Buying a detector! Gold Bug 2 a logical choice?

[Maitland]

Hi all,

This is a pretty basic question and I almost hated to create a thread for it, but I want to make sure I'm on the right track before I spend hundreds of dollars.

I've been thinking really long and hard lately about getting a new metal detector for myself so I can start doing some nuggetshooting, and after much research I've came to the conclusion that the Fisher Gold Bug 2 would probably be my best option. I know different detectors are better for different areas depending on what the gold is like. I live in the Black Hills and for the most part a good way to describe the area is that a lot of it is highly mineralized and the gold is typically on the smaller size (more "pickers" than nuggets are to be found here). Rarely are nuggets of notable size found, most of the bigger gold to be found here is in the single-digit grams. There are over 250 different minerals to be found in the Black Hills, also.

Having said that, does the Gold Bug 2 sound like a logical choice? The only other detector I've considered in my research would be a Nokta FORS Gold. I'm not looking to spend more than $800 I should note. Hopefully I'm on the right track and that a Gold Bug 2 would probably be my best bet, please let me know whether or not you think I'm right. I'd like some opinions before I spend any money.

Thank you!

 

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[Jim in Idaho]

This is a good source of info on gold detectors:Steve's Guide to Gold Nugget Detectors

 

[Terry Soloman]

The new Gold Bug Pro is also worth a look. - Good Luck!

 

[mytimetoshine]

Hi all,

This is a pretty basic question and I almost hated to create a thread for it, but I want to make sure I'm on the right track before I spend hundreds of dollars.

I've been thinking really long and hard lately about getting a new metal detector for myself so I can start doing some nuggetshooting, and after much research I've came to the conclusion that the Fisher Gold Bug 2 would probably be my best option. I know different detectors are better for different areas depending on what the gold is like. I live in the Black Hills and for the most part a good way to describe the area is that a lot of it is highly mineralized and the gold is typically on the smaller size (more "pickers" than nuggets are to be found here). Rarely are nuggets of notable size found, most of the bigger gold to be found here is in the single-digit grams. There are over 250 different minerals to be found in the Black Hills, also.

Having said that, does the Gold Bug 2 sound like a logical choice? The only other detector I've considered in my research would be a Nokta FORS Gold. I'm not looking to spend more than $800 I should note. Hopefully I'm on the right track and that a Gold Bug 2 would probably be my best bet, please let me know whether or not you think I'm right. I'd like some opinions before I spend any money.

Thank you!

I have this exact same dilemma going so don't worry about the thread. I'm leaning towards the Foursgold but I know jack about detecting so don't listen to me :P

 

[Hoser John]

For tiny gold you cannot beat the tried and true Goldbug 2,small coil , low and slow and don't be afraid to wear out the coil covers as the gold production difference will more than pay for replacements-John

 

[utah mason]

This is a good source of info on gold detectors:Steve's Guide to Gold Nugget Detectors

thanks for the link that was a very helpful article. I was on the fence between gold bug pro or the f19. after reading the reviews I think the pro would be the best fit for me. once I get a little more experience at detecting I think maybe adding a gold bug 2 would be a good way to go, sounds like they are not very noob friendly. but darn good at finding the small gold.

 

[Lanny in AB]

Hi all,

This is a pretty basic question and I almost hated to create a thread for it, but I want to make sure I'm on the right track before I spend hundreds of dollars.

I've been thinking really long and hard lately about getting a new metal detector for myself so I can start doing some nuggetshooting, and after much research I've came to the conclusion that the Fisher Gold Bug 2 would probably be my best option. I know different detectors are better for different areas depending on what the gold is like. I live in the Black Hills and for the most part a good way to describe the area is that a lot of it is highly mineralized and the gold is typically on the smaller size (more "pickers" than nuggets are to be found here). Rarely are nuggets of notable size found, most of the bigger gold to be found here is in the single-digit grams. There are over 250 different minerals to be found in the Black Hills, also.

