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