Metal detectors

[NCC]

I'm just doing some preliminary research and thought I'd ask for thoughts from those of you who might actually have experience on the subject.

I see VLF being touted as the best technology for most purposes. And, I see price ranges from near $2K to 10% of that.

I've been browsing the White's catalog ... good brand?

My main interest would be coins/rings/artifacts.

I would like good, but not to the point of extravagant.

Do I need to think $2K? Or less than $1K? $500?

Doubtful about having it pay for itself (I don't have that much spare time). Just another gadget to catch my fancy.

If you find something ... how can you be sure it's legal to dig it up?

Any thoughts?

 

[Doublexl85]

honestly I would be thinking more around the $150 level, Heck I bought a metal detector for $25 at a thrift store and it works just fine. It's a hobby and doesn't warrant a $2k investment. Just get one with a standard display and adjustments for different metals, you don't need a built in GPS and MP4 lol

 

[DaveP]

I bought a Radio Shack metal detector one time when a visitor said she lost a gold ring in my yard. I wanted one anyway and that was a good reason. I never found the gold ring, but used the detector for lots of things like finding buried wires and such. I could never get it to discriminate between coins and bottle tops, but I never quite understood how to tweak the settings correctly. The instructions told you how to tune it, but I never saw any difference between dropping a gold ring, a coin, and a metal washer on the ground with that one.

I'd like to find a good low priced detector that would find things in the sand at the beach or in a park. It's a good walking exercise hobbiy that distracts your mind from the walking.

I'm lurking and waiting for someone to recommend an under $300 metal detector that is good for hobby level precious metal on the beach searches.

 

[newplague]

I have a $250 Tesoro Silver uMax. I used it to find all sorts of WWII relics in Germany. Check out th Friendly Metal Detecting Forum. A lot of suppliers on there, like here, giving good deals on stuff. Some good places I have dealt with are Kellyco and Colonial Metal Detectors. Good luck.

Edit: Whites is a great brand along with Fisher, Minelab, Garret and Tesoro. Do some research for beach detectors. Some are better around wet sand then others.