Metal detector buying advice?

[Wilderness medic]

Ran into a really nice guy detecting today while I was looking for gold. He told me about all the nuggets people are detecting locally so naturally I need one ASAP.

Can someone give me a model that will work good for gold? Budget is in the $500 range.

 

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[Joe-Dirt]

You’re gonna get a ton of answers on this question, I’ll let the good guys steer you in the correct direction

 

[Icewing]

Ran into a really nice guy detecting today while I was looking for gold. He told me about all the nuggets people are detecting locally so naturally I need one ASAP.

Can someone give me a model that will work good for gold? Budget is in the $500 range.

Minelab Xterra 705 Gold

 

[Wilderness medic]

https://www.amazon.com/Minelab-X-Terra-Gold-Pack-18-75/dp/B003REZ1WS/?tag=treasurenet01-20

This guy here? Will it also work for coins and other treasures?

Thanks.

 

[Icewing]

https://www.amazon.com/Minelab-X-Terra-Gold-Pack-18-75/dp/B003REZ1WS/?tag=treasurenet01-20

This guy here? Will it also work for coins and other treasures?

Thanks.

Yes sir! It's a great all around machine. The only down side is it's not waterproof.

 

[Wilderness medic]

Minelab Xterra 705 Gold

Yes sir! It's a great all around machine. The only down side is it's not waterproof.

Two questions before I order.

Is it water resistant, say for detecting in light rain?

How small of gold will it detect?

 

[Icewing]

Two questions before I order.

Is it water resistant, say for detecting in light rain?

How small of gold will it detect?

You can get a rain cover.
I'll be honest there is no gold where I live to run it on prospecting mode. On coin/relic mode I have found pieces of gold as small as a stud earring while hunting a sand volleyball court.

 

[Wilderness medic]

Cool. Thanks for the replies, can’t wait to try it out.

 

[Professor of Engineering]

Icewing,

I sure enjoying the 705 with the high frequency coil for small jewelry, very sensitive on the "smalls".

Doc

 

[A2coins]

Gi to the prospecting forum and as there might help

 

[cudamark]

What are others in your area using? Not all gold bearing areas are the same. Some detectors work better in one area but not as well in others due to mineralzation, hot rocks, size of nuggets, and modern trash mixed in with the gold.