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Post by Sctr22 on Sept 3, 2013 13:33:46 GMT -7
So my father is long retired, and has recently shown some interest in doing some metal detecting as a hobby. Not sure how serious he truly is, however he has mentioned it more than once and so I figured it might not be a bad idea to look into some things for him for his next birthday or Christmas.
I know there are some folks on here that also participate in this hobby, so I would like to ask for your advice on the matter.
Like I said, I can't be sure how serious he will take this. So I don't want to go overboard and spend a fortune, but I also don't want to get him some junk that won't work and will instead snuff out his interest.
So are there any suggestions as to what type of metal detector I should look into buying for him? Any other equipment that you might feel is worth having? Any other information that I am completely overlooking?
As always any advice if appreciated!
Thanks!
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Post by cajunlady87 on Sept 3, 2013 13:40:58 GMT -7
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Post by Sctr22 on Sept 4, 2013 17:11:00 GMT -7
Thanks CL, lots of info on there. Much appreciated!
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Post by Cwi555 on Sept 4, 2013 17:54:40 GMT -7
A lot depends on the physical shape a person is in. If it can be seen on the surface, its not likely you would need a metal detector. Required equipment would be the means to dig up what you hit on, rough cleaning, etc. I would also peruse the local state and federal laws on the subject. You don't want to find yourself in an area where its illegal to run them such as some civil war parks and tribal grounds. www.mdhtalk.org/articles/legal-to-detect/legal-to-detect.htmEquipment cost and ability ranges from cheap to very and in some cases, prohibitivally expensive. It would be better to give us some idea of what you have in mind for cost and ability, otherwise it would be just a WAG.
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Post by sirderrin on Sept 4, 2013 18:34:59 GMT -7
Assuming that he is physically able it can be a fun and enjoyable hobby (some times profitable).... I have been detecting over 30 years. Brands are like anything else a matter of preference.... I personally would lean towards a Garrett Ace as a learning machine and it is actually a pretty good out of the box and go for the price....... As cwi stated make sure you know the local laws and city ordinances the fines can be pretty hefty in some cases. If nothing else a subscription to Western & Eastern Treasures would get the interest level up and set some realistic expectations. There are literally hundreds of metal detecting forums as well; some of my personal favorites are: metaldetectingforum.com/www.findmall.com/list.php?19Hope that is helpful
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Post by offtrail on Sept 4, 2013 19:08:59 GMT -7
What cwi said give us some idea what you will be doing. You may be surprised to find out that most towns and cities allow detecting but no digging. Makes no sense to me but it is what it is. Detectors have been around for years and most places have been picked over and cleaned out by now. Also it gets tiresome to dig another hole only to find another pull tab. You will dig more junk then treasure but once you find that first silver coin it makes it all better.Other then the detector you will need knee pads a digging tool a pouch and a pin pointer. You don't really need the pin pointer but it can make a big difference when finding a small coin. Looking for more info just ask. I also agree the Garrett Ace 250 is a good buy but the face of the detector is small and hard to see...just some things to consider.
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Post by Cwi555 on Sept 5, 2013 13:05:23 GMT -7
These people are on the upper end of the scale. minelabThis is the one we have. 4800Our purpose wasn't gold prospecting, it's electronics are closer to what certain folks would be using to search an area. A cache that pings on one of those, will ping on one of theirs if you get my meaning. Might take it for a gold prospecting outing, but it's true value is in the above. Their Adventure and treasure detectors are not shabby either. However, the minlab's are a bit pricy. If your goal is casual metal detecting, it's probably extreme overkill.
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Post by Sctr22 on Sept 5, 2013 13:44:45 GMT -7
Wow thanks for all the replies.
Well my father is in his later 60s with some back issues but he does fine at getting around. I honestly don't know what brought on the interest, but I think its more of just a casual metal detecting case.
I will certainly look more into the local laws, no need to get into trouble of something like that.
I had in mind a couple hundred dollars to be honest. After looking at some of these though, that might cover a deposit haha. Perhaps a subscription to Western & Eastern Treasures would be a good route to take. See if he truly wants to pursue the hobby and go from there...
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Post by sirderrin on Sept 5, 2013 13:46:32 GMT -7
I like Minelab as well but their upper end ones take a bit of know how and at over a grand a pop a bit pricey for a starter unit...... I have an Explorer that I like a lot ...... These people are on the upper end of the scale. minelabThis is the one we have. 4800Our purpose wasn't gold prospecting, it's electronics are closer to what certain folks would be using to search an area. A cache that pings on one of those, will ping on one of theirs if you get my meaning. Might take it for a gold prospecting outing, but it's true value is in the above. Their Adventure and treasure detectors are not shabby either. However, the minlab's are a bit pricy. If your goal is casual metal detecting, it's probably extreme overkill.
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Post by jmarshnh on Sept 5, 2013 14:31:16 GMT -7
I have the Garrett Ace350 and love it. I am in the upper 60's age bracket and work with it for about 2-3 hours before needing a rest. The face is good size and readable. I recommend you research all the detectors, but for the price Garrett Ace series can't be beat. I purchased mine from kellycodetectors.com (check out the website). You get a nice knowledgeable customer service rep if you call. You get free shipping and around 250 dollars free items for purchasing an Ace 250 or Ace 350. They are located in Winter Springs, FL and the shipping is fast. (I am not affiliated with Kellyco, just a happy customer passing on information.)
Jim
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Post by Besttracker on Sept 5, 2013 14:55:58 GMT -7
My 2 favorite detectors are an old Garrett and a Whites Spectrum XLT . The XLT was pretty pricey , but payed for itself in just one trip to Largo canyon New Mexico .
You might want to pick up a copy of Treasure Hunter magazine and get some ideas .
Good luck
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Post by Sctr22 on Sept 5, 2013 23:09:42 GMT -7
Thanks everyone, I really appreciate the information!
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