I'm sure the other folks here are 100% correct about getting a good unit but I had the same idea you had and went the cheap route to see if I would like it. There is a Hobby Lobby store here localy and they supply 40% off one item coupons monthly. I took one of those and went over and picked up a Tracker IV by Bounty Hunter. With the coupon it was less than $60. I've gone out 5-8 times since then and I've found cheap rings, necklaces and a lot of newer coins. It maybe an option if you just want to try it out first.

I do have fun when I go out but I rarely go, and I don't hit the best spots with a lot of foot traffic because I'm always worried that I'll get beat up in the parking lot (joking, kind of ).