New living in Pyrmont, going on an adventure around gold fields of aus

[Goldflake]

I'm just starting to plan for a prospecting trip, (first of many I hope ), I'll be getting a campervan, metal detector, pans shovels etc and leaving Sydney, just me and my dog. Anyway If anyone can suggest a metal detector to start with. Needs to be economical, reviews on this topic are so varied are confusing. Anyway, mainly introducing myself, I always loved bushwalking which led me to some old goldfields like happy jacks, kiandra, Hill End & sofala and lightening ridge. My gem and gold collections from these places in my youth leads me to want to explore these areas as a mature adult prospector. So cheers. Any advice appreciated. Peter

 

[SCROUNGER]

Welcome to PA Goldflake and good luck with your big adventure.

 

[nucopia]

Gday Peter
Welcome to the PA search button is your best friend on the forum.

 

[Twapster]

Gday Goldflake. Sensational hobby, the only problem being a reputable gold detector will cost you a little bit. If u don't buy one of the more serious models you may find yourself buying one down the track if u stick with the hobby....so why not bite the bullet and start with a good one. The SDC's seem to be killing it with in particular small gold finds that possibly other detectors are missing. Any of the Minelab PI models give you a fighting chance. People have been using the GPX series for a long time and it seems the 4500 is currently at a competitive price point, and pretty much standard issue for say someone heading out to a gold location. I cant speak for other detectors as ive only owned an VLF (xterra70), a modified F1A4, and soon to be GPX4500 owner for my WA trip next year. If you and your dog are going to be doing some serious bush time, having that one detector you can be confident is going to ping on 90% of targets that even the best detector money can buy will "see" "about the same", its a no brainer decision in my opinion. Good luck out there.