Help me narrow the field - newbie

[JohnOC]

I'm new to treasure hunting, as a matter of fact I've only used my son's toy so far but that was enough to get me looking to get a real machine. I've been lurking in the forum and reading reviews in various sites but want to make sure I'm covering all the bases. I'm looking for you experts to give me a few recommendations for a beach detector in the $500 range, maybe more if it's really worth it. I would be using it in wet sand and shallow water (waterproof would be desirable) and I would like to use in dry sand and local parks too but the beach would be my main hunting ground. I would like it to be easy to use as a beginner but have the ability to fine tune it as I gain experience. I'm I asking too much?

Any suggestions would be appreciated?

Thanks

[Capt.B]

Anytime you hunt in the shallow water you should have a underwater detector. Whites and Fisher have underwater detectors in the price range that you stated. I would also suggest that you get a long handle scoop to dig all your goodies. A good scoop will cost between $100 -$200 also. Hope this helps you out a bit.

[EBCIII]

Well I would like to welcome you to the site! Glad to have you drop in, hope you stay.

I don't water hunt but we have quite a fair amount of people that do. I will leave the water machine choices to them. Hope you find what you want, Beale.

[Steve in PR]

Hi, John, and welcome to TQ!. I think Capt. B's advice is just right. I think you can expect to find some good finds with either brand. The best of luck to you and let us know what you decide!

[leelo]

A BIGGGGGGGGGGGGGG WELCOME TO TQ. GOOD LUCK.

[grasshopper]

you said that you would be water hunting, do you mean like you would be submurging the entire detector, or just up to any point below the control box?

[Tn Dirt Digger]

Welcome to TQ John.....

[peg leg red]

JohnOC,, I hunt the beaches of N.C. all the time , and
helped start our club , CRABS ,, about 90 % of our members
use Minelab Soverigns .with Big coils,, some use Fisher CZ's ,, and other models too..
Both soverigns and Cz's are great in wet sand... I use both but when I am going to the sand ............
I pick up the Sov.. It is 8 - 15 in. deep and rejects iron very well..
17 frequencys ..and it won't lie to you ( it does pick up halo's sometimes ) but it is very sensitive.
Sovs. do have a learning curve tho' , with lots of tones,, but with
a little use you will be diggin' deep and true, don't give up****
You can use it anywhere but underwater.......If you are going to
be in the water ,, the Minelab excaliber is the same machine
and waterproof,, and more money**but great...
In my opinion Sovs. rule the sand .but ..Others will have different opinions I'm sure, and is expected , as you will like what you get confortable with,,
On E-bay Minelab Soverigns cost anywhere from 400.00 up.. you will not be dissapointed..
New Sov. GT is in the 700.00 range and worth it.......................
If you have any questions pm me...I will try to help**
I love the sand it's easy digging...
... Peg Leg Red

[prizm-pal]

John welcome to Tq...I wish you luck with whatever you decide...I bought the excalibur2 last fall have yet to use it so I can't say how it works but it came highly recommended so I expect great finds from it will keep you posted!

[Buster]

Welcome to Treasure Quest, John...Buster...