Any metal detectorists here?

[So]

My son wants a metal detector and the budget is £150.

He has seen this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bounty-Hunter-Detector-9-...

Is it any good or is there better out there for the same or less?

Many thanks.

[So]

Anyone? I am being nagged.

[Brads67]

Buy him a low end Garrett .

Ace range, either 150 or 250.

[So]

Thanks brads.

[So]

Brads67 said:

Buy him a low end Garrett .

Ace range, either 150 or 250.

Okay that's ordered. I am assuming that you're a detectorist then? Can you give me the heads up regarding public reception to the use of metal detectors please?

When I was a lad metal detectors were only just starting to be used by people other than the army. Public response was usually positive and interested, and I used to dig up parks, commons and sports fields with impunity. Has that changed much?

[Brads67]

At work just now so will put a better reply in later, unless someone beats me to it.

Very popular hobby though.

[warch]

So said:

Can you give me the heads up regarding public reception to the use of metal detectors please?

When I was a lad metal detectors were only just starting to be used by people other than the army. Public response was usually positive and interested, and I used to dig up parks, commons and sports fields with impunity. Has that changed much?

Hope I'm not butting in but I work as an archaeologist and often deal with inquiries from metal detectorists.

Legally you can detect on private land provided you have permission, with the exception of scheduled monuments, which are generally off limits (even we need permission to excavate on these legally).

I think detecting on public land is legal but may be subject to local bylaws and legislation (very little land in the UK isn't ultimately owned by someone).

Ethically it is useful if you record where you find anything, and also you need to report anything that constitutes treasure (long winded definition but broadly anything over three hundred years old and made of gold or silver).