Good starter prospecting detector

[DurkaDigger]

I am researching a good gold (prospecting) detector for when I get my tax return.

I am guessing I need a PI machine? I would love to have a gpx5000 but that isn't happening... So can anyone advise a GOOD starter prospecting machine at a reasonable price? I do not need a multipurpose because I already have an Etrac, AT Pro, and F2.

Also will a prospecting machine be better for beach hunting than say the Etrac for gold jewelry?

My land here is about 2 miles as the crow flies from the largest gold mine in AL ( in 1830s). I have a creek and major river running through. Our soil is fairly mineralized also.

Basically when it comes to gold hunting I am a newbie all the way around.


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[Steve Herschbach]

I run in all metal mode about 98% of the time anyway. I thought the PI phases out the iron/hot rocks. Or are they actually two different beasts?

Naturally occurring iron minerals and man-made iron and steel are certainly two different things! PI detectors have an edge in tuning out naturally occurring iron minerals, but even then pure iron ores are detectable. The main thing is most natural ores do not conduct electricity. Man made iron and steel items are not only highly magnetic they are quite conductive. Since detectors see both magnetic effects and conductive effects you get a double whammy with iron and steel. That is why even the best VLF detectors will have you digging iron and steel, like bottle caps, every now and then. PI detectors love steel. Little bits of fine wire can drive a Minelab operator nuts. They bang just like small gold

i think anyone expecting the ATX to crack the PI/ferrous nut is going to be disappointed.

 

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[GarretDiggingAz]

Well if they did make a detector only tone on gold and not iron. They probably wouldn't let it be developed

 

[DurkaDigger]

Steve, have you tried the XP Deus? I have been reading that it will detect .2 gram nuggest at 4 inches. Is this good enough or should I pass?

 

[Steve Herschbach]

Steve, have you tried the XP Deus? I have been reading that it will detect .2 gram nuggest at 4 inches. Is this good enough or should I pass?

No, I have not. There are far less expensive machines that do as well or better for prospecting. If you have other reasons for owning a Deus and want to try it for prospecting I am sure it is capable.

 

[DurkaDigger]

No, I have not. There are far less expensive machines that do as well or better for prospecting. If you have other reasons for owning a Deus and want to try it for prospecting I am sure it is capable.

I hunt a lot of trashy sites when I am detecting and it has a lot of iron so the high speed and separations is supposed to be really good. Plus the FSB systems seem to miss small gold chains ect anyway and the fact The Etrac was heavy. I trade it in and should have my xp any day now. I had just noticed the market it as a. 4 in one machine and I have seen some nugget test with it on you tube. It had me curious . I would think it to be better than the ATP for nuggets. Again... Just speculation on my part.


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