I'm trying to get into prospecting and need your opinion...

[Ace]

Like I said, I've always wanted to start prospecting, I wanted a Minelab SD2200V2, but my watch bug kicked in and used to money for a watch , anyways, I'm looking for a nice VLF machine so I'm really undecided on what to get, I'd like to stick to Minelab but I've heard good things about most of the other VLF out there so I need your opinions! Out of these detectors, which one should I go with and why?

*Eureka Gold.
*X-Terra 70
*GMT-E series
*MXT
*Infinium LS
*Gold Bug II

So please help me guys, I'd really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

 

[Gus in idaho]

Hi Ace,
Not everyone will all agree on just one of the machines you have listed. They all have their place, some will be better than others in different areas.
I personally use a ML gpx-4000, and I also use a gold-bug2. Having both of these machines are an absolute must for me, each one works better than the other in certain circumstances. The bug-2 with a 6" coil will find smaller gold than any other machine you have listed.
I truly believe that knowing how to correctly operate your machine is the most important element. I bought my detectors from Gerry's Detectors.
He offers hands on training in the gold-fields with each detector purchase. You can find a link to his website at the top of the this forum. Check out his Training testimonials, and gold photos.
My first gold detector purchase was the bug-2 in 2002, I have found about a pound with it so far. I found a nugget within the first 20 minutes while Gerry was training me. Every since that first nugget, I have the worst case of gold fever.... It wont go away, so watch out.
Good luck,
Gus-

A photo of a patch of nuggets I found in 2 days with a bug2, 6"coil.
[attachment 87018 bug-2nuggets.jpg]

 

[bearkat4160]

Just a note for you Ace... The Infinium is a Pulse Induction (PI) detector like the Minelab SD2200 you mentioned. Other than that, Gus had a great answer for you. I believe any of those detectors are good gold finders.

 

[bubber]

I had a Goldgug years back and I couldn't get past the hot rocks, it was terrible. How is the GB 11 on hot rocks?? How deep will it detect nuggets that small.?

 

[Ace]

Thanks for your input guys, Gus, what are your opinion on the Infinium LS? I barely trust Garrett but it was because of an incident with my 1st detector a few years back, a cheap one, but I've read really good things about this detector in particular. Can you give me your input on that one? =)

Thanks!

 

[Eu_citzen]

I might add that the White's GMT comes close after the gold bug II form fine gold.

What sizes of gold do you expect mostly big or 'small nuggets'?
Where are you located approx? Some places have harsh mineralization and need very good Ground balancing.
If your new a automatic ground balance might be better/easier. Depends on you what you want...

Gus said it well.

Cheers,
Eu

 

[Gus in idaho]

Bubber,
No, the bug-2 will still pick up the hot rocks, you just have to use the iron-id mode and move on if it doesn't produce a signal (click) over the hot rock. Fisher could probably manufacture a machine that wouldn't pick them up as bad, but I think they would lose a lot of the sensitivity. And that is what makes the bug-2 so attractive to me. I have dug bird-shot at 4" with it.
I am so familiar with the bug-2 now, I pretty much know if its a hot rock or a piece of metal.

Ace,
Bottom line.. A VLF machine is more sensitive and will find smaller gold and a lesser depth.
A Pulse induction will find larger gold at greater depths
I believe a prospector must have one of each in his arsenal... In most cases there will be gold that each machine will leave behind, that the other can pick up. ( I have proven this to myself multiple time when finding a nugget patch.)

I personally have never operated the Infinium Ls, but I just haven't heard very much hype about it.
I am not saying that its no good or it wont find gold, only that it has been out for awhile and I have not heard anything extra special about it.
If you are wanting a cheaper Pulse Induction machine, I would wait until Whites releases their first PI. machine, Digger Bob has had some success with the prototype. He may have some input.
Gerry carries all major brands of detectors, including Garrett Infiniums, and I am sure that he operates and trains people how to use them as well. He will know the pros and cons about it.
Gus-

 

[Digger Bob]

Most of those you have listed are good machines, although I've not used them all. I believe with the exception of the Garrett, all are VLF machines so have some susceptiblity to hot rocks. The Gold Bug, GMT, and Eureka will find very small nuggets but are hot rock friendly. The MXT won't find gold as small but is easier on the hot rocks. Just about any of the machines that have ground tracking will help with those.

Based on what I have heard and read, I would stay away from the Garrett. Just too many problems.

Now, like Gus said, I would wait if possible, to see what kind of reports come back on the new Whites PI machine. I have been working with testing the prototype and like what I see so far. I use a Minelab 3500 myself and won't be gving it up for the Whites, but there will be a place in my arsenal for it. And although the price hasn't been established yet, I believe it will be in the $1500 range. That's considerably less than a new Minelab but just a little more than a new VLF machine. And you will like it a lot better than a VLF. MUCH easier to use, punches deeper, wide assortment of coils available, lithium batteries, etc.- too much to list here.
Hopefully, it will be out in a month or so.

Digger Bob

 

[B.T]

The Terra 70 gets gold down to 1/40th of a gram no probs over here in Oz. Has tracking and heaps of other mode options. Hard act to follow.
Go for an SD2200 over an Infinium any day unless you want to go under water.

 

[Gerry in Idaho]

Ace, Sorry I had not spoke sooner, but I just returned from a 3 Day Field Training Trip using gold detectors at Rye Patch, NV with customers.

That is a pretty open question there and you'll get a variety of answers. With 35 Years of detecting experience, I can answer some, but since I have many emails and phone messages to reply to, I'll make my answer short and to the point.

I have used and dug up gold with each of those machines you mentioned and know some of the strong and weak points.

You can view my web site at www.gerrysdetectors.com
or email me at gerrys1det@cableone.net
or call at (20 345-8898 and we'll discuss which model of the top 5 brands will match your needs to give you the highest % of SUCCESS at FINDING GOLD.

[attachment 87206 12Super.jpg]
[attachment 87207 4000a.JPG]
[attachment 87211 Dad4.JPG]
[attachment 87210 X702.jpg]
Thanks, Gerry

 

[bearkat4160]

The Infinium is a good machine and has been upgraded many times to improve it. The coils of late have been upgraded and is more stable and more sensitive now. Not as good as a GP 4000 but what is. For the price it is alot of detector. They did have problems at there begining which has haunted it since 2002 but it is getting a better reputation now.
You can find them around a $1000 if you look hard enough. I saw one on http://mashdetectors.com for $1012 after adding it to the cart to see selling price. Not to bad. Mybe can find it cheeper if you look more. Good luck.

 

[Gus in idaho]

Hi Ace,
You can buy the best gold machine in the world, and it wont be worth a crap unless you know how to use it. Whatever you end up buying, make sure you receive some training from an expert.
Gus-

 

[bearkat4160]

n/t

 

[dobbie]

good question i to would like to prospect some but dont know which machine to get. i live outside of sacremento and im close to coloma where sutter hit it big back in the gold rush days. which machine would be best by the rivers and in this area?

 

[James02]

http://bb.bbboy.net/alaskagoldforum-viewthread?forum=2&thread=349 This is a link to an evaluation of machines used in Alaska, you may gind it useful.