New user from North Carolina, USA

[megami7502]

Hello, I've always been interested in metal detecting and recently just found this forum from a youtube video of a UK guy metal detecting (I think his youtube name was malcompotter or something close).

I've been looking through the FAQ and most of this website to see if there was a good starting metal detector for just general things and I think the treasure versions would do it. I tried looking up the one in the youtube video that was a Minelab Excalibur II and it's around 1500 USD.. which I think is just a bit too much for a beginner. I'm not sure on the the price range of these and wanted to get some opinions on some good metal detectors for a beginner treasure hunt.

Thanks

[Iron Mask]

Hello and welcome to the forum. Yep, that's our mal....:-)
To be honest it depends how much time you have and what you expect from a detector. I have only used a Minelab Explorer SE and an E-trac and both require a good bit of a learning curve but certainly pay off in the end if you have decent land to detect on. I made the mistake of buying the cheaper of the two and upgraded the year after. It also depends if you are sure you will like and enjoy the hobby as it is a lot on money to spend if you are not sure.
Loads and loads of answers to be found on the mlo.
Enjoy your time here.

[Steve_T]

Welcome to the forum..

[Captainpugwash]

Welcome to the forum and the hobby.

[shep]

Welcome to MLO

I started with a cheap machine And very quickly upgraded a few times, if I could go back in time and have a word with myself my choice would be an Exterra 70 or 705, I virtually always buy used as it's less to lose if i don't get on with the machine..
The 705 is light but powerful, can be used on all surfaces for all different targets and even offers a choice of frequencies via upgraded coils.. Loved mine
Good luck whatever you chose
Pete

[stewart73]

Welcome! What kinds of areas are you planning to hunt? This will certainly be a factor in what type of machine you'll want. Also remember that Minelab dealers are not allowed to show discounted prices on their websites but will in fact discount if you talk to them over the phone. I am currently after an Excal II and have received three separate quotes of $1099 with free shipping within the US. The 'official' price is $1349 so as you can see there is quite a bit of movement on pricing. I also didn't pay anywhere near list price when I got my Etrac. Don't be afraid to deal with the dealers so to speak! Good luck and don't be shy to ask questions!