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:

Tools I Use & Important Links

Or just book our Florida house (Cape Coral) on AirBnb or Vrbo

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

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 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.

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.

Playlist By New York City Borough:
Long Island:

Cleaning Metal Detecting/Mudlarking Finds:

Other Playlists:

[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. 😂

[bn]

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.

[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.

[Mark]

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.

[Daniel-dcxm]

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. 🤣

[toddkaden]

Went to a beach today on Lake Erie and found a treasure without gear. The whole way home I was looking for an introductory video that made sense. FOUND IT! Thank you so much. Honestly the first informational video that I actually made it all the way through. Great content man. Keep it up. Definitely have a new fan/subscriber 👍🏻

[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!

[garrettmarquart]

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!

[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.

[rsaldivar]

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!

[ausfox]

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.

[nancyhampton]

I love anyone who owns being a dork. My kind of people. Thank you ! Refreshing outlook and great advice! 💕

[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.

[Brenda.]

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!

[flashcraft]

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

[shelleydetects]

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.

[johnnysmythe]

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

[brassteeth]

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.

[debralaforest]

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

[zachsamaroo]

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!