Newbee / SoCal Desert Nugget hunting

[DaveyT]

I'm going to be looking for nuggets in the Southern California desert. What is the best metal detectors for this type of treasure hunting? I'm new to metal detecting but want to get serious about it and I don't want to waste my money buying the wrong detector. From what I've seen so far, it looks as if a PI detector would best suit my needs.

Any help would be appreciated.

DaveyT
Riverside, CA

[DaveyT]

There seems to be a consensus forming between the forums I'm active in around two specific models for all around treasure hunting (coins, relics & nuggets). Both seem to be priced around $800

Could I get some input as to what you all think of these two models?

Minelab X-Terra 70
Whites MXT

Thank you,

DaveyT

[Hoser John]

Goldbug 2 or Tesoro Lobo supertraq are definately my choices,used'm both for many years and never disappointed-tons a au 2 u 2 -John

[goldfever1978]

White's MXT or Goldbug 2 would probably be the best. GL happy hunting!

[Yellow Hammer]

Hey Davey,

The PI detectors are the only way to go here in So Cal hands down. First of all lose the team treasure hunting you have up graded to nugget hunter. You will find most of us nugget hunters in So Cal and AZ
are using Minelab's. The SD2200v2 and the 4500 are the first choices of the guys who do this for a living. You will want to join the GPAA or the SPMA. The GPAA has some great claim's up on the cajon pass and off the 10 near red cloud mine (lots of nuggets). The SPMA has claim's near Blythe and the potholes near yuma (read the history of the potholes).