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