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My partner wants to try it so I want to surprise her with one as a present but don't know anything about it. Any tips from the hive mind?
Budget? I wouldn't spend too much, its not for everyone, you also need some kit to go with it. Digging tools, pinpointer (highly recommended!) clothing, finds/junk pouch etc. Etc.
Also, unless you already have "permissions" to go on (or don't mind sticking to beaches) you will find that you have a shiny new machine but be unable to use it anywhere basically. Legally anyway. Getting permissive to go on land is THE biggest challenge. Ive spent whole weekends driving from farm to farm, paddock to paddock to get land to no avail.
If you can get into a club that is the way to go, regular "digs" and help on hand. Many/most have waiting lists though. There are also some "pay as you go clubs" but they aren't really clubs but better than nothing.
It's not a fast reward hobby. You can literally go for months without finding anything of note.
It's highly addictive though and ive found some lovely stuff over the years. I've even been on a dig when a board of Anglo saxon Kelley came up with over £40k. Incredible. It's not for everyone though and digging a couple of hundred holes in a day to find nothing is both physically and mentally challenging.... and there will likely be many, many days like that before you find something remotely nice.
As a quick recommendation, look at the Garrett ACE range of detectors, many start with those. Including me and my son. Of you want to only go on beaches thigh, you might want a more specialised machine.
In the news this week. A detectorist goes to look for a ring lost in the 1960s. 90 holes later ...........
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-59503996
Garrett.
They do a great range of beginners machines.
Have a look at Regtons site to get an idea then shop around. TheMuseum.co.uk are hard to beat on price.
Can often get 20% off at Regtons with discount codes from youtubers, diggerdawn for one.
I rent my own land so she can spend time there .any kit and pointer recommendations
I suspect most of the finds are likely to be parts of exploded crank brothers pedals, in that case...
I've got an older Garret Freedom Ace you can have for not too much cash - good starter machine.
Sounds good. Message me please or tony@ukbikeskills.co.uk