Metal Detector Talk Options

[Bryan K]

Alright So I have not seen too many topics on metal detectors on this forum. Without a doubt a very good tool for any serious prospectors arsenal. With so many on the market, I would like to get a group discussion going on experience, thoughts, and whats working for you. In my past I have used the Garett Treasure Ace 250. Personally I did not care for the Treasure Ace models. Right now I'm looking at a Fisher Gold Bug Pro or the gold bug pro II. I have been watching videos on people pulling out pin head size nuggets, and even detecting hot spots of gold flakes. This device has a higher frequency. It is also capable of locating coins. Seems to be a nice hybrid model. Its usually one or the other with these detectors. Either great at locating coins and not smaller sized nuggets or great at detecting nuggets and not coins. I'm personally looking for a detector that can do it all with the best bang for my buck. I Think this would be a good topic to open a discussion.

[MikeS]

I bought a Gold Bug II and have messed around with it a little but have not found any gold yet. It is supposed be extra sensitive for the small nuggets but the small coil does not penetrate very deep. If your looking for small nuggets in CO then it is likely the way to go. If you are looking for bigger stuff that may be deeper like large nuggets or meteorites you may want to either get a bigger coil for it or another model altogether.

[Bryan K]

Hey Mike,
Thanks for the insight. Ya I've been getting my research in for sure. It seems that the higher frequency the gold bug 2 operates in is amazing for small gold. I even called fisher labs and talked to a few guys about the model and got the nitty gritty on it. seems to be a great prospecting tool. though the higher frequency is not going to allow too much depth. Still 10 inches for larger nuggets is decent. Now I was recommended a hybrid model that is of its own. Called the XP Beus. This system is a little more expensive $1500 range and is wireless. Has 4 different programs on it. One for gold nuggets and small nuggets, a coin shooter, relic hunter mode. It allows you to control the frequency. when an update is issued for the system you get to download it for free. That baby does it all, but 1500 is a little steep. I'm grabbing the GB2 in a month or so, unless I strike it rich on the poker tables at Cripple Creek lol. I found a couple extremely promising areas this last summer that show signs of good placer deposits. Very little water near by. I figure a detector would be better all around and easier than packing a dry washer around.