Best all around detector?

[Dan]

Hi, I built the Proscan PI and after much trouble I finally got it to work. That was about 4 years ago. Anyways, I was thinking about it the other day and decided to get back into metal detecting. What i want to know is: What is the best all around commercially available metal detector? I dont want the fanciest one out there, but I dont want to buy something that I can build myself. I am looking for a decent model at a decent price. If there is no such thing, which project should I build to get a decent detector?

Thanks, Dan.

[Gary]

Re: Best all around detector?

Depends what you want to search for and what features you want?

Not a commerical detector, But my PI detector Project works well, not expensive and I support it if you have troubles making it.

Gary

[Carl-NC]

Re: Best all around detector?

Whatcha looking to spend?

[Dan]

Re: Best all around detector?

I was thinking around up to $300 Canadian. Maybe more if I knew I was getting a deal. Could buy a used one, Looking for something rugged and stable, dependable and obviously good depth. It is hard to say if I want all those extra features like notching and discrimination and stuff. Ive never used a MD with all those features. When I had the Proscan working I was digging up every little bleep it found. Lots of junk and lots of fun. Looking around I see alot of big name detectors going for lots of money. Are they worth it, or are you paying for the name? Alot of no-name brands as well. They all look good. I cant spend too much as most of my friends think i am crazy to buy one in the first place. If they found out the price of one....ouch. "oooooooh going to find some treasure......." My roomates walk around the house making detector noises whenever they walk by. Its all in fun though. I dont care, really what they think. All I know is that something goes through me when I hear the pitch change. "Man, there could be anything in there..."
Dan

[Carl-NC]

Re: Best all around detector?

$300CD is about $225USD, right? You'll need to get a used one to get much for your money, but these things are pretty rugged.

Probably one of the better detectors for that price is White's Classic ID. Also, in the non-ID category, Tesoro Silver Sabre uMax or Bandido II uMax.

If you want to go a bit higher (about $325USD) you can get one of the better detectors for the money, a Minelab Sovereign. Or, a White's Eagle SL-II, still considered one of there best detectors ever.

I would stay far away from no-name detectors (ebay specials), and would also avoid older models. There are a lot of good ebay deals on 20-yr-old detectors, but they usually fall short of newer models.

- Carl

[Dan]

Re: Best all around detector?

Thanks Carl,

I have been doing some research and I think that a Whites Classic is what I need. Not sure what model yet. I understand the benefits of buying quality products. I just dont want to pay extra for something because of a name. It looks rugged and durable. I will look for a used one first and go from there. Dan.

[Sean Goddard]

Re: Best all around detector?

Find a GOOD second hand Whites 6000Di/SL. just about the best all rounder I've come across at the price you're looking at (IMHO).

[Sean Goddard]

Re: Best all around detector?

Good luck Dan

[Dan]

Re: Best all around detector? I bought one!

Yeah, I broke down and got myself a used White's Classic IDX. I took Carl's advice and it does seem like a very good mid range detector. Bought on Ebay for $304.
Should be coming any day now, and I cant wait.
I talked to a buddy of mine and his parents live on an old farm with a barn. Built in 1880. He said that there was an older house in the field behind his parents barn. Not much left of it just some old foundations and a few planks of wood. That is my first real site after I get used to it in the backyard of my house of course!! I will let you know what I find.
Dan.

[Peter Jones]

Re: Best all around detector? I bought one!

Good luck , Dan.
I bought a classic as a backup for my main detector , and have been using it instead recently. Well made and deep enough for most , but also a doddle to use.
Your IDX should come into its own on trashy sites , but use your ears - dont become meter-dependant. Practise with different "test targets" to get used to the sounds , and pinpointing is easy to get used to.

With patience and perseverance that old farmhouse site should produce some good finds.
Let us all know how you fare.