Total "green-horn" seeking some advice!

[BlueRidgeLoafer]

Hi to all! Ive been considering getting involved in the hobby since I was in High School but finally have the bug! I love wondering the backwoods and streams, parks, etc in western nc and northeast TN...just figured with a metal detector I might add to the enjoyment! I was wondering...are the metal detectors at the local Walmart etc worth even taking out of the box? Im not a wealthy guy by any stretch of the term and make extra cash searching salvage yards for "automotive" treasures LOL. Ive seen guys at the beach with detectors and along the lake banks but am totally green. There are tons of old schools, churches, farms etc to search within minutes of my house. Ive had some luck in local fields finding arrow heads and the like. Ive also found numerous fishing lures along local lakes during the winter months. Ive been looking at Ebay for a few days wondering what is what...any helpful hints? Thanks for all your help!!!

[julieburger]

What would you be comfy spending?

[PAPPY]

WELCOME to the TQ FAMILY ! GREAT to have you with us.

What part of the N.C. Blue Ridge are you in. I live in the Blue Ridge also (SPARTA, N.C.) Maybe we can get together and hunt.

Our Sponsors will be glad to give you the low-down on detectors.

[mtpockets]

Try to stay away from ebay if you can..

I would probably suggest a Garrett Ace 250. to start with..

But I really suggest you contact one off the sponsors. They will be able to work with you.. And offer you the Best advice for your needs.

Welcome to TQ,

[gordiesgirl]

Welcome to TQ. What ever detector you choose I know you will love this great hobby. Contact one of the sponsors for info on detectors. I am sure they will send you in the right direction. Best of luck to you.

[BlueRidgeLoafer]

Originally Posted by julieburger

What would you be comfy spending?

Hmmm...maybe $150.00? Am I living in a fantasy world?

[BlueRidgeLoafer]

Thanks Pappy! I love that area! I actually live in Northeast TN but spend every free weekend I can in the NC mountains. May sound weird but I feel more at home there than in TN! Trout fishing is another Hobby of mine that gives me an excuse to wonder the mountain streams when I can!
I drove a delivery truck from Johnson City TN to western NC for 3 yrs and loved every minute! West Jefferson all the way to Sparta is beautiful...especially in the winter. Thanks for the encouragement! If I can learn a little about this hobby Id love to hook up some Saturday and see what we can find!

Originally Posted by PAPPY

WELCOME to the TQ FAMILY ! GREAT to have you with us.

What part of the N.C. Blue Ridge are you in. I live in the Blue Ridge also (SPARTA, N.C.) Maybe we can get together and hunt.

Our Sponsors will be glad to give you the low-down on detectors.

[PAPPY]

Would love to do some MD'ing and Trout Fishing with you too. Gonna go in a couple of day's and do some smallmouth fishing when the water clears in the New River.

I too would rec. the ACE250...That's the ONLY thing I use and it is a GREAT little machine (Coin Magnet).

[Dyrty]

I have to agree with the ACE 250. I shelled out big bucks for a GTI1250 but a friend of mine decided to get a detector and I suggested he get the ACE 250. He did and for the money it's great.

[pris]

Welcome to TQ!! It sure sounds like you're the right guy for this hobby. You already go to the places that probably have a ton of finds right under your feet! You just need a MD and a shovel. The reason people are telling you to get the Ace250 as opposed to the Ace150 (which is a bit cheaper) is that for the extra $ you really do get your money's worth. I also have the Ace250 and really love it. I'm new to MDing (except for when I was really young) and it's so easy to learn this machine, but it's quite powerful. For the money, you'll get way more than other comparablely priced machines, IMHO.

Good luck and I sure hope you get a machine soon, so you can start makin' some bux from your finds. I just know you'll love it.