Metal Detector owners

ecoast wrote:
here you go:
http://metaldetectingforum.com/index.php

I use a AT Pro...

wow what a forum thanks for linking it.

I only wish I could get that far into using metal detectors that I would throw out confederate buttons because I had so many!

Iraqvet05 wrote:
Some decent detectors under $300 are the Tesoro Silver uMax and Garrett Ace 250.

how about an indecent one? say about $150 or so. If I enjoy it I can always give it to my ggson and upgrade for myself.
bumpy

Bumpy, try this link. link

Trackrig wrote:
Camperpaul - Any idea as to the logic behind Illinois state parks requiring the license?

Bill

I'd be willing to bet it's because they want to tell you the rules and have you agree to them. Like wear to dig and how to fix wear you dug. But most importantly I bet they tell you that what you find may not belong to you depending on what it is. Just because you're the one that dug it up, it's going to be property of the state. If it's something good they may put your name on a plaque with it in the museum.

I bought one of the more expensive brands of metals detectors last year. I think I paid around $900. (Yes there are some that are a lot more) Back when we were kids my dad had one and I remember digging up a lot of pop tops and bottle tops so I wanted one that could tell what was junk and what wasn't. Well I've only used the new one a couple of times and guess what I figured out? Even if the metal detector says it's junk, I still dig it up. I'm just too curious to know something metal is down there and not dig it up. The metal detector may say it's tin foil, but how do you know it's not tin foil wrapped around a stack of hundred dollar bills? I could have probably saved some money if I had though of that in advance.

msmith1199 wrote:

Trackrig wrote:
Camperpaul - Any idea as to the logic behind Illinois state parks requiring the license?

Bill

I'd be willing to bet it's because they want to tell you the rules and have you agree to them. Like wear to dig and how to fix wear you dug. But most importantly I bet they tell you that what you find may not belong to you depending on what it is. Just because you're the one that dug it up, it's going to be property of the state. If it's something good they may put your name on a plaque with it in the museum.

There is a little more to it than that …

A few years ago a camper with a metal detector cut the 10KV line feeding about half of the campground.

Luckily no one was injured and it took CWE only about 3 hours to repair it.

bcsdguy wrote:
Bumpy, try this link. link

thanks that's more my speed. I guess the cheapest ones just have lights/buzzer and the more expensive have a LCD readout? or meter?
bumpy

If you choose to metal detect in the western states where much of the land is federal, please take the time to check the rules of not only the state, but the land manager for that parcel of land be it BLM, Forest service, or something else. Don't even ask the national park service as they will fine you for just having a metal detector in your hand. You have to worry about things like violating the antiquities act, which comes with some pretty hefty fines.

When traveling I used my detector at just about every rv park we stayed in, or I would go into town and hunt the local parks. You would be amazed at the stuff you can find, some good, lots junk, but you always find something. Last fall I sold 3 rings I found a few years ago for $347 at the we buy gold joint. I used to average about $150 a year in coins. Still have a pile of rings and lots of coins in a bucket. The more you pay for a detector,new or used, the smarter the unit should be and the more it will tell you before you dig. Always fill any holes you dig and make it look like you were never there. Removing things from the ground can be an art all by itself without disturbing the area.Nothing gets you into more trouble fast, is leaving holes.

well just got a $50 amazon gift certificate so that link was very timely. in fact when I downloaded my certificate, those metal detectors popped up. ;)
but I see they have one for just under $50 and others at $88 and 99. any suggestions?
thanks,
bumpy