Apologies if there are any recent posts in this topic, but what is a considered high quality metal detector and what is the cost range? Weekend type use on rock/clay/sand soil.

Highly recommend the "pro-pointer" probe. It saves tons of time sorting through your pile of dirt.

Garrett ACE series is a good starting place for the price point.

Garrett AT Pro is a very good step up from the ACE line.

Minelab Vanquish series are also great machines.

Make sure you get a pin pointer. It will make finding things much easier in the hole.

Still rocking my Fisher CZ-5. Not sure how many coins, gold rings, musket balls, and civil war buttons we found on our place but it sure is a lot of fun. I know they have better technology now I'm sure but I'd be hard pressed to test it out. I think I paid 800 for it in the 90's and I'm sure you can get it for a fraction of that now.

Thank you for the responses.