Having said that, does the Gold Bug 2 sound like a logical choice? The only other detector I've considered in my research would be a Nokta FORS Gold. I'm not looking to spend more than $800 I should note. Hopefully I'm on the right track and that a Gold Bug 2 would probably be my best bet, please let me know whether or not you think I'm right. I'd like some opinions before I spend any money.

Thank you!

If most of your gold is small, you can't beat the Bug 2. It's got a tougher learning curve than some of the newer machine models, but it's a true small gold sniper.

All the best,


Lanny

 

[Goldwasher]

I have a gold bug pro and 2...I have Trinity Rays book also....if your a beginner your much better off with the Pro....The fact that Ray used a GB2 for years and pulled pounds....he now uses a gbpro over the gb2....that says A LOT

 

[IDdesertman]

Here's a bit of info on the GB2 and GB Pro.

Fisher Gold Bug 2 vs. Gold Bug Pro - Metal Detector Review for Gold Nuggets

I currently use the Pro as my main VLF detector right now, but the GB2 is without a doubt the king of the crumbs and may be the best choice for your area.

 

[Maitland]

Thank you all, truly, for your responses in this thread! I ended up purchasing a new Fisher Gold Bug 2 through an authorized dealer. I had been looking to get a used one, but not only is it very hard to find a used one, but for about $250 more than what the used ones typically go for, I got a new, unabused unit with a five year warranty. By the way, I did get the 6.5" coil because from my research that's probably the one that would do the best here in the Black Hills. Thanks again for your input and advice in this thread, guys!

 

[Hoser John]

Craigslist Redding $250 under general for GB Pro with 5" coil-I don't like them so have at it...John

 

[Maitland]

My Gold Bug 2 arrived yesterday and it's fully assembled. I'd love to test it out, but unfortunately we're getting some measurable snowfall here tomorrow! Oh well, something to look forward to!

Thanks again, all!

 

[Hoser John]

To protect the expensive coils always buy the covers and use GE door/window silicone adhesive to hold in place. It is UV protected and ez to peel off when the cover is worn out. Just run a nice bead all the way around to seal out dust,dirt and water and good for years. Kudos as a GREAT reliable unit(mine) for many MANY years with never a single problem- John

 

[Maitland]

Thanks a bunch, John! I appreciate every bit of advice I've received so far relative to my new Gold Bug 2, whether for maintenance or operation. I actually put in an order for one of those covers for my 6.5" elliptical coil just yesterday. I've seen some guys use them and some not, but I'm one of those guys who's big on preventative maintenance; if I can increase the life of something I own by investing a couple of bucks into it, why not? I definitely look forward to getting the coil cover and hopefully going out and using it a little before the snow gets too deep, or the temperature is too cold.

 

[russau]

Lucky guy!! ive always wanted a GB2 but now I cant swing them because of my beat up ole body! Enjoy your new toy!

 

[Hoser John]

bummer Russ as things must have really gone south since we last mined in DC......ravages of time forget no man..John

 

[Zip Zip]

My Gold Bug 2 arrived yesterday and it's fully assembled. I'd love to test it out, but unfortunately we're getting some measurable snowfall here tomorrow! Oh well, something to look forward to!

Thanks again, all!

View attachment 1237797

WAHOO !!! The GB2 is going to be my next detector. Since I live in an area where match head nuggets have been found, this is the logical one to get.

 

[Maitland]

Same here, Zip Zip. While there are nuggets to be found here in the 'ounces' category, your odds of finding one are about like that of winning a Powerball Jackpot. Most of ours are in that match head-size category, too... grains or grams. I still haven't had much of a chance to try out my new detector yet! Definitely bought it at the wrong time of the year, it has been too cold and too snowy for me to try to use it very much. I was out one day with it for a couple of hours, found a square nail, a BB, and what may be part of an old bullet but can't tell for sure.