Best Gold Prospecting Metal Detector: A Buyer’s Guide

Electronic gold prospecting can offer endless hours of recreational fun, but it can also be a profitable hobby as your skills and knowledge improve. Undoubtedly, the equipment you invest in can make a difference in the amount of gold you will be able to recover. The metal detectors play a crucial role in increasing your chances of finding valuable deposits.

The best gold prospecting metal detectors are:

However, the same detector might not be the ideal choice for all prospectors. Below you will find a guide that can help you pick the perfect detector for your prospecting needs and goals.

Table of Contents

Types of Metal Detectors

Mineral/metal detectors are the primary tool used for electronic gold prospecting. Today, there is an endless choice on the market for sensors, which can make the purchasing process overwhelming and intimidating, especially if you are new to this activity.

However, the first you will have to understand is the difference between Beat Frequency Oscillator Detectors (BFO) and Very Low-Frequency Detectors (VLF)[1].

BFO Detectors

The first model to consider is Beat Frequency Oscillator, or BFO, Detectors. These pieces of equipment are no longer as popular as they once were since the more advanced VLF Detectors have overshadowed them.

BFO detectors usually will boast two searching modes “mineral” and “metal.” As you pass the radar on a mineral or metal-rich area of the ground, this will produce either a visual or auditory signal[2].

If your BFO produces a sound, you need to wear headphones, especially in noisy areas. You are likely to perform most of your prospecting activities out in the open, where it is easy for a sound to get long, among many others. IN turn, this might cause you to identify a valuable gold deposit.

VLF Detectors

Very Low-Frequency, or VLF, Detectors boast a much more advanced technology, which allows them to distinguish between valuable deposits and highly-mineralized grounds[3]. These detectors can come under other abbreviations and names, such as GEB, GCD, and MF.

Since their technology allows them to cancel-out any potential interference, they can increase your chances of finding gold, among other deposits. While VLF detectors tend to be less affordable than BFOs, they are ideal for prospectors looking at increasing their profits.

Ultimately, for VLFs to work correctly, you will need to learn other essential skills, such as turning them and test them on placer gold concentrates[4]. Thanks to their accuracy, some models of VLFs will tell you if you have identified a nail or bottle top rather than gold.

Important Info on Gold Targets

Independently on whether you are opting for BFOs and VLFs, it is essential to understand how the detector will react on gold targets[5]. Indeed, these might be too deep or too small to be identified, so the detectors’ depth capabilities can make a difference in how much gold you will find.

In general, gold is not identified well by detectors compared to other metals and minerals. High-mineralized grounds and other deposits such as iron and silver might interfere with the detector’s ability to identify a gold nugget or flake underneath.

Features to Look for in a Metal Detector

Once you have decided whether you prefer a BFO or VLF detector for your outings, there are other characteristics to consider to narrow down the choice. However, before we dive into the checklist, it is highly suggestible to speak with a local dealer or seller[6].

Indeed, not all detectors will be suitable for all grounds and locations. If you are not yet an expert in the geology and history of the area where you are planning to look for gold, speaking to a knowledgeable prospector can point you in the right direction.

Other benefits of this tactic include getting familiar with the local prospecting club or treasure hunt associations.

Budget

While buying a metal detector can be an exciting step for many prospectors, it can also represent a significant investment, especially for hobbyists and amateurs. However, it is essential to remember that gold prospecting can turn out to be a profitable activity – if you equip yourself with the right knowledge, skills, and tools.

Generally, metal/mineral detectors can range in price – from $100 to $8,000 and over. With such a choice, understanding the investment that is right for your prospecting needs and goals is essential. Indeed, over-investing in a state-of-the-art detector when you are not as confident with the area’s geology might still be helpful, but not as effective as it would be in the hands of an expert – and vice-versa.

Depth Capabilities

Firstly, while a higher price will relate to better technology, the detector’s depth capability does not always relate to how expensive the device is[7]. Speaking to a local prospector, in this case, can be useful to understand how deep the gold is usually in that precise area.

Different materials will be more or less recognizable, depending on how deep in the grounds they are located. However, two deposits at the same depth will not sound in the same way, and the detector might be able to identify only one of them.

Indeed, different objects and materials will have different properties regarding magnetism and electro-conductivity[8]. Consequently, these characteristics will affect the sensors on the detectors in different ways – making it sound better or worse compared to others. Gold is not one of the better-identifiable materials, and will often be overshadowed by other, highly-mineralized grounds.

