Selecting Your First Metal Detector.
If you are thing about starting a new hobby metal detecting, you need to learn about the different Metal Detectors and qualities before making your purchase. If you are a first timer in the metal detecting hobby, it is important to make sure you buy the right metal detector to avoid disillusionment with your new hobby. Some factors that you need to consider when purchasing a metal detector include:
The price of the Metal Detector
Price is important but the cheapest metal detector may be a disappointment as it may not have the functionality you need e.g. not able to penetrate to a required depth or discriminate between objects like the Garrett GTI 1500 Metal Detector. Economy models of most metal detectors have a limited feature set that may not perform to your expectations. So whether you are interested in metal detecting for a hobby or a something more professional, find a better detector with the features you need for a better likelihood of satisfactory operation.
After doing your research on metal detector brands and features, you will have a good idea of what you need and a basic idea of price range. This will allow you to set a budget to make your purchase. With the range of metal detectors on the market, your aim should be to select a unit that will meet your performance needs within your price range. Therefore, your choice should not be too expensive or too complicated. If your becomes more intense and you need a better metal detector, there are lots of stores that will offer to trade in your metal detector on a higher end model. There are several options for upgrading your used metal detector including locating dealers who offer trade-ins, online classifieds and local newspaper classifieds.
Metal Detector Features
The major metal detector manufacturers usually offer a range of detectors from simple to advanced fully featured units. Some manufacturers also have very high end detectors for specific uses and these often very complicated units usually come with built-in programming that make them easy to operate. These high end units may not be suitable for novice metal detector users as the ability to use the extra functionality may require a lot of field experience. When you look at the feature set of the metal detector, remember that every additional feature adds to the cost of the detector. Only choose a unit with the features you need to perform your detecting activities. In choosing your metal detector, make sure your selection criteria are based on what you are going to use the detector for. If a basic detector can satisfy your metal detecting needs, there is no reason to buy a more expensive unit with many or complicated features.
Is the Metal Detector heavy?
The first metal detectors were invariably heavy units due to the weight of the batteries and signal generators. Now with advances made in battery and computing technologies and other innovations made by detector designers and engineers, current metal detectors are much lighter, more stable and much easier to use. Therefore, before making a purchase, it would be best to test the metal detector to see if it fits your size requirements or read the technical specifications to ensure that the unit is a light weight with an adjustable reach mechanism. Check the weight and length of the unit in the Manufacturers specifications to determine whether it will a suitable unit for you to use. The unit should be lightweight and have adjustable length to suit your height etc.
Tone Identification
Metal detectors also have a “Tone ID” feature. Metal Detectors with tone identification generate different audio tones for different target objects with iron objects sounding different to gold or aluminium. This audio tone id is useful in helping the operator decide whether the target is worth digging.
If you give careful consideration to the factors listed above, you should be able to buy the best Garrett Metal detector most suited to your needs. Avoiding disappointment in your metal detecting activities will rely on the your ability to select the right detector based on these factors.