First time buyer need advice

[yotaboy86]

Hello i am looking at getting a metal detector for gold prospecting i have been sluicing for about 5 months and have done pretty well and i found this spot that has alot of pickers and recently found a 2 gram nugget so i am looking for a detector that would best suit a beginner in detecting and i would only be focused on gold. So my question is what detector should i look at for gold prospecting as my only use thanks..

 

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[Terry Soloman]

Depends on your budget. Munelab SDC 2300; Garrett ATX; Fisher Goldbug Pro; Tesoro Lobo Super Traq; Whites GMT... Do your homework!

 

[Hard Prospector]

The new Gold Bug is a good option for many prospectors who just want a detector along to compliment their existing operations. They're super lite and can break down and stuffed into a daypack, simple yet very effective on gold(pickers) and you can pick one up new for around $450. For twice the money you can get a gold VLF with more options and task specific, it just depends on your personal prospecting goals.

 

[meMiner]

I was in the same boat this summer. The key questions to answer first are:
- How mineralized is the area you are detecting? This will tell you if you should be using a VLF or a PI (PI for hot ground).
- Size and depth of the gold in your area (VLF is "typically" better for smaller gold), but that is just a rule of thumb (eg. the Minelab SDC seems to also be excellent on really small stuff).
- Are you solely detecting in the dry? Some detectors and coils cannot handle water. Some gold detectors are good to 10' underwater. Water detectors are heavy.
- Price. Arguably, you get what you pay for.

If you look on this forum, there is lots of guidance, but it is not an easy decision.

 

[yotaboy86]

I have been eye balling the gold bug and its only about two feet of river gravels im working in and his would be just for checking holes when i hit bottom and maybe a little nugget hunting. The budget seems right for the gold bug thanks for the advice