What kind of metal detector should I get

[Tfink]

My father inlaw and I are looking at getting metal detectors we are wondering what kind of metal detector will work as a good all around detector. We would like to be able to comb the beaches, parks and look for gold. Is there a metal detector that will do both? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[gerber]

Welcome TFink!!

It seems that you are wanting a machine that will effectively hunt in a variety of environments. My own vote would go to the White's MXT. It is easy to learn to use, is very effective at gold nugget hunting (from what I'm told), is a great overall land and relic machine, and is good on dry sand at the beach (less effective in wet sand). Others will have different recommendations, I'm sure, but I don't think you'll go wrong with an MXT. Between that and my Detectorpro Wader which I use in the wet sand and water, I feel like I have all my bases covered.

If you do end up considering the MXT, definitely look into getting one of the DD or Excelerator coils. In many environments, they will improve performance over the stock coil. Personally, I really like the White's 6x10 DD coil, but there are many others that are great to choose from depending on what kind of hunting you are going to do.

HH,

Dan

[Tfink]

THANK YOU!!!!

[Vern2sjc]

Welcome Tfink: Dan gave you some good advice on a MD. I use the DFX by White's it a great MD, but has a large learning curve, works great on the wet sand also. What I'd suggest would be to read as much as you can on the various detectors, try to find out if there's a local MD Club that meets in your area and attend a meeting and ask some of the members about their MD's. Vist a local dealer to get the feel of the weight of each unit. Some are heavier than others. For pricing check out the dealers on the internet and compare with your local shop. One advantage of buying from your local dealer is the suport he can give you in using the MD to it full potential. Hope this gives you some insite on choosing a MD. ONE WORD OF CAUTION, THIS HOBBY IS ALOT OF FUN AND ADDICTING. HH Vern2sjc

[LodiTom]

Welcome to the forum Tfink!You guy's are getting some good advice from both forumite's.HH,Tom

[jerr696]

Hi T. You can't go wrong with a Whites'. I would suggest finding someone in your area to show you how to use it. It's a hard leaning process to learn by trial and error,like I did. Don't be shy to ask questions on the Forum,great bunch of people on here.HH,Jerry

[Tfink]

Thnaks for the Advice.

[deepjeep]

Hi Tfink.
I was asking the very same question just a few weeks ago. After much research and lurking around forums like this one , I decided the Whites MXT is the best choice. It does all three (Coin, Relic, and Prospecting) with relitive ease of use. But I guess the all take time to learn. I am getting really good at digging up pull tabs! I mean REALLY good!! I hope that someday I can say the same about silver and gold! Good luck..

[kidwriter43]

Hi, Tfink, I agree with the others on the MXT. I got my first detector (an MXT) last year and have been using it a lot. There is some learning needed for beginners, but you don't have to program a computer to make it work. I would suggest purchasing it at a reputable store where you can get help if you need it and the warranty is available. Ebay purchases are more for knowledgeable users. I'm having fun, and I agree that getting a double D coil and/or a smaller 5 inch coil are worthwhile purchases. I live in an area with lots of mineralized soil and the smaller coil works much better. There is a forum available for MXT users if you want more specific information. Email me if you'd like the URL. And welcome to the best forum for Calif. metal detecting.

Lynne Mc/kidwriter43

[cyberdan]

Hi Tfink (used to go to school with a Pfink)

I have a White's XLT it was pretty easy to start. Just turn on and go. Later when I got used to it then I started changing the settings.

White's also just came out with a new line called Prizims. I have heard good things about them and they are about half the price of the XLT/DFX/MXT ones.

P.S. Vern is right.

I wrote this story for White's about 8 months ago. It is about my first year of hunting.

www.whiteselectronics.com/februarystories04.html#danca

Just another Dan

[Jeff Kinzli]

Tfink, since most folks have recommended an MXT, I have one you can try out if you like. We can meet on the beach some morning or something and you can give it a whirl and see if you like it. I have a few others that you could try as well...

I'm in Santa Cruz, not sure where you are though.

[Finderskeepers]

I would suggest looking at some of the low end " turn on and go"machines built by most all of the larger makers. They will keep your investment low and they are easy to use.Using some of the more sophisticated detectors at the onset of your detecting may result in much fustration. I think that a low end detector in competant hands will find more than a more sophicated detector in incompent hands, and incompetent is what most detectorests are when they first start out. After using the low end detector for a few months you may want to move up to another detector that better suits your needs.

[JJBaz]

Here is my 2 cents worth. Buy your machine from a local shop that agree's to give you both hands on instruction in the field, not 5 minutes behind the shop. If they are "too busy" get recommendations for an online dealer to get your machines from and locate a Pro in your area to teach you how to setup and use your machines. In my area it runs about $150 for half a day. It will be money well spent, you can start out with confidence instead of confusion and frustration. HH, JJ

[deepjeep]

Hey jjbaz, I thought confusion and frustration was the whole point of digging pull tabs. You really want to ruin it for Tfink? ;D