Choosing Your First Metal Detector In 2024: What You Need To Know

Hello, it is Metal Detecting NYC. Today you'll know how to choose your first metal detector. Metal detecting might be scary for beginners, but I'll tell you why you shouldn't be scared of rules. What metal detector to buy to make it pay off? Is Garrett Ace 250 the best for beginners or you should stick with Nokta or Minelab? How to metal detect without being kicked out? What is simultaneous multi-frequency, and why it is a break-through? What else do you need? Beginners guide to metal detecting in water or in sand and tips on choosing a detector - in this video! Stay tuned!
Detectors & Tools mentioned in video:
Nokta Makro Simplex: shrsl.com/3vwfk
Minelab Vanquish 440: shrsl.com/3vwfn
Nokta Makro Legend: shrsl.com/3vwfp
Pinpointer: shrsl.com/3vwfx
Digging Tool: shrsl.com/3vwfu
Tools I Use & Important Links
Use code NYC at kellyco.com at checkout to support my channel.
XP Deus 2: shrsl.com/3gbf0
Minelab Equinox 800: shrsl.com/2ftnu
Nokta Makro Legend: shrsl.com/3gn1y
Garrett Pro-Pointer: shrsl.com/2z15w
Honey Badger Scoop: www.iratemetaldetectors.com/p...
Take A Metal Detecting Vacation: www.iratemetaldetectors.com/m...
Or just book our Florida house (Cape Coral) on AirBnb or Vrbo
Book our Florida House (Airbnb): tinyurl.com/yrh3vz69
Book our Florida House (VRBO): www.vrbo.com/2196667
Visit my website iratemetaldetectors.com to see ratings and feedback on the 20 metal detectors I have owned.
Chapters:
0:00 So You're Getting A Metal Detector
1:14 What Metal Detector Should I Choose?
16:16 What Other Tools Do I Need For Metal Detecting?
20:20 Metal Detecting Ethics And Regulations
22:13 Metal Detecting Techniques
Subscribe On KZbin: bit.ly/2HQCRPY
Facebook: / metaldetectingnyc
Instagram: instragram.com/metaldetectingnyc
TikTok: / metaldetectingnyc
Hi, my name is Merrill Kazanjian. New York City is an amazing place to go metal detecting. We have lots of parks, colonial history and great beaches for beach detecting. I have gone to all five boroughs of New York City To Metal Detect and beyond. I also currently own 19 metal detectors. I want to have the best and I want to help you choose the best as well. Below I will showcase some of the playlists on this channel:
By Metal Detector:
Minelab Equinox Playlist: bit.ly/3bxUel2
White's Beach Hunter 300 Playlist: bit.ly/3l0TvMp
Nokta Makro Anfibio Multi Playlist: bit.ly/3kYX85H
Minelab Vanquish 540: bit.ly/3qvec4j
Garrett Ace Apex: bit.ly/30uQDhn
Nokta Makro Simplex: bit.ly/3eo9Idf
Minelab E-Trac: bit.ly/3vkbkLo
XP Deus: bit.ly/3bxndWl
Garrett AT Pro: bit.ly/3rzfVqy
Minelab Safari: bit.ly/3l0Wt3v
Garrett Ace 300: bit.ly/3ci5WiV
Minelab Soveriegn: (Coming Soon)
I have a playlist of metal detecting videos to teach metal detecting. The videos in the playlist below are specifically made to teach the skills and mindset to becoming a great metal detectorist.
Metal Detecting Tips & Tricks: bit.ly/3cefATT
I am a treasure hunter. So in addition to metal detecting, I go mudlarking at sites in New York City. Think of mudlarking as metal detecting without a metal detector.
DHB: bit.ly/3rwZ73B
Mudlarking: bit.ly/3qygWhc
All Of My Metal Detecting Treasure Hunting Videos: bit.ly/2N0YpfR
All Of My Beach Metal Detecting Videos: bit.ly/3v7jTJf
All Of My Land/Park Metal Detecting Videos: tinyurl.com/c8mzyn9k
Playlist By New York City Borough:
Manhattan: bit.ly/3qu5WS5
Brooklyn: bit.ly/3v45hKN
The Bronx: bit.ly/3cg9Xo3
Queens: bit.ly/3l4aA8u
Staten Island: bit.ly/2POP6kl
Long Island:
Cleaning Metal Detecting/Mudlarking Finds:
Can We Clean It: bit.ly/3rKf3Qh
Cleaning Coins: bit.ly/33NRYl7
Other Playlists:
Metal Detecting Rap Videos: bit.ly/3epb1sz
Songs About Coins: bit.ly/3bvqQLT
Merrill's Thought & VLogs: bit.ly/3sZ5ehe
Rusty Notch (Country Metal Detecting Music): bit.ly/3epf4VN
Gold Mining: bit.ly/3t9z1UN
Magnet Fishing: bit.ly/38q1DRy
Metal Detector Comparisons: bit.ly/3t75UBA
Metal Detecting Live Streams: bit.ly/3kZ5E4F
Drawing Popular KZbin Metal Detectorists: bit.ly/3qDjWt2
Subscriber Sundays: bit.ly/3qxMzaE
Top 100 Metal Detecting Channels On KZbin: bit.ly/3qDksas

