Picking a New Metal Detector Help

[Psubs579]

I'm a newbie detectorist (I grew up with a radio shack special and later a few whites detectors I got a flea markets/thrift stores). I'm looking at purchasing a decent minelab detector for hunting the beach and the occasional gold prospecting up in Colorado (I own property on the gulf coast and in Colorado). I understand that it's all about the owner learning the detector so I'm looking for a good detector to get into and stay with for a long time.

My question is, what is the ideal detector for both of these types of hunting (prospecting and beach hunting)? I was leaning towards the Sovereign GT. I am a tinkerer and was planning on "waterproofing" (splash-proofing with a case and grommets for beach use) the Sovereign. I was leaning towards that device as I understand that it is a bit more customizable (ability to change coils/headphones etc) than the Excal.

I would greatly appreciate some advice from some folks who have been in the hobby for a while (and experienced with minelab devices) as to the "best" choice for someone with my hunting needs.

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[Treasure_Hunter]

I love the Sov GT, but it is not really a good detector for tiny gold nuggets......If it was me I would get an Excal for the saltwater beaches and then look for a good gold detector.....

[Psubs579]

I love the Sov GT, but it is not really a good detector for tiny gold nuggets......If it was me I would get an Excal for the saltwater beaches and then look for a good gold detector.....

I'd read the same on the small gold nuggets. Can you tell me what you use your Sov for (mostly relics/coins)? Is splash-proofing in lieu of purchasing the Excal a bad decision? What about the lack of ability to customize the Excal?

[Woodland Detectors]

Read about the Minelab Xterra 705. It has a gold search capability and is good on the beach for a reasonable price.

[Psubs579]

Read about the Minelab Xterra 705. It has a gold search capability and is good on the beach for a reasonable price.

So the VFLEX technology works well on wet salt-water sand? I was under the impression that BBS was better? I will be hunting on sand more than prospecting so I'm leaning towards the two detector idea... If the majority of my hunting is on sand and in small parks around my home, does that change your impressions (money aside but please keep flexibility in mind)?

[Treasure_Hunter]

Read about the Minelab Xterra 705. It has a gold search capability and is good on the beach for a reasonable price.

So the VFLEX technology works well on wet salt-water sand? I was under the impression that BBS was better? I will be hunting on sand more than prospecting so I'm leaning towards the two detector idea... If the majority of my hunting is on sand and in small parks around my home, does that change your impressions (money aside but please keep flexibility in mind)?

Are you going in the water to hunt? In the water is where most of the good finds are, but if your staying on the wet sand that is different....

[Sandman]

Treasure Hunter has experience with waterproof GT's and Excals on land and water. I too think you should use the Sov GT for the dry sand beaches and water proof it if you can or use the Excal. Neither of these is the best for tiny nuggets because of their size and shape though my Excal and Sov GT can find earring backs. Your better off with a dictated gold detector for land use.

[Smudge]

I'll chime in too on this.

If you plan on getting the detector wet, be careful trying to waterproof the detector yourself. You are likely better off just getting the Excal.

If you plan on sticking to dry/wet sand, the Sov GT is perfect.

But Treasure Hunter and Sandman are correct, they are not the best for nugget hunting.

For that, I'd look at the Fisher GoldBug/Teknetics G2. Both have fantastic reviews. Especially the G2, which a lot folks also use with success at the beach, but isn't in the same class as the Excal. The G2 also makes a great coin detector, even though it wasn't specifically designed for that.

I have used the Minelab X-Terra 305 at the beach, but wasn't impressed by the performance. Maybe the 705 is better.

Honestly, if can afford it, if I were in your shoes I'd get an Excal/G2 combo.

Good luck on your choice. Hope you find a bucketload of the good stuff!

[Psubs579]

I'm sold on the Excal II and will probably order it tomorrow. What type of warranty comes with this device?

I've read about a few people having trouble with their Excal II (control box issues or knob issues)...what are the options after the warranty period is over (if say the control box starts acting up)?

[GOLD1960]

------------ MINELAB SAFARI -----------

[Treasure_Hunter]

I'm sold on the Excal II and will probably order it tomorrow. What type of warranty comes with this device?

I've read about a few people having trouble with their Excal II (control box issues or knob issues)...what are the options after the warranty period is over (if say the control box starts acting up)?

Excal comes with a one year warranty only, units with problems before or after the warranty expires need to be send to the repair shop in Chicago... If you have any problem with warranty or repair work talk to a local dealer, or a dealer on here....There are many people to help you.....