Need advice on which gold detector for old nc gold mines.

[crazykid]

Hi everybody, I'm really wanting to get into gold detecting. I live in Asheboro NC and old gold mines are all around me. Can anyone tell me what kind of used gold detector would be best. Unfortunately my budget is only $300.

 

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[Terry Soloman]

Fisher Gold Bug (2 or Pro); Tesoro Lobo Super Traq; Whites GMT; Teknetics G2

Your budget is too low for a dedicated nuggetshooter.

 

[crazykid]

Thanks Terry, what would be the lowest average price for a dedicated used nuggetshooter? Thanks

 

[Terry Soloman]

Between $500-$800.00 for a VLF

 

[Rick K]

Crazy kid,

I have bought dedicated VLF gold machines for as little as $200. Whites Goldmasters, starting with the GM2, then the VSat, the GM3 and the GM 4b are often listed on Craigslist for $200 - 300. Also original model Tesoro Lobo detectors go for about the same. If you are in a hurry, then Terry's price range is OK, but if you poke around on Craigslist, check pawn shops and such, you will find the occasional bargain.

In the last 6 months I have bought a GM 3 for $200, a GM 4b for $250, a GMT FOR $300, a GoldBug 2 with 2 coils for $250 and a 2 month old Gold Bug Pro for $400. - but then I check 3 times a day!

 

[crazykid]

Thanks Rick, I'm willing to hold out for a while to get a good deal like you've got. It's starting to get warm so I'd love to have one soon but I willing to be patient for a great deal.

 

[crazykid]

What models do you recommend?

 

[crazykid]

Between $500-$800.00 for a VLF

What models would you recommend in that price range? Thanks

 

[Steve Herschbach]

Most bang for brand new full warranty is standard Fisher Gold Bug for $499. But I also just picked up a used White's V/SAT for $250 so you can stay in budget no problem.

 

[crazykid]

Thanks Steve.

 

[Lanny in AB]

I've chased gold in the vein with a detector that I used to have. It worked for doing that, but I can't say it was my favorite detector.

I used to have a Garret Scorpion Gold Stinger. The gold circuit on it worked fine, after I found out the manual had a misprint telling me to turn the ground-balance knob in the wrong direction!

Regardless, I figured it out and it worked fine. I also found nuggets with it. And, by the way, it had a coin circuit with discrimination as well, so you could hunt coins with it.

I would imagine you could pick up a used one of them for under $300.

If you've never chased gold with a detector before, you need to make sure you know how to ground balance properly, know how to ID hotrocks and mineralization, etc. It's not like hunting for coins, and it takes a while.

Find some good Youtube videos to watch, read my main thread for some tips http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/metal-detecting-gold/69-bedrock-gold-mysteries.html or skip over to the Gold Prospecting site and search through it for tips. There's some good links for learning how to hunt with a VLF on the Net: http://www.tekneticst2.com/tekfiles/Dave'sGoldbook-printer.pdf and Teknetics Tek Files

Here's another link to one of my pages that others have added to as well: http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/gold-prospecting/398442-gold-hunting-prospecting-tips.html

All the best as you learn what to look for in a VLF machine within your budget range,

Lanny

 

[crazykid]

Thank for the info Lanny. I really appreciate it.

 

[snakejim]

Hi everybody, I'm really wanting to get into gold detecting. I live in Asheboro NC and old gold mines are all around me. Can anyone tell me what kind of used gold detector would be best. Unfortunately my budget is only $300.

Here you go. A nice looking White's Goldmaster vSat on eBay:
White's Goldmaster V SAT Metal Detector w White's Adjustable Volume Headphones | eBay