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Nokta Makro Simplex: shrsl.com/3vwfk Minelab Vanquish 440: shrsl.com/3vwfn Nokta Makro Legend: shrsl.com/3vwfp Pinpointer: shrsl.com/3vwfx Digging Tool: shrsl.com/3vwfu

[@ZiggityPow]

Went to make a very large purchase and it appears the NYC code no longer works at KellyCo. Not sure if they need to renew it for 2023 or not. It worked for me for the same item a few weeks ago.

[@fabiobonavera3594]

👍👍👍👍👍❤❤❤

[@fabiobonavera3594]

Simplex 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣legend 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 ma va da via I CIAP !!! Italia dialet !! Nokta DUK IN METAL DETECTOR !!! MARCHETING MARCHETING !!! 👀👀👀👀👀👀🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝

[@dandragon1st]

Some abubakar something something replied to me using your picture. Some one is trying to use you to damage your reputation or just to deceive your viewers. He said that I won from him (You) Nocta legend. Just in case it is you who really want to do so (and i am 99% sure not) i do not think you would ship to Poland. Cheers mate. Nice video.

[@catleugh]

@@dandragon1st He told me I'd won it as well!

[@Mark72672]

The first metal detector I ever bought was a Garrett GTI 1500. I paid $799 for it in the summer of 1999. By the end of the of the first year owning it, I had found about $1400 worth of stuff between coins and jewelry so the detector paid for itself.

[@BevanBadcott]

I work part time in a detector/prospecting shop here in Australia. Yours is the first channel I direct customers to for in-depth, honest advice. Well done mate.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Thank you!

[@jamiefrangos9233]

I'm also in Australia and just starting out, no detector yet. Came across Metal Detecting NYC and would agree that he is the best I have found. Honest, great inside knowledge and owns possibly 22 detectors. As I know virtually nothing, and now to hear you work in a detector shop and think highly of him says a great deal.

[@flashcraft]

"Do it for the worms!" Ha, I love this guy.

[@bn7451]

After completing my first year detecting with the Legend I will say that detecting is not the introverted hobby I thought it was. You will meet people, you will talk to people, you will need to ask strangers for permissions. I found that meeting and talking to people while detecting was one of the most enjoyable parts of the hobby. Yes, the best times were being alone on a great site, in the woods, in the fields, peaceful times, but there are the great and friendly people you meet along the way that made it really nice as well.

[@harrysurtees8710]

Two of my best friends today, I meet while asking permission to metal detect their front yard.

[@maxxkatt]

I agree with you about talking to people. Plus many times local I have met had clued me into places where their older neighbors used to detect that I never knew about.

[@MrT13]

👍🏻👍🏻 I’m mid aged so maybe more ppl want to talk maybe less. But certainly at beaches a lot of ppl are always curious about it and ask if I’m finding anything etc. to which I always answer not really just change. But yea a lot of ppl do want to start up a conversation.

[@TheChadinKorea]

I'm thinking of getting the Legend. As my first metal detector, is there a steep learning curve?

[@bn7451]

@TheChadinKorea No, The Legend is very easy to learn and fun to try to master. A fantastic first detector. As you learn about detecting, you will learn how to adjust the settings and learn the tones. If you can afford it it is excellent. I also recommend an xp mi6 pinpointer. Good luck!

[@pirateofmiamibeach]

Yes walking around with a metal detector looking like a big dork. I upped my game and strapped a gopro to my chest and one on my head. 😂

[@thejoker8705]

though I had some problem with sea water It also kzbin.infoUgkxa-FNYUOM93a388gi9a4brtSCEVmrHgJH land for finding any things very easily. (thought it would work as normal due to it being water proof within certain parts of the detector), on dry land and sand worked well. My first one, so still have lots to learn

[@johnnysmythe7767]

“Do it for the worms” 😂🤣😂 thats a great line.

