Hello folks. My name is Tom. I have never, in all my 68 years owned or operated a metal detector. I would like that all to change in the near future.
I have no idea what I am looking at, but I have been all over the internet looking and I have settled here. For the most part, honesty. I have seen a lot of things and think they are just trying to sell no matter what it is.For the most part I understand internet marketing and stuff like that so I can usually wade through the baloney most of the time. I happened upon the Metal detecting NYC guy and watched several videos and not once did the fellow ever try to sell me on anything for the most part.
That has lead me here to this forum where I saw a video from Indiana Tones who reviewed a guy doing a review of the top best 5 detectors. How can you not like something so brutally honest.I also understand that people are on Youtube and have websites to try and put a few extra coins in their pocket.So, I am wanting to get going. I live in the Atlanta Ga area but go to Florida a lot. I am looking to detect on the beach and I also have access to a lot of farmland with 100 year old houses still standing.I have a budget of 6-700 bucks and I would like opinions on new or used and where to get them. Used can be a bit of a chance but I am just looking for the best advice and I fell this is where I am going to get it.Any help will be appreciated.
Hi Tom. I’m Mike (Sand Sifter) and recently joined the forum. I love Merrill’s Metal Detecting NYC YouTube channel, totally trust him and his reviews, and I too never feel that he’s trying to sell us anything.
I’m 67, started detecting when I was 10. I primarily hunt beaches, but I also love coinshooting old houses, old parks, etc. You’ll hear 3 detector brands mentioned a lot here and on other forums: Minelab, Deus, and Nokta.
Personally, I’m a Minelab guy, and have owned several Minelab Sovereigns. They’re older technology, bigger and bulky, but are great beach detectors. I just got back into detecting after a few year hiatus and wanted to update to a newer technology detector. Since I’m getting a bit older, I wanted a more compact, lighter detector, waterproof, quick to set up and basically, a grab & go detector.
I just ordered a new Minelab X-Terra Elite directly from Minelab’s website. It’s not one of their “top end” detectors but although I could afford one of their higher end & more expensive detectors, I just don’t need a lot of the extra features on the higher end models. And personally, IMHO, I have a hunch that the X-Terra Elite shares the same processor & electronics as the more expensive models, just with a few less features. Think of it like buying a car with cloth seats and without a moon roof, rather than the more expensive model with leather seats & moonroof. Same car, same engine, but the different car models come with different features. But for me, the X-Terral Elite presented the best overall value.
Minelab is currently running a promotion until the end of January. I ordered the X-Terra Elite Expedition Pack on Tuesday, which comes with the detector & 12” coil, an 8” coil, waterproof headphones, and they throw in a free Pro-Find 40 pinpointer (their newest & most powerful model that I was going to buy anyway). They also include Free 1-2 day Express Air Shipping, so I should be getting mine today! Total cost of the bundle was $599.00, so fits within your budget.
If I bought everything separately, it would have cost over $800.00, so I just couldn’t pass up this deal. If you’d like to check it out, here’s the link: https://usa.minelab.com/x-terra-elite-expedition-pack. I think it’s a great detector for beginners as well as experienced detectorists.
I started detecting 57 years ago when I was 10. My mom bought me a Heathkit Detector. Anyone else remember those, lol? If you’re not familiar, we had to build it from a kit. The Heathkit wasn’t very ergonomic to swing so about a year later, she got me a White’s Coinmaster 4 and we joined the MD Freestate Treasure Club. Loved going to our club sponsored hunts.
I still have that Coinmaster 4, but after separating from the Air Force, I picked up a Fisher 1225X, and after that, had many other detectors including a Garrett Ace 350 & AT Pro and several Minelab Sovereign’s. The Sovereign’s were my favorite detectors of any that I’ve owned. I’m down to my last one, a Sovereign Elite, which I’m swinging on my profile & header pics.
