a new detector

J

jarheadfor4

Established Users
I want to throw out my question and see what others think.

I am interested in getting a metal detector to find coins, civil war bullets and just about anything else that I can find when I have the urge.

I had a White's detector back in the 70's when I was a kid. I have some idea of what to do, but I would classify myself as a beginner.

Considerations for me are:

#1 Cost of the unit (I am a teacher, need I tell you I am not rich)

#2 Ease of use (I am technically inclined, but I want it to be easy)

#3 Reliable (I don't want to have to fix it or replace any parts

Let me know what you think.
 
jarhead,

Tennessee may be right about the White's MXT..... I've seen his finds that he has posted. And, I know of others here and on other forums that use the MXT.... finding bunches of stuff.

I posted in another thread here, about a friend of mine using the Tesoro Cibola..... he does quite well on the relics with it. I dig more iron than he will dig, but I think he runs his discrimination higher than I do. And, I don't want to miss out on the iron relic (excluding the square nails).

I think the key is..... find a decently good machine, and then use the heck out of it so that you become overly familiar with it..... the finds will come. Especially if you've already found a bullet in your front yard!

Take care,

Kim
 
jarhead,

In reference to your considerations:

#1 Cost of Unit:
Most mid range units will go for around $300-$700 which is still pricey but you can get around that by looking on other forums that have a classified section or Ebay and sometimes you can find a good used one for half the price. You would be amazed that some of the high end detectors will go well over $1,000, yikes! I know, I bought one.

#2 Ease of use:
The detectors I use are the MXT and DFX (Whites). The DFX is for the guy who loves to tinker with settings and it involves alot of patience. Where as the MXT is a very NO NONSENSE EASY detector to use. Literally a turn and and go detector and let me emphasize, it is a very very easy detector to use and understand.

#3 Reliable:
I've had both detectors for 3 years now, still going strong. Had a problem with a coil once and Whites sent me a new one. Great service and more importantly, took care of the problem.

Conclusion:
If I had bought a Garrett, Minelab, Tesoro Tejon, Fisher, Shadow X-5 or any of the other major detectors I would be standing behind and saying the same thing of how confident I am in THAT detector. It boils down to knowing and learning your detector that makes it a GREAT detector. Mid range detectors will out beat high end detectors if the guy knows and understands fully how his detector works.

Hope this helps.

Steve
 
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