Metal Detectors

rancar · Apr 25, 2005

Hello friends,

I'm in the market for a good metal detector in the $500-$1K range (new). I have product literature on the popular Fisher, Garrett, and White's brands. I know there are also several other reliable brands out there. Initially, I want to explore some of the acreage we own, especially around a couple of old tenant house foundations that are located on the property.

Does anyone have one of the aforementioned metal detector brands? If so, what are the pros and cons? What do folks recommend? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.

...Bob

mwechtal · Apr 25, 2005

Bob,
I have an older Fisher Gold Bug. Not the Gold Bug 2 that appears to be the current production model. This is an extremely sensitive detector for gold nuggets, but it also works very well on artifacts, which you seem to want to find. It does not have a meter to show you what you've found, but I don't know how well they work on artifacts anyway.

You didn't say, do you have any experience with metal detectors? This one will take some practice to use well. I find it easy to ground balance it, but it is a manual adjustment you have to tweak by trial and error.

By the way, check the base of any old fence posts. Sometimes a loose fence post was used as a "Bank".

Mike

rancar · Apr 25, 2005

Mike,

I don't have any experience with detectors. I know there are bare bones basic models in the $200 range to well over $1K. I'd also prefer new over the re-built ones that many retail shops sell. I'm looking for something mid-range, not necessarily with all the bells and whistles but something that's a quality product that's reliable and predictable. Yes, I'm most interested in artifact hunting and purchasing a detector with somewhat significant depth range capabilities.

I'll check out the Gold Bug 2. Thanks for replying.

Bob

RobS · Apr 25, 2005

No clue about metal detectors but welcome back Bob, haven't seen much of you lately /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

RedRocker · Apr 25, 2005

Check your PM.

Electric_City · Apr 25, 2005

In the March/April edition of "Gold Prospectors" they feature the top 5 major metal detectors.

Minelab is what the pros use and they do have one model under a $1000- they do not have the screen or readouts that some of the others do,so that kind of puts me off as a beginer.

I think Garret or Whites would be on my list of possibilities.Each of the brands have different models for specific uses and multi-use.

If you can still pick up the April edition it has alot about metal detecting in general.

Golfgar4 · Apr 26, 2005

Hey there Bob! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I'll second Rob's welcome back. It's been awhile, huh?

Back on topic - I don't know diddly about metal detectors. But I figure you should just throw that ol' toothbar on the front of your 4710 and start digging away! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

Might be more fun! /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

willywildes · Apr 27, 2005

Tesoro makes great machines also

rancar · Apr 27, 2005

Hello Garry and Rob,

Yep, it's been awhile. Have been so busy around the property and at work that I haven't had much opportunity to check in at TBN. Hope to have more free time in the near future that I can participate a bit more in the forums. It's nice to know you missed me. I appreciate it.

How are things going with your retirement plans Garry? Still planning to retire in July? How you coming along with the purchase of your tractor? Any color favorites yet?

The 4710 will come in real handy digging up those artifacts, but I have to know where to start digging first. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif I've heard metal detectors can be quite addicting.

...Bob