DaveMill

The LIKE button is greyed out, so here's Kudos to @MD4V.org! Great story.

Your very best bet is to try out similar detectors that belong to your friend. Try to go on a hunt with him. Metal Detecting is one of those hobbies with a bit of a learning curve, and your experienced friend can help you through that more quickly. You need to sing a detector and see what it's all about.

Since everyone else has already chimed in...I bought a Garrett Pro Pointer (black, pre-Carrot) back in 2010. It scrapes through loose soil, it smashes through sand, and it pinpoints flawlessly. The case is scratched but some of the yellow paint on the logo survives. It will likely outlive me, but if I lose it or dunk it, I'll buy a Garrett Carrot. It's hard to find a product this good.

Hi, 15 year metal detectorist here in Northern California. Although my daughter and I have recovered over 90 rings and jewelry through theringfinders.com, I've never found a silver coin until this week: Anyway, just saying hi.