[@FloridaSandHunters]

You were our 1st Detecting channel and after watching you, you became our detecting Teacher and got us hooked. We have the Vanquish 340 and 540 and they have performed without a problem.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

THANK YOU!

[@roygumpel8415]

is there a difference between the 340 and 540 that is significant? TY!

[@burninggearsmobilemechanic]

I have been watching different videos on metal detecting and what to buy to get started. This video has been the simplest and easiest to understand. No crazy $1500 machines or long-winded explanations on functions and doodads. Just straight forward this is what you need to start having fun and see if it is for you. Thank you, Merrill!

[@garrettmarquart6702]

As always, Merrill, you are a born teacher. I admire the passion, time and effort you put into your vids. I think back to the two Saturday Night Live idiots Wayne's World skits, but the words: "we're not worthy" resonate in my mind sometimes as I am blessed with your in depth tutorials! But I'd also love to add: "Thank you for what you do. It is people like you that make this hobby rewarding....and you are a true Ambassador and born spokesman for detectorists everywhere!" God bless and thank you!

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

You absolutely made my day Garrett! Thank you!

[@rsaldivar4218]

I keep a Garrett Ace 250 around for guests to use… it’s Super easy to use and it has out performed many other newer more expensive models. I love how dependable and care free it is!

[@hikerguy3895]

I still use my Ace 250 from time to time. Great little detector!

[@geraldturner9764]

Thanks for the comment. The video is confusing, and I am on a budget.

[@UndercoverNormie]

I bought a Nokta Legend because I got the Pro Pack + the Nokta Accessories box + the brand new Nokta pinpointer for the same price as the Pro Pack used to be by itself. It was too good of a deal to pass up and my tax return was staring me in the face begging. My only other experience is with an ancient Tesoro but I'm 36 and find myself rapidly becoming obsessed with history and other boomer hobbies. And I plan to keep it that way, god damnit. This is such an awesome hobby.

[@oldguy59]

Got a cheapo Chinese detector for Christmas. Buying a simplex now

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Right on! You wont regret it!

[@ausfox8794]

Fantastic video advice for beginner detectorists, honest and informative. Wish I’d seen this when look for my first detector. Side note. The vanquish 540 has wireless headphones, but you already knew that.

[@shelleydetects603]

I started with a $46 Walmart no name brand machine and it got me hooked. About 4 months later I bought a used Garrett Ace 200 and loved it. 6 months after that in November 2019, I bought the Equinox 800 and then the 6 inch coil. I don’t see the need to upgrade yet.

[@RealGrubert]

Great advice. I love that you keep all your old detectors. I have owned around 25 over the years, but only have 3 or 4 now.

[@jaimechapa7828]

Mr Merell your videos are so informative to all people who like to detect and those who want to get into detecting , i always see and pay attention to all your videos, i,ve been detecting for about 20 plus yrs but still learning and listening to the pro,s like you, great video

[@willrohan7256]

Maybe you can use a shovel to dig in your parks and public areas of NYC, but advising new detectorists to use one is ill-advised. I've been detecting since the mid-1960s and can tell you that in most areas of the country, that is a definite no-no and leads to good sites being closed down. Teach the "newbies" how to pinpoint better and use a small digging tool to dig a 3-sided trap plug that leaves the grass attached to the plug. Then, if the target is deeper, use your small tool to excavate dirt in the hole down to the target (placing the dirt on a Frisbee or a cloth). Retrieve your item, replace the dirt, and try to leave the place that you dug as neat as possible. This is very important to do nowadays, especially with the busy body "Karen's" and their omnipresent cell phones seemingly behind every bush.

[@ohdannyboyjustadiggin]

Very good info. If I was starting out and I only do parks and fields and lakes. I would go with the Simplex. But if I want to add in the beach Salt Water but not get in the surf I would Go Vanquish, now that is at price point. I know the Simplex is a really good land detector and not so good on the beach. As I also know the Vanquish works well on the beach. I own 10 and all of them says works on beach. Not true. Merrill is right do your research before buying your first detector so you wont be disappointed right away. Thanks Man for taking time and making videos. Keep rocking and staying awesome.