I Love, Love, Love Beach Hunting and Coin shooting old houses, churches, etc. The wife and I previously had a 2nd house down near Rehoboth Beach, DE, and every weekend for years I’d be out detecting on the beaches. Love DE & Ocean City beaches! Unfortunately, we sold that house a few years ago, so my Sovereign has been sitting idle. But recently, I got the itch again, decided to see what Minelab was up to these days, and the Manticore, Equinox 700, and X-Terra Elite really caught my eye.
Then, I discovered Merrill’s YouTube Channel and my excitement for detecting was back. I absolutely LOVE Merrill’s videos, he cracks me up with his sly, dry humor, but at the same time, I totally trust him and his detector reviews and recommendations. So, it looks like I’m jumping back in, and will be picking up a new Minelab, maybe 2, gotta always have a backup, lol.
Lastly, when I started watching Merrill’s videos, I kept thinking he looked and sounded very familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then it hit me. Check out Rocky LaPorte on YouTube. He was on season 8 of Last Comic Standing. Here’s one of his videos, take a look at see if he reminds you of anyone, lol.
My name is Andre Paquette, from the Ottawa, Canada area.New to the hobby, I bought an Equinox 900 a month ago. The ground here will soon be ready for metal detecting without damaging the vegetation. Meanwhile, readings on metal detecting, watching Youtube videos, getting prepared.
Hello all wife got me a detector for chtristmas alsways wanted one live in San Diego so i have so many awesome places to dig. i am swinging a Vanquish 440 wife uses the original 340 she got me for xmas and i unlocked sushi the other day at a park nice little 14k ring.
I am a South African but been living in Maputo Mozambique Africa since 2009.
I swing a Nokta Legend that I bought because of its rating on Merill's website. Have not regret it for one second.. So thank you again Merill for your sound advice and knowledge.
Tony from Michigan, Looking to get into the hobby with my Wife and start learning on our Property in Northern Mi. when we're not off roading on the trails of course ;), Next stop asking for advice on my choices.
✌🏼🫡  what up friends by name is Jeremy and I currently live in San Diego.  I’ve done some metal detecting out in the Pacific islands with an old Garrett, and now have upgraded to a legend, and mostly rock the beaches out here on the West Coast.
Hi all, I am Dennis Wynne, and in the state of Texas, Fort Worth area. I have been loving this hobby for 50 years. I am mainly a old homesite country detectorist, as there is so much to find there.I have also recovered 5 caches in those 50 years and am currently very close to my 6th and 7th. I just got my Nokta Legend, and am looking forward to learning it. I also have big boy toys, including a drone equipped with a high resolution thermal camera, a ground penetrating radar, and a Nokta JeoHunter. This hobby has been incredibly good to me and I have a few more years left in my tank. I have known quite a few of the old timers and learned from them as well. People say there is not as much in the ground as there once was. But, we never get it all. And there is more places to hunt than you can shake a stick at. Happy to be here, and HH to all!
I'm RED: Retired--Extremely Docile--in Upstate NY. Metal Detecting was the next item on my "Bucket List", so after a few months of "research" (and putting my Missus through more MD vids than anyone should have to endure), I decided on a Deus 2.
The very next day, Merrill made his "Big Announcement". 🤦🏼♂️
Timing has never been my long suit. 😏
No idea yet if the Missus will have any interest; we like to do most things together (or at least watch over each others' shoulders). Hoping to involve one or both of our service dogs as well--they LOVE to help. Any MD 🐕s out there? 🤨
Hi all. Im 49 from Cwmbran South Wales.My husband and I are total beginners. We don't have a metal detector at present but are both really interested in it. It's on my to do list for the new year if I can get a detecor sorted for my hubby for Christmas :)
Fulton from Moss Hill, TX. I started metal detecting about 6 months ago. Needed to add an active hobby to my 'get healthier' plan (lost 36 pounds). Before I bought a detector, my personality demands that I over research things and it led me down the metal detecting rabbit hole of information. I want to thank Merrill for his youtube content. It was very informative, unbiased and factual, as well as entertaining. I watched all of them, and I liked and subscribed, of course. Merrill helped shed light on the ins and outs of detecting and gave me the confidence to finally make the leap. I got a few park permits, bought an XP Deus 2 down at a nice shop in Florida on a business trip, came back to Texas and started my new adventure. First day I found 2 silver rings. Blind luck because I was just figuring out the Deus 2. But it definitely got me hooked. The last six months I have gone every week to a beach, park, or old home site (got a few permissions). I'm loving every minute. Thanks Merrill. Oh, and I don't have a handle yet, was thinking "Quawtah Master".
