Hi Donna
For a long discussion about the Deepers models go to the discussion below yours. Noble Metal's " A very serious question for all of us". Unfortunately, we do not have any feedback from folks who have bought these exotic versions- which is not a good sign. Discrimination abilities( gold or iron?) and sensitivity to small objects are "iffy" issues with these models.
The? issues are 1. how deep is the gold? 2. Is the gold in a iron container? 3. Do you desire iron discrimination? 4. Cost?
There are a lot of options here- For shallow depth- Darren's idea is a good one for an inexpensive PI. They also sell used PI's eg. used Minelab 2100 with large coil-used $1300(an estimate). You have to remember that PI's lack reliable discrimination- usually can not distinusih iron from gold- whereas VLFs can determine iron. Lots of fun digging 5 feet for that iron pot lid. If your target is deep(beyond 5 feet) you will have to go to a 2 box detector or a magnetometer is the cache is in an iron box. Darren is right about the depth issue.
If I was looking for gold placed in an iron box 5' to 10'- My choice would be a magnetometer- I would look at a Magnawand(utility locator- cost $670)
www.Magnawand.com It will detect a manhole cover at 10'. Why this one? This magnetometer has the ability to distinuish between hortizontal iron trash and objects with depth e.g. iron box or iron barrel. Beats digging 7' to find a trash can lid.
Which is the deepest VLF for caches?(remember VLF's offer iron discrimination). I suggest you take a look at this hoard hunter from the UK. Go to
www.garysdetecting.co.uk/
Go to "new deep detector from Bulgaria". The link will? show you the G-Tech Hunter. He employs a radical new coil design which apparently offers superior depth compared to conventional detectors. Disadvantages here- New design- no effective feedback from users yet- High cost $2200 US without large coils- custom made- a month to obtain- Apparently you have to go to the UK to pick one up?(I don't know about this)-warranty issues?
Well I hope I can given you some more options to consider.
George