[@jasonkingsbury5764]

You make the best grassroots videos. I’ve been to those top 10 sites even a a serious detectorist and I always laugh. You really should be the one writing articles seriously. I mean who else has 100’s of hours on 25+ different detectors. Maybe those top 10 writers have an incentive to promote those detectors? Just sayin

[@Brenda.727]

Love you and your videos so much! I’ve been watching metal detecting vids for about 7 mos before buying my first one about 2 weeks ago. I started with the Simplex in my Amazon cart. Then the Vanquish…..but nope I went with the Legend for the exact reason you stated. Knew I was gonna get hooked (and I am!) and knew I didn’t want to upgrade immediately and I wanted to go in the ocean because that’s where I live. You are a wealth of info! I passed your channel onto 2 newbies I met on the beach today. One was gonna get a machine so I hope she sees your video. And….you are such a nice genuine guy! I’m done rambling now. Much love and respect!

[@debralaforest4281]

I'm brand new to this hobby and about ready to buy my first metal detector. I really enjoyed your teaching style. Very helpful!

[@longuecarbine]

I really enjoyed this video! You brought up a topic that I had never heard discussed anywhere, the uncomfortable (and baseless) concern of what others will think of you out there with the detector. Thanks for one of the best beginner detector videos I have seen anywhere.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Thank you

[@markjake6285]

I've been metal detecting 49 years. Still have all seven of my metal detectors. Was thinking of an equinox to upgrade from my Etrac. You made my choice. Equinox 900 it will be. Thank you. Great videos

[@FireVols]

So straight forward and honest! Great job!

[@boondockingamerica]

The best detector I have used is the fisher 8x

[@dondtektor8537]

I have been detecting for 10 years. I see more people then ever so interested in this great hobby. I always so enjoy when someone comes up to me and asks,,,Do you ever find anything. And always with the same enthusiasm I tell my stories. No longer the geek with long socks on the beach. Modern day Rock Stars,,,LOL,,,

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Lol!!! Yes that is my favorite question too! Rock Stars!!!!

[@zachsamaroo1292]

Hey I’m from the Caribbean where virtually no one takes up this hobby, I’m really excited to start and I’m glad I’ve found your channel, you have a great energy and disposition and you’ve earned yourself a new subscriber, thank you!

[@greendruid33]

Thanks for this video Merle! It came at exactly the right time for me. I'm interested in getting into metal refining and metal detecting seemed like the logical place to start to build a nest egg for the equipment needed for refining as well as the scrap gold and silver I want to refine. I live in Nova Scotia and am surrounded by beaches, mostly saltwater, so I think I'm going to go with the Legend. We have no permitting here but you cannot disturb archaeological sites or objects of archaeological significance. I happen to also be an archaeologist so I think I'm good there. Thanks again for all your videos, this one especially.

[@CalSprigley]

Picked up the simplex as my first detector. Your videos help a lot, thank you.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Best of luck! Enjoy!

[@rickkirby6856]

Dude! Your NO BS video helped me to decide on a Nokta Macro... Thank you!

[@tedmoser3657]

Great honest info and advice without the sponsor bias! I'll be watching lots of your videos.

[@brassteeth3355]

I do a lot of hiking in central Texas and often come across what appears to be old home sites. I just got the wild idea to look into metal detecting. I kindly thank you for the insight. Many thanks.

[@rogermalin5426]

Always enjoy watching your videos, been at this hobby for a while and just preordered the Manticore, was going to get the Deus 2 but Minelab came out with the new machine and I love the 800.

[@st.luciemetaldetectingchan7740]

Great informational video for the newbie’s. Nice work Merrill!👍👍😁💯

[@johnambro1590]

Wife bought me a used Garret ACE 400 for Christmas in brand new condition. Had planned on buying the Legend before before leaving for our month in Florida, but now have to hold off. Obsessed after my first few farm and yard digs. Looks like dry sand at the beach this trip.

[@PokeUFO]

My Dad and I were watching this video I had to find this channel and sub because this man knows how to sell a product

[@Pledgeman]

One of the best videos yet. The info has helped in determining my first detector. Thanks again!

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Great to hear!

[@Daniel-dc4xm]

I have an Ace 250. In the 5 yrs ive owned it ive unfortunately had to change the batteries twice! Found a 1967 split window corvette buried in my backyard. Was about a foot underground and in pieces. Body and doors were separated by a couple feet. Im sure the kid that lost his hotwheels would be thrilled to have it back. 🤣

[@tomperry7365]

I have a Simplex and have used it at salt water beaches with success on wet and dry sand and in the water over the coil. At Christmas I bought a Legend Pro Pack for $505!! What a deal!! Kellyco had a 15% discount on gift certificates. I bought a $600 certificate for $510 and used it against their $595 Legend Pro Pack! What a bargain!! I love your channel and videos!! I miss the nuclear unlocks and Becoming a Millionaire updates! Keep up the good work!

[@matt23405]

So the simplex does work in saltwater?

