Let’s talk about my first metal detector buying experience. I’m sure it will resemble yours. I wanted to buy a metal detector for many years and finally decided to get one. What should I get that isn’t too much money but doesn’t suck?

The Garrett Ace 250 is what you will here when asking. It’s the most sold detector in the world. It’s affordable at $212. And you will outgrow it within a year.

I’m here to tell you to skip the Ace 250 and go right for the $590 Garrett AT Pro. Here is why. The AT Pro has a basic and pro mode. The basic mode is exactly like using an Ace 250. So for the first year or so you can learn on the basic mode, then go pro mode. The AT Pro is a fantastic machine. Waterproof to 10 feet. Ground balancing (very important). And you can vary the frequency to deal with overhead wire interference.

And the AT Pro has a broader range of sound that actually tells you what’s in the ground. The Ace 250 manages some bings and bongs. They are miles apart.

The AT Pro could last you a life time. You may not ever need to upgrade. Just add more coils to suit your hunting environment. Yes there are more expensive detectors, but the AT Pro holds its own with them. Afraid you’ll spend that and lose interest in the hobby? No problem, the AT Pro has a resale value of about $450.

So save for the better machine. At the least go used. You’ll thank me.

This has also been posted in the Forum, come chat.