which detector

[Eric4765]

Hi all, newbie here. I have been reading and asking a lot of questions. I dont think in the right places. I am trying to buy a good MD. I didnt want to spend to much but it seems like I keep going up in price based on information. I am in NC and will be using this detector in the mountains, beaches, lakes, rivers, parks, old houses and anywhere else that might be good. I keep hearing about our soil in the NC area and some have told me to buy the exterra 30, 50, by minelabs, and others the gerrett 1350. They both are in the high side of what I orig. wanted to spend. Do I need to spend this much to get a MD that works well in my area or am I getting false information. Thanks, Eric

[John's Detectors]

Hi Eric, I wonder what your maximum limit is as far as price before I try to steer you right? CU later. You also do need to research the type of soil you have in your area, it could help. God Bless.

John Tomlinson, CET
John's Detectors

[TonyinCT]

Eric , you will also have to determine what type of hunting you'll be doing most and where. This can help narrow down your choices. All of the three detectors are good for many types of hunting. If you'd like to discuss this further let me know.

[Eric4765]

Tony and John, I will be using this MD at the beaches of NC, SC, FLorida, and up north NJ, Conn., Long island, I will also be using it around Charlotte NC, lakes and streams, old houses and barns, and in the NC Mountains just to name a few. I am not sure what type of soil I have in these areas but I will try and ask a question for all the veterans out there. Thanks for any help, Eric.

PS I would like to stay in the 200-300.00 price range but can go upto 600.00 if there is a big enough difference in medal detector. On the lower price bracket the Garrett ace 250 seems to be a great detector. Higher up so many other detectors are in competition.

[TonyinCT]

Since you'll be doing a lot of salt water beach hunting the Ace250 is not the detector of choice here. You'll have to go with a better one. The Surf PI is a great detector for salt water beaches and be gotten around the upper end of your price range. Unfortunately they are not great on land as they pick up very small iron and can be unuseable at times. I'd have to suggest a land detector like the Garrett 1350 or Fisher ID Excel. Both can be used in many places like the beach. You have to understand that its the conditions that you'll most likely be encountering that will really make the decision for you. (More salt water beach or more land).

[GoldDigger]

Hi Eric,

I have the next step up from the ACE 250, GTAx 550. I am in Florida this week and it is worthless on the beach. It is okay away from the water, but if you try to detect when the tied pulls back in the area where all the goodies should be the ACE is worthless.

You need a machine that can work with salt water and has some ground balancing. The next step up from the GTAx 550 has salt water feature and ground balancing. If you buy the ACE and try it out on the beach you will be posting it on eBay in minutes after turning it on.

The ACE is great, fantastic, super on soil, but beach, no way... Expect to pay at least $500 for a machine for the beach. If that is your main area for detecting it will be worth the price.

Regards,
Patrick