[@edera1536]

Really helpful video, thanks! I am one year into this hobby and I use Vanquish 440, always on salt water beaches. I really enjoy it and find lots of good stuff. If I upgrade in the future I will go with something with wireless headphones.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@keithbryant6110]

Great video. Thoughts of good advice that I wish I knew starting out a couple years ago but I’ve learned quickly and can honestly say it is my favorite hobby out of the many I have. Happy hunting and thanks for all your time in making these videos.

[@wbauerle]

Another very informative and entertaining video thanks.. I grabbed a manticore recently after a 6 month metal detecting break, cant wait to get out and try it out, I too have owned and used over 20 detectors but most at a time was 5. Started with the White's XLT and kept trying others. This video is spot on!

[@eddienichols209]

I too started with an XLT back in '97 and for about 10 years metal detecting was my primary daily focus. During that time I had atleast a dozen other detectors that I put through their paces and these were the resulting impressions. Garrett engineered machines with looks to kill but underwhelmed in performance. Tesoro machines were precision engineered to find gold jewelry, excelling in that area. Fisher detectors saw targets ridiculously deep but loved iron more than I did. Overall, the White's Spectrum XLT dominated with consistency in quantity and quality finds. Being a fellow XLT user, in comparison, how are today's machines better? How much better are they? I understand the advancement in coil technology, lighter construction material overall resulting in lighter machine weight, incorporation of blue tooth wireless headphone technology, newer faster/better microprocessor technology, and the multi-frequency technology (White's DFX introduced that a long time ago). I appreciate your input and time.

[@wbauerle]

@@eddienichols209 You mentioned most of the reasons that newer technology detectors are better. I didn't stick with the XLT longer than a year, I went back and forth between the coast and nugget areas of Redding CA. I tried a DFX for a while and I liked it better than XLT. I was a little frustrated that when you turn the power off, the programs were lost on XLT and DFX and had to tune the detector again each time you power on or off. I then tried a few other brands for a little while and jumped on the VX3 bandwagon and thought I liked it but again not good to go with friends nugget hunting.. I couldn't ground balance it to save my life in Nevada.. then when I moved to the Minelab Explorer for parks and beaches I was reallly happy.. but had a Whits goldmaster, I forget the model, 2E ? I never did well as I didnt get a lot of time to test it in goldfields..Then eventually I tried the Garrett Pulse induction machine.. was expensive and that long bing-bong over a target was super annoying.. Later I graduated to a Minelab E-Trac and really liked that too.. in fact, I still miss the E-trac sounds for targets.. I could hear bottlecaps much better with the E-trac. Eventually I moved onto the Minelab Equinox 800 and loved the fact that it worked awesome in all three primary environments.. BEACH, PARK and gold prospecting.. I found my first nugget, a .4 gram nugget with an MXT and the 2 inch eliptical, forgot to mention that.. but with the EQ800 I found another nice nugget and was super happy I can have just one detector do it all.. Later I had an arm injury (can you believe it from sitting at computer at work, IT field) and sold all my detector stuff... Then I finally got ergonomic desk, chair mouse etc and I am healed up.. so I got the Manticore a few days ago.. I havent tried it more than some air testing but plan to take it to the Santa Cruz / Capitola, etc beaches and give it a try.. I started a Whites guy, experimented with others then settled on Minelab detectors as my favorite.. Does all I need plus has bells and whistles, LCD screen, Bluetooth, rechargeable.. and what I like about the Manticore is it doesnt have those cheap calculator LCD display like the EQ800 and therefore with future updates the OS and features can be radically changed if they wanted to... Thanks for the discussion

[@eddienichols209]

