Budget of £1800 for Beach and Land detector

[Fireburst]

Hi,

I went out with a friend detecting on farmland in Leicestershire and I was instantly hooked using an XP Deux which belonged to his partner.

I am looking to buy my first detector and I have a reasonable budget of £1800 (just turned 50 so I can treat myself!) which is for the detector and also trowel/scoop.

I am currently in the process of moving to the Cumbrian coast (Whitehaven) so I am looking for a detector that will handle the beach and shallow sea water as well as land for coins and jewellery.

Could IU have a few recommendations please and does anyone hunt in this area with a few location tips?

[jcmaloney]

Minelab CTX3030. No contest.

[fred]

Minelab CTX3030. No contest.

I agree that the CTX is far and away the best multipurpose machine available. However, the learning curve might be a tad steep for a complete beginner unless you have someone to show you the ropes. It is also a bit heavy if you compare it to other machines. having said all this I was out with a novice CTX user today and the bugger thrashed the lot of us experienced detectorists!

[Fireburst]

I seemed to get along ok with the XP Deux and was slowly getting used to the tones but I understand that beaches can be more of a challenge. The problem is I suspect that I will get hooked and I want to get a detector that I won't want to upgrade for many years (if that is at all possible).

I would have gone for a XP Deux as I liked the feel but it would not have been suitable for the wet side of things (so I've been told).

The weight of a CTX3030 could be an issue if I was out for more than a few hours but I've been told that the harnesses are quite good at taking the strain?

[beaubrummell]

Minelab CTX3030. No contest.

Ditto the above.

[Easternpromise]

You could go for a secondhand minelab etrac for about £700.plenty of aftermarket coils & accessories for them too. works great on wet or dry sand and inland.they are a tad heavy but I use a harness from detectorbits that works great at taking the weight off your shoulder on mine.I say get a secondhand etrac because if you don't get on with it you can always sell it on and pretty much get your money back.plus it leaves plenty of your budget left to buy thing's like a pinpointer,sand scoop ect.only downside is the control box isn't waterproof.

[Fireburst]

Thanks for all the advice. I think I'll go for new although I understand your logic. I just feel more comfortable buying from a dealer which is what I will be doing. That way I can try a few models out and get expert technical support

[Blackadder43]

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[Fireburst]

Thanks, I will give them a call although they are a little out of the way for me to try one out.

[Fireburst]

Thanks for all the advise

I have gone for the 3030 with wireless kit. I just need to get some splashproof headphones (I hear that the Mals are very good?). I am looking at the Garrett for my wife who would also like to come on searches as that will be a little lighter and less daunting to use (in all fairness she has a very acute ear and will probably do a lot better than me).

I am just glad there are some excellent online resources like this forum available for starters like myself with a friendly bunch of fellow peers.

[beaubrummell]

Excellent choice. I'm saving up for one myself ! Good luck