Okay I'm New....

[Mitch]

Howdy Folks...never swung a detector in my life but have wanted one since i was a pup.
I need some advise, I am in the US Coast Guard so i travel often and would like a good all around detector....coins, jewelry and relics.
I have been doing alot of reading which is what brought me to your site....money-wise, i am looking for something in the $300 range.....it must work well at saltwater beachs as well as in the field.

I think i have decided on the Pioneer 505 or the Land Star...can someone tell me the difference between these models....i know the pioneer is made for Walmart.....i can get the 505 for $298 and it comes with a 4" coil and video.....or i can pay Kellyco $299 for the Land Star.

All help will be appreciated.....or if you know of a better suited detector for me for the same price range...let me know.

Thanks,

Mitch

[warsawdaddy]

The $199 Garrett Ace 250 would perform much better and if you could swing another 50-60,get the big coil also.Another great machine is the Minelab Musketeer Advantage,but it cost $339.Goodluck with whatever you decide on.I'm sure you'll get other suggestions.

[Mitch]

Thanks for the reply....keep the suggestions coming. I guess my question could be...if you had around $300, what MD would you buy?

Thanks,
Mitch

[Toadie]

If it were me and spending on a budget, I would go with a Garrett Treasure Ace 250. Just remember, the whole unit is not submersible. You could look around and find a cheaper units used elsewhere but be sure they guarantee the unit. Sometimes they just do not work right. I bought my wife's Garrett GTA 300 at a pawnshop for $45.00 and I couldn't have asked for a better deal. It was guaranteed and the price was right in there so we figured we would try the Garrett out. Been hooked ever since. I also use a Bounty Hunter. Saw a Minelab in the same pawnshop that was guaranteed but I was looking for a .30-30 for my oldest son. It was a Minelab Explorer XS and was only 65.00. (This pawn shop is known to not know much about detectors) I didn't buy it though.. Figured it would be there a day or so and when I went back it was gone. I felt like for not buying it in the first place.

James

[PAPPY]

ACE250 for my money. Really enjoy the one I have...PAPPY

[Mitch]

Great advise folks....okay....i been checkin out all models....almost sold on the ACE 250 PRO for $279 with the 9" & 12"coil.
One more thing i have been reading about but dont understand too well...soil mineral content? I understand this can be elevated on Saltwater beachs and such....Will the Garret model allow for compensation?

Thanks Again,

Mitch

[TonyinCT]

In my opinion I wouldn't settle on an Ace250 for beach hunting. It is actually an entry level detector and does not compensate for salt minerals well. The Minelab Musketeer is a good choice as well as the Tesoro Cibola. I would pick the Cibola first myself. Also , you have to remember that salt minerals are completely different than iron minerals. The salt content when wet is difficult to see through for a metal detector. The Pulse Induction models like the Whites Surf PI and Headhunter detectors see right through this material as if it were not there. That's why PI's are considered better beach hunting detectors. Unfortunately they are more then 300.00. If you need any other help please don't hesitate to ask.

[Mitch]

Thanks Tony...after further research, it appears that i would really need a MD that is made for Wet Saltwater conditions...and they are a bit more on the pricey side.....

So i suppose i will stick to the dry sand and old farm sites and shoot for relics and coins...until i strike it rich.. ...still interested in hearing oppinions.
Still trying to stay right at or just under $300.

Mitch

[TonyinCT]

The Tesoro Cibola is a great detector for 340.00. No target ID but plenty of depth available. Can be used on the beach also.

[John's Detectors]

Hi Mitch and glad to have you, I am a detector dealer here in Texas and without a doubt Tesoro is my favorite brand. This is not to say that the others are not good. all detector makers offer a good model. Be sure to check out a few different models and brands before you let go of your hard earned money. The Ace 250 has it's place but Tony is right and I agree with him. You see Mitch we all have to accept the fact there is something called the laws of physics and no matter the brand all of these detectors only go so deep and that is it. I went down the block just this morning with the Tesoro Silver uMax to a favorite hunting ground. Inside of 15 minutes I dug 2 quarters and an antique key. One quarter was about 4 1/2 in. deep, the other 3 in. deep. The key was close to 5 in. in depth. I sold a Cibola to a lady not long ago and she runs circles around her husband and he told me he can't believe how many coins she has accumulated in a short time. But I have pounded this hunting spot with Minelabs, Tesoro's, Garrett, Fisher, Detector Pro and seems the Tesoro's always find the most. So I wish you the best in your choice Mitch and I hope you find the one that is just right for you. CU later mi amigo and God Bless.

John Tomlinson, CET
John's Detectors