Has anyone found anything above and beyond the capabilites of the prizm models?

I am looking for my first ever detector. I like the Whites detectors and I was confused on which Prizm model to try and get due to the fact that I can't afford anything over $400. I understand that each model has added features as the number goes up. I am interested in something affordable, but still has the potential of finding things like jewelry and other cool things that it really isn't known for finding. Any help is appreciated and I know this is a tall order. Thanks.

I have used my backup Prizm II at the beach in So. Ca.
It worked good..but at the beach I tend to scoop/dig just about all targets.
If I were going to do turf hunting, I would want tone ID.

Good Luck

Jerry

The Prizm will find jewelry and just about anything else. It might not find it as deep as other machines, and it might not last as long as others, and it might not work as well in sand, etc., but it'll still find the stuff within a few inches of the surface.

If you're looking for a decent beginner's machine for under $400, there's a few good ones:

- Used Minelab Sovereign (will run circles around most other top-end machines)
- Garrett Ace 250 (not a bad beginner machine, tone ID, etc.)

If it were me, I'd get a Sovereign and never look back. Not only is it a decent turf machine, but it's one of the BEST wet sand machines around. You can find them all day long used in good shape for $400 and it will grow with you. Aftermarket coils are available for it as well. It just doesn't get much better than that. It's also got one of the best tone ID's on the market.

Well, when I decided to get back into detecting, my son showed some interest too. I had to wait a few months to save up for mine, but I went out and got him a Whites Prism II while visiting my folks. Paid retail price which after looking at it, was too much for this machine. It is a good machine for beginners, but I think I could have done better. I feel that for the price I paid, the Garrett ACE 250 or Fisher F2 is slightly better.

If you do go with Prism series, I'd stick with the II over the III. The extra money you pay for a depth gauge is not worth it. These machines only go down about as far as your average plug, so why bother reading a (unreliable) depth gauge?

Thanks for all the input. I just have a few more questions.

1. I have heard some bad news about the Garrett's being inaccurate with depth and what is actually in the ground. Do any of you know someone who has had one for some time that is happy with it?

2. Does brand make that much difference when looking for a detector?

3. I am in college and I live in Orange County and I will not have a lot of time to go out detecting. I don't want to get a detector that will cost a lot and be sitting on and off. Is the Prizm II a waste of money for me?

4. Where can I go to find historic information or maps on areas on Orange County that I can search?

Thanks again for everyones input I appreciate it all. I am still leaning towards the White's Prizm II unless I am convinced otherwise. Thanks for taking the time to help me.

Don't put too much into the depth thing! Readings can be off for many reasons. Type of target--how many--size--rust--ANGLE all play with readings.
You have some local clubs in your area...Find them and GO see people that can help you.

Jerry

The depth and ID readings on a detector are never terribly accurate, they're only really useful for the fun-factor, and getting an idea of what's around. If you depend on them, you are likely passing up good targets due to nearby objects in the ground skewing the ID and depth.

I would still suggest a Sovereign, and if you can't swing that, a Garrett Ace 250. IMHO, both are a long shot better than the Prizm in just about every category one would care to measure.

For maps, check with your local library, chances are they have access to "Sanborn" maps, old insurance maps from 100+ years ago. That should give you an idea of what was in a given area. Old newspapers can be helpful also, again, at the library.

To expand on Jeff's comment about library's; the San Jose Public Library has Sanborn maps online in PDF format for the price of a FREE library card. I live in south SCCo and had no trouble getting my own card. The maps are neat btw.
my 2cents worth.
:drunk:

If you're looking for a good detector below $400 eBay is your best friend, here are a list of detectors you will find below $400 and some below $400 if you get lucky:

-DFX
-XLT E-series
-Spectrum XLT
-QXT
-CL IDX
-IDX Pro
-PRIZM 5
-Minelab Explorer XS
-Minelab Explorer II
-Garrett Ace 250 (Best way to go if you're on a tight budget).
-Minelab X-Terra (30,50 & 70)

My recommendation is to go with an XLT, DFX, X-Terra or Minelab Explorer if you can, if you want to keep it low the Ace 250 from Garrett is your best choice. Oh, and get a pinpointer, it will save you lots of aggravation. =D

HH!

I have looked around other forums and cannot find any solid evidence...so here is my question.

Why is the Garrett Ace 250 so much better then the Prizm II? I have heard personal opinions, but no solid info that one is better then the other. For the price I am very interested in the Ace 250. Thanks for all the help and sorry for all the questions.

Well I would say that personal opinions come from user experiences. What could be better? I call that solid info!! I would much rather buy something that's tried and true. The Ace is a great learning machine. It really gave me a taste of what metal detecting is all about. It is just a very basic machine but it does a good job at finding coins/jewelery and relics. It's not too technical in that it will not overwhelm you with all the numbers and stuff. If you want a gadgety machine then get something else but when you're just learning to metal detect you will want to keep it simple. This is just my experience and personal opinion. You'll have fun with whatever you get and you'll either love metal detecting or hate it. One good thing I should mention, both are good machines that plenty of folks want. If you get one and decide that you want the other, you can ALWAYS sell the one you have. You'll have no problems doing that. :D

Howdy, Ace 250 is well worth the money over the prism II. My friend has the prism II very frustrated with it! not that good in turf or beach finds. Its like using a pin pointer to Md with small coverage about the size of a half dollar under the coil field.My son has the ace 250, works good in sand & bark tot lots, not that good in turf. At the beach works good just back off on the gain control. I agree with the others buy a used minelab best machine on the market. Tesoro's are good too. Good luck on what ever you decide. HH cowboy tom

Well Thanks a lot for all of your input. When I get my tax returns I am definitely going after the ACE 250. It is great to know that all of you are willing to take the time to answer all of my questions, even though I am sure a lot of them have been asked before. Again thanks for taking the time. You all have help me make my decision. WOOHOO!!!