Shopping for a metal detector

So, you finally decided to take the plunge and buy your first metal detector. Where to start and how to select the right model - is the question we get asked several times a day.

Naturally, if you have been using metal detectors before, you pretty much know what you want in your next detector, and where to buy one. But most newcomers to the hobby are totally lost as far as what to buy for their first detector. Fear not, we are here to help.

Before you buy

The most asked question we get is: "I want a super detector that will only find the good stuff like coins and jewelry, and I don't want to dig any junk, and I only want to spend $200 for one."

Many people also add, "I want it to show me what it is in the ground before I dig it, plus I want it to be waterproof as well."

The answer is always the same - they don't have that model yet. Seriously, lets get realistic! Like with anything else in life, you get what you pay for. Metal Detectors are not an exception.

With any detector, no matter how advanced it may be, you still are going to find unwanted junk metals. It is a part of this hobby and there is nothing you can do to avoid it. A saying comes to mind - No pain, no gain!

If you're still not sure if this hobby is for you, and you simply don't want to spend a hefty sum, by all means $200 is enough for an entry Metal Detector, but don't expect any magic. After all, a detector is only a tool, and finding a good spot to detect is far more important then your machine. It's foolish trying to find something that is not there. Even the best detector won't find it!

The bottom line is, if you're on a low budget, start with a detector you can afford and upgrade later if you like the hobby.

Where to Buy a Metal Detector

There are many websites that sell metal detectors nowadays, but nothing beats your local dealer where you can talk to a live person who can answer your questions. The best part is that you can touch and feel different models, and some dealers would even let you try it outside. You can make a far better decision whether you like how a particular detector sounds, or if its too heavy for your type of hunting.

Of course, not everyone will have a detector dealer nearby, in this case your only option is to buy it online. Do your research before you settle for one. We have many models listed on this website that will give you a good idea of what to expect.

New or Used

While a new detector is the way to go for most people, don't overlook the fact, that some people will spend a lot of money for their first detector just to find out it wasn't their type of hobby. Some might get a nice detector as a gift, and simply never use it. It's not that unusual, and happens quiet often. So, where can you find these people? Yes, you guessed it! Ebay is the best place to search for a good detector, often barely used for half the price.

Our first detector we bought from a local dealer, but as we learned the ropes, we bought and sold many detectors on ebay without a problem.

Ebay is quite fun, and you can pretty much buy or sell anything under the sun. As you make some nice finds with your detector, you could easily sell them there to generate some cash for a better detector.



We hope this will help some of you, and if there is something else you would like to know, by all means email us with your suggestions. We are always happy to hear from you.
Minelab Sovereign GT
The first metal detector I bought back in 1997 was a Minelab Sovereign. Living in central North Carolina, it was mainly used for coin and relic hunting. Hunting Civil War campsites and battlegrounds, the machine preformed poorly. ...
Reviewed by: Kevin Palo on 05-14-2012 | Rating: 1 star

Garrett AT pro
I LOVE IT. As soon as I received it I look at the manual and went on line and watched the 7 instructional videos, then went to the beech. 1st dig. . . Bottle cap. . . 2nd...
Reviewed by: Vince Auletta on 05-14-2012 | Rating: 5 stars

Whites DFX
Well, I have to say. I originally reviewed this machine and slated it. And now, having learned to use it properly(which really only amounted to an hour of serious work) I would really like to remove my previous...
Reviewed by: Mike on 05-13-2012 | Rating: 5 stars