I am new to metal detecting. I purchased the Minelab but have not used it. Since they are the same price point I was wondering if I should return the Minelab to Amazon for the Nokta? How do they compare to each other? I live in central Indiana and am surrounded by farmland. We have a handful of beaches off of lakes or reservoirs so obviously they are all freshwater and not saltwater.

How easy or difficult is it to metal detect during the winter time when the ground is frozen and sometimes covered with snow and occasionally ice? December is the time when it begins to snow in central Indiana. Also how well do metal detectors function in cold weather? Is their performance degraded or do the batteries not last as long while outside in the cold at temperatures at or a little below 32 degrees F?