Hey ya'll. I'm Doug. I am a hobby gold miner and refiner. I mine from trash, like e-waste and jewelry, refine through chemistry. Now I would like to see what's in the dirt. Because everything in my refining hobby goes full circle, kind of like recycling, there are more uses for a lot of junk metal in the ground. Copper is for waste clean-up. Iron cleans the copper. Aluminum gets purified, melted and sold to other hobbies. It's like a chemical exploration. Metal detecting makes sense.
Hi, My name is Dale Anderson, I live in NW Illinois. I've been metal detecting since the early 90's, starting off with a Tesoro Bandido. I've owned many detectors since, my last one being an Equinox 800. I love the data I get from a digital detector but I also love my analog detectors. When the new wave of digital detectors started coming out, I of couse wanted one but hesitated when I started seeing information about the Nexus company. They make detectors that are showing some impressive depth and unmasking abilities. The Khz of the detectors are based on the coil that's attached to the detector. The coil I ordered (and I'm sure I'll be placing another order) is the 9 inch concentric coil Nexus call the silver scout. This is a 24 khz coil, specifically made for unmasking in trashy areas. Their coil selection is huge and my next one will be for depth in non-trashy sites. This Nexus MP3 is due to arrive today and I can't wait to spend the time to understand it and get detecting!
Erik from Arizona, been swinging for about 5 years, just recently picked it back up. I started with a Tesoro Lobo, switched about 2 years ago to a Nox800 and recently went to the 900, was always afraid of the water leakage so figured what the heck. Me and I buddy got permision to search an old drive in, some silver rings and lots of change, we got a lot of space left to cover. Swinging in 107 temps takes some work for sure.
Hello, all. Shannon from Port Saint Lucie on the Treasure Coast of Florida. I've been detecting in one way or another for more than 40 years, off and on. I started on a $9.99 Radio Shack kid's "detector" from the 1980's, which had at best an inch of detection ability. It couldn't detect a penny on the surface if there was grass. But this fascinated me nonetheless, which got me started.
Over the years I have owned a Minelab Sovereign XS, a White's Spectrum XLT and now I own a Minelab Equinox 800 and an XP Deus 2. The Deus 2 is what I currently use, and I hunt on the beach most of the time. Occasionally I coin shoot, and on rare occasions I hunt for relics also.
I would like to pay for my detectors by finding jewelry. I would love to find some Spanish 1715 Plate Fleet relics, jewelry and coins. Realistically I probably need to retire before I have the time to spend on the beach to actually do these things. 45 minutes plus each direction, and an average of maybe 7 hours a month to actually hunt, isn't helpful.
In the mean time, I'm having fun, getting out of the house when I can and getting sun and exercise. I'll consider anything above and beyond that icing on the cake.
I am blake and I am 13 and I have been metal decteting for about seven months now. and I found your youtube channle and I whatched a few videos and thought to give it a try and I got the simplex, I was hooked when I found my first silver ring. I now have the legend and have found loads of great finds. and I always tune in to your live stream.
Recently retired and looking for the best detector for me.
Grear information here.
Merrill has an amazing YouTube channel. His honest opinion on detecting shows his passion for the craft.
I live in Central IL...... For now! 😜
Mostly park and old homestead searching.
I am borrowing a friend's Garrett ace for now. Not a fan!
Our local Scheels sells Minelab.
At the beginning of my search I was leaning towards a ML Equinox 600, but now I have been watching more and more videos about the Nokta Simplex and Legend.
Nokta seem to build a nice machine for the money.
