Howdy Mr SunPilot, Here in New Mexico we have some areas that are darn hot (mineralized) and I hunted in them and found gold. I use the Minelab XT17000 and The SD2000 for my adventures. The XT18000 I've also used and find that it will work just fine if you put it in the 20Khz. setting; back off on the gain(sensitivity) until you have a steady threshold and go slow so as not to outrun your ground balance. Your being a Newbie at the world of metal detecting I'd stick with the XT18000 until you see if this world is for you. I heard it once said that "It ain't for everybody and it's a lot like learning to eat raw fish" I love it and hope you will too. The SD series is for you when you're after bigger nuggets deeper(basicaly) but the XT18000 is a smooth, easy to learn machine and will do a dynamite job for you and cost a whole lot less. Good luck and Happy Hunting.