New to Prospecting - Looking for a detector

[DanBrunner]

Ok, so I just started down the path of the prospector. I'm on a quest for knowledge... I'm trying to decide on a metal detector to pick up for this coming spring. I'm mostly interested in finding gold... Flour Gold, Flakes, Nuggets or coins. I'm down to either the Gold Bug II or the Whites GMT. I know the Gold Bug is better for finding smaller gold, but I'm also intrigued by the auto ground balance / tracking features of the GMT. Anyway, any feedback you all may have on the two detectors would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Here's what I've found so far with a pick, shovel, and a pan.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/daniel_...7610841851957/

[juju]

Saw the pic of swauk cemetery, and had to wonder. Are you working a Liberty, Wa. claim?

JuJu

[DanBrunner]

Saw the pic of swauk cemetery, and had to wonder. Are you working a Liberty, Wa. claim?

JuJu

I'm not working any specific sites right now. I've been doing some research on the Swauk area, Blewett area, and I want to learn more about the Similkimeen (sp?) River. I've only been doing this since August of this year. Thats why I'm looking for a good Metal Detector, so I can scan some sites before I invest too much time digging holes everywhere.

[49er]

Dan, first welcome to prospecting. Proud owner of a GMT and find it an exceptional gold machine, which is great for small pickers. Have you thought of getting a MXT instead? Is a great gold machine too, plus you have the option to detect coins and relics at the same price as a GMT. What part of the Similkimeen (sp?) River are you thinking of detecting? I live just south of the river in Okanogan, WA. If your up for some detecting next spring, drop me a line so we can get together.

[Seamuss]

I use a Garrett Scorpion.I keep the discrimination slighty on the plus side for nugget hunting. That's my review of the Scorpion. Other detectors are great for nuggets also, but I learned on Garrett. I'm a happy camper.

[alienbogey]

You can't go wrong with either the GBII or the GMT. The GMT is pretty much the GB's equal on small gold and offers the flexibility of automatic or manual ground balance. I've been really happy with my GMT; my buddy is the same with his Gold Bug.

I also have an MXT and as previously posted it offers excellent coin hunting performance while giving up a little on the smallest nuggets.

Google the Alaska Prospecting Forum and look for a post titled something like "Detector Recommendations for Alaska" for excellent reviews of most/all major detectors.

[scott jacobs]

GMT, HANDS DOWN, MXT IS GOOD TO MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.