Wouldn’t it be great if you had the best metal detector, tough enough to withstand any condition, that could help you with your search for gold nuggets even with treasure map coordinates? If so, then stick around because the best metal detectors have been listed here for different budgets and experiences.
Top 6 Metal Detectors for Gold Nuggets
Our top pick for the best value is the Fisher Gold Bug Pro. It is a powerful detector, cost-effective and perfect for beginners. One disadvantage is that only the coil is waterproof. Nevertheless, the search does not end here. Keep on reading to discover more!
● Fisher Gold Bug Pro Metal Detector
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro metal detector is one step above the basic version, the Fisher Gold Bug. However, the Fisher Gold Bug Pro VLF, which is equipped with a 19kHz operating frequency, offers way more control in handling adverse conditions. It is also provided with enhanced visual and audio identification. With a list price of $699.99, it’s one of the cheapest devices of a kind. It is also lightweight at just 2.5lbs — the perfect hand held metal detector for metal detector Argos.
Even though the Gold Bug Pro is cheap, it has a lot of interesting features; for instance, automatic and manual ground balance. It is equipped with target ID, Fe304 graphic for the indication of mineralization level, and different hunting modes. A major advantage is that it is very easy to use, and this makes it a perfect fit for beginners.
● Garrett AT Gold Waterproof Metal Detector
The Garrett AT Gold Waterproof metal detector is land and underwater metal detector for gold. It gives an entirely different experience because of its extreme depth capacity and performance in all terrains. It is a professional metal detector designed to meet all metal detecting requirements. It is also provided with high-resolution iron discrimination that makes it very effective for separating trash from actual gold nuggets.
This model is 5 lbs of weight, features a DD coil, powered by AA batteries, and has up to 25 models of discrimination.
● Fisher Gold Bug 2
The Fisher Gold Bug 2 is one of the best metal detectors even though it isn’t exactly fit for all situations. It is equipped with a high 71kHz operating frequency. This makes it capable of locating little gold nuggets easily. It is also very lightweight. However, a significant drawback of this gold metal detector is that it isn’t so efficient for deep searches. Instead, it is more effective for surface exploration. Additionally, there is no digital display, so a skilled use of the audio identification may be necessary. Despite the disadvantages, the Fisher Gold Bug 2 is arguably one of the best VLF gold detectors.
● Minelab Gold Monster 1000
When comparing two or more devices together, a crucial factor is a detector’s ability to find small bars of gold of a certain size at a maximum possible depth. The Gold Monster 1000 can detect nuggets of a wide range of sizes without making excess noise or false signals. It also features fully automatic operation and comes with a choice of coils, battery options, and shaft configurations.
● Tesoro Lobo SuperTRAQ
This device is one of the most laudable metal detectors you can use for gold hunting. It is a simplex metal detector with an operating frequency of 17.8kHz. It is also equipped with digitalized ground tracking capacity, a distinctive feature that identifies it with other excellent features such as sensitivity adjustable control and three ground tracking modes. Discrimination capabilities allow you to hunt for coins, jewelry, and relics.
● White’s Goldmaster GMT
The White’s Goldmaster GMT is another efficient high-frequency VLF detector equipped with an operating frequency of around 48kHz and a 6’ x 9’ search coil. It is capable of locating small gold nuggets. It features both automatic and manual ground balance modes and an iron target analyzer, which makes it easy to identify false targets. A major advantage that sets this device apart from the rest is that the battery holder has a larger capacity of up to eight AA batteries, which can provide up to 40 hours of search time.
Gold hunting is an enjoyable hobby, and it can also be financially rewarding if you use the right gear. But how can you know which is the right one for you? It’s quite easy to get lost in the different specifications mentioned above. Luckily, a go-to guide has been prepared to provide all the useful information needed in deciding what gold metal detector to buy. Continue reading to learn some primary factors.
Ground Conditions. Is It Highly Mineralized? Is There a Lot of Trash?
This will help you determine what you should opt for — a Very Low Frequency (VLF) or Pulse Induction (PI) gold detector.
VLF devices broadcast at frequencies measured in Kilohertz and are used to detect small-sized metals like pieces of jewelry, coins, and so on. It is a good fit for beginners and those hunting in areas with a lot of trash.
On the other hand, pulse inductors broadcast vibrations, measured by pulses per second, and are used to achieve maximum depth in mineralized ground. It is a good fit for highly skilled hunters and those who are not so interested in smaller gold nuggets.
Budget
In all honesty, gold detectors can be costly; for instance, the best metal detector for gold overall is the Minelab GPZ 7000, which is over $10,000. So, if you don’t mind spending so much on a device, the Minelab GPZ 7000 works well for every user. While it is understandable that the PI models are beyond many people’s budgets, VLF detectors are often cheaper. Thus, if you want to save money, you may think over some alternatives, except for the chances that they are inevitable for your hunting location and environment (if the ground is highly mineralized.)
Conclusion
The search for the perfect gold metal detector can be indeed tiring, and that is why this guide has been provided. For those still unsure of what gear to buy, an alternative option is to rent any gold metal detector and ascertain whether it is a perfect fit or not. This is because metal detectors can be way above budget in some cases. Hunting gold isn’t difficult, but it requires finding the ideal tool, and what makes the best gold detector is subject to your requirements. Have you ever learned how to use a metal detector? Kindly leave us your comment.
Author’s Bio
Thomas Quarry is a lawyer by profession and also engages in gold prospecting as a professional. After spending several years at a law firm, he resigned to finding gold for a living and has enjoyed it ever since then. Thomas often writes about his various adventures and is the author of a book titled ‘Go for Gold.’