Reasonably priced metal detector recommendations

Redbug · Apr 21, 2008

Thanks for replying Foozle! That's very interesting. I believe the newer one is the one to get. Even if it's a few dollars more. So...if you order one you would ask for a serial number before they ship and call Garrett. Or have Garrett give the beginning serial number of the new enhanced units.

If you do get one, let us know your results.

Thanks!

Foozle · Apr 22, 2008

Redbug said:
Thanks for replying Foozle! That's very interesting. I believe the newer one is the one to get. Even if it's a few dollars more. So...if you order one you would ask for a serial number before they ship and call Garrett. Or have Garrett give the beginning serial number of the new enhanced units.

If you do get one, let us know your results.

Thanks!

I found a new version Garrett for $135 plus shipping so am going with that. I confirmed the serial number with the Garrett people. Basically, they started making the new version in 2007, so anything starting with a "37" or "38" indicates it was made in 2007 or 2008. The older model serial numbers start with "97" or "98" for example, meaning they were made in 1997 or 1998. There isn't a perfect scheme for the numbers, so if you are buying a used one you are best off calling Garrett and confirming.

Once I get I will do some testing and report my results.

Dave

Redbug · Apr 22, 2008

That's great Foozle! Lucky you called Garrett and got the scoop before ordering. Let us know how well it works. You may even use it to moonlight checking people for weapons at the movies with that thing. Spread 'em and book 'em Danno!

Foozle · Apr 27, 2008

I received the Garrett super scanner and did some testing. Was somewhat disappointed by the range. The sensitivity seems good at close range, but couldn't detect anything beyond 3 inches away, unless it was extremely large. I plan to call Garrett to ask if this is the norm, and if so, will likely try to return in. I suppose you could scan the first 3 inches, cut into the tree and then scan again after taking out a wedge, but seems pretty inefficient.

Redbug · Apr 28, 2008

I'm sorry about that Foozle. A regular detector, (which costs more, too), will do much better. I can turn mine into the VLF mode, turn up the sensitivity and it will detect things a foot or more down. Some things...like large objects several feet down. That's good and bad...deeper means more digging. Maybe you should look at the regular type of detectors...