Metal detectors?

Monofletch

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 14, 2010
Messages
10,396
I am looking to get into this hobby, but I don’t know a damn thing about it. I’ve been reading and watching videos. Now it’s time to buy my first detector.
Here is a short list of the ones I have in my cart.

Minelab Vanquish 560 $399
Nokta Triple Score $499
Garrett Vortex vx5 $499

Any advice would be great!
 
I am looking to get into this hobby, but I don’t know a damn thing about it. I’ve been reading and watching videos. Now it’s time to buy my first detector.
Here is a short list of the ones I have in my cart.

Minelab Vanquish 560 $399
Nokta Triple Score $499
Garrett Vortex vx5 $499

Any advice would be great!
Check out Monterey Magnet Man on YouTube .
 
If you're just starting and aren't sure if you'll like it I'd go with the Garrett Ace 250.

It's the most recommended starter detector.
That's what my dad was recommended when he was getting into it, then when he didn't end up sticking with it and gave the thing to me he was only out about $200 instead of $400+.
I like watching aquachigger on YouTube, but mostly the river stuff and historic trips he takes.
I'm not as interested in the ground digging stuff.

I have yet to get into medal detecting and am not sure if I ever will.
 
Out of those I would recommend the Minelab or the nokta. Then if you decide to upgrade later, you would be familiar with the tones and different settings of whichever brand you chose. I’ve went back to a Minelab equinox for now. I had a xp deus 2 and ended up selling it. I started with a Garrett AT pro, but realized fast that Garrett is way behind on technology. Technology that makes a huge difference too! Then went to a nokta and actually really enjoyed it, but the Minelab is when my finds really picked up. I’ve not been going as much lately but I know you can’t go wrong with Minelab. The equinox 600 and 800 have an issue with leaking water in to the control box, but I think they figured out the problem with the later 700 and 900 models. I’ve not used a vanquish series detector, but have always heard wonderful things about them. That new 560 model looks like a dandy! The control box isn’t waterproof, but from the coil all the way up the shaft is, so as long as you aren’t diving you should be ok. They can handle a little rain no problem! Sorry for the long explanation, but it’s something I was really passionate about for a little while. I’ve found some really cool stuff, in places people said I wouldn’t find anything. It can be so much fun and makes for great exercise! Good luck with whatever you decide! Hopefully you’ll find the big one!
 
The 560 is completely waterproof! I just ordered it.

I can’t wait to go.

Product Highlights​

  • Features: Waterproof up to 16' , Multi-IQ Technology, Bias control, Vibration feedback
  • Included: 12x9" DD Coil and cover, Wired Headphones, USB-C Charging cable
  • Waterproof Rating: IPS8- Submersible up to 16 feet
  • Average Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours
  • Discrimination: 5 Target Tones / 10 Level Iron volume control
  • Frequencies: 5 to 40kHz (Multi-IQ)
  • Technology: Multi-Frequency
  • Length: 31" - 56"
  • Weight: 2.8 lbs
  • Product Type: Non-Commercial
 
A couple of my buddies go regularly. They make it sound like a lot of fun.
 
The 560 is completely waterproof! I just ordered it.

I can’t wait to go.

Product Highlights​

  • Features: Waterproof up to 16' , Multi-IQ Technology, Bias control, Vibration feedback
  • Included: 12x9" DD Coil and cover, Wired Headphones, USB-C Charging cable
  • Waterproof Rating: IPS8- Submersible up to 16 feet
  • Average Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours
  • Discrimination: 5 Target Tones / 10 Level Iron volume control
  • Frequencies: 5 to 40kHz (Multi-IQ)
  • Technology: Multi-Frequency
  • Length: 31" - 56"
  • Weight: 2.8 lbs
  • Product Type: Non-Commercial
Well that’s freaking awesome! If I was buying that’s probably what I’d go for too! Good luck!
 
Funny this should be a topic. My wife who gets very little exercise has shown interest in detecting. I’m going to try and be as supportive as I can and hope she gets out and hunts. Thanks for all the advice.
 
Funny this should be a topic. My wife who gets very little exercise has shown interest in detecting. I’m going to try and be as supportive as I can and hope she gets out and hunts. Thanks for all the advice.
My wife thinks I’m nuts.

I’ve been studying and watching videos and it seems that buying a “little bit better” detector to start might help you find more stuff. My first machine is the Minelabs Vanquish 560. It was $399 for just the machine and headphones ($339 with military discount). If that helps. I am waiting for it to be delivered!
 
It’s a great hobby. Got out today in Michigan tonight for the first time this year. Everything is a learning curve, so get out there and find some cool stuff! I’m using. an Nokta Simplex but still use my old Whites machines depending where I go. Any others from Michigan here?
 
I finally got my detector. UPS has been playing games. I can’t wait to use it!
 
I went out this morning to the little park by my house. There are a few party pavilions and always a lot of people there. My detector picked up the little circles of confetti and made it frustrating. I do think it will be a fun hobby. I wish I could go with someone else that knows and can explain things. Videos don’t even come close.
 
I went out this morning to the little park by my house. There are a few party pavilions and always a lot of people there. My detector picked up the little circles of confetti and made it frustrating. I do think it will be a fun hobby. I wish I could go with someone else that knows and can explain things. Videos don’t even come close.
Your confetti experience reminded me of my only metal detector experience a long, long, long time ago in my youth!

My dad bought one. My brothers and I took it out one day (while he was at work!) to our grade school fields. All we found was pull tabs from sodas and washers!! No money or anything else of value. We were out a long time and we got very frustrated in the 110° sun in Phoenix!
 
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