Which detector?

Hi all,

I'm extremely new to this forum and detecting in general but it is something I'm very interested in and have done a little bit of research on. I'll try to keep my question fairly simple and straight to the point.
For a first detector, what would be the best value for money option?
* Look at the new SDC2300 for around $3500 (please correct me if I'm wrong)
* Pay around $4000 - $4500 for a second hand GPX4500
* Pay around $5000 - $5500 for a second hand GPX5000

Obviously it comes down to dollars and at the end of the day, I would love to find some gold. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
Hanc

Hi Hanc. Welcome!   

Boy!! Are you going to set the cat amongst the pigeons here!!!

90% of the Members here will tell you that there is no comparison to the GPX5000 ... if you can afford to buy one!
There will be a few who will tell you that the 4500 is almost as good ... particularly if you are a beginner. The 5000 is better (so everyone says) but it is slightly more technical to learn than the 4500
The SDC2300 isn't really proven yet ... and even by the manufacturers blurb, it is not quite as good as the 5000

Now I'm not particularly knowledgeable about the 5000 or the 4500 ... in fact I'm not particularly keen on detecting. I use a highbanker where there is water, and a dry washer for summer or in the dry. (although I used to have the GPX4000)

HOWEVER, I am VERY interested in the SDC2300 because of it's portability and the fact that it is waterproof. This would obviously help me with some of my searches. Do I expect it to be the "super detector"? No! And it's not meant to be.

This is all "horses for courses"   Your decision must be based on your financials, your interests, and exactly how long you will stay interested in detecting if you don't find gold in the first few months.

Whatever you buy, take a little advice from this old girl ... make sure that you get some GOOD instruction from someone who is well versed in the detector that you do eventually buy. There are a few boys in particular on here who are darned good with their detectors (Stoppsy comes to mind). Make sure you take advantage of their knowledge and expertise in both detectors and detecting!!

** Dang! Just read your location ... Midwest where?

Hello Hanc,
You couldn't go wrong with a tried and proven GPX-4500.
Be sure it is a genuine one if buying privately.
Best advice would be to buy from a dealer and get warranty. Don't be afraid to barter the price.

Cheers

Cheers guys.

Kate - living in Geraldton, WA at the moment.

Cheers for the advice. Just read Sparra's question (which turns out to be basically the same as mine!! prob should have read all posts first) and got some interesting info there. One member strongly suggested the SD2200d for beginners? A lot cheaper and apparently does the job with the right coils?
Think Sparra is from round my area too possibly. Will look into it.
Just gonna talk to as many people as I can that have been there, done it & are still doin it.