@JesusInTheCabbageVan. I wouldn’t have any of those machines personally.
I have copied below for you the pinned post from one of the metal detecting groups on FB (Metal Detecting UK) which answers the “what detector should I buy” question very well.
Here you go.....hope this is helpful.
If it was me I would look for a second hand Garrett 250 but watch out for fakes/copies.
MDUK announcement
Further to the request for a pinned post for people new to the hobby, here is something I composed a while ago.
We welcome in many new members every day here that are new to detecting, wanting to go out there and find treasure.
Every day, and sometimes many times a day we get asked, ''whats the best detector for a new starter in the hobby?''
We as seasoned detectorists would like to pass on some advice.
- Maplin detector, throw it in the bin.
2.Tandy detector, throw it in the bin.
- Ebay China detector, Throw it in the bin.
- Amazon, best detector in the world, Throw it in the bin!.
These under £100 detectors will find a pound coin on the surface in your back garden, but when you go to the beach, or out on a rally to the countryside, you will find.... not very much at all and be feeling very frustrated with your new chosen hobby.
Many a seasoned detectorist, when asked what is the best newby machine to start with, will say the Ace250 That is a good machine, very resellable when you want to upgrade, we at MDUK are also promoting the new starter machine on the market, the GMUK+1 detector from Golden Mask, Carl at spinadiscmetaldetectors.com supplies these.
Further to this advice, there is a new kid on the block, the Nokta Simplex has been released, The initial feedback is, it is punching well above its weight in the detector market, spinadiscmetaldetectors.com/collections/nokta-makro-simplex for £279.00 for the basic model, or £369.00 with wireless headphones, its a beast of a detector for people to start with. All the main suppliers have them and the price has just been reduced in some shops.
Keep your eye out for the new kid on the circuit, the new Garrett Apex is for sale now. www.lpmetaldetecting.com/collections/garrett/products/garrett-apex
For those asking the same old question, 'what's the best detector for a beginner, have a look here www.lpmetaldetecting.com/collections/beginners
For direct supplier chat, speak to Peter Turrell at Leisure Promotions, tell him where you want to detect, how often, how much you want to spend and he won't give you duff advice to make you part with your money, he will give you good honest advice on the detector you need and what will work for you.
Regtons will also give you a great service, They too are detectorists that do detecting, the whole team are great and want you to find stuff, so give you the best advice they can offer.
Next advice for a beginner, think of land like this.... Every piece of land in the country has an owner, and you need to seek permission from them before you can detect, Beaches are different, permits are no longer required, but some beaches may be privately owned or some may be SSSI and detecting is forbidden.
When seeking permission from a landowner, having public liability insurance is a huge plus on your side. £10.00 a year and your covered. www.ncmd.co.uk/insurance/
Can I ask all detectorists to familiarise themselves with this finds.org.uk/treasure So you know when you find something wonderful, you have certain responsibilities that you need to follow.