Detector Comparrison

[BrisJoe]

Hey guys and girls, I am wondering about detectors.

Can you please tell me in laymans terms the difference between the followiong models and their best use for a first timer spending the bigger $ on a detector.

I will be using it for gold and cache searches.

GPX4500
GPX4800
GPX5000
Tecnetics T2
White's GMT

What is the use in simple terms for me?

 

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[Tom_in_CA]

reply

Hey guys and girls, I am wondering about detectors.

Can you please tell me in laymans terms the difference between the followiong models and their best use for a first timer spending the bigger $ on a detector.

I will be using it for gold and cache searches.

GPX4500
GPX4800
GPX5000
Tecnetics T2
White's GMT

What is the use in simple terms for me?

when you say "gold", I assume you mean nuggets (as opposed to jewelry). I deduce this because 4 of 5 machines you list are nugget machines. However, then you go on to state your second type goal, which is "cache searches".

Be aware that machines designed for gold nugget hunting (ie.: super sensitive to teeny pinhead stuff) is NOT the type machine you'd want for cache hunting. You've got 2 diametrically opposed goals here. Sure a nugget machine will find a toaster-sized object super deep. But the PROBLEM is, it's too squirelly sensitive, and you'd get your ears blown off by every push-pin, staple, birdshot, etc..... Thus those that are after caches (jar sized stuff and up) typically DON'T want a machine that is "sensitive to small stuff". In fact, if you want to be true-blue about it (and don't even care about solo-coins while searching for a cache), then you'd want a 2-box unit. Those will not even hear or find an object smaller than a soda can.

The T2 is a coin-relic machine, that could be used for caches. However, you'd also hear all the coin-sized targets too as you hunt. Sure, you can employ the "dig-it-all" philosophy in your quest for a cache. But once you discover just-how-much trash and small targets, can be around the average set of abandoned ruins, you'll start to question that move. If larger targets are your goal, then get a 2-box machine. If coin-relics are your goal, then the T2 is an option (and yes, it'll also find jar and toaster sized objects). If nuggets are your goal, then the other 4 machines are an option. I'll let a nugget specialist chime in on the pros-&-cons of those 4 machines.

 

[Terry Soloman]

GPX4500 - Pulse Induction (PI) - All Metal - Six soil timings - Six pre-set modes - No longer made
GPX4800 - Pulse Induction (PI) - All Metal - Six soil timings - Three pre-set modes - Don't bother, just get a 5000
GPX5000 - Pulse Induction (PI) - All Metal - Eight soil timings - Six pre-set search modes - Increased gain GPX 5000 | Minelab Gold Detector

Tecnetics T2 - Very Low Fequency (VLF) - 13kHz - Not a gold nugget hunter
Teknetics G2 - Very Low Fequency (VLF) - 19.2kHz - 11" Eliptical DD coil
White's GMT - Very Low Fequency (VLF) - 48kHz - 10" Eliptical DD coil

Pro's and Con's are going to change with every prospector you talk to. The bottom line is that in the past, serious nuggetshooters used Minelab SD and GPX machines, and a good VLF nugget hunter for small, sub-gram gold. With the new timings on the GPX 5000, you can find sub-gram gold with ease. The only factor is, what can you afford? A battery for a GPX 5000 is $500.00

 

[woof!]

The Tek T2 is a capable gold machine, although in the USA it's not much used for that purpose. The fairly similar F75, likewise, although it's not as popular overseas for gold prospecting because the T2 (between the two) is a bit better suited to foreign markets.

The F75SE also has a "cache mode" which goes deep and can be used with the searchcoil several inches up away from the ground surface to reduce response from small shallow trash. I believe the T2SE also has a cache mode.

All that having been said, gold prospecting and cache locating are very different applications. If you're going to do both with only one machine, the SE's from El Paso are primo candidates. But-- if you're really serious about the gold, you're going to need both a good PI and a good VLF, both designed specifically for gold prospecting. And for serious cache locating, some combination of PI and/or VLF (single or multiple frequency), a 2-box unit, and a magnetometer. Once you're set up for serious cache locating, you're also equipped to add a little geophysical prospecting to your gold beeping activity.

--Dave J.

PS: if you're new to gold prospecting, I highly recommend the book "Gold Prospecting with a VLF Metal Detector", available as a .pdf file on both the Teknetics and Fisher websites and in paperback at some dealers. A lot of what's in the book is also relevant to prospecting with a PI machine.

 

[BrisJoe]

So at the end of the day, I should get 2 detectors to do what I want? The GPX for the nuggets and the T2 for the cache/beachcombing hunting?

The shop I'm looking at still has stock of all 3x GPS models above so whioch is the better for nuggets? (prob the 5000 due to being latest and greatest)

Which are the better coil option as well to get the best opportunity? bigger and rounder, or bigger and more olyptical?

 

[Terry Soloman]

So at the end of the day, I should get 2 detectors to do what I want? The GPX for the nuggets and the T2 for the cache/beachcombing hunting?

The shop I'm looking at still has stock of all 3x GPS models above so whioch is the better for nuggets? (prob the 5000 due to being latest and greatest)

Which are the better coil option as well to get the best opportunity? bigger and rounder, or bigger and more olyptical?

I'm not sure what you should do Joe, but here is what I do. I use my Minelab GPX 5000 and Tesoro Lobo Super Traq, in the Arizona Gold and Meteorite fields. I use my Tesoro Sand Shark, on the wet saltwater beaches of the East Coast. I use a Tesoro Vaquero for dry sand and dirt hunting. The more clubs you have in your bag, the easier the game becomes, and the better your scores.

 

[Terry Soloman]

...Which are the better coil option as well to get the best opportunity? bigger and rounder, or bigger and more olyptical?

Your coil choice is going to depend on terrain and targets (what you are trying to find). In general, round monoloop coils are your friend, but there are times when a "Double D" Eliptical or Butterfly will be the better choice. You need to do some more research on this for your area and needs. The stock Minelab 11" round monoloop is a very deep coil.