Is this a Good Metal Detector for a Newbie...

OneCent

I've always wanted to give metal detecting a whirl. I'm intrigued with the treasure hunting aspect as well as the opportunity to find an old coin that has been buried in the ground for the last 50 - 100 years. As usual, when I start a new endeavor I typically go all out! So, what do you all think of this particular detector as a starter model? I'll be primarily using it to find buried coins once a month or so.

Quick Draw II Detector

CROCKofCOINS

Pete, I think that would be good for starting. And then as a backup unit and a loaner.

Have fun.

Jerry

kokapelli1

I consider myself a newbie and have the equivalent to the QD II. It seems to work fairly well, and has some decent features. It has 3 tone audio alert. The digital target ID is helpful, but not always accurate. I have a hunch this is common to a degree. It also has a depth indicator, but more often than not, mine overestimates (or it could be the operator ;-) ). It is lightweight and fairly miserly on the batteries. I don't know personally how it compares to other machines, but am coming to the conclusion that it doesn't go as deep as I would like. I find lots of modern coinage, one ring so far and a good amount of junk. It will sniff out most targets to about 4" deep, sketchy beyond that. I'm sure many folks have great sucess with Bounty Hunters and this one has given my zero problems. But I think I would be happier with a deeper seeking machine.

lordmarcovan

The Bounty Hunter Quick Draw used to be the machine I recommended to novices, until Garrett brought out the Ace 250.

The Quick Draw II is a fine starter machine, I'm sure. I used to use the original Quick Draw and did pretty well with it.

lordmarcovan

I found this with the Quick Draw (I).

A couple of Indian cents and pre-Civil War buttons, too.

OneCent

Thanks for the replies. From what I gather based upon the comments, the QDII seems to be a decent model for getting started but perhaps not a choice detector. So, I'll ask what would be a "recommended" mid-level detector that would be good for a new guy as well as something that I could grow into (say intermediate leve)l?

Also, I live in Philadelphia so the area is rich with historical sites known and unkown. For instance, the Brandywine state park is home to a civil war battlefield and Valley Forge state park houses the barricks/site where Washington and his men camped out in the brutual winter of 1777. Logic tells me though that metal detecting/digging on or around these particular sites may pose a problem (aka not allowed). Is md'ing in state parks generally off limits?

Thanks for your help!

Swampboy

AUandAG

<< <i>Thanks for the replies. From what I gather based upon the comments, the QDII seems to be a decent model for getting started but perhaps not a choice detector. So, I'll ask what would be a "recommended" mid-level detector that would be good for a new guy as well as something that I could grow into (say intermediate leve)l?

Also, I live in Philadelphia so the area is rich with historical sites known and unkown. For instance, the Brandywine state park is home to a civil war battlefield and Valley Forge state park houses the barricks/site where Washington and his men camped out in the brutual winter of 1777. Logic tells me though that metal detecting/digging on or around these particular sites may pose a problem (aka not allowed). Is md'ing in state parks generally off limits?

Thanks for your help! >>



I know the FEDs do not allow for detecting unless you do it at night and under a nice dark colored wool blanket.
Check with your State for their regs and you might be screwed there as well. Might be a time to get to know some
land owners!
Good luck my friend, wish I was back east instead of Las Vegas for detecting!

bob

Swampboy

johnny9434

its a good machine and great to learn on to. happy hunting