Metal detector advice please

[WhereIsIt?]

My 11yo wants a metal detector. I see academy carries two kinds of the same company. One is analog and one is digital. Other then that I don't know much about them and thought I'd ask here on what to look for. Doesn't need to be high end. I just want to make sure I get something that works as it should.

 

[Riverc]

White make a good detector...I have on and rarely use it.

 

[cajun 22]

Garret make a good one too! White's is the best. Not sure about the quality of the Academy offerings.

 

[dantheman]

Find an Internet forum devoted to metal detecting . There's probably a bunch . You can spend a little or spend a lot .

 

[WhereIsIt?]

White make a good detector...I have on and rarely use it.

Garret make a good one too! White's is the best. Not sure about the quality of the Academy offerings.

It seems Garret bought out White. They do seem nice but pricey. I'll have to look into it.

 

[WhereIsIt?]

Find an Internet forum devoted to metal detecting . There's probably a bunch . You can spend a little or spend a lot .

I honestly don't want to spend too much of my time researching all the ins and outs. I'll end up making it more complicated then it needs to be as I do with our other hobbies. Was just hoping for a few recommendations and what too look for.

 

[RaleighReloader]

I have a White's MXT (made in the USA) that I was getting ready to list on eBay. I bought it new and have used it very little. Do you own research ... but if that's something that might interest you and your son, let me know.

Mike

 

[Magdump]

I grew up in the Feliciana’s and have done extensive metal hunting over the years, primarily civil war relics. I started with an old mustang about 1980 and finally graduated to a White’s 6000/Di pro.... nearly 30 years ago. It cost me $500 and change at Rich’s coin and gun in BR. It’s paid for itself many times over and is still performs like new. I just took it out Saturday.
That being said, for someone just getting started, I’d go digital and cheaper. White’s doesn’t make anything low priced that I’m aware of. Garrett has some decent offerings that won’t break the bank but for the money I’d look into the Bounty Hunter detectors. My old backup/loaner detector is a Bounty Hunter and still gets the job done.

This is a good one less than $150.
https://www.amazon.com/Bounty-Hunte...y+hunter+metal+detector&qid=1620772606&sr=8-5

 

[WhereIsIt?]

I grew up in the Feliciana’s and have done extensive metal hunting over the years, primarily civil war relics. I started with an old mustang about 1980 and finally graduated to a White’s 6000/Di pro.... nearly 30 years ago. It cost me $500 and change at Rich’s coin and gun in BR. It’s paid for itself many times over and is still performs like new. I just took it out Saturday.
That being said, for someone just getting started, I’d go digital and cheaper. White’s doesn’t make anything low priced that I’m aware of. Garrett has some decent offerings that won’t break the bank but for the money I’d look into the Bounty Hunter detectors. My old backup/loaner detector is a Bounty Hunter and still gets the job done.

This is a good one less than $150.
https://www.amazon.com/Bounty-Hunte...y+hunter+metal+detector&qid=1620772606&sr=8-5

Academy has bounty hunters in stock... 3 different models. The reviews seem to be ok and all with the understanding its for a beginner or kids. I really need this to be simple enough for him to use and not get me involved. That sounds a bit rough but I do everything else with him... Some things kids just gotta do on their own.

This one is $99 and is analog.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/bounty-hunter-tracker-iv-metal-detector?repChildCatid=119032

$149
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/bounty-hunter-quick-silver-metal-detector?repChildCatid=91710

$179 and comes with headphones.. Not sure how important headphones are.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/bounty-hunter-lone-star-metal-detector?repChildCatid=91708

 

[Old School]

Go look at those specific models on youTube. You will get some honest reviews.

 

[cajun 22]

I found that headphones were a must have when I was in the hobby. It helps you pick up the signals better.

 

[Magdump]

Academy has bounty hunters in stock... 3 different models. The reviews seem to be ok and all with the understanding its for a beginner or kids. I really need this to be simple enough for him to use and not get me involved. That sounds a bit rough but I do everything else with him... Some things kids just gotta do on their own.

This one is $99 and is analog.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/bounty-hunter-tracker-iv-metal-detector?repChildCatid=119032

$149
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/bounty-hunter-quick-silver-metal-detector?repChildCatid=91710

$179 and comes with headphones.. Not sure how important headphones are.
https://www.academy.com/shop/pdp/bounty-hunter-lone-star-metal-detector?repChildCatid=91708

The one I sent the link for is the best one for a beginner in my opinion and it could potentially carry him for years if he becomes an avid hunter. He could literally be locating finds in minutes. I do not recommend analog for a beginner, although I prefer it.
Headphones are a must for the sneak and for otherwise loud environments like beaches. Most detectors have a jack for headphones. Literally all I’ve ever seen have a headphone jack.

 

[WhereIsIt?]

The one I sent the link for is the best one for a beginner in my opinion and it could potentially carry him for years if he becomes an avid hunter. He could literally be locating finds in minutes. I do not recommend analog for a beginner, although I prefer it.
Headphones are a must for the sneak and for otherwise loud environments like beaches. Most detectors have a jack for headphones. Literally all I’ve ever seen have a headphone jack.

Okay Ill give that one a try. Ordering it now. He has a pretty good set of headphones he uses for his xbox and online classes. I just have to get a 1/4 jack adapter for it. I also have my old E tool from when i was in the reserves that he can use to dig with. That should do him fine and if he wants anything else he has his own money for upgrades.lol.

 

[cajun 22]

A small gardening shovel is all he needs and a 6" flat screwdriver for probing.

 

[Magdump]

Okay Ill give that one a try. Ordering it now. He has a pretty good set of headphones he uses for his xbox and online classes. I just have to get a 1/4 jack adapter for it. I also have my old E tool from when i was in the reserves that he can use to dig with. That should do him fine and if he wants anything else he has his own money for upgrades.lol.

There you go. My favorite probing tool is a makeshift ice pick using a shank of stainless car antenna and a wood dowel. Round off the end so you won’t damage finds. I have a larger wood handle garden trowel by True Value that has been my divot tool for years.