Newbie advice

[NewNugget]

Hi, I'm completely new to gold hunting, looking to buy a detector and start to go on some camping/detecting trips with the family. Any advice on a good starter detector to buy, some places to start out? I live in western Sydney was looking at maybe getting a fossicking license and going to some state forrests but have no idea where to start

Basically any advice you can give a complete newbie would be greatly appreciated. Detectors, tools I will need, locations and any tricks of the trade.

Cheers...

 

[7.62marksman]

Hi mate welcome
Keep an eye on this page i am sure the guys and girls will jump on and the advice will start to flow

 

[NewNugget]

Thanks 7.62marksman, hows gold hunting down Nowra?

 

[7.62marksman]

Very slow at the moment we havent hit the river in ages getting itchy feet
Been detecting the beaches and some parks to get some practice in thats about all

 

[7.62marksman]

Use the search function at the top left of the screen you will find lots of information

 

[7.62marksman]

Once you get 10 posts up the members only section will open up and you will find where the meets are happening

 

[NewNugget]

Awesome thanks..

 

[Ship of fools]

Welcome NewNugget, advice on detectors could lead to a war! So hears two cents worth!
As I have never found gold this is based on reading these pages and other forums also lots of you tube.
Two basic types of detector VLF (very low frequency)and PI (pulse induction)
VLF pick up the hot ground in Australian gold country and become very hard to use.
So for nuggets in Australia you will want a Pi, you will pay more for better machines.
The main debate would seem to be; are Minelab Pi machines as good as the price asked? ( and is one machine enough )
There is a lot more to be considered when making a decision.
My list of most desirable machines!
Minelab Gpz 7000. I havent seen one for sale under $7000.
Minelab Gpx 5000 start new over $6000
It starts to waver a little now.
Minelab Gpx 4500
Minelab Sdc 2300
Whites
Garrett ATX
I hope this is a starting point and not leading you in the wrong direction.
I highly recommend learning to prospect the way the the early prospectors did, the machines are tools to help your own ability.
Matt T

 

[NewNugget]

Thanks Matt, great advice....cheers

 

[Ship of fools]

I have already blown my budget x4, I bought a new AT max to find it doesnt fill the advertised blurb ( dont get me wrong Im happy with it) I was under the impression it would work well on the salt water beaches and it does except when looking for treasures on the beach you want to look where the black sand is and the max is very good at finding the black sands and hot rocks so I spent a good deal of time digging false signals and rocks.
So now a Whites PI machine is in the mail!
If I was starting again with the little experience I have I would look at the xterra 705 (VLF) get some play time up with that and later add to your quiver with a PI.
The people on the forum can help you in narrowing down a machine that fills your wants but one machine cant do it all.
Matt T

 

[mudgee hunter]

Let me know if you ever want to venture out windyer way for a trip. I have a gold bug 2 you can borrow, it will give you an idea of detecting. Depends on your budget aswell. The minelabs are the ants pants, and will hold a good resale value.
Best hire an minelab from mudgee maybe, and try mine. You will soon see the difference.
Check out the caravan park at windyer for cabins. I should be able to get you on a good spot for a swing.and panning etc.
email sent.

 

[PJG]

Hi NewNugget I to have recently become interested in gold detecting as I have moved close to the GT in Victoria. I was recommended a GPZ 4500 as a good mid price PI detector but it does come with a bit of a learning curve which thanks to Coilteks course has been painless. The SDC is, by all accounts, a good midrange serious gold hunter. Good luck and remember research is the way to go.