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Humans have an innate tendency to explore in the search of their roots, history, and riches. That’s what makes movies like Indiana Jones so popular and hobbies like treasure hunting such well-liked pursuits.
Treasure hunting is undoubtedly one of the most exciting hobbies out there. The thrill of the hunt and the possibility of unearthing something valuable, or historically important, is nothing short of exhilarating. Other than that, it’s a rather healthy activity as well, involving a lot of hiking and reconnecting with nature.
All these things make it easy for one to fall in love with the idea, only to be left heartbroken by how expensive the equipment is. A rewarding hobby with a costly entry fee, making you think twice whether it’s worth it, or whether you’ll actually like it. Perhaps there is a solution.
The Many Perks of Used Metal Detectors
If you’re just dipping your toes into treasure hunting, choosing a second-hand metal detector to test the waters can be a smart decision money-wise. These pre-loved devices are typically more affordable than their brand-new counterparts. This makes them a perfect choice for those still indecisive about whether they’ll pursue the hobby in the future.
In addition, since a second-hand metal detector is tried and tested, there’s less risk involved, provided that you buy from a reliable supplier. More on that later. It would be wrong to think of pre-owned detectors solely as options for novice hunters.
Experienced detectorists can also benefit greatly from a device like this. Some of these units are customised for added performance and functionality, so you won’t have to bother or waste time and money on upgrades yourself.
And if you’re a planet-conscious individual, you know that buying second-hand is the eco-friendliest decision you can make. If the device is well-maintained and functional, it’s probably worthy of a second chance in life.
So, What’s the Catch?
There isn’t a catch since no one is forcing you to choose a used device. However, if you decide to do so, it doesn’t mean you should just go and buy used metal detectors from anywhere and anyone. There are quite a few things you need to consider to ensure you’ll be satisfied with your purchase.
Dealers
You should only shop from trusted dealerships that have a solid reputation for selling high-quality used detectors. It’s also wise to consider your dealer’s level of expertise and experience in the field because can determine the products that they sell as well as their condition, which leads us to the next point.
Condition
If the seller is your friend or a reliable dealer, you can probably take their word for the condition of the second-hand detector, but it’s also smart for you to know your stuff so you can inspect the device yourself. If you don’t have prior experience on this matter, you can always look for YouTube videos on what you need to check and how to test your device.
Some of the visual clues to keep an eye out for are dents, cracks, or chips on the device which may indicate how it was handled or stored. You should also check whether all the components are in the box and whether all of them are from the same manufacturer. If possible, it’s always wise to take out the detector for a test drive. If not, at least take the time to check whether all buttons and features are functional.
Warranty
Not all used detectors come with a warranty, meaning if something goes wrong or malfunctions, the only one responsible is you. If the detector is backed by a warranty, there’s less risk involved with the added benefit of having peace of mind. That’s why it’s good to keep the dealer’s warranty and returns policy on top of mind when choosing a used device.
Potential Downsides
Unfortunately, you can’t always know how the previous owner handled use, maintenance, and storage, so there might be hidden faults that may not be apparent at first but will make themselves revealed down the line. And according to a guy named Murphy and his law, it can happen at the worst possible time.
Another thing to consider is the available support, or lack thereof, as pre-owned units may not have the same level of tech support that you would normally get when buying new.
The Final Verdict
Buying second-hand always comes with certain risks, not just for metal detectors, but for anything really. However, if you approach the process of buying carefully and follow these steps mentioned above, it might just be worth your while as there are great savings involved. All things considered, it’s safe to say that buying a used device can be a smart decision for both the beginner, upgrader, and serious detectorist.
And with that out of the way, the only thing left to do now is start your research. Remember to explore different dealers, compare prices and features, inspect the physical condition of the device, and enquire about the warranty and returns policy before making a final decision.
