It is super light and very quick to use.

If your going for Relics though you will need something much deeper.