Recommendations MD to Buy???

[starsplitter]

Been a while since I've owned a detector. Over the decades I've owned a Radio Shack (yup, I'm that old), Compass, Garrett, Whites, and used a Minelab (in Ecuador). Researching has become mind numbing. So, I thought I'd prospect some opinions/personal experiences. I want to hunt gold and probably do beach work/shallow water (fresh and salt). Which makes and models have worked best for you? To clarify, I have no problem buying two machines. Thanks.

 

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[cudamark]

If you want one machine to do all those things, I would just look at the Minelab Manticore, Equinox 900, XP Deus 2, or Nokta Legend....in that order. There are other machines that would do a specific job as good or better, but, finding one to do them all fairly well, is rather limited. You didn't mention your budget, but, keep in mind that you may need recovery equipment and other accessories to make detecting easier and more enjoyable.

 

[starsplitter]

If you want one machine to do all those things, I would just look at the Minelab Manticore, Equinox 900, XP Deus 2, or Nokta Legend....in that order. There are other machines that would do a specific job as good or better, but, finding one to do them all fairly well, is rather limited. You didn't mention your budget, but, keep in mind that you may need recovery equipment and other accessories to make detecting easier and more enjoyable.

Thanks for responding. I have no problem buying two machines. I edited my post to reflect.

 

[cudamark]

What will be your primary type of detecting? When you say gold, are you talking prospecting for nuggets, or just jewelry hunting?

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

I'd take a very close look at the XP Deus 2 - it's amazing - there's some great video's on YouTube.

Good Luck !

 

[Oldrvrrat57]

My main machine is a Deus2 ! My back up is the Nokta Legend, I would recommend either one.

 

[Terry Soloman]

If you have a lot of money, Minelab Manticore. If not, A Minelab XTerra Elite for land, salt- and fresh- water hunting, and a used Fisher Goldbug Pro for nuggetshooting.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Thanks for responding. I have no problem buying two machines. I edited my post to reflect.

Starsplitter, I sent you a PM a month ago and you have not replied. Check your PMs.

 

[mtdoramike]

If you have a lot of money, Minelab Manticore. If not, A Minelab XTerra Elite for land, salt- and fresh- water hunting, and a used Fisher Goldbug Pro for nuggetshooting.

I agree with Terry, I don't know why all these replies are pushing all these high end detectors when at most you will be lucky to find battery money and most mid level machines now a days a great machines which can do the same with just less bells and whistles. I'm not paying $1000.00 for a detector anymore unless it can dig the hole. recover the find, cover the hole back up and help me get off my knees if need be.

I'd also look at the nokta line of detectors like the Simplex line or the double or triple score machines

 

[RickDDE]

If you have a lot of money, Minelab Manticore. If not, A Minelab XTerra Elite for land, salt- and fresh- water hunting, and a used Fisher Goldbug Pro for nuggetshooting.

I just got an Xterra Elite and the Minelab Pro Find 40 on Tuesday. I can't wait to take it out. Maybe this weekend I'll get the chance.

 

[starsplitter]

What will be your primary type of detecting? When you say gold, are you talking prospecting for nuggets, or just jewelry hunting?

Nugget hunting.

 

[Older The Better]

Asked the same question in the fall really happy with the deus ii, but if you plan to have it partially submerged xp recommends you attach a physical wire because it has trouble communicating when partially submerged… not a problem for me hunting Kansas woods and fields but sounds like a consideration in your case

 

[mtdoramike]

Nugget hunting.

Well, if primarily nugget hunting, you will need a detector specific to that task. If you are near a metal detecting store, stop in and check out a few of their machines. A nugget hunter will probably run you $1000.00.

 

[Terry Soloman]

I have a used Fisher Goldbug Pro with two coils and a practice nugget for less than half of $1000.00 Good machines are out there. Our friends at SeriousDetecting.com have the Goldbug II Combo for under $700 https://seriousdetecting.com/products/fisher-gold-bug-ii-metal-detector-combo-open-box-used

 

[cudamark]

You didn't mention your budget or where you will be nugget hunting, but, a 2nd machine geared toward prospecting is a good idea. For most of the U.S and tiny nuggets, nothing wrong with using a Gold Bug 2 (not the Pro). For bigger, deeper nuggets, you would want to step up to a higher end gold machine, like a Minelab GPX 6000, 5000, or, GPZ 7000. The Manitcore, Equinox, and Legend do a decent job on the small nuggets too. The Deus 2 isn't quite as good at those (so far).