Lulu

Thanks Jeff and everyone else, some really helpful advice there. I will only be able to detect beaches in the winter months, so I would say I would use it a 1/3 on beach (no black sand) and 2/3 searching ground terrain, vineyards and maybe around some lakes. I do want a waterproof SMF so that ruled out a few and gave me some more research to do! The Nokta Legend looks favourable over the double score as it looks like a better detector for the same price or am I missing something..? I've looked at the Equinox and Quest but both are sadly out of my price range. I've also looked second hand but it's either bottom line cheap or the Deus 2 above my budget. One thing I hadn't budgeted for is headphones, they are €100 extra, are they worth pushing my budget..? Thanks again

Thank you, that's the kind of advice I need!😄

Thanks again, advice taken. Will rule out the ATP. The Dues 2 looks good but as you say..above budget!

Thanks Platinum, I've just looked up the XP Deus II, it looks amazing but even in the sales it's sadly way above my budget. The Legend is sounding good so far and being lightweight is a big bonus.

Wow thanks, I replied to JCR before I saw your reply. That's helped a lot, I will do some more research on the other models you mention but glad I'm heading down the right route with the Nokta Legend and the Garrett Apex. The AT Pro is pushing my budget, not impossible but it takes out an option of a pinpointer!!!

Thank you for the advice JCR, it's been a long time since I last detected and technology has moved on so much! I've just researched SM detectors in France and agree this is the route I need to take if I want to do some beach hunting. I've found a couple within my price range, the Garret Ace Apex and Nokta Macro Legend....? Would appreciate any comments on either or any further advice to help me make decisions..

Hi, I've just joined the forum and looking for some advice from the experts! I want to take up an old hobby again but I'm not sure where to start.. what detector to buy.. do I need a pin pointer etc. All advice would be very welcome! I live in South West France , so rules here are quite strict on where you can detect. I have researched the local coastal beaches and lakes, which are legal so I would like to buy a waterproof detector that's good in salt water and fresh, but I am also surrounded by vineyards, so looking for a good all rounder. I did have a budget of around €300- €400 but after reading a lot of posts I realise I need to spend a little more to get something decent on a hobby/intermediate scale...so looking around €500 max With my search so far I've come up with 2 possibilities, Garrett AT Pro and a Minelab Vanquish 540 but there are so many options out there I've got a bit lost..! I would love to hear from anyone with any advice or recommendations for what would suit my needs best.. Thanking in advance

Hi everyone, joining you all from South West France. I used to metal detect with an ex partner years ago and want to get back into it. Hoping for some helpful advice on buying the ideal detector for my needs and looking forward to picking up some great tips as I start out again on a rusty but loved hobby! Lulu