My boy got a cheap Amazon metal detector and has caught the bug I’m afraid. I’d like to get him something a little better and something I could steal from time to time. What is a good solid unit that both of us could use? Thanks.

Depends on how much you want to spend. I have an Minelab Excalibur that is submersible and good on dry land. One I hear that's a super detector is a Minelab Equinox. I keep debating on getting one. I think the cheapest Equinox will run you around $700 or so. Garrett makes some cheaper ones that are good on land. I started with a Bounty Hunter which was cheap. Then I graduated to a Fisher Aquanaut which was good in water, not so much on land. So, I bought the higher priced Excalibur, which a good detector, but not as good as the Equinox.

Start with an inexpensive but "good" Metal Detector and see how long his / your interest lasts. Don't spend a lot of $$$$. More detectors end up in a closet after a few uses than used. Kellyco is an excellent detector company to deal with. https://kellycodetectors.com. . . and personally, I would not advise buying a used detector unless it was from a reputable dealer. . . and don't buy from Ebay or similar web sites! . . . PS. IMHO, it's 20% machine / equipment and 80% operator knowledge of using that machine / equipment. :-)

Might try joining a detector club to get some hands on advice, and plenty of info on the U-Toob.

Being this is an introduction into the game I personally would go with a Bounty Hunter.Simple to operate,fairly inexpensive.Before I upgraded to a Garrett I used a BH and found enough to start a small museum.If your interest grows you can always upgrade.

Great hobby, I have one of the older Garret models, water proof so I could do river beds and wet areas. I got out of high school when it was really a hot hobby !

I spent 2 hundred then but an equivalent one would be about 6 hundred now days , there are so many different ones out now it's best to start out cheaper then go big and then not like it, hardly any one buys used detector's any more, you could get stuck with a good loss trying to move it !

Thanks for the replies fellas, I’ve got some reading to do. Boy already has a coffee can full of nails, screws, j hooks and crap going so things are getting pretty serious haha.

I've been a dirt fisher for about 35 years. You can't go wrong with a minelab. Excellent warranty service if you need it. Whites dropped the ball and went out of business and I could never get a Garrett to go deep.