Noob with a grand to burn on a detector

[Budgiesmuggler]

Hey folks,
I'm new to all this but looking to invest a grand on the best detector I can. I've heard that everything ander a couple of k is just a toy. is that true? Also - I'd obviously get something better if it's second hand but is that a risk that's worth taking? ANy feedback and advice would be great.
Thanks,
Chris.

 

[grubstake]

The answer kinda depends what you're looking for mate. Coins? Treasure? Gold nuggets?

 

[Budgiesmuggler]

Thanks for responding. Unhelpfully, the answer is really a bit of everything.
I'll be panning for gold (and looking for nuggets) as well as beach combing. Treasure would be a bonus.
Heading out Lithgow way this weekend with just the pans but I feel like it'd be a lot more worthwhile with a detector.

 

[grubstake]

Somebody might shoot me down here, but from what I've seen here on the forum, the best priced all-rounder that seems to be highly-regarded by its users is probably the Nokta Legend:
https://phasetechnical.com.au/nokta-legend-whp-detector-free-accupoint/

Minelab has the Equinox series in a similar price range, but I don't believe it has any particular advantage over the Legend. If you talk to Nenad Lonic at PhaseTech, he'll be able to give you solid, expert advice on the pros and cons of these and other makes/models.

Unfortunately, nothing new in that price range is especially good on gold and wanting "a bit of everything", will always mean buying something that's less optimum for nugget hunting. If you get serious about gold, the AlgoForce E1500 is the best-priced new starter, but you're looking around $2,500. Again, Nenad's a great bloke to talk to on that subject too.

Hope this helps somewhat. Good luck with whatever you choose, Chris.

 

[Budgiesmuggler]

Ok. Thanks for the response

 

[Budgiesmuggler]

Hey, any advice on how to not get scammed when buying 2nd hand? I’ve seen a couple on FB but they look a bit too good to be true

 

[grubstake]

Facebook Marketplace is Scammer Central - stats for complaints of scams are way higher than any other buying/selling method.

If you know what you're doing Gumtree is OK, but for a newbie I'd recommend either a metal detector dealer selling trade-ins or Cash Converters. CC don't know much about their stock, but they're easy to negotiate with if you've got that skill and they'll give a 90 day warranty that you might not get elsewhere.

As a newbie, the best advice for any used gear purchase is to take along a knowledgeable friend if you can. IMO, to seriously evaluate a detector, needs time, space and quiet surroundings, so in most cases you'll be out in the field with it before you can really pass judgement. Serious gold machines are hyper-sensitive and need to be out bush, well away from powerlines and other sources of EMI before they'll operate at their best.

 

[Budgiesmuggler]

Facebook Marketplace is Scammer Central - stats for complaints of scams are way higher than any other buying/selling method.

If you know what you're doing Gumtree is OK, but for a newbie I'd recommend either a metal detector dealer selling trade-ins or Cash Converters. CC don't know much about their stock, but they're easy to negotiate with if you've got that skill and they'll give a 90 day warranty that you might not get elsewhere.

As a newbie, the best advice for any used gear purchase is to take along a knowledgeable friend if you can. IMO, to seriously evaluate a detector, needs time, space and quiet surroundings, so in most cases you'll be out in the field with it before you can really pass judgement. Serious gold machines are hyper-sensitive and need to be out bush, well away from powerlines and other sources of EMI before they'll operate at their best.

Thanks. I’m kind of hoping, if I find one on fb, I can find the person selling it in this forum but I guess that’s a bit optimistic

 

[sand surfer]

I have not used the nokta legend as a gold hunter yet but it has performed quite well on my test pieces here at home
other owners of the legend may be able to give better information on it gold wise but the relic side of things i find it does a very good job

i use a nokta gold kruzer for crevice's and creek work and i can not fault it ,it is one very tough(well made) detector as it has been hit probably too hard sometimes on rocks that don't move but i have not damaged that part of it yet
the good thing about the gold kruzer is at the moment you can get one for about your buget new not used
https://phasetechnical.com.au/nokta-gold-kruzer-detector/
have a yak with nenad (phasetechnical) he will put you straight

 

[XLOOX]

Another 2 thumbs up for the Nokta Gold Kruzer.

Much quieter than the EQ800 on mineralised ground and similar performance.

I sold my GK on gumtree about 5m ago for $700 with 5 coils so there are genuine bargains out there.

Only reason I sold her was I now have an Algoforce which is almost (not quite) as sensitive but is quieter and deeper in mineralised ground, and the ID is not depth sensitive.

 

[Budgiesmuggler]

Ok. Thanks. My budget seems to be growing dangerously. Now considering the Algoforce, the ctx3030 and the 2300. I’m looking at second hand prices tho and wiser minds are saying that it’s risky to buy 2nd hand online when you’re a noob so… I dunno.

 

[XLOOX]

Ok. Thanks. My budget seems to be growing dangerously. Now considering the Algoforce, the ctx3030 and the 2300. I’m looking at second hand prices tho and wiser minds are saying that it’s risky to buy 2nd hand online when you’re a noob so… I dunno.

At $3600 new there is zero chance I would get a 3030 unless I was a super dedicated treasure hunter rather than a nugget hunter. For that money you can get a near new SDC with extra coils prob.

Also for a noob the performance diff between the Algoforce and the SDC isnt enough to warrant the price diff.

Especially if you have any intention of doing anything needing discrimination eg coins in beach/park, which an SDC cant do. It is a dig all machine.

Again I loved my SDC but sold her week after my GK ... kept the GPX 6k though...Im not stupid .

If you want to do nuggets but also a bit of other stuff I would recommend Algo if you have the $ and GK if not.

 

[Budgiesmuggler]

At $3600 new there is zero chance I would get a 3030 unless I was a super dedicated treasure hunter rather than a nugget hunter. For that money you can get a near new SDC with extra coils prob.

Also for a noob the performance diff between the Algoforce and the SDC isnt enough to warrant the price diff.

Especially if you have any intention of doing anything needing discrimination eg coins in beach/park, which an SDC cant do. It is a dig all machine.

Again I loved my SDC but sold her week after my GK ... kept the GPX 6k though...Im not stupid .

If you want to do nuggets but also a bit of other stuff I would recommend Algo if you have the $ and GK if not.

I m talking about spending money I shouldn’t be but you kind of summed it up. Obviously nuggets would be cool but I have kids who will be hell bent on treasure too

 

[Budgiesmuggler]

Right then, sounds like a new gk would be the smart choice then…
But my pockets are burning