Picking Your First Metal Detector
Because metal detectors are designed for specific environments, you’ll first need to consider where you plan to do most of your hunting. For example, you’ll need a metal detector that works on soil if you plan to hunt on land for Civil War relics.
When you first start looking for a metal detector the best approach is to head online and look at what is on offer, when you have decided between 3 or 4 different detectors head over to some metal detector forums, there are plenty around, and start gathering information and asking questions.
Narrow down your choices to three or four after you’ve done some Internet research. Online forums are an excellent source of information on metal detectors, so be sure to join a couple, read and start asking questions.
Similar to asking which car someone prefers, a Ford or Chevy, you’ll be talking to enthusiasts who are devoted to one brand or another. This first-hand information will be invaluable in choosing the best detector for your needs.
Metal detectors can run anywhere from $200 to thousands of dollars, so cost is going to be a major factor in your selection. And the array of machines that are available can be confusing at first. While cheap machines are available, you get what you pay for, so if you are just getting into metal detecting, you’ll want to start with a $200, low-end machine that is adequate for your needs. And don’t forget accessories which will cost you another $100. You’ll most likely want to upgrade at some point if metal detecting turns into a passion. You can either share your low-end model with a friend or keep it as a spare. On the other hand, you’ll only be out a few hundred dollars if you find that metal detecting isn’t your cup of tea. And you can always sell it on eBay to recoup some of what your paid for it. When I first got into metal detecting, I planned to hunt in schoolyards and parks. I wanted a machine with a visual display that was light and easy to use. I paid $500 for it, which is a middle of the road detector, price-wise. But then I discovered that I loved to hunt in beach sand when I went out on a couple of lightly populated, small beaches to avoid feeling self conscious in more populated areas. I decided water detecting was my next step, but I was afraid I would slip and drop my detector in the water, and it could only get wet up to the control box.
This detector has no display and I only find metal by understanding the different tones it makes, which can be difficult to master after you are used to looking at a display, although I certainly enjoy hunting on the beaches now.
If you start out with a fair priced metal detector and fall in love with the hobby as I did, you will be able to upgrade and not feel like you lost too much money on your first, you may even be like me and discover you enjoy a different type of detecting and so the first metal detector you buy wont be a waste but just a different type of unit that you can still use when you head out to those specific areas.
Learn more about on metal detector and garrett metal detector
categories: metal detectors,hobbies,hobby,outdoors,sports,recreation,home
Tags: hobbies, hobby, home, Metal Detectors, outdoors, recreation, sports