How to Buy a Metal Detector

Metal detecting is a very popular hobby, but you may not know where to start.

Decide what your main interest is, for example looking for coins, artifacts, or just anything that's down there.

Figure out what kind of money you want to spend.

Go to the metal detector forums, and just hang out for awhile; join, and ask any questions you may have. It's a friendly bunch.

Narrow down the field of possible detectors. Some of the top-end machines are from Fisher, Minelab, Whites, and they have cheaper units also. Maybe a used machine would help you get your feet wet. There are classifieds on the forums. Good luck!

Tips

• Research is the key; talk to older people; look at old maps.
• If you are after gold, check that your detector will handle highly mineralised ground (especially important in Australia)