Metal Detector

[briwslave1]

Could someone give me some advice as to the best or at least a good detector for finding gold. The best would probably cost too much anyway.LOL
But I would like to have a good one. Also where can I go to buy gold pans? This gold stuff could turn into work if a person ain't careful. Thanks in advance for any help. Papa-B

[nebraskadad]

Detectors vary from the $20 radio shack model to the high end Minelabs. It depends on what you want to detect. a lot of detectorists hang out on treasurenet. My suggestion would be pose the question over there.

on the Gold pan to each is his own.. I prefer the proline.
http://www.lifestylestore.com/ls_goldpan_5778.html

[russau]

i deleted your other two duplicate posts.

[Hoser John]

Many great detectors and pans out there. Buy used and not abused off the forums/craigslist and your good to go BUT. First join a local yokel club and shorten that nasty learning curve as it kills the hobby for at least 95% of those who try. Nugget shooting is by far the hardest form,most dangerous,most expensive and utilizes the most expensive detectors too. Locals will have equipment to see being used,demos,lectures,club outings and you'll meet some REALLY outrageous folks and learn at a much faster pace. Keene,Gareet,proline as any round pan will help ya learn quite quickly. Ya must luv the rough life,boonies,peace and quiet of the wilderness and not be mamby pamby at all as grunting n' the woods with the bears can be a mite intimidating-have a ball-thats all-tons a au 2 u 2 -John

[Bonaro]

Budget will dictate the quality of detector you will get, buy the best you can afford...you will be very glad you did.
The less costly the detector, the less sophisticated it will be. The learning curve is very steep and regular practice is required. If you can spend more money you can get into a more automated machine which will flatten that curve somewhat. If you can spend about $400 you should be able to find a good used Minelab X-Terra 70 on Craigslist with a few accessories. Good headphones are a must.

For starting out you should learn on a round pan. I like the Garret Gravity Trap and they have a lifetime warranty. Once you master the round pan, try out the LeTrap Square pan. They are super fast.

You can get most everything here at a good price http://www.armadillomining.com/

[gremlin]

do not rush around to find a detector. take your time hit all the places that have used ones. you will find a good deal. get one for gold only if you plan to hunt gold. then get one for hunting coins. the coin ones can be had very cheep, just about every one gets one then uses it for a few days then puts them way. the coin shooters are good for going out a few hours to play around and come up with a lot of lose change. that is good for practice and buying battery's and if your lucky you may find something good. i have got invites to land that normal is closed to hunting arrow head because of a coin detector. a few guys wanted to find there property markers.

[Reno badboy]

I picked up a White's Goldmaster at the local thrift store for $15.00!!! It works better than my $950.00 Eureka Gold Minelab!!! It's not always about how much you spend!!! That goes for all prospecting equipment! Like my $250.00 4" dredge!!!!! (even though CALI. stopped all mining basically there!!!!) Hunt around and you can find good deals on stuff.

[russau]

$250. 4 inch dredge...........you just cant beat that kinda prices!

[Hoser John]

RB- I know of no one who has stopped mining in kalif ban??? what ban we ain't got no stinkn' ban--truck loaded and away we go as again as 80 yesterday and 78 a comn' today sos' I'm a goin'- tons a au 2 u 2-John

[Reno badboy]

So John, take me with ya'!!!! All our claims are out in the open or patroled on a regular basis!!!! Hell, we got one claim that the greenies spend alot of time on!!!