@@wbauerle I appreciate the reply, really do! I literally understand your IT woes because I entered that field in '95 with just a few years hardware and network experience under my belt. Few years later was with a software company that created what was essentially THE commercial billing and traffic scheduling system for close to 80% of every radio and tv broadcast station in the northern hemisphere. I was QA for the DOS to Windows rewrite/redistribute. Trust me when I tell you, been there, know your pain!!! Ergonomic everything is the key to longevity and as you know, the body is not designed for the repetitiveness that is part and parcel of IT. Good to hear you've mended and all is well. I'd be ever mindful of overwork because those are your Achilles' Heels til the cows come home. I have to tell you this and it's the gospel truth, XLT and DFX both allow you to create custom programs and save to memory so I'm wondering if yours needed servicing. I have 2 custom renamed programs of tweaked settings on my XLT. One has not changed for 25 years and the other I edit regularly. Water under the bridge, I know, but still, now you know. And if you had gotten a Tesoro when searching for nuggets, that would've been a game changer, maybe a life changer for you. Those machines were unparalleled for finding gold. I bought my 2nd wife a Tesoro Conquistador umax soon after I got my XLT. Didn't know if she would enjoy the hobby or after one outing tell me that I'm on my own in that respect so I didn't go all out for Tesoro's top of the line. Turned out great! Only timespan of life that my detecting partner was a woman. LOL! No joke though, she would pull gold jewelry no matter what and if one ever challenged the other competitively, I was regularly humbled, humiliated, or embarrassed at the end of day gold tally. From time to time I would make the most gold finds but not that often. I lived and breathed it daily for many years, no heresay or theysay. Seeing is believing! Well I wish you success multiplied with the Manticore and please, periodically, post a comment good bad or ugly about your finds and impressions with the machine. Inquiring minds nd all that. 'Preciate ya' my friend! Alabama Eddie

[@michaelwalker5867]

Thank you for your help ive just retired and looking for something to do and you have been a big help . now i need to get a metal detector . Hope to watch you vides again

[@johnr.timmers2297]

I always appreciate opinions like this from guys that can't be bought

[@MichaelRunion-we4nz]

I have the Simplex and it is Salt capable. Just set disc at 0. I have dug alot of stuff at the beach with it. In and out of the water

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Well you can drink water with chopsticks.....but there are more efficient ways.

[@MichaelRunion-we4nz]

I have the Simplex+ with the blue tooth head phones as well as the hard wire head phones. I really enjoyed it. It digs deep here at Va beach. I have pulled a lot of gold and silver(It loves silver). For about $375 00 you cant beat it. I also own the Nox 800 great detector. I have been digging since 1983 and have used a lot of detectors so I think I am qualified do give an opnion. With the Simplex+ if you dont like Metal Detecting you have not lost much

[@FlagPony]

@@MetalDetectingNYC 😂😂

[@uk-en6rm]

Congratulations

[@Allhailthebeavertail]

Always full of such good information! Thank you!

[@adz62]

Hi, I am Merrill and I hoard metal detectors. Hi Merrill. What great advice with an injection of humour. 5 Detectors in 10 years and I have only sold one of them the my Minelab Sovereign. Does this make me a hoarder? Most people in a public park treat us with curiosity and are envious of our MD adventure and have only encountered upset people on 2 occasions in 10 years. It is great fun outside but there is the inside aspect too of doing your historical research and learning about the past in your area. Truth is I can't dig in the frozen ground in the winter is I do research. Thanks for the great incites in this primer video.

[@pigeonbloodruby5330]

Chainsaw with an 18 bar. Cut holes like a boss 😂😂😂

[@TheOch78]

Thank you for that very valuable information. Great video as always, looking forward to seeing you in the next video, much love from New Zealand

[@MrSmithOriginal]

Man, you deserve a lot more subs possibly up to 39. Anyway, I have had my Equinox 800 underwater many times and never had an issue. I personally think some people are too hard on their machines using them in ways they shouldn't and then go in the water and are surprised when they leak. They are tough for what they are but they are still made of plastic. Thanks for the video!

[@61flh]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. You nailed it. The video was super informative and is making my decision on purchase price and brand one hell of a lot easier.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelboros9834]

Love and appreciate your input and insight… keep up the great job and keep digging…

[@immanla5299]

Clear cut comparison. Simple to understand. Helped greatly. Thanks Sir :)

[@StephSellsStuffbytheSeashore]

This is the exact video I've been dreaming of!!!! Thank you!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Glad it was helpful! I have an update specific to beach detectors (recent upload)

[@dwainbertoncello5646]

Totally enjoyable video, thanks for sharing your expertise!

[@paulpalmer5264]

Absolutely one of the best videos I've ever seen very well done I'm glad you did it keep up the hard work

[@williamdodge5123]

I have a Mini Root assassin shovel. It really does expedite target recovery. Have acquired a few diggers and found it to be the best so far. Cuts a perfect tapered square plug.

[@gregoryclayton8287]

Yes Merrill, I've been listening to you and watching you for some time now. I have been slowly absorbing all of this valuable information that you have been sharing with us, that we have been fortunate to receive from you. I appreciate all of the brain work and the physical labor that you put into each and every episode, your heck of a nice guy!!! I'm still leaning towards the tried and true, NOX 600! especially for the price and the value, I love the word, VALUE...The money is coming around a Iittle slow, but I am closing in on it like a hungry hawk on a slow rabbit. I think the NOX 600 is the King of all metal detectors for the value, as you have demonstrated time and time again. So, let me just end this commit, I'm retired now and so I well need something to do in my spare time, that's to become a Metal Detectorist...But I'll have to stay indoors and avoid the cold because of my heart condition. Sooooooooo come on spring!!! great channel, you're the BEST... Egg out!

