Totally new to metal/gold detecting > where do I start? Detector? Tips?

Hi guys,

I am totally new to metal detecting and would like to start perhaps going to the beach and trying to find lost items. I have no clue what detector to buy and how to use one. Could anyone direct me to a good start? All your advice is much appreciated.

Thank you!

For the beach on a budget, but still getting a quality machine.
Fisher F2, Minelab x-terra 305, Garrett Ace 350.

All these machines can be had for under $400 brand new.

They should all be easy to use and are relatively inexpensive.

but with metal detectors.. you must ... research research research.

Thank you for the reply. By research, do you mean read the manuals of the detectors? Is there any books or articles that you could recommend for the absolute beginner?

research each detector... google is your friend. get other peoples opinions using these detectors. find out as much information as you can about each one to help make an informed decision before you buy. it is a big decision and can be the difference between you enjoying the hobby and not.

when i first started getting into metal detecting i started with a budget of $1000. I was looking at an SD2000. I ended up spending $3000 and getting a GP Extreme. basically the best detector i could afford at the time and research indicated that this machine would be the better choice.

come on man im new but even suggesting a 1000m buck detector to a newbie wantin to detect a beach is just silly... no offence but just think about it,.......................... no way... 100 - 200 bucks is tops......
so whats he gunna choose ?
mine lab....ha ha come on forget it?... newbie rember ok...
mate just to have some family fun 200 tops ok....
so you just gunna get a detector for best price.... not knowing bout ground discrimination..... just detect ....yeah??
worst part now is china's making replica's of the bee's knee's detectors and to think thats alll there copying is plain blatant...
looks like this new hobby is corupt to the bloody max..
who know's what bloody detector any one's got hey since its just a bloody chip like ya computer thats different..
yeah just a chip.......
just like a cheap android phone that freezes, thats what china makes......
nice hobby to join hey...
no good...