Looking to get started in beach detecting

B

bdemutis

New member
I'm looking to get started in metal detecting since I'm going to OBX this year. I was looking to get opinions on a used metal detector that wont break the bank I would love to get one that goes in water since I spend allot of time on the river also swimming and tubing. But since I'm not looking to spend allot a waterproof head would do for the beach and river banks.
 
you would probably do good to look at the Garret AT Pro or new Whites MX Sport , these are both water proof to about 10 feet . unless your doing wet ocean beaches then you might want to get something with multi frequencies or a pulse unit .

Dan
 
del said:
you would probably do good to look at the Garret AT Pro or new Whites MX Sport , these are both water proof to about 10 feet . unless your doing wet ocean beaches then you might want to get something with multi frequencies or a pulse unit .

Dan
Click to expand...
I would also just be interested in a waterproof head model for the beach since I'm not looking to spend as much as a fully submersible model cost.
 
Like Dan said, an AT pro would likely be your best bet on a budget. Just a waterproof coil may be OK in some instances such as going through puddles or very shallow narrow streams- but slip once in deeper water and the whole machine in in the drink. Then your detector is likely done for. Same reason I upgraded my machine. I came close a couple times to losing my X-Terra in the water and I would never forgive myself if I ruined a machine that was only a few weeks old.
I don't know what your budget is on a machine, but for around $650 for an all around waterproof machine, that's doing pretty good. You can also look online for used machines as well and maybe find something for much less. The only drawback is like dan also mentioned, if you are planning to use it in places where there is wet salt then you will still have a difficult time unless your machine is either multi frequency, PI, or can be changed to running a high frequency coil.
 
I have an AT Pro and have just finished detecting Newport Beach in CA. Didn't find much, .73 cents, a cheap hoop earring, 4 treble hooks on 100lb test line 1/2" below surface (glad I wasn't bare foot), boatload of bottlecaps. Angry Orchard caps seemed to be 7-10 inches down all the time. I really enjoy using the AT Pro and have found it to work great in freshwater rivers etc. Newport Beach was my first time with saltwater and I had to fine tune what I was doing with the detector (thanks to Garrett for tips and others on YouTube). Still not sure if I had it optimal for the conditions. For the money, AT Pro is the way to go. It breaks down nice too and fits into a carry-on bag (just barely). I also suggest the Waterproof Garrett pinpointer. It is well worth the money.
 
Well maybe since I'm working with a budget and really didn't want to spend more than $300 on a used one I wouldn't see why just a waterproof coil wouldn't be good. Since I'm just starting out then if I like it and think I want to try snorkeling and finding stuff then maybe sell it then get a new one. It would only be something I use only during the spring and summer since soon as September comes I'm in the tree stand.
 
almost all machines have water proof coils and you can detect in water up to their control boxes (a couple of feet) , just be careful of those rogue or unexpected waves .
 
del said:
almost all machines have water proof coils and you can detect in water up to their control boxes (a couple of feet) , just be careful of those rogue or unexpected waves .
Click to expand...
Ok thanks what would be a good detector that you think would suite my needs I'm going to be in sand and dirt. I did see some that you can get a waterproof cover for the control box.
 
I've seen very good used detectors for sale keep looking for deals , they are out there . i personally use a whites dfx , 10 plus years ago it was a thousand dollar machine and now i've been seeing them going for 300 to 350 dollars. they are a very good machine on the beach (even in the wet sand) and its a great dirt machine as well .
 
del said:
I've seen very good used detectors for sale keep looking for deals , they are out there . i personally use a whites dfx , 10 plus years ago it was a thousand dollar machine and now i've been seeing them going for 300 to 350 dollars. they are a very good machine on the beach (even in the wet sand) and its a great dirt machine as well .
Click to expand...
I was looking at garret ace 250, bounty hunter models and detector pro headhunter. But I was more on the side of having a screen unless it doesn't make a big difference. I don't know anything about detecting. I know you get what you pay for and I'm just starting out and don't want to spend to much incase I'm not that involved with it since I already have my fishing and hunting addiction.

Edit: I was also looking at the whites coin master and bounty hunter pioneer 505 used.
 
Last edited:
the ace 250 is a nice starter machine , i've seen good results and finds with it and it doesn't break the bank . it should be fine on the dry sand at the beach .
 
del said:
the ace 250 is a nice starter machine , i've seen good results and finds with it and it doesn't break the bank . it should be fine on the dry sand at the beach .
Click to expand...

Would any of the ones I'm looking at work in wet sand or no.
Never mind just read up on what detectors are wet sand worthy and they are in the thousand range.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
23,565
Messages
238,062
Members
3,781
Latest member
kasmalat
Back
Top