Hi everyone I am new to metal detecting (literally got into a week ago). I know there are a lot of posts like this, but they are hard to search. So I apologize for the repeat post.

If you are willing to help I would appreciate it. I am looking for a good detector to start with. Mainly I want a brand which is reliable and will last me. I have read info on the Garrett Ace 250 and White's Prizm series.

I am new to a lot of the terminology and I don't really understand the differences between the two models as well as the differences between the Prizm II, III, and IV.

My price range is around $300-$400. I am looking to start off in parks and dry ground and hope to move to the beaches. I understand that these aren't the best for wet areas (like wet sand), but will they work well in the dry sand?

Also, are these two detectors just limited to finding coins? I haven't heard too much on them finding gold or silver or jewelry.

Once again thanks for any and all help you guys may give me. I am sure I will have many more questions to come. Thanks

Mike

I have found a few packages on the Garrett model Ace 250 I am not sure if the items are worth it or should I just look for the detector by itself? Also what is the difference between the Ace 250 and the Ace 250 Pro?

It shows the two here:

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/garrett/garrett-ace250.htm

http://www.kellycodetectors.com/garrett/ga...t-ace250pro.htm

Mike-
Welcome to the forum. This is a great place to start on your detecting career :wacko:

I started with a White's prizm III that my kids got me. It's a decent machine for the beginner, easy to use, but I found that after a while I wanted to dig deeper and, because I live in So. Cal., I wanted to get into the wet sand area of the beach to do some detecting.

I found the prizm to work well in the parks to about 3 or 4 in. and it worked even deeper in the dry sand. I don't know how any other detector compares to the prizm because I never used any of them.

I found my first and second gold ring with my prizm. The first was in a park and it was 3 to 4 in. deep. The second gold ring I found was at the beach and it was one scoop deep. I found lots of coins with the prizm also.

If you think you might get bored with the prizm, you might think about buying a better used unit. I retired the prizm after about 6 months and bought a used DFX. The DFX was really far superior to the prizm, AND, it worked well in the wet sand.

Mike, I hope this helps. I'm sure others will chime in with their opinions. Listen to all and then go forward B)
Gary

Mike-
I've never dealt with Kellyco, but I haven't heard anything good about them <_< Ask around before dealing with them.
Gary

Thanks Unearth! I appreciate your help. If I may ask, where did you find your used metal detector? I was looking on ebay and someone is selling a Prizm V for $350. I am always a little skeptical about ebay. If you have a suggestion I would appreciate it. I don't want to spend more than $400 right now. I am currently going to college so I don't make much, but I need a stress relieving hobby. I am not sure what the different features do going from the Prizm III, IV, and V. I just know that some help pinpoint better and that sort of thing. I like the IV and V, but if you think I will be pleased with the III I will get that to start.

Thanks again for your help. By the way, where are you located? I am in Southern Orange County, near Mission Viejo.

Mike

Welcome to the forum! Either the Garrett 250 or the PrizmII would be a good starting detector for you. Don't spend a lot until you figure out whether you will stick with detecting. Then let the items you find pay for a better model of detector. It takes a lot of dedication and patience to find stuff like the people on this forum.

You need a detector, headphones and something to dig with to get started. Try to find a local dealer rather than Hellyco. (pun intended!)

As for the differences between the prizms:

whiteselectronics.com

Good luck! B)

Hi Mike,

A pinpointer is a real handy tool too. Hunting in parks and such you can recover 4 times the number of targets with a pinpointer. Its a real timesaver and for a lot of us finding the time to detect is a much more scarce commodity then places with treasures to hunt.

When you start thinking of all the possible hunting sites you realize finding the time to even check into them, let alone thoroughly hunt them is next to impossible. Thre are folks here who have been hunting the same park or beach for 20-30 years and they still bring home goodies.

Good luck,

Gary

Hi Mike
Find out what Kellyco's price is on the detector and ask the local dealer if they will match it. I know most of the White dealers will match the price. Don't hurt to get the best price.

A local dealer may help you more after the sale then Kellyco on questions that will come up and give better on hand advice.

thmel