Equipment Recommendations?

I have several thousand dollars wrapped up in equipment - several detectors, trowels, multiple headphones, pinpointers, etc.
You don't have to spend that much. You can call a rental business to see if they have one to try.

Basic equipment would include a digging tool, pinpointer, finds pouch, headphones (not a must, but for privacy and to save battery life). My favorite detector is over 12 years old and uses FBS technology. I have dug hundreds of silver and old coins and relics.

I don't detect in the heat much, I don't enjoy the southern Michigan summers when the temps hit the 80's-90's, so I get out in the spring and fall. My detector when equipped with 10x12" search coil can become quite heavy after a while, so I use the (Minelab) Pro-swing harness, which makes the machine light as a feather. I don't belive one can find a detector with wheels, but you may want to research that.

Joining a club would be a great idea. I would suggest buying a used machine to save $. The Garrett AT Pro gets great reviews and it is fully submersible. You might find one used for around $400. Otherwise, their 'little yeller feller' Ace line might be a good choice also.

My back is weak, had a hip replaced 12 years ago, and a knee in 2014, metal detecting has strenghten my back and it is excellent excercise for me. When I started in January 2014, 30 minutes at lunch was a stretch for my physically. Now I can do 4 hours or more in 80-90 degree afternoons. It is a lot of up dpwn up down up down, I was digging 80% of my good signals, just bought a Garrett AT Pro this month and still a lot of up down,but a lot less trash do I dig. I started with the Garrett Ace 350, the Ace 400 would be a great machine, or get the AT Pro with a sniper coil, smaller and lighter. Just some thoughts. Webekin