Metal Detectors

[tranquility]

How many of you carry a metal detector to search for "goodies" while camping? If so, any advice on a make or model. Cabelas carries a wide variety.

[Stealth01]

If you're serious about metal detecting get a Whites!

[spritz]

I was tossing the idea around when we had plans to go to Quartzite this winter but we didn't go. I am still thinking about getting one. I did see the ones @ Cabelas. I think it would be fun,hope you get some more responses.
tb

[BeltoneMagoo]

For good info on metal detectors go to one of their forums. Try www.treasurenet.com, metaldetectingforum.com, or www.garrett.com. There is lots of info there. Beware that there are a lot of detectors out there and their prices and capabilities vary widely. The forums will provide you with good answers that are backed by experience. I am new to it also and will say that there is a learning curve involved.
Good luck and safe travels!

[DannyA]

I thought that would be fun also and bought a metal detector a few years ago.
I'm ashamed to say I have never used it.
Many places will not let you use one I found out. That is not the reason I haven't used it yet just haven't gotten to it yet.

[BeltoneMagoo]

I haven't travelled with a detector yet but I am planning on it in the near future. I have used mine (Garrett 350) and have had some interesting experiences. Can't say that I have found treasure but my driveway was lucrative. First thing I found was a piece of a toy car (Hotwheels or something like that). I then proceeded to unearth two pennies and one old nickel. My best was in the back yard. I found a strong clear "silver" signal. Bottle caps will drive you nuts! Lots of fun and healthy too. Get with it!
Good luck and safe travels!

[wyorancher]

Most important thing to look for is how long the batteries last. Some of them have a lot of features and burn up batteries really fast. I have a fancy White detector. Too many features and burns up batteries. Paid almost $1000 for it and never use it because of that.

[HHg]

If you really want to enjoy the hobby, do not buy a piece of junk (Cabela's). Get a good unit with a good discriminator to enhance your enjoyment. I've detected for almost 30 years and it is truly a satisfying hobby. Nothing against Whites, but they sure like trashy metal. Try http://thetreasuredepot.com. This a true diehard relic hunting site.
Note: I never detect on private property without consent.....be careful in public parks and state owned beaches.

Hhg

[Fkrel]

I bought a cheapie about 10 years ago one that walmart sells for around $100 and was playing with it last summer finding coins and other junk around the neighborhood all the neighbor kids had a lot of fun digging up the treasures but the neighbor down the street seen what I was doing and came out with his whites metal detector and it put mine to shame kinda wish I would of gotten a better one, He went over to the park near my house and came back with a gold chain he found and wondered if it was real I suggested he take it to the gold and coin dealer in town and have him test it he came back and said the guy gave him $900 for it.

[mr300ce]

Originally Posted by Fkrel

I bought a cheapie about 10 years ago one that walmart sells for around $100 and was playing with it last summer finding coins and other junk around the neighborhood all the neighbor kids had a lot of fun digging up the treasures but the neighbor down the street seen what I was doing and came out with his whites metal detector and it put mine to shame kinda wish I would of gotten a better one, He went over to the park near my house and came back with a gold chain he found and wondered if it was real I suggested he take it to the gold and coin dealer in town and have him test it he came back and said the guy gave him $900 for it.

Ahhh..... Treasure ! I want one ! I retire in one more yr (plus 1 mo, 10 days, 3 hr, 8 min, 13 seconds).. and I will get one for some fun.

[Larry & Rita]

I planned on getting one after retirement but after researching locations I could use it, mainly parks where I hung my hat, quit looking.
Most said "Private Property in parks" where we are at now the metal detectors being banned was the first item on the rules list.

[Fl_Richard]

Once again in these circumstances its easier to get forgiveness than it is to get permission.

[Ed-Sommers]

I have an expensive, ground penetrating, Metal Detector.

I have never found a good sized nugget, but a friend of mine with a under 100 bucks has!


Ed

[scenic route]

Originally Posted by mr300ce

Ahhh..... Treasure ! I want one ! I retire in one more yr (plus 1 mo, 10 days, 3 hr, 8 min, 13 seconds).. and I will get one for some fun.

LOL But, who's counting...right?. Hang in there!