Comparison of UNDER $300 PROSPECTING "NUGGET HUNTING" Metal Detectors

[Functional]

Re: Comparison of UNDER $300 PROSPECTING "NUGGET HUNTING" Metal Detectors

I'll send you my F2 to try out for awhile Functional if you think that would help your decision . Dan

Appreciate the offer Dan, but until I get my truck mobile I'm stuck here in the sunshine and fresh air between the snowcapped mountains.
No shortage of other projects to get done though. Still have to repair this and move that to make room for the other stuff, etc....

I also have to find a way to get to and from the parts place near Kelowna with my tools and 60+ pounds of differential and everyone I know with wheels, is busy, or has other things to do right now. And of course theres the spring cleaning to get done. My version of sorting through and deciding what to give away, or throw out, amongst the pile of accumulated things I bought that I needed at the time, or thought I might need eventually, but it ended up under a pile of other stuff if and when I did need it.

I haven't even had time to take out my $5 flea market metal detector. Just found the manual for it online on Radio Shack's website, (of course, it was only available in Spanish). It's a Discovery2 model 63-3004 and has some bells and whistles, but apart from less than stellar results in an air test, I haven't done anything with it. I wonder what it would be worth to sell on eBay? Likely not much.

I expect that I may be caught up with my projects by the end of the month, but based on past experiences, it could be the end of June before I can get out for some panning and nugget hunting. Just as well, the rivers and creeks need to recede before its safe enough to go wandering out into them.

F.

 

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[Functional]

Re: Comparison of UNDER $300 PROSPECTING "NUGGET HUNTING" Metal Detectors

I think the Garrett Gold Stinger might work well for you. A used one is in the price range you've mentioned and from what I've read works well. It runs at 15Khz, which would find the size gold you want and is also good for coin hunting. I heard the battery is a pain to change and there's a learning curve in using the unit, but I've read it's a good all around detector. The Gold Stinger is still made and I think you could find a mint used one way under your price range.

I vaguely recall the Stinger, but I don't remember where from. I think I was reading about it in another forum where it was used up in Alaska, or the Yukon. I'll have to keep that one in mind and check for more info when the time comes. I'm not too concerned about charging batteries, since I'm planning on installing a couple of solar panels on my trailer to keep the 12 volt batteries topped up. With the cost of gas, I don't like the idea of using power from a vehicle battery that just means running the engine harder to recharge its battery.

Anything I do relating to detecting, is likely going to have to wait until I dispose of an old car thats taking up space here and then repairing, painting and selling my little 4X4, so I can get a slightly bigger truck to haul my trailer around. (Nothing comes easy for me.)

F.

 

[Indasurf]

Re: Comparison of UNDER $300 PROSPECTING "NUGGET HUNTING" Metal Detectors

I think the Garrett Gold Stinger might work well for you. A used one is in the price range you've mentioned and from what I've read works well. It runs at 15Khz, which would find the size gold you want and is also good for coin hunting. I heard the battery is a pain to change and there's a learning curve in using the unit, but I've read it's a good all around detector. The Gold Stinger is still made and I think you could find a mint used one way under your price range.

I vaguely recall the Stinger, but I don't remember where from. I think I was reading about it in another forum where it was used up in Alaska, or the Yukon. I'll have to keep that one in mind and check for more info when the time comes. I'm not too concerned about charging batteries, since I'm planning on installing a couple of solar panels on my trailer to keep the 12 volt batteries topped up. With the cost of gas, I don't like the idea of using power from a vehicle battery that just means running the engine harder to recharge its battery.

Anything I do relating to detecting, is likely going to have to wait until I dispose of an old car thats taking up space here and then repairing, painting and selling my little 4X4, so I can get a slightly bigger truck to haul my trailer around. (Nothing comes easy for me.)

F.

One other thing, the Stinger has two coils for different situations. Both the coils are DD types at 5x10" and 3x7" and the 3x7" will get the smaller stuff and some flakes too (also good for coins in trashy areas).

 

[Functional]

Re: Comparison of UNDER $300 PROSPECTING "NUGGET HUNTING" Metal Detectors

[/quote] One other thing, the Stinger has two coils for different situations. Both the coils are DD types at 5x10" and 3x7" and the 3x7" will get the smaller stuff and some flakes too (also good for coins in trashy areas).
[/quote]

Took a look at the Garrett website and the "Scorpion" Gold Stinger. I see it uses the 15kHz Groundhog circuitry and I've heard alot about the Groundhog, (about as rare as a small "prospectors coil" said to have been used on the Compass Magnum). The Gold Stinger looks like a pretty flashy machine compared to anything I have. I'd have to ugly it up to keep people from wanting to steal it, (maybe if I put Bounty Hunter stickers on the sides of it).

Time to duck out before the BH police arrive.


F.