School me on Metal Detectors

[UIZ733]

Time spent on the beach could be more interesting with a bit of 'beach combing'. I know bugger all about these devices apart from researching various websites and reading user blogs (many of which appear to be American).
What would you buy with a budget of under $1000? Does one steer completely away from 'Ebay specials' that appear to be Chinese clones of recognised products, and stick with recognised products like Minelab?
Something with a capability of 'prospecting' would be a bonus.
Advice/input from those with experience and knowledge would be appreciated.

[Raym]

Have you had a look at a detecting forum. You might find some good info there. Here is one that I joined but have gone no further with the idea.

http://www.dirtfishing.com.au/

[cruiser 91]

Be careful with Minelab, they are good but there are many fakes on the market.
There are also a few good used quality detectors around for sale, a lot cheaper than new.
New = $1k-$5k depending on brand.
Plenty of owner tutorials on youtube for most brands. Very handy when you're a beginner user.
Careful on how much you spend...............most sell their machine within 2-4 months at a big loss.

[Jkblmm]

Check out the Garrett range. Great units , I bought the AT Pro and love it. Found a few treasures in the bush, but not tried in the sand. The at pro is waterproof , and is suitable to use in all areas..

It took me a couple of months to make a decision , my criteria was similar to yours ~$1000 and not needing to have a degree in Astro physics to drive it.

As someone else said, check out the dirtfisihing forum, great bunch of guys and most are happy to offer advice, just like the electrical section here...

What ever you choose, just like a CT , get out and use it....

Cheers Jason

[UIZ733]

As someone else said, check out the dirtfisihing forum, great bunch of guys and most are happy to offer advice, just like the electrical section here...
Cheers Jason

Might be a good reason to give it a miss! 

[Gravity]

Time spent on the beach could be more interesting with a bit of 'beach combing'. I know bugger all about these devices apart from researching various websites and reading user blogs (many of which appear to be American).
What would you buy with a budget of under $1000? Does one steer completely away from 'Ebay specials' that appear to be Chinese clones of recognised products, and stick with recognised products like Minelab?
Something with a capability of 'prospecting' would be a bonus.
Advice/input from those with experience and knowledge would be appreciated.

Hi I'm a keen detector freek that will be out there when I can, picked up Minelab Go 40'S for the kids and they absolutely love them $300ea, you can go one better at $400 the Go 60 but in my opinion you don't need the GPS but the coil is bigger, these things are fantastic for finding stuff on the beach or even your camping ground, lost track of the number of coins and pegs the boys have found, keeps them hunting all day !
It all comes down to budget and time willing to commit , there are several great detectors out there under $1000 and agree stay away from flee bay.

[GU42T]

If it's for beach combing then a basic  Pulse induction (PI) model with ground balance would be preferable over the cheaper VLF (very low frequency) models.
The Minelab xterra 705 is a good unit for finding most items, we have one but haven't used it on a beach yet.
Stick with a reputable brand, whites, Garrett, Minelab etc and if money is a factor be patient and shop around for a second hand unit, as previously said a lot get sold with very little use.

Cheers

[speewa158]

l use a Minelab305 on the beach , goes well . l bout it vat Crime Converters for $200 & its paid for itself many times . ln the bush l have my Minelab 4000 to get a bit more interested with .l have found all sorts of things from jewellery to cans on grog buried in sand  . The bank used to cringe when they saw me coming with a big fist full of black coins tarnished by salt water . Do do some research & contact your local Minelab dealer for more info . Dig every signal cause you will never know what it can be .           

[Kangaron]

Great specials at the moment.

http://www.minersden.com.au/new-products-and-specials/

[AdrianLR]

For anyone in Victoria, a great opportunity to learn about detectors and prospecting is the Laanecoorie Gold Bash on 7/8/9 October. All proceeds go to Peter Mac for cancer research (we raised almost $18k last year from sponsors, raffles and an auction).

[yogi]

I would have a look at the Garett Ace 300i ... Under $400 with accessories and one of the best brands on the market .... If you like detecting then start saving for a xt, pro or gold at several thousand

yogi

[UIZ733]

Thanks all for your responses. I purchased a Minelab 705 Dual. Very happy with the price. Just have to learn how to use it now.
Regards