I'm from northern California am just getting into metal detecting, I'm looking for a good cheap machine to use and only have a budget about 400$ any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Seems like you can find plenty of proven VLF gold detectors on craigslist for around $4-500 bucks if you keep an eye out for them. Goldbug 2, Goldbug Pro, GMT, etc...
there are some people on this forum who are finding gold with the Gold Bug Pro in Northern California. it's $650-$700, but from their posts, sure seems worth it. they talk about clay too. look up trinityau, nuggeteer, taternut, etc.
I bought my gb pro about 2 months ago and I'm still getting used to it, but I've only taken it out a few times because I work so much, but it's pretty user friendly but I'm still learning. It's a little more than 400. So I can't really throw in my 2cents for up to $400