Could use some help, Thanks.

dantheman984

I was thinking about buying a Metal Detector. I live near the New Jersey shoreline and I have a lot of time in the late Fall and winter to go Metal Detecting. I take it this is the best place to come to ask What kind should I buy and where would be the best place to buy from. (Don`t want to get ripped off) I don`t want a cheap one and don`t want the best. Middle of the road, good quality. Thank you all for any suggestions. I appreciate it,
Dan

Riccar

Hi Dan,

What type of hunting do you think you'll focus on?

- Beach (wet sand, dry sand, and/or under water)
- Turf (Jewelry, modern coins, or old coins)
- Farm fields (relics, etc)

Also, I'm not sure if your area has difficulties with mineral content in the soil or sand, but that could matter too. (one of the guys from out your way might be able to chime in concerning that issue)

And, do you mind buying used? I'd highly recommend that... it's actually what I've done for both detectors I own. (got a higher tech machine for a lower price)

Rick

dantheman984

Hey Rick,
Thank you for your time. I think I would probably be hunting in wet and dry sand. Most sand here on the Jersey shore is free of minerals. I would buy used. (like you said) What kind of models would you recommend and where can I check them out? Online? Thanks again Rick,
Dan

Edited to Add: I would probably hunting coins, Jewlery and things of that nature.

Riccar

For the beach and wet sand, I'd recommend the Minelab Sovereign XS. I think it was around $700 new, and if you can get it for less than $300, I'd jump on it. It's an easy detector to use, has discrimination, but goes super deep. (guys in CA tested several different machines and it went the deepest even though it was not the most recent technology tested) If I had a little more money, I'd go for the Minelab Excaliber for the beach because it's waterproof (I love swimming and the ocean). But, the Sovereign is great if you're only planning to get a little wet and not dunk the machine.

You could find a used on on Ebay but I don't see one for sale on there right now. There are other detecting forums that have classified sections, and I see one for sale over on Treasure Depot. I've bought things over there and never had a bad experience, but as always, let the buyer beware... Minelab Sov XS for sale

Last note: if there's a detecting club in your area, or a detector shop, you may want to pay them a visit. I wouldn't buy a detector from the shop just because I like getting the person-to-person deal, but you could at least talk with them and pick their brain. A club would be nice because you could meet others, ask questions, and maybe even see if someone would take you out for a test spin with a detector you may be interested in. I'd highly recommend this because it would give you a better idea if this hobby is something you'll enjoy. I've seen many try it out, get frustrated, and give up in a short amount of time. I made a couple friends at a local club, they pointed me in the right direction, helped set realistic goals, and they've become good friends over the years...

Hope this helps. Ask any other questions you might think of... there are a lot of guys on here that have been doing this for many more years than I have.

Rick

dantheman984

Thanks again Rick for all the useful info. I will check out that detector. Thanks again Rick. I really do appreciate the info.
Dan

Riccar

Hi Dan,

If you get an XS, let me know and I can walk you through the way I use it at the beaches to get max depth with the all metal feature, and at the same time, still narrow down your digging toward the good targets ...

Rick

goldrush00013

Hey Rick can you teach us the "Sovereign Wiggle"

Riccar

I'll try but it may not be pretty!

Zot

dantheman984

Well,
I purchased my detector. I just have to wait till it is delivered and than I can do the dance too!!
Dan

goldrush00013

Here's some good tips for the Sovereign newbie (which I am) and it describes the "Sovereign Wiggle"

Linkage


Here's one on pinpointing.


BTW-

dantheman984

<< <i>







Here's some good tips for the Sovereign newbie (which I am) and it describes the "Sovereign Wiggle"

Linkage


Here's one on pinpointing.


BTW- >>



Thank you for the link and the Welcome!
Dan