What's a good Gold Detector to start out with?

[Booney]

Sdc 2300 is the way to go.

 

[Northeast]

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=25433

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=25497

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=24794

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=19463

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=12654

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=6915

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=6837

Hi Noof.

Here is a few links to get you started. The 7th one I hadn't actually read before - worth a look.

And another here which is a great place to start and is up to date. https://www.detectorprospector.com/magazine/steves-guides/steve-guide-gold-nugget-detectors/

A few of the links above are getting a bit dated. The little search button up in the L) corner of the home screen is also your friend. Put in different versions of "Buying first detector" and search those words and different threads will come up with some great responses.

Good luck with your quest :Y:

 

[Nackz]

Sorry if this has been covered already elsewhere but can anyone recommend a beginners metal detector for gold prospecting but also can be used for fossicking around beaches for coins etc? At the lower end cost wise so I dont get in trouble with my significant other.

Plus can anyone recommend good retailers for buying the equipment in the melbourne area?

Thanks all

 

[user 4485]

What budget?
An Equinox 800 or even 600 may fit for you?

 

[Nackz]

Definitely sub $1000 probably more likely $600-700. I was eyeing off an x-terra 705 dual pack but Im not knowledgeable enough to pick out which kit to look at

 

[Ded Driver]

also depends somewhat on where you plan to go gold prospecting.
VLF detectors will struggle on highly mineralised ground. that's where you need a more dedicated PI Gold machine.
in VLF detectors ive seen 2nd hand XTerra 705 Gold/Dual Pack going for around $500-600
ive just recently bought a White's MXT Pro for $600 which is a step up from the XT705 for coin & relics (I have both). Its also supposed to be pretty good on gold, but I haven't had it out in the goldfields yet, tho a Pulse Induction is always going to handle mineralised ground better
some of the older 2nd hand Minelab PI units start around $1000

edit..
I also have a Gold Monster 1000 which is a VLF, & they can be picked up for under $1000 new, & around $700 2nd hand. Its a great little machine, but Im finding the MXT Pro is better on coin & relics (better discrimination), & the GM1000 struggles on mineralised ground a bit too compared to the PI units.

A 2nd hand Equinox 800 (also VLF) can be found 2nd hand for just under $1000, & it has a gold/prospecting mode that the 600 doesn't have. People do find small gold with the EQ800
There are also several other brand VLF's similar to the Equinox

 

[Nackz]

Thanks for the info, the equinox models do seem good - if buying second hand is there anything particular I should look out for or be wary of?

 

[Ded Driver]

I don't know of any fake Equinox yet, but there are heaps of fakes of other brands & models.
If buying any Minelab brand machine its easy to check the serial number with them
As with all machines, if buying 2nd hand, check the coil(s) & cable for any damage, & of course verify the unit works fully & properly

 

[Ruggedx]

Hi all, well Im way out of my zone here totally lost with what to buy.
Just moved to Darwin region and Id like to buy something to go out fossicking. Cant really afford a lot but would like something to get me going.
Was looking at xterra 705, fisher gold bug pro. Could anyone tell me if these machines would be a good starting place or whether I should gather a few more dollars and get something a little better.

 

[nucopia]

Welcome to the forum Ruggedx.
First question, what are you going to look for and what do you want the machine to find ?

 

[Ruggedx]

Anythimg really but wouldnt mind some gold of cause.
Some one put me onto the xp orx so ii might have a look at that one. Dont want to spend to much to start with just yet.

 

[OrangeNugget]

fisher is the best mate

 

[PhaseTech]

Give Steve from Humpty Doo Prospecting a call.

 

[gcause]

Hi all, well Im way out of my zone here totally lost with what to buy.

You are just getting started with this hobby so start slow.
First go get your fossicking license from the department of mines. https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/areas-facilities/fossicking
Then go get yourself a gold pan to start with, any army disposal store will sell them for about $20.
Get youself a 20L bucket and a shovel from Bunnings and you are good to go.
There are heaps of how to gold pan videos online.
Then go find a creek or dry river bed and start prospecting.
Get out there and meet a few people in the field see what machines they are using. Ask them what they think would be good. The do your research on the machines.
Don't go getting a fancy gold detecting machine until you have done your research and tried prospecting first. You may hate it. Then you are left with an expensive door stop.
If you have your heart set on getting a gold detector then don't waste time on other machines get a Minelab.
If you are only going to be doing parks and the beach get anything. ALDI do a deal once a year on a good model.

 

[Rockhunter62]

Hi all, well Im way out of my zone here totally lost with what to buy.

You are just getting started with this hobby so start slow.
First go get your fossicking license from the department of mines. https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/areas-facilities/fossicking
Then go get yourself a gold pan to start with, any army disposal store will sell them for about $20.
Get youself a 20L bucket and a shovel from Bunnings and you are good to go.
There are heaps of how to gold pan videos online.
Then go find a creek or dry river bed and start prospecting.
Get out there and meet a few people in the field see what machines they are using. Ask them what they think would be good. The do your research on the machines.
Don't go getting a fancy gold detecting machine until you have done your research and tried prospecting first. You may hate it. Then you are left with an expensive door stop.
If you have your heart set on getting a gold detector then don't waste time on other machines get a Minelab.
If you are only going to be doing parks and the beach get anything. ALDI do a deal once a year on a good model.

Won't do him much good having a Qld fossicking license in Darwin. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Cheers

Doug

 

[gcause]

Sorry Ruggedx didn't see you were in Darwin, here is the link for NT https://fossicking.nt.gov.au/useful-information/useful-resources

 

[Ruggedx]

Lol cheers for the advise. Think im going to like this fissicking game.

 

[Ruggedx]

Jeese some reading to do there

 

[Ruggedx]

Well after much homework ive decided to go with the makro gold kruzer to get me going untill i can get my hands on a sdc2300 Cant wait for delivery.
Thankyou for the input everyone.. aspecially peter for giving me a great lead and putting me onto lost treasure who looked after me great.

 

[Ruggedx]

Update . Ive joined the sdc 2300 club.
Happy days coming up between these both, well with some luck.
Just got to get now