Metal Detectors, Any advice ?

balabooberlies

Hello all

I would like to buy my 3 nieces 1 nephew a metal detector ..... Or one each if I can stretch that far.

Age ranges 8-12 years.

I know nothing about them but from what I have read the cheap ones are rubbish.

So, am looking for a starter one that will work, especially on beaches as they live by the sea.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Frozen_up_north

A Garrett Ace 150 is probably the minimum usable detector and costs £150, there are C-Scope detectors which start about £10~£20 less.

Beach detecting is difficult with the basic detectors, due to the variable “ground” between saltwater saturated and dry sand.

You used to need a permit to detect along the sea shore, the good news is it’s free and you may not even need to print off a permit these days:
https://www.thecrownestate.co.uk/en-gb/what-we-do/on-the-seabed/coastal/metal-detecting-and-drone-flying/

balabooberlies

Thank you

I might have to rethink this but advice was great because I was planning to save up for one for myself. However, I would like to find a club or society to join.

coffeehound

A pity that Maplin have gone as they used to sell some good ones at lower prices, from what i read at the time.

tonyh66

Maplins ones were rubbish, best to stick to the brands mentioned, Garrett, c-scope or Whites. Also best bought from specialist shops.

chrisw

And don't forget to declare it if/when you find the treasure hoard!!

Frozen_up_north

You might find this site useful:
https://www.ncmd.co.uk/

balabooberlies

Dear Frozen

Thank you for that very useful link. Much to be read and studied. My nieces and nephew will be getting other presents due to cost, but I am fascinated and if I start this as a hobby, will take them on the journey with me.

I have spent over an hour on that site and am stunned to realise how varied the scope of detecting is.......
(Bad grammar, I know).

If I do decide to go ahead it will be for beach combing with the children. And then we will see. Although they do use the beach as it's easily accessible (rock pools etc) I would like to add another dimension for them.

As to reporting finds.... I am aware of this but it is not likely to begin with. However, will keep myself informed.

Thanks to all. I feel that I am trotting off in the right direction.

Bala

coffeehound

tonyh66 wrote: »

Maplins ones were rubbish, best to stick to the brands mentioned, Garrett, c-scope or Whites. Also best bought from specialist shops.

Of course the big brands are the best but we were discussing 4x gifts for children. A review in one of the metal-detecting magazines was positive about one of the Maplin detectors.