Metal detectors - basic stuff!

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I recall a few esteemed SD members were detectorists so seeking advice for an absolute beginner please! I'm just looking for something really basic to find stuff around the farm - my son dropped his penknife in a field, that drain cover for the stoptap we haven't used in 10 years or even that washing line metal socket that I struggle to find in the lawn every spring!

I did a quick google and "best metal detector for beginners" seemed to throw up £350 min options. I'm thinking nearer £100 max.

Does anything at that price point exists that is worth having?
 
Find a second hand minelab or a garrett ace or similar. They will have basic functions but if you literally just want a reliable 'beep" when it goes over non ferrous metal and a deeper grunt when it goes over iron, it will be fine. If you are going to do any good amount of detecting though, you will soon tire of the basics but only you know how much you will do

Definitely do not need to spend 350quid though
 
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A beep and a grunt sound exactly what I need!! No time for any more hobbies so this is definitely a functional "find stuff I know is in this vicinity".
 
I wouldn't classify Garret or Minelab as basic.
Simple beep kiddies machine will suffice for your stated needs.
I use a Minelab CTX 3030, £1800.00.
 
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Hello, These are what i recommend to people who want to take up Metal detecting from using a Minelab Safari for many years, Buy a Minelab Vanquish 340 if on a budget or a Vanquish 440 if want a few extra programmes, or the Vanquish 540 if you want a top detector, Reason being you cannot beat Minelabs Multi Frequency and they guard it with an iron fist, The detector i started with is now in the 1980s Vintage section, Slightly above budget but if you can pay a bit more the 340 is £200 new, or you maybe lucky and get one S/H, around £150, You can use ear phones if needed, And your need a Detector Probe, Ebay £20 Where are you located ??
 
C-scope I have, sure it was a decent choice when new? Can sell it £105 + Post if your are interested. Full working condition I did send it back for a full service then never used it again.:doh:

BC.
 
Another vote for the Minelab Vanquish 540 here. I've had mine for about 4 years. It came with two coils (small one, big one), bluetooth headphones and handheld locator that looks like a sex toy. I got a deal from a local supplier Metal Detectors in the UK | Metal Detectors | Unearthed UK A nice helpful guy that has a youtube channel and he's been featured on TV a few times too.
 
You say you want a basic tool for buzzing metal , but in reality you want something that might accidentally find you a Viking helmet

Buy a Garrett for as much as you are comfortable spending .
 
Swedish said:
There have been some good hoards up here in South Cumbria. The latest news is that a historian believes he's found the grave of "Ivarr The Boneless" quite near to where I live.
Click to expand...
Wow! Like Wow! How neat is that then?
Sainted Lady FB and himself have been binge watching The Detectorists the last few nights and are enjoying it very much - I have a detector left to me by an old mate and have used it to find dropped brass (don’t laugh) on occasion - even after having to explain just why I was “waggling” about a lane to the farmer, wife and very bemused daughter. Bless them they actually helped me to search - well it was a triple deuce after all…
On a matter of detail if your man Ivarr lives up to his name - how will they show it’s his grave?
Just curious like….
🦊🦊
 
Foxyboy43 said:
Wow! Like Wow! How neat is that then?
Sainted Lady FB and himself have been binge watching The Detectorists the last few nights and are enjoying it very much - I have a detector left to me by an old mate and have used it to find dropped brass (don’t laugh) on occasion - even after having to explain just why I was “waggling” about a lane to the farmer, wife and very bemused daughter. Bless them they actually helped me to search - well it was a triple deuce after all…
On a matter of detail if your man Ivarr lives up to his name - how will they show it’s his grave?
Just curious like….
🦊🦊
Click to expand...


presumably;y no bones

s
 
Flash G 74 said:
Hello, These are what i recommend to people who want to take up Metal detecting from using a Minelab Safari for many years, Buy a Minelab Vanquish 340 if on a budget or a Vanquish 440 if want a few extra programmes, or the Vanquish 540 if you want a top detector, Reason being you cannot beat Minelabs Multi Frequency and they guard it with an iron fist, The detector i started with is now in the 1980s Vintage section, Slightly above budget but if you can pay a bit more the 340 is £200 new, or you maybe lucky and get one S/H, around £150, You can use ear phones if needed, And your need a Detector Probe, Ebay £20 Where are you located ??
Click to expand...
Hello, I still have a detector having sold the Minelab Safari, I found it was getting to heavy, This was before the Vanquish detectors came out or i would have bought one but mine is a very good detector but only 1 frequency , Not multi like the Safari, Saying this I have not done any detecting for years , Some of my finds are in Museums , It is a good and interesting Hobby from when i started in the 1980s, I am sure if anyone has shooting permissions then asking to go detecting might follow as going on Rallies a Digs has got very expensive to when i started at a fiver a day My detector is a Golden Mask , , It has found some great finds, I might even have a go this year health permitting
 
Foxyboy43 said:
Wow! Like Wow! How neat is that then?
Sainted Lady FB and himself have been binge watching The Detectorists the last few nights and are enjoying it very much - I have a detector left to me by an old mate and have used it to find dropped brass (don’t laugh) on occasion - even after having to explain just why I was “waggling” about a lane to the farmer, wife and very bemused daughter. Bless them they actually helped me to search - well it was a triple deuce after all…
On a matter of detail if your man Ivarr lives up to his name - how will they show it’s his grave?
Just curious like….
🦊🦊
Click to expand...
For your delectation:

www.bbc.co.uk

Cumbria hill could hold grave of Viking king Ivarr the Boneless

Archaeologist Steve Dickinson believes the mound could contain the 9th Century king and his ship.
www.bbc.co.uk www.bbc.co.uk
 
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