I am a Keep It Simple person, but if it means that I could do better then I will learn how to use a complex machine.
Hello Swingers! I am Steve aka Ferrous Grump. I operate Crystal Coast Ring Finders along the North Carolina coastline. I have been watching Metal Detecting NYC since almost the beginning. I am always looking for tips and information about various machines.
Yar Treasure Hunters! I started metal detecting while living in the US Virgin Islands and flying seaplanes. My success was such that I was hooked as a 3-4 day/week hunter. Dug it all with my trusty Sea Hunter MkII. I'm a landlubber up in New England these days, searching for coins, not wedding bands. It's great to play with the new technologies the detector industry has to offer, but wondering when the next great underwater PI detector will be launched. I feel it's an underrated technology with unarguable depth capabilities.
Hello folks. My name is Tom. I have never, in all my 68 years owned or operated a metal detector. I would like that all to change in the near future.
I have no idea what I am looking at, but I have been all over the internet looking and I have settled here. For the most part, honesty. I have seen a lot of things and think they are just trying to sell no matter what it is. For the most part I understand internet marketing and stuff like that so I can usually wade through the baloney most of the time. I happened upon the Metal detecting NYC guy and watched several videos and not once did the fellow ever try to sell me on anything for the most part.
That has lead me here to this forum where I saw a video from Indiana Tones who reviewed a guy doing a review of the top best 5 detectors. How can you not like something so brutally honest. I also understand that people are on Youtube and have websites to try and put a few extra coins in their pocket. So, I am wanting to get going. I live in the Atlanta Ga area but go to Florida a lot. I am looking to detect on the beach and I also have access to a lot of farmland with 100 year old houses still standing. I have a budget of 6-700 bucks and I would like opinions on new or used and where to get them. Used can be a bit of a chance but I am just looking for the best advice and I fell this is where I am going to get it. Any help will be appreciated.
Greetings All & Merrill, I’m Mike from MD.
I started detecting 57 years ago when I was 10. My mom bought me a Heathkit Detector. Anyone else remember those, lol? If you’re not familiar, we had to build it from a kit. The Heathkit wasn’t very ergonomic to swing so about a year later, she got me a White’s Coinmaster 4 and we joined the MD Freestate Treasure Club. Loved going to our club sponsored hunts.
I still have that Coinmaster 4, but after separating from the Air Force, I picked up a Fisher 1225X, and after that, had many other detectors including a Garrett Ace 350 & AT Pro and several Minelab Sovereign’s. The Sovereign’s were my favorite detectors of any that I’ve owned. I’m down to my last one, a Sovereign Elite, which I’m swinging on my profile & header pics.
I Love, Love, Love Beach Hunting and Coin shooting old houses, churches, etc. The wife and I previously had a 2nd house down near Rehoboth Beach, DE, and every weekend for years I’d be out detecting on the beaches. Love DE & Ocean City beaches! Unfortunately, we sold that house a few years ago, so my Sovereign has been sitting idle. But recently, I got the itch again, decided to see what Minelab was up to these days, and the Manticore, Equinox 700, and X-Terra Elite really caught my eye.
Then, I discovered Merrill’s YouTube Channel and my excitement for detecting was back. I absolutely LOVE Merrill’s videos, he cracks me up with his sly, dry humor, but at the same time, I totally trust him and his detector reviews and recommendations. So, it looks like I’m jumping back in, and will be picking up a new Minelab, maybe 2, gotta always have a backup, lol.
Lastly, when I started watching Merrill’s videos, I kept thinking he looked and sounded very familiar, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Then it hit me. Check out Rocky LaPorte on YouTube. He was on season 8 of Last Comic Standing. Here’s one of his videos, take a look at see if he reminds you of anyone, lol.
The World's Most Boring Zoo. Rocky Laporte
Hi All,
My name is Andre Paquette, from the Ottawa, Canada area. New to the hobby, I bought an Equinox 900 a month ago. The ground here will soon be ready for metal detecting without damaging the vegetation. Meanwhile, readings on metal detecting, watching Youtube videos, getting prepared.
