[luna nueva]

The other day, my mom mentioned she would love to have a metal detector for the beach or whatever. I dont know anything about them but was thinking it could be a good christmas present. Anybody got a reccommendation on one in the $200 range? Whats the best one I can get for that price? I think it should be at least water resistant, but like I said, I know absolutely nothing about them. Thanks

 

[jeff.w]

The top rated detector in the $200 range is the Garrett Ace 250. It's considered a beginner's detector, but it's got features that more advanced users like. I've used one and I'd recommend it.

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/garrett/garrett-ace250.htm

 

[Third Wave]

I have an Ace 250.
I've loaded up on all kinds of stuff.
The coil is water Proof/resistant, but the electronics aren't. They are up on the handle area.
Make sure the beaches she intends to hunt are friendly to detectorists. It seems that many are not.

Good luck.

 

[SpeckReds]

The above recommendation is what I would go with for a beginner. Kellyco has the best prices in the counrty. They are based in Florida. Ship anywhere.

I have a Garrett 2500GTI Great machine. I have also had other Garretts over the years and is the only brand dectector I would recommend. Others are good, but I think Garrett is the best. They are made in the Dallas/ Fort Worht area. But are cheaper to buy from Kellyco in Florida. Volume Dealer.

It is a great hobby. I have found old and new coins, civil war relics, gold in creeks in the Northwest part of the country, rings, chains, even a Pirate knife with Emeralds in the handle, alot of cool stuff from old house places, and alot of junk.

Great fun.

Remember there are alot of cheap junk detectors on the market and you get what you pay for. And you find what you pay for.

 

[nodnarb]

Yeah Garrett is a pretty good detector and pretty reliable. I new detector that I here is pretty good is the new garrett AT Gold:
http://www.pti-world.com/hobby-detectors/garrett-metal-detectors/garrett-at-gold/

 

[DSL_PWR]

Garrett is the way to go. Found some really cool stuff with mine.

 

[keechi]

Garrett Ace 250 would be a disappointment in a beach/salt environment . A good site to start your research http://metaldetectingforum.com/index.php

 

[cncman]

you have to figure out where you want to go first, very important, if you want to go mainly on the beach you need something that is made for it, not just for corrosion, but because of the mineralization you will get many false hits. Definitely one with a discriminator on it which identifies the metal you are getting the hit on. Whites is another good brand, I have used them for over 20 years. Good luck have fun

 

[jeff.w]

FYI: Revived thread from 2008