In conclusion, a gold nugget that is at the same depth as a silver deposit of the same might not be picked up by the detector, while the silver will.

Multi-Purpose vs. Specialized Detectors

Due to the properties of minerals and metals that we have just seen above, you might struggle to identify gold deposits near or below a silver or iron deposit. That is why many prospectors opt to invest in a specialized detector to recover gold[9].

However, this choice should relate to how you are planning to use the detector in the future. Indeed, many prospectors might search for gold occasionally, but they also dedicate time to the recovery of other valuable objects and deposits underground.

If this is the case, you might opt for a multi-purpose detector, which still allows you to identify gold nuggets while picking up the presence of other profitable metals. Naturally, these detectors might need you to refine your skills before starting to yield the best results.

Oppositely, especially in the case of multi-purpose detectors, you should always keep with you a small natural gold target[10] to test how the sensor will sound in case there is gold in the ground. If the detector does not sound when passed on a gold target in the air, it won’t be able to identify it in the field.

Tuning

Learning how to test and tune your detector accurately is paramount in finding gold. Each model has different requirements, and it might require you to implement various operating instructions[11].

Therefore, when selecting a detector for your prospecting needs, you should opt for one that is easy to set up and tune, especially if you are not yet an expert in prospecting. Familiarizing yourself with the different modes and settings before your outings is an essential step in your preparations.

Sensitivity settings: While it might be tempting to set the detector on a high-sensitivity mode, if you are searching highly-mineralized grounds, this can cause unnecessary interferences. Oppositely, less sensitivity can help scan through mineralized soils and identify valuable targets[12].

Ground balance: Keeping your detector balanced correctly throughout the search can be challenging at first, but it is paramount to find gold nuggets[13]. Therefore, you should opt for a model that offers the possibility to adjust the ground balance manually.

Accessories

Buying a detector is undoubtedly the primary step to start electronic gold prospecting, but some accessories are just essential for successful research. Many sensors come equipped with such accessories, so you won’t need to search for suitable models.

Among the different accessories, a pair of headphones are the most important one. Using headphones while electronic prospecting is crucial, and this point should not be overlooked.

Indeed, as we have seen, few detectors will sound well when passing over gold deposits, and they might produce only a feeble sound[14]. Considering that you will enjoy most of your prospecting activities out in the open or outdoors, these sounds can easily be misheard, confused, or become inaudible.

Additionally, the device might send out different sounds, depending on the deposit discovered. Ultimately, headphones allow you to focus on the weakest signals emitted by the detector, especially when it runs over gold deposits.

14 Best Gold Prospecting Metal Detectors

Below is a list of the best detectors for beginners and expert prospectors. Ensure to speak with a local seller or knowledgeable gold hunter before finalizing your purchase. It can offer an idea of whether the detector is appropriate for the grounds you will be analyzing.

1. Garrett AT Gold Waterproof Metal Detector

Ideal for experts and beginners alike, this last-generation VLF metal detector specializes in nuggets and flakes. While it might require a significant initial investment, the Garrett AT comes with everything you need to get started searching for gold straight away. Indeed, you can enjoy a pair of wireless headphones, and pinpointers included.

One of the features that make this detector one of the favorite ones by gold prospectors is that it is waterproof and ideal for searching shallow freshwater locations – such as the banks of creeks and rivers.

2. Garrett ATX

If you are looking for a metal/mineral detector that is easy to transport and carry with you on your prospecting trips, the Garrett ATX makes a perfect choice. Indeed, all the components fit in the soft storage/travel case included in the price.

Additionally, the 12inc (30cm) coil is wide enough to search ample ground fractions within short time frames. The Garrett ATX comes with a pair of land headphones included, but the handy waterproof version is sold separately. This exclusive, military-grade model is ideal for serious prospectors.

3. Fisher Gold Bug Pro

Affordable and compact, this detector specializes in the recovery of nuggets and gold flakes. Thanks to its VLF technology, this device can cancel out the interference of highly-mineralized soils and focus on the gold targets. At the same time, the discrimination system, the manual ground balancing function, and the easy-to-understand set-up panel make it a preferred device for recreational prospecting activities.

4. Fisher Gold Bug-2

This detector is among the ones that boost the highest sensitivity. However, it also offers a three-option system to select the level of mineralization of the ground. Manufactured by Fisher Labs, this device is not going to let down expert prospectors.

