$800-$900 Budget- Which Detector?

[SchoolOfHardRocks]

I have about a $800-$900 budget to get a metal detector for gold. I'm thinking of getting the Nokta Fors Gold plus... Is that my best bet or is there another MD out there in the same price range that i should consider?

Any input is appreciated!

 

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[Fletch88]

That would be a good choice or the new Makro Racer Gold.

 

[Terry Soloman]

Tesoro Lobo Super Traq; Fisher Goldbug II; Whites GMT; Teknitics G2; Minelab Eureka - All of these machines are proven nuggetshooters.

 

[Goldwasher]

For our area I would go gb pro or gmt. A gold bug 2 is gonna drive you crazy

 

[trinityau]

Check your messages, TRINITYAU/RAYMILLS

 

[SoCalDesertFox]

A basic detector and pinpointer, and an accessory coil or two (assuming your chosen detector supports it.) No need to run all-out on one your first run.

 

[Asmbandits]

For our area I would go gb pro or gmt. A gold bug 2 is gonna drive you crazy

I agree with this if you have visions of hitting the river with a detector the gb2 is gonna shout at everything, you will be ground balancing every few feet.. Even on bedrock it's hard to use, I can see it working good in the right area but it's so sensitive well mineralized ground is a pain. I could see it working well in the desert or the right dirt like that really red dirt/cobble mix. I've owned mine for two years now and have many hours with it in river beds with nothing to show for it. Not saying it's not possible and I'm sure there are many detectorists out there that do very well with this machine but I've learned to leave it at home if I want to come home with gold.. That said I'm determined to find something with it to make up what I paid for it, but finding that nugget patch/detectable ground is the hard part.

 

[AU_Solitude]

Gold bug pro or makro gold.

 

[Fletch88]

The F-19 is another machine that has identical electronics as the gold bug pro with extra features like backlight, notch disc, and adjustable iron audio.

 

[Lanny in AB]

Having found multiple ounces with the Bug Pro this summer, I'd say it will do the job. As for the Nokta's, can't comment.

I can comment on the Minelab X-Terra 705 gold pack, and it will do the job too.

I really like the graph displays on the Goldbug Pro better than the Minelab, but either will do the job. To me, the Bug Pro is more user friendly. It has what I consider to be a very simple learning curve that constantly allows you to refine your search methods rather than spending "nose time" with your nose in the manual trying to figure out how to get your machine to run. With the Bug Pro, you'll master the basics quickly and reinvest what time would normally go into study to swinging the coil to get it over the gold instead. To me, that's a great concept.

All the best with your decision,

Lanny

 

[AU_Solitude]

Having found multiple ounces with the Bug Pro this summer, I'd say it will do the job. As for the Nokta's, can't comment.

I can comment on the Minelab X-Terra 705 gold pack, and it will do the job too.

I really like the graph displays on the Goldbug Pro better than the Minelab, but either will do the job. To me, the Bug Pro is more user friendly. It has what I consider to be a very simple learning curve that constantly allows you to refine your search methods rather than spending "nose time" with your nose in the manual trying to figure out how to get your machine to run. With the Bug Pro, you'll master the basics quickly and reinvest what time would normally go into study to swinging the coil to get it over the gold instead. To me, that's a great concept.

All the best with your decision,

Lanny

Also worth noting the gold bug is incredibly light, and you can break it down and fit in just about any backpack, these might be moot points for some people but if you happen to be like me and really get back into the sticks this is important (Unfortunately, its sister, the Teknetics G2 isn't as pack friendly due to the pistol grip )

 

[Hoser John]

I prefer my Tesoro Lobo Super Traq and GB2 as you then have a great unit of both worlds and capabilities. Where one might be problematic the other rises to shine. Tried the rest and posted some pics here from the newer units BUT tried and true still works for me. It takes a great investment to nugget shoot as the hardest, costliest, most dangerous form of detecting there is. I always suggest joining a good small non profit club and learn from experienced folks in the field and many hours on your own as all units from all mfgrs will talk to you with tonal sounds, changes, snap, crackle and pop and then one day you'll know pretty much what's down there...but dig anyhow even if you think it's junk-John

 

[Lanny in AB]

I prefer my Tesoro Lobo Super Traq and GB2 as you then have a great unit of both worlds and capabilities. Where one might be problematic the other rises to shine. Tried the rest and posted some pics here from the newer units BUT tried and true still works for me. It takes a great investment to nugget shoot as the hardest, costliest, most dangerous form of detecting there is. I always suggest joining a good small non profit club and learn from experienced folks in the field and many hours on your own as all units from all mfgrs will talk to you with tonal sounds, changes, snap, crackle and pop and then one day you'll know pretty much what's down there...but dig anyhow even if you think it's junk-John

Here's the real gold you're looking for . . . and you don't even need a detector.

John sure knows his stuff.

All the best,

Lanny