I didn’t want to take the paper instruction leaflet out so some memorisation was required, though to be fair, it’s fairly intuitive once you’ve grasped the basic set-up and the machine can be used straight out of the box on its factory pre-sets.

ddl Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector - Detector Distribution

A good middle ground is the Garrett ACE 150. This piece of kit is a bank account-friendly metal detector from an excellent brand. Having said this, it’s worth bearing in mind that the metal detector is splash proof but not waterproof, so the coil shouldn’t be submerged.Overall the machine I feel would be the perfect starter, and I can see why it is recommended as one of the best beginner detectors. If you are working with a budget and want to know if metal detecting is for you then this machine is a very low price, simple, effective machine. If you have a little bit more money to play with then perhaps it would be worthwhile reading the review for the successor of the 150 the Garrett Ace 250 model. Max had to dig a larger hole than necessary to find his target. He found that scanning the removed soil helped locate the find, but there was more mess and faff than necessary.

Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector Review - Depth, Manual And Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector Review - Depth, Manual And

The stem is extendable as you’d expect it to be, ranging between 42 and 51 inches. I took it to the local football fields for two hours and barely noticed it. A longer walk through woodland was easy too – arm ache was never a problem. The ACE 200 has fewer modes than its big brothers, but they are (in my opinion anyway) the best ones of the bunch. In addition to the comfort factor, the other advantage with the ACE 400i is the weight. Weighing in at just 1.32 kg, you are definitely not going to get tired carrying this detector around. But, it is not recommended for kids, see the best metal detectors for kids here. It also has an adjustable length of 1.06 meters to 1.29 meters. Metal detecting can be a great hobby for the ‘technology-obsessed’ younger-generations to get involved with. It offers users the chance to explore and appreciate the great outdoors. Plus, it can create a reason to go on different outings with your children. You can enjoy metal detecting in the park near your home, or head to the beach or nearest river for a little hunt around. Metal detecting is also a great way for you and the kids to get to know the local area.Using metal discrimination, the metal detector can ‘discriminate’ between different types of metal. It will either use a variety of ‘beeps’ to alert you to which type of metal you have found, or actively ignore certain types of metal on request. This is useful, for example, if searching in an area with high iron-content in the ground, as the detector can ignore any iron findings. Put a coin, different types of jewellery and a drinks can on the floor and run your detector over them before heading out. The coil is elliptical (oval) measuring 6.5 x 9 inches so it can fit between objects easier than a full circle coil. I pushed it between logs and beneath benches fairly easily. The instructions say you can upgrade this coil should you want to. It’s easy to get bogged down in specifics when you’re looking for the best metal detector, but don’t forget these basic bits of information. Weight and Length The buttons are the modes, the sensitivity, and the power on/off. Coin depth, your current mode, and discrimination (what you’ve most likely found) are also displayed.

Garrett Accessory Coils and Coil Covers - Detecnicks Garrett Accessory Coils and Coil Covers - Detecnicks

Because the ground balance is automatically set, I was able to use the detector and raise its sensitivity until it was squealing like Beyonce. Here are a list of the design features present on different detectors, to give you an idea of what’s available and which might best suit your child: Lightweight plastic modelsThe Garrett machine comes with a 2-year warranty, and again they have created a great budget machine that seems to compete with metal detectors twice the price.

Garrett ACE 250 Review - Metal Pursuits Garrett ACE 250 Review - Metal Pursuits

The Discrimination button is used in conjunction with the Elimination button, used to eliminate specific items while out hunting. You’ll need 4 x AA batteries which can last up to 40 hours. I’d recommend keeping a spare set in your bag just in case. Warranty

Conclusion

A great value option for kids, the MYLEK XP PLUS All-Terrain Metal Detector is a good beginners model. It’s a relatively basic, lightweight detector with simple functions – ideal for getting children interested in what metallic treasures they can find lying around. The coil fits on the stem with a wingnut that screws on by hand. Be aware of the washers here– they have three small points that need pushing into the matching holes. If you don’t do this the coil has no grip and flops about.