- What is it you want to find? Define Your Interests!
There are a number of "all-purpose" metal detectors that will find everything from coins to jewelry to relics – and they're available within every price range. Detectors such as the Garrett ACE 250, the Minelab Explorer SE, and the entire line of Titan Metal Detectors are perfect for finding just about anything you could want.
But if you're searching specifically for relics and caches, you'll need a detector like the Minelab Musketeer that can go deep. If you're searching for items buried extremely deep, look into "Two Box Detectors" such as the Garrett Master Hunter CX Plus with a Treasure Hound Depth Multiplier – guaranteed to find any hidden cache or treasures.
If your main goal is to go "coin shooting" you'll need an all-purpose machine with an exceptional pinpointing feature such as the White's Classic 5 ID.
But if it's natural gold that you're after, you'll need a detector that operates at a higher frequency, such as the Garrett Scorpion Gold Stinger and the Minelab GPX-4500.
- Where will you be metal detecting? Consider the ground conditions!
Think about where you'll be hunting the majority of the time.
Do you live close to a beach? Then you'll need a machine that can find treasure without being disrupted by the conductivity in salt water. Most detectors have waterproof searchcoils that are safe for the shallow end of lakes and rivers, but for the ocean you'll want to check out the Minelab Excalibur II series, the Cobra Beach Magnet and the Viper Trident.
If you plan on searching in your back yard, school playgrounds and the dry sand of beaches, then an all-purpose machine is the one for you.
- How often will you be metal detecting? Think about quality, warranties and more!
Chances are, you'll become addicted to this great hobby just like the rest of us, so you'll want to consider the quality and sturdiness of your machine. Detectors like the Fisher metal detector line are rugged and built to last.
But how often do you plan on going out to metal detect? How rough will you be on your machine? You might not plan on dropping it, but what about storing it in the trunk of your car? You'll want a machine that is built to last, so make sure you read the reviews on your machine and look at the warranty.
Manufacturers such as Minelab, Garrett, White's, First Texas, and Fisher offer exceptional iron-clad warranties that will keep you searching for years to come! And if you ever need to send your machine in for repairs, these manufactures will give you excellent services!
- Do you have any experience metal detecting? Anticipate a learning curve!
Some machines are perfect for beginners because they're ready to use right out of the box! The Bounty Hunter Pioneer 505 will give a beginner the taste of treasure hunting that he or she is looking for.
Other detectors are a little more difficult to get going, but have intuitive features that keep the learning curve low. The Fisher F4 and F70 are two such machines, as is the Bounty Hunter Time Ranger and Land Ranger.
If you have experience with metal detecting or anticipate spending a lot of time with your machine, consider jumping to the more experienced detectors like the Minelab Safari, Musketeer Advantage Pro or the SD 2200v2.
- How much do you want to spend? Consider the investment!
Depending on the answers to the questions above, you may be making a serious investment in your metal detector. The technology to search the beaches, find pure gold or locate caches 8 ft. below the surface has taken years to develop and can be costly.
But remember: One good find could pay for your machine – so can many smaller finds over the course of a year!
No matter which machine you decide to go with, you are guaranteed to have paid for it in miscellaneous change, coveted relics, rare coins or recovered jewelry in no time.
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