Regards,
Andre
Hello all wife got me a detector for chtristmas alsways wanted one live in San Diego so i have so many awesome places to dig. i am swinging a Vanquish 440 wife uses the original 340 she got me for xmas and i unlocked sushi the other day at a park nice little 14k ring.
Ola everyone!
My name is Nick Grobler.
I am a South African but been living in Maputo Mozambique Africa since 2009.
I swing a Nokta Legend that I bought because of its rating on Merill's website. Have not regret it for one second.. So thank you again Merill for your sound advice and knowledge.
Kind Regards
Nick
Hey all,
Tony from Michigan, Looking to get into the hobby with my Wife and start learning on our Property in Northern Mi. when we're not off roading on the trails of course ;), Next stop asking for advice on my choices.
✌🏼🫡  what up friends by name is Jeremy and I currently live in San Diego.  I’ve done some metal detecting out in the Pacific islands with an old Garrett, and now have upgraded to a legend, and mostly rock the beaches out here on the West Coast.
Hi all, I am Dennis Wynne, and in the state of Texas, Fort Worth area. I have been loving this hobby for 50 years. I am mainly a old homesite country detectorist, as there is so much to find there. I have also recovered 5 caches in those 50 years and am currently very close to my 6th and 7th. I just got my Nokta Legend, and am looking forward to learning it. I also have big boy toys, including a drone equipped with a high resolution thermal camera, a ground penetrating radar, and a Nokta JeoHunter. This hobby has been incredibly good to me and I have a few more years left in my tank. I have known quite a few of the old timers and learned from them as well. People say there is not as much in the ground as there once was. But, we never get it all. And there is more places to hunt than you can shake a stick at. Happy to be here, and HH to all!
I'm RED: Retired--Extremely Docile--in Upstate NY. Metal Detecting was the next item on my "Bucket List", so after a few months of "research" (and putting my Missus through more MD vids than anyone should have to endure), I decided on a Deus 2.
The very next day, Merrill made his "Big Announcement". 🤦🏼♂️
Timing has never been my long suit. 😏
No idea yet if the Missus will have any interest; we like to do most things together (or at least watch over each others' shoulders). Hoping to involve one or both of our service dogs as well--they LOVE to help. Any MD 🐕s out there? 🤨
Hi all. Im 49 from Cwmbran South Wales. My husband and I are total beginners. We don't have a metal detector at present but are both really interested in it. It's on my to do list for the new year if I can get a detecor sorted for my hubby for Christmas :)
Hello yall,
Fulton from Moss Hill, TX. I started metal detecting about 6 months ago. Needed to add an active hobby to my 'get healthier' plan (lost 36 pounds). Before I bought a detector, my personality demands that I over research things and it led me down the metal detecting rabbit hole of information. I want to thank Merrill for his youtube content. It was very informative, unbiased and factual, as well as entertaining. I watched all of them, and I liked and subscribed, of course. Merrill helped shed light on the ins and outs of detecting and gave me the confidence to finally make the leap. I got a few park permits, bought an XP Deus 2 down at a nice shop in Florida on a business trip, came back to Texas and started my new adventure. First day I found 2 silver rings. Blind luck because I was just figuring out the Deus 2. But it definitely got me hooked. The last six months I have gone every week to a beach, park, or old home site (got a few permissions). I'm loving every minute. Thanks Merrill. Oh, and I don't have a handle yet, was thinking "Quawtah Master".
Hey ya'll. I'm Doug. I am a hobby gold miner and refiner. I mine from trash, like e-waste and jewelry, refine through chemistry. Now I would like to see what's in the dirt. Because everything in my refining hobby goes full circle, kind of like recycling, there are more uses for a lot of junk metal in the ground. Copper is for waste clean-up. Iron cleans the copper. Aluminum gets purified, melted and sold to other hobbies. It's like a chemical exploration. Metal detecting makes sense.
Hi guys, I'm Matthew )aka minelabmatt) from UK.
