When getting started in the hobby of metal detecting, let’s keep to the basics and keep the hobby inexpensive for the family to enjoy. I would recommend a simple, turn-on-and-go detector. No bells and whistles to confuse you. At a later time, after you have been with the hobby for a while and feel comfortable with your detector, you may want to consider upgrading. A metal detector does not have to be complicated and expensive to be good.
Fisher 1212X: This would be the first type of detector I would recommend. You get no extras with this detector, but you do get a lot of performance features, such as automatic VLF-ground rejection, variable trash rejection, a built-in speaker, and a headphone jack. Just one simple knob controls the 1212X. Set the trash rejection control, and start searching. Fisher 1212X is a sophisticated instrument that is simple enough for a child to operate. It costs less than many other detectors, but gives you the same high standard of Fisher quality known worldwide.
White’s Sierra-Madre: The improved White's Sierra Madre metal detector was designed for the professional treasure hunter who demands a super deep seeking full filtered all metal type metal detector, and is offered in the new slim line. This high performance machine does not use any type of filtered discrimination so that all its power goes directly to its search coil. When you only want maximum depth in a very affordable metal detector this is the one for you. When using the optional 15 inch search coil, this detector can go over 5 feet deep on larger buried targets. The Sierra Madre is one of the easiest high-tech metal detectors to learn and use in the field. This incredible detector comes standard with fully automatic ground-trac ground balancing, low and high output mode, automatic battery test, threshold level adjust, pinpointing trigger switch mounted on the handle.
Garrett Ace 250: Loaded with full-range notch discrimination, a pinpoint feature, graphic target ID, and touch-n-go technology, the Garrett ACE 250 is the finest metal detector in its class. It also comes with a graphic target ID cursor that has twelve element GTA notch discrimination for greater accuracy, “Coin Depth” mode, tone ID, eight sensitivity settings, five preset hunting modes, and the most advanced LCD graphic screen for quick and easy visual target ID.
Bounty Hunter Quick Draw 2: The Bounty Hunter Quick Draw 2 metal detector packs in powerful features, like an advanced Zilog Z-86 computer circuit, for superior discrimination and control. Aided by its big, waterproof Bounty D-Tech search coil, Quick Draw 2 can find coins up to ten inches deep and larger objects up to five feet deep. It can even detect a quarter-inch gold nugget buried under four inches of earth! Quick Draw 2 features three levels of iron discrimination, enabling the user to tune out small nails and other trash, while still detecting larger relics and collectibles. The unit provides both target ID and depth readout, sensitivity control, full discrimination, auto and variable notch, and a low battery indicator. It comes complete with built-in speaker and headphone jack.
Other detecting equipment you would want to consider purchasing to get started would be:
1. Digging tool
2. Coil cover
3. Coin/treasure pouch
4. Knee pads
5. Coin collecting book price guide
6. A good “how to get started metal detecting” book, for example, Ghost Town Treasures, by Charles Garrett.
7. Historic Mining Camps & Ghost Towns of Northeastern Washington State DVD by Jerry Smith.
8. Boom Towns & Relic Hunters of Washington State book by Jerry Smith.