[@USMC-1911]

I have had one for several years after having many Garrett's and I still use them but at this time I see no reason to upgrade my equinox 600 the 800 and 900 do a few things a little better but to me it's not worth the extra money , if I lived near the ocean then maybe.

[@spar65]

Great channel and yet another great video! definitely the go-to channel for me and the fellas I detect with here in the UK.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Thank you!!!

[@sandrakilgore3314]

Thank you for all the great information. You and all your videos have been a life saver for me.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

You’re welcome!

[@ThomasLeonard454]

Like your straight forward look at the equipment for metal detection.

[@melparker7711]

Great video Merrill keep up the good work.

[@jimmymalone3494]

Great informational Merrill !! I enjoyed your video.Thank for sharing.Good Luck to you.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Thank you Jimmy!

[@jimmymalone3494]

@@MetalDetectingNYC You are welcome.

[@tonydean1262]

From my years on Nintendo 64 worms all I can say "Incoming"😉 Thank you for talking about this I have been wondering about headphones and pin-pointers. That's now been cleared up It's a shame that I don't live nearby as so much information that you carry is worth having a porter to carry it all.

[@MetalDetectingwithPete]

When I go out detecting I am constantly asked "What's a good metal detector for beginners or kids?: My answer is pretty much what you said Either the MineLab Vanquish or the Nokta Makro Simplex. Pretty affordable, good detector to learn with, and reliable! I also tell them that as they get into the hobby they may out grow it and if they do then they will have an idea of what they want and can either sell their old one, or keep it as a kid/grand kid/buddy detector, plus always good to have a spare.

[@MetalDetectingwithPete]

I won, really I didn't even know I had entered anything

[@TERRYWIRT]

Agree, with it all now my first was 80 dollar harbor freight #2 ace 400 also a good starter and multi frequency, I also have Simplex.....I use them according to Terrain and weather conditions...but as always enjoy you input.

[@cieradriver3940]

LOL! My first metal detector was the garrett ace 250 and that was 2 years ago, after watching you and countless other KZbinrs, I got the minelab 600 for my next machine. I did find lots of good things with the garrett ace 250 (including one small 10kt gold ring), but still much better options. Thanks Merrill

[@jimcollins9999]

Merrill, You're alright man, and I enjoy listening to your reviews & your philosophy! 👍

[@rodmanning7114]

Very helpful. Thanks for sharing this video. Yes you do learn from your videos.really appreciate you doing this.

[@galaxian2600]

Thanks Merrill. My only addition to your very helpful choice table is, (maybe already mentioned in the comments), to buy an APTX bluetooth headset for the Legend if you go for the cheapest package without including an headset. That is because of a so little as possible delay between a target hit and a beep from the detector and receiving this sound on your bluetooth headset. And perhaps to add a weight / ergonomic (balanced detector) score on the decision sheet. I personally find the Nokta Makro Legend (with the standard coil) a bit too heavy to use for more than an hour. Greetings from a cold and rainy Holland.

[@DadSquatchMetalDetecting]

Huh… very interesting… I am currently using a simplex which was a huge step up from my Garrett ace 400. I was thinking about making another jump to the legend but now I’m not so sure. I’ll continue doing my research but thank you for making this video. Great job!

[@phargan143]

Dude I love your videos and honest opinions . This was a great video I have been on the fence of equinox or legend. Thanks for the straight talk.

[@controllerthink]

Dude! Love the videos and all the podcasts! Keep it up.

[@wdxwm300]

My first detector was a Whites coinmaster 400 that got me hooked I found a lot and used it a long time. Then after looking at more capabilities I bought a Teknetics T2 and wow that is what I still use and found some deep items this has all I need and priced right

[@historydeantected]

Even though I'm an experienced detectorist using a D2 I still watched your video because they're brilliant. This was all great advice.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Honored!!!!

[@spreadgeorgia]

I purchased the Simplex and it is not quite as good as my old Lone Star Bounty Hunter. I'm putting it up for sale and getting the Vanquish 340 or maybe the 440. Great video. I have a feeling I should have purchased the 340 or 440 and bypassed the Simplex. I like your spreadsheet.

