metal detectors

[diane]

Does anyone have experience with metal detectors? I would like to get one for my 11 yr. old son. I thought it would be something fun for him to do during those down times during camping (every moment must be occupied with some activity). I've seen National Geographic ones for kids reasonably priced. Any sugestions? Thanks

[dee106]

it is a good idea, ken has one, got it when he lost his ring, they range from 50-300 depending what you want it to do. walmart has them, for beginners. Ken got his on ebay.

[Tim5055]

Just be careful where you use it.  Some national/state parks have prohibitions on their use or possession in a park.

[tlhdoc]

I think all National Parks don't allow them.  You are not allowed to remove any thing from the National Parks.  Some like Assateague Island National Sea Shore do allow you to collect shells, but that is an exception to the rule.

[diane]

I'm going to Walmart today anyway, so I'll see what metal detectors they have. I don't usually camp at national parks, but I will check the rules where we do camp. Thanks

[Rustyone]

Hi Diane:  I'm probably too late here but I used to be heavily into this for years and I might be able to help a little.
The problem with really cheap detectors is they lack any decent descriminating circuitry.  Without that your eleven year old will be digging up a thousand pieces of wire and bottle caps to every interesting piece.  That it to say it can't tell the difference between gold and iron.  The cheaper Whites' detectors have a proprietary circuit they call target ID that could help a young man get started.
He'll have to practice and learn the tones it makes, like a woop woop sound is iron and a longer tone could mean good stuff (monetarily or historically).
I was doing this for twentyfive years.  I still go out once in awhile when my legs let me.

If he needs help PM me, I'll help if I can.  It's a great hobby.  But like Tim said be careful where he uses it, some places really take a dim view.  I've been kicked out of city parks before.  Make sure he replaces the soil and grass where he digs.

Russ