Garrett GTAx 550, good for nevada desert soils?

[BeerBelly]

Hey everyone,
As you probably know, I'm new to all this, and I need some advice. I'm looking for a detector to be used mainly for nugget hunting, but would like to hunt coins and jewelry occasionaly. My budget is very low. I will be using it in the desert, around las vegas. I found this Garrett GTAx 550 for $70.00. I see that they retail new for $425.00. He says it's used, he used it for many years but it's now just a backup. He said it's in good condition. Should I do it? Will it work well in the las vegas desert?

If the answer is yes, what should I do to test it out before I buy it? (besides turn it on, lol, )
Thanks in advance!

 

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[aa battery]

70 is a good deal but as far as gold i dont know.

 

[sqwaby]

Heck for 70 bucks I'd buy it just to try it out, or use as a backup.

 

[BeerBelly]

He sold it allready.

Back to the want ads!

 

[thompy]

i would look at a mxt, xt 70, t--2 or f-70, you can find these used in your price range, and they are more sensitive towards gold with there operating frequency's, and handle bad ground better

 

[BeerBelly]

Thanks Thompy,
That's what I'll be looking out for then. Cooler weather is coming, so I need to hurry up and get a machine and get out there!