Looking to get a second detector

[Prospector54]

Hello everyone, I have been metal detecting for a little over a year with a Garrett AT gold and am looking into another machine. I bought the AT gold for prospecting mostly and have been doing more relic hunting than prospecting, any thoughts for the next machine?should I stick with Garrett for the AT pro or go to someone else? Thanks

 

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[augusthog]

Your asking a guy who runs a Bounty Hunter Big Bud Pro (analog type) that still outdoes the new ones.......

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

You already know the ATPro..

 

[stillrollin300]

Depends on the types of ground you will be hunting in. The E-trac and Deus are both really impressive machines.

 

[Fletch88]

If you want relics find you a gold bug pro, F-19 or G-2 +. They are all about the same machine when it comes to unmasking relics in iron laden sites.

 

[TheHunterGT]

F19 is one of the best "all around" detectors on the market with its stock coil....my opinion of course.

Can hit small nuggets...has great ID (at depth) for coin shooters...has great depth for relics hunters. Disc....recovery speed...separation...all very good.

Basically a GB Pro on steroids. Got to see one in use in Arizona while gold prospecting...and it had me sold at the end of the day. The dudes wife actually cried they came away so well.

 

[Landlord Jim]

Another good one to look at is the White's MXT all pro with the 950 coil. The 10 DD coil is very good also but I prefer the 950 coil.

 

[Frankn]

Well, it looks like you want to go deeper. Look at the Whiter PI line for those deep nuggets without taking out a bank loan. Frank

 

[Loco-Digger]

I hear and read good things about both the F19 and the classic T2 pertaining to be outstanding relic machines. I am a coin shooter that enjoys digging the occasional relic/artifact.

 

[Terry Soloman]

If you live somewhere that actually has "nuggets," then look into a used Minelab SD or GPX machine. If you want to stay with a VLF, look at the new Goldbug Pro, or Tesoro Lobo Super Traq.

 

[SoCalDesertFox]

As long as you're not running a digitally-controlled detector, you can get better depth-range just upping the voltage of battery you use. Higher voltage = greater field strength = greater penetration for a given amount of gain.

Alternatively, just take it apart and switch out the medium-gain (250-400 hFE) NPNs with ultra-high gain (1200 hFE or more) NPN transistors. Watch as your unit suddenly outperforms anything else on the market (because everyone seems to refuse to use truly high-gain NPNs, which is why every detector has practically the same sub-meter depth range.)

 

[Frankn]

As long as you're not running a digitally-controlled detector, you can get better depth-range just upping the voltage of battery you use. Higher voltage = greater field strength = greater penetration for a given amount of gain.

Alternatively, just take it apart and switch out the medium-gain (250-400 hFE) NPNs with ultra-high gain (1200 hFE or more) NPN transistors. Watch as your unit suddenly outperforms anything else on the market (because everyone seems to refuse to use truly high-gain NPNs, which is why every detector has practically the same sub-meter depth range.)

Most of the good detectors have voltage regulators so upping the input voltage won't do anything for you. Changing the transistors can also increase the background noise. This could create serious ground balance problems.
If you want to fool around with the settings, pick up an old Whites XLT. You can adjust jest about anything in the computer on screen. There's even a manual on doing it.
Just a thought, Frank