New to this

[Tucky1981]

Hello all, I am wanting to start prospecting with a metal detector. Any advice as to what to get and other equipment to get before heading out for my first run? Don't want to spend to much. I live in Ballarat, so any suggestions as to where to start would be great. I have already be researching the area. Thanks

 

[stalker]

what is your budget ... this will play a big part on what detector you buy . . then you'll need accessories to go with your detector .. you'll need a pick and shovel for starters .

 

[Tucky1981]

Hi stalker, was only thinking about $100 - $150 for the detector? What accessories to get? what about one of those army pick/shovels?

 

[stalker]

ill be straight to the point ... you need to add another zero . you'll need a grand at least . and those army pick n shoves are a waste of time .. you tube has plenty of vids on prospecting . i think researching metal detectors for gold prospecting is what you need to do ...

for a grand i would look at a minelab sd2000 or sd2100 as they do come up for sale under a grand and you will have a decent detector for your first time . go to bunnings buy a pick and shovel ..

 

[Tucky1981]

Thanks for that, stalker

 

[AtomRat]

Like stalker has mentioned, you really would be wasting your time with a cheap detector and will only find rubbish, no gold. Buy yourself a basic pan or sluice for a much cheaper price and dig hard until you can afford a good detector like a 2300sdc and actually find gold

 

[ozziii]

Welcome to the forum Tucky, good to see another Ballarat local here.
The Gold Supply (shop) out Golden Point is worth a look for some 2nd hand detectors, James gets them in occasionally so worth checking, he may be able to help out. He also has some good picks for prospecting, (CC Picks), much better than the heavy bunnings stuff & better for prospecting.
Stay away from the real cheap detectors, for around 1k you should be able to get a decent 2nd hand Pulse Induction detector that will handle the mineralized ground, most VLF detectors will struggle in area's that have any more than mildly hot ground, although some are better than others.
Whites make a decent cheap P.I detector, the SPP, I've seen a couple 2nd hand for around 1k so thats another option.

VLF detectors are good for coins & relics & some like the Whites GMT can handle mildly hot ground & work well for small gold so thats another starting option.

 

[AtomRat]

Great info ozziii

 

[Christos57]

Welcome aboard Tucky you might think about hiring a detector for a day to see if you actually like the hobby. there are so many near new detectors for sale because people liked the thought of detecting but didn't like the reality of it.

 

[Jaros]

Welcome Tucky.
Jaros

 

[Ramjet]

Hi stalker, was only thinking about $100 - $150 for the detector? What accessories to get? what about one of those army pick/shovels?

Welcome Tucky.

Sorry but that price will get you a toy detector.

 

[Tucky1981]

Hi All, Thanks for the welcomes and information.

Hey ozziii, good to know another Ballarat person. Plus checked out The Gold Supply (shop), James was very helpful and nows his stuff.