OT Metal Detectors

Yep

Minelab 4500 is supposed to be the best. Google it. Set-up costs around $7000. THis one si for the serious prospector

I have a Minelab Xterra 70 Treasure Detector. Set-up costs around $1400

Hope you have deep pockets!


Cheers

Eagle
Cannot talk from my experience because I have just brought my first detector. However, I canvassed widely among experienced prospectors before the purchase.
I received two pieces of advice. 1. Buy the best you can afford. 2. Minelab 4500 is the best.
Hence, I am the proud owner of a 4500.
Cost is high but not quite as bad as Willem indicates.
I'm looking at a reeipt for $6356 including GST, but this also covers an extra coil, pick and magnet, external speaker, electronic scales, some reading material and a couple of Miner's Rights.
The cost of the 4500 alone was $5700 incl GST, but at a minimum you will need another coil, a pick and magnet and a Miner's Right.
I brought mine from CoilTek in Maryborough (VIC).
Cheers
Jeff

As someone who has actually owned detectors , i will ask do you want to hunt for gold or coins ?

I see you mention it's for the young bloke for xmas, you don't say how old he is so I presume he's somewhere between 8 and 16 so I'm sure for a first detector you sure don't want to spend up big on a Minelab as mentioned at $7000 , I would be looking at the Garret range , around the $350 and upwards.

Miners Den

.

Hi LE - there are basically 3 types of detectors.
1. Specialised gold detectors - Minelab is the best, but only worth the investment if you live near, or travel to, recognized gold fields. Suited for the serious prospector/fossicker. Around $5000.

2. Coin, jewellery and relic detectors. Several brands available, with Minelab up at the top. A Minelab X-Terra will set you back about $600 - not a toy, but not costing an arm and a leg. (For about $1,300, you get the Minelab Quattro - the next model up). These can be used on beaches, parks, camp grounds etc.

3. Toys - Able to detect to about 2" in loose sand - see Kmart - $100.

I bought a Quattro on the Net several years ago, and use it anytime we are near a beach. Good exercise, great recreation, and it has paid for itself several times over.

Usual disclaimer - Not associated with Minelab, no shares in coy etc, just happy with the product.....................Keith.

My advice to you is to Google the Prospector/Fossicking forums & do some research on the subject & that will save you a lot of money & also the advice given will get you the best value for your money. If this person is really serious about detecting then look around for a good second-hand unit (The Minelab SD series is a good starter), learn how to use it then upgrade to the more expensive units. Cheers.

Thanks to all contributors. Has given me food for thought.Was thinking around $700.00, so at least I've somewhere to start as far as models/brand go.