[Don Chapman]

I would like to buy a metal detector for my son and myself. It seems like they are
more expensive than when I was young. I see some over a grand. Do any of you have any recommendations? I dont want junk and would like spend 3-500 if they are any good. I had a Whites when I was young (30yrs ago) so im kinda leaning toward one of those. My son soon to be 8 is really into coins and stuff. Do the 3-500 go almost as deep as the 1 grand one? If anyone want to share their treasure finding story that would be cool too. Just gathering info on them right now.
My son was at my moms about a week ago and found a 1902 indian head penny by
total luck he saw a bare spot in the grass and he had 1 inch stick and dug a little
and found it about an inch down. Im guessing in was near the surface because
a ground hog had been digging about a foot from there and dug it up. I had found coins near there withmy detector several years ago.

[fyrffytr1]

I have used White's detectors from the beginning and like them very much. I currently have a DFX series E and a Spectrum XLT as a back-up or a loaner if someone needs it.
You can get a good detector for around $500. Don't mess with the lower price ones. They are not that sensitive.
Here's a Whites list:
http://whiteselectronics.com/product...ml#prizmseries

I would look at the Prizm V as a starter.
Here's another site to look at:
http://www.kellycodetectors.com/whites/white.php
They have a large selection of White's.

[Lightfoot]

Hi Don, I don't have any detector experience, but I had a couple lucky finds last summer on a wooded sand hill near Lake Michigan.
Found a 1919 penny just laying on top of the sand at the base of an oak tree. Not sure what caused it to emerge from the sand, but it is quite pitted, so it didn't just get lost recently. Then I found the brass bottom of a 28-gauge shotgun shell. Peters.
I sure would enjoy getting into the metal detector hobby. Can't afford it now though.

I see you are out in prarie land. My sister lives in Kinsman, 3-4 miles east of the wind turbines by LaSalle lake.

[Don Chapman]

I have been looking at the prizm V. How does the depth and sesitivity compare to
the dfx?

[Don Chapman]

Lightfoot, I live the big city compared to Kinsman. Maybe 2-300 people there.
Your sister must have a good view of the windmills. Glad you have good luck finding things.

[fyrffytr1]

There is really no comparison between the Prizm and the DFX as they use different technologies.
Soil conditions affect depth and sensitivity. Most finds of any value will be 3-6 deep and the Prizm should handle that.
My deepest find was a little over 9" in clay soil. It was a very small caliber pistol round. I found it while hunting a civil war camp site in Maryland.
My advice would be, no matter what detector you get, practice and learn it. My brother used a White's 4900 for years and it was held together with duct tape and wire but he would go behind other detectors and find relics they missed because he knew his machine.
One find that may interest you was an Illinois state seal button that I found here in Albany, Ga. I was detecting a Spanish-American war camp site and finding shell casings and the occaisonal old coin when I detected it. I will try to get a picture posted.
I really enjoy getting out even if I don't make any good finds.