Besides the White's Spectra V3i , a couple others to look into are:
Fisher F75 Minelab e-Trac
If I didn't already own an e-trac, I would have gotten the V3
Please keep in mind that if you ask 10 people you'll get 10 different answers. I went to a site like Treasurenet or MetalDetecting Forum and see what others said about the different models. Another good place to check out the model you're interested in is YouTube.
My Minelab Explorer II fell in the lower end of your range and I love it! It has paid for itself a few times over. I'm sure there is a newer model or two that has replaced it by now, and if they can be had in that price range, you won't be sorry.
Comments
Fisher F75
Minelab e-Trac
If I didn't already own an e-trac, I would have gotten the V3
Please keep in mind that if you ask 10 people you'll get 10 different answers. I went to a site like Treasurenet or MetalDetecting Forum and see what others said about the different models. Another good place to check out the model you're interested in is YouTube.