5. Tesoro Lobo SuperTRAQ

An excellent choice for all prospecting abilities, this metal detector is easy to operate and carry, yet its depth capabilities are impressive. Its elliptical-scan coil is over 10in (25cm) wide, which allows you to cover more ground in less time, without missing out on essential hotspots. With a frequency of 17.5 kHz, this detector can help you recover small nuggets and work its way around highly-mineralized grounds.

6. Whites Goldmaster GMT

This VLF detector boasts an impressive operating frequency of 48kHz, which can help you find the smallest flakes of gold even within highly-mineralized grounds. In terms of ground balancing, you will be able to pick between two modes: manual and automatic.

This choice can make a difference in how well your detector will perform on different grounds. Ultimately, this device’s display only boasts simple features and basic commands. While this might make you miss the alternatives offered by other models, this characteristic makes it ideal for beginners.

7. Whites GMX Sport

The GMX Sport is one of the latest models on the market, another device produced by the highly-renowned Whites. This VLF device is waterproof and operates at an average frequency of 48kHz.

While this is a state-of-the-art model that can compete against the best detectors on the market, it boasts some features that hobbyists will appreciate. Indeed, the easy to read display allows you to gauge information about the paystreak. Also, you can visualize the levels of mineralization of the ground, and the type of the deposits in that location.

8. Minelab GPZ 7000

Undoubtedly, the Minelab GPZ 7000 can represent a significant investment for both amateur and expert prospectors. However, this device is also one of the best ones for the market, and yield performances you would not be able to experience with other metal detectors.

The state-of-the-art display is easily accessible by the prospectors and clearly states the numerous options the device offers. Indeed, this Minelab detector can identify deposits up to 40% deeper than any other detector on the market. All the settings can adapt to the different grounds’ requirements with a single touch.

9. Minelab GPX 5000

This model, conceptualized by Minelab, is one of the most powerful on the market. Indeed, it is equipped with the company’s latest technologies, such as Multi Period Sensing (MPS), Smart Electronic Timing Alignment (SETA), and Dual Voltage Technology (DVT).

Additionally, the several search modes that you can select through the clear display make switching focus perfect for your prospecting trips. Indeed, while this detector is excellent for retrieving nuggets, you can set it up to recover treasures, coins, and jewelry.

10. Minelab SDC 2300

Another excellent-quality metal detector manufactured by the world-renowned Minelab, The SDC 2300 boasts unique characteristics that you won’t find in similar models. Indeed, it is entirely assembly-free and foldable. When prospecting, you might couple up using this detector with other tools such as gold pans or sluice boxes, and you will be able to fit all of it in your backpack.

While the small size can be deceiving at first, this metal detector is extremely powerful and capable of searching deeper depths even within mineralized grounds.

11. Minelab Gold Monster 1000

Operating at a frequency of 48kHz, this detector is compact and light, yet highly efficient in several different situations. Indeed, it copes better with the conductivity of salty water than other devices in the same market bracket and is also rain-proof. Additionally, the price includes two different-sized coils for examining larger spaces as well as difficult-to-reach corners.

12. XP DEUS

Waterproof and including a pair of wireless headphones, this detector is ideal if you wish to get started prospecting straight away. Just like many other models of the same level, this detector includes discrimination, ground balance, iron level, multi-tone, audio response, and motion and non-motion tones among its settings. It operates on five different frequencies, depending on the prospector’s needs, ranging from 4.4kHz to 27.7kHz.

13. XP ORX

The precise yet straightforward design of this detector has made it one of the favorites of expert prospectors, as well as beginners. It comes with wireless headphones and a 9.5in (24cm) elliptical DD coil. This device is made highly versatile by the 21 frequencies it can operate on, and that can vary between 13kHz and 81kHz. Adjusting the program accordingly with the situation allows prospectors to analyze any kind of terrain.

14. Nokta | Makro Gold Kruzer

If you are not sure what to expect from your next prospecting trip, this detector is versatile and efficient in all weather and terrain conditions. Indeed, this device is fully submersible up to 5mt (16.5ft), dust resistant, and allows you to decide on your target – whether this is gold or other deposits.

Conclusion

Selecting a purchasing a metal detector can be an intimidating task, mainly due to the wide choice of models out there. However, once you have decided whether you prefer to invest in a BFO or VLF, you will only need to understand where and how you will use the device. If you are not clear about the type of soil you will be processing, it is recommendable to speak to a knowledgeable seller or prospector in the area.