[@shadymaint1]

I started with a Garrett Ace250. Served me well for a couple years and I found some cool stuff with it. Out grew it and wanted something better. I upgraded to a Equinox 800 a couple years ago and absolutely love it. For what I do the Equinox 600 would have served me well but I did not want to have to upgrade soon. I picked up a 6 inch coil for it. The small coil is amazing. It's like swinging a giant pinpointer.

[@Bornhunting777]

I got myself the Legend and start learning and using it on the beach, still lots of tricks need to learn about the machine… Thank you

[@granvillewooster7673]

Thank you Meril very educational love your channel

[@vickip8447]

Thanks for the info - we have a 20+years old White that we didn't have a lot of success with, just got the bug. Now we're ready to up our game. We live in the desert (AZ). Do the same suggestions still apply if we're dealing with super hard, cement-like soil. Lots of gold in the vicinity so detecting for nuggets/flakes would also be in order.

[@Tom-pi1cz]

I used a minelab sovereign for years and years. Great machine.

[@danielclayton7524]

Great info thanks

[@vossierebel]

Great video, thanks Merrill!! You are, as usual, so right with you assessments. One thing - one can make the Simplex work at marine beaches... loads of patience and trial and error! No, don't go into the water with it... stick to the sand and rocks! I MADE it tell me where things were - until it paid for itself and then I moved on to the Legend! Now, I'm waiting for that one big hit, so it can pay for itself!! FUN!!!👍😁🥇

[@Jamie.Morris]

The best video I have watched over 3 weeks of doing research BY FAR !! Me & my local worms thank you 👍

[@marylouwillis7941]

We are soon purchasing a metal detector. I subscribed and would like to say thank you. You are doing a wonderful job of your presentation and it has helped us a lot.

[@michaelzsizseri8015]

Thank you I'm just getting into metal detecting 👍🙏

[@jayedrukas5007]

Superb as always.🙌🏼

[@darrellbrixey5341]

Awesome video Merrill, thank you

[@spreadgeorgia]

Hello, after using a Bounty Hunter for over 20 years😊. After retirement I did take you suggestion and bought the Simplex. The Simplex is not exactly working out for me. I backed up and purchased a 340 Vanquish. I'm starting over. The 340 is more to my liking. I'm glad I have the Simplex. My son uses it and we go out detecting together. Thank you for putting up that spreadsheet. You know what you are talking about. (The Vanquish was also a top suggestion on your Spreadsheet.)

[@arneltan5380]

Very good advice sir thank you

[@keithshears6088]

Very informative and honest. Thank you

[@solrosenberg4529]

Great video, easy to follow with essential info. Thank you.

[@maxxkatt]

In my opinion you are correct in what you say. I went from AT Pro, to 800, to CTX, to XP2 which I currently use hunting urban/suburban trashy parks. CTX was too heavy for me and had to use a swing harness and hated using a swing harness. You are right, 800, 900, 600, 700, XP2, Manticore or Legend would all work fine for me. That is why I won't consider selling my XP2. So darn light with the 9" coil and such great audio features to choose from and 12 great stock programs to select. You can thank Minelab for the current crop of great detectors when every MD design engineer had to beat the 800.

[@RossMcgowanMaths]

The best starter video I have seen yet. I am starting out and I already had my eye on the Nokta Simplex. The metal detecting will be my wifes domain. I am gonna be the digger , so she gets the dectector I get the nokta pinpointer and the spade and I dig the holes. If it works out for us then we will probably get a second dectector. Live in Scotland and I beleive the rules are more relaxed here on permissions (???). We also have some great old country estates dating back to 15th century and areas of permanent settlement since the 6th centuary and some old roman roads cutting through, all on our doorstep and the land has been left to grow wild over th last 100 years or so. And in all my time I have never come across a detectorist on any of it. Looking forward to getting started.

[@jessepreuter4016]

Thanks for the good video!

[@glennquagmire1747]

I brought my first metal detector in 1979, it was a cheap brand a bounty hunter for 89 dollars, within two days i found a 1925 standing liberty silver quarter in mint condition in a brook,, sold it ten years later for 500 bucks !!!

[@ActinOut]

I like your videos, esp because of the subtle humor that's often included. The sushi and similar clips are a little long for me but there good practical info with a twist of humor as you teach and demonstrate metal detecting. I like it better on rumble as well.

[@darbysdownhomedetecting]

Very informative! Thanks for sharing brother.

[@edhusar]

I’ve always wanted to get a metal detector. I decided to bite the bit and get me this week. After watching your vid I purchased the Legend using your link in the description. Thanks for the review.

[@MetalDetectingNYC]

Thank you so much!