Anyone into metal-detecting?

[burner1]

I'm out a lot on my mountain bike and seeing as I cover a lot of different scenery (Coast/moors etc.) I'm Looking into getting a moderately decent metal detector and wondered if any members have any experience on the subject... pro's/cons, recommendations etc.

On a limited budget but I do believe in 'you get what you pay for' so not expecting a bells and whistles one from the pound shop. I also am aware that there are laws regarding this hobby as to where you can use them which I will also look in to.

tia

[pete252]

This looks OK for 40 quid.

Never done any metal detecting myself though.

here

and here for a review by a detectorist ??

Have fun

[callo]

ive detected for about 10 years, had most machines available.
you can get a decent entry machine for about 120 quid...the garrett ace250.
would suit you well.
that one from maplins is worth £5

[bob_g]

I used to detect a bit, one day a month for a couple of years. An Edward II long cross silver penny was my best ever find. You'd do best to get a vague grip on the relevant laws and issues, just to prevent any "misunderstandings" with irate farmers, local busybodies, etc. Google Portable Antiquities Scheme. Mostly, you just need the landowners permission. Council owned land is usually off limits (varies by council) as is National Trust (who hate detectorists). I used to be a member of the Federation of Independent Detectorists http://fid.newbury.net/ which gets you insurance, in case you accidentally poke your trowel through something expensive, or someone trips over a hole you forgot to fill and decides to sue you, that sort of thing. The Searcher used to be the better of the two hobby mags. Note: lots of detectorists are loons, somewhere a bit past steam-train fanatics on the wackyometer. This may or or may not include myself. ;-)

Bob.

[muttleymacclad]

Used to do a fair bit myself many years ago as a lad. Used to have a White's I think, certainly Garretts were good. Found a few Roman Dolphin broaches and the odd coin from various eras.

Most enjoyable times though were on the beaches at the end of each day. Used to make a fortune finding coins in the sand, your kids might like that aspect burner. All you need for that is the detector and an old tennis racket to sift the sand.

MML