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Choosing the best hobby metal detector. Each and every day I am asked -- "Tell me which metal detector is the best detector made?" I think that is a fair question, considering that when people buy a metal detector, they will be spending considerably more than $1.98! There is, however, a basic flaw in the question. The question should be modified to ask "Tell me which is the best metal detector for me?" This last question is best answered with a series of questions. Have you ever used a metal detector before? If this is a first detector for you, then you should consider your usual purchasing habits as they relate to other items. Do you generally buy top of the line products with a lot of features, or do you like simplicity? A good example might be a camera. Do you like a "point and shoot" type, or do you like to be able to make a lot of adjustments? Think of this when looking at metal detectors. How much money have you budgeted for this metal detector and how much time do you expect to devote to this sport? These two issues should be considered together. If you plan to detect many hours a week, you probably will want to have a metal detector with more electronic features than if you plan to spend an occasional few hours at the shore or in a park. The price of a metal detector will increase in relationship to the number of features it has. You can have a lot of fun with a basic metal detector but, if you expect extensive use and don't get enough features in your detector, you will be out shopping again before you know it. Have you considered the cost of the accessory equipment you will need for use along with it? Aside from the price of the metal detector, you will need to buy some of the following items, such as a headphone with volume controls, trowels, beach scoops, a coil cover and a detector bag. Good headphones are especially important since they extend the sound of the signal, make your metal detector's batteries last longer, and keep the beeping from annoying others. Where do you plan to use this metal detector? There are different types of metal detectors for coins and jewelry, for relics, for prospecting and for use in the water. Some metal detectors can overlap in their application, but generally they are special purpose. Nowadays, the most common type of metal detector purchased is a general purpose coin, jewelry, and relic detector. This will have a discrimination adjustment and sensitivity control at the very least. All metal detectors have waterproof coils. (But remember, if you fall into the drink with a land detector, you're out of luck!) Additional features, may include various types of meter displays, a manual ground balancing adjustment and more sophisticated discrimination adjustments called "notch." Some metal detectors may be micro-processor controlled. There are metal detectors which are intended primarily for use at the shore or in the water. This type of metal detector will not have a meter display and targets will be found via the audio signal. This allows fewer openings because the most important fact of life in a beach metal detector is that it doesn't leak! metal detectors intended for prospecting gold or silver frequently will have no discrimination and always require manual ground balancing for best results. The frequencies of these detectors are the most appropriate for locating precious metal ores. If you want to have a dual purpose prospecting/coin shooting metal detector, look for a prospecting metal detector with discrimination. There is one other type of metal detector which is used for extreme depth situations. These are called "two box metal detectors" and they have limited general purpose use. Detectorists who use this type of equipment are looking for a cache, veins of ore, or pipes or cables. What kind of physical shape are you in? Metal detectors can have very different configurations, and can therefore be a different physical experience for each person. Some metal detectors can be taken off the pole, and hung from the waist or other parts of the body, while others cannot. Some people prefer a good hefty solid feel to their metal detector, and some look for the lightest weight possible. What is best for your friend, may in fact be totally inappropriate for you. Remember to think about how you will feel after several hours of metal detecting. While you are agonizing over the selection of a metal detector, the following fact should be kept in mind. Don't worry too much. If it turns out you like the activity and get "hooked," the first metal detector you purchase will not be your last! For more details on hobby metal detectors visit eBay |
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