You know the one, Merrill....remember i sent you all those random UK coins..lol.
nice to meet you all.
Hi, My name is Dale Anderson, I live in NW Illinois. I've been metal detecting since the early 90's, starting off with a Tesoro Bandido. I've owned many detectors since, my last one being an Equinox 800. I love the data I get from a digital detector but I also love my analog detectors. When the new wave of digital detectors started coming out, I of couse wanted one but hesitated when I started seeing information about the Nexus company. They make detectors that are showing some impressive depth and unmasking abilities. The Khz of the detectors are based on the coil that's attached to the detector. The coil I ordered (and I'm sure I'll be placing another order) is the 9 inch concentric coil Nexus call the silver scout. This is a 24 khz coil, specifically made for unmasking in trashy areas. Their coil selection is huge and my next one will be for depth in non-trashy sites. This Nexus MP3 is due to arrive today and I can't wait to spend the time to understand it and get detecting!
Erik from Arizona, been swinging for about 5 years, just recently picked it back up. I started with a Tesoro Lobo, switched about 2 years ago to a Nox800 and recently went to the 900, was always afraid of the water leakage so figured what the heck. Me and I buddy got permision to search an old drive in, some silver rings and lots of change, we got a lot of space left to cover. Swinging in 107 temps takes some work for sure.
Hello, all. Shannon from Port Saint Lucie on the Treasure Coast of Florida. I've been detecting in one way or another for more than 40 years, off and on. I started on a $9.99 Radio Shack kid's "detector" from the 1980's, which had at best an inch of detection ability. It couldn't detect a penny on the surface if there was grass. But this fascinated me nonetheless, which got me started.
Over the years I have owned a Minelab Sovereign XS, a White's Spectrum XLT and now I own a Minelab Equinox 800 and an XP Deus 2. The Deus 2 is what I currently use, and I hunt on the beach most of the time. Occasionally I coin shoot, and on rare occasions I hunt for relics also.
I would like to pay for my detectors by finding jewelry. I would love to find some Spanish 1715 Plate Fleet relics, jewelry and coins. Realistically I probably need to retire before I have the time to spend on the beach to actually do these things. 45 minutes plus each direction, and an average of maybe 7 hours a month to actually hunt, isn't helpful.
In the mean time, I'm having fun, getting out of the house when I can and getting sun and exercise. I'll consider anything above and beyond that icing on the cake.
Hello,
I am blake and I am 13 and I have been metal decteting for about seven months now. and I found your youtube channle and I whatched a few videos and thought to give it a try and I got the simplex, I was hooked when I found my first silver ring. I now have the legend and have found loads of great finds. and I always tune in to your live stream.
thank you all for being so supportive blake
Hello all,
Recently retired and looking for the best detector for me.
Grear information here.
Merrill has an amazing YouTube channel. His honest opinion on detecting shows his passion for the craft.
I live in Central IL...... For now! 😜
Mostly park and old homestead searching.
I am borrowing a friend's Garrett ace for now. Not a fan!
Our local Scheels sells Minelab.
At the beginning of my search I was leaning towards a ML Equinox 600, but now I have been watching more and more videos about the Nokta Simplex and Legend.
Nokta seem to build a nice machine for the money.
I am a Keep It Simple person, but if it means that I could do better then I will learn how to use a complex machine.
Thank you all for the great information.
Scott
Hello Swingers! I am Steve aka Ferrous Grump. I operate Crystal Coast Ring Finders along the North Carolina coastline. I have been watching Metal Detecting NYC since almost the beginning. I am always looking for tips and information about various machines.
Yar Treasure Hunters! I started metal detecting while living in the US Virgin Islands and flying seaplanes. My success was such that I was hooked as a 3-4 day/week hunter. Dug it all with my trusty Sea Hunter MkII. I'm a landlubber up in New England these days, searching for coins, not wedding bands. It's great to play with the new technologies the detector industry has to offer, but wondering when the next great underwater PI detector will be launched. I feel it's an underrated technology with unarguable depth capabilities.