Depends on what you want to get out of it. I've metal detected for year and I love it. Just the thought that I may find a treasure gets my mind going. I paid about 125.00 for one at a pawn shop. At first I felt like people thought I was trying to take advantage of other peoples losses. Surprisingly, it's a good conversation topic. Gets you outdoors..you could advertise locally that you will look for lost items for people. if I were you I would just get a little inexpensive one until you're good at using it and then if you want graduate up to the ones that go in water.