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

 

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[extractor]

Welcome to the madness! What is your budget for the MD ? Ya also should have snake guards.

 

[DaveyT]

Extractor,

My budget is certainly not even close to $4500 like the prices I'm seeing for some devices.
I probably won't be able to spend more than $1200.

snake guards: are those some kind of steel mesh you wrap around your legs under your pants?

Thanks

 

[extractor]

Extractor,

My budget is certainly not even close to $4500 like the prices I'm seeing for some devices.
I probably won't be able to spend more than $1200.

snake guards: are those some kind of steel mesh you wrap around your legs under your pants?

Thanks

Dave, Ya should post this topic also in the prospesting forum here in Tnet.
Snake guards are usally worn on the outside of paints and if they have metal in them they tend to interfear with the metal detector http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,223605.0.html
With your budget your choices IMO are Gold bug I or II , Whites MXT or GMT OR GMZ.
Most PI detectors start around $1800. even used ones.

 

[Sandman]

Extractor,

My budget is certainly not even close to $4500 like the prices I'm seeing for some devices.
I probably won't be able to spend more than $1200.

snake guards: are those some kind of steel mesh you wrap around your legs under your pants?

Thanks

Dave, Ya should post this topic also in the prospesting forum here in Tnet.
Snake guards are usally worn on the outside of paints and if they have metal in them they tend to interfear with the metal detector http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,223605.0.html
With your budget your choices IMO are Gold bug I or II , Whites MXT or GMT OR GMZ.
Most PI detectors start around $1800. even used ones.

The Whites GMT, Gold Bugs, and Stinger are all fine detectors that will do a fine job. check on the prospecting pages. Neilo in AU likes the GMT I believe.

 

[DaveyT]

X-Terra 70 & MXT

There seems to be a consensus forming 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

 

[Woodland Detectors]

Welcome to the madness! What is your budget for the MD ? Ya also should have snake guards.




Yeeks. I saw three today...Copperheads to be exact. .........May I suggest Minelabs, Eureka gold? I own one and used it heavily in Colorado with great success. I could never afford the "King" Of all Gold detectors. Minelabs Gpx4500 so I bought the Eureka. I love it! The coil is very "hot" and detect's the smallest nuggets... It's reasonable in price and I know a Dealer who will treat you fair...Hint,Hint. Lol Take care and good luck...

 

[Tank69]

if your going to be serious about nugget shooting either the GB2 or the GMT are the way to go.