New Zealand Gold Prospecting & Metal Detecting Forums Archive

 

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Derek0000  
Posted : Sunday, 31 July 2011 5:04:51 PM(UTC)
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Im interested in buying a metal detector and after looking through the internet ive not a clue which one would be suitable. It seems that their are many variables which i don't understand.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different products ? What is the difference between the ones worth 100 and the ones worth 10,000 ?
Shilo  
Posted : Sunday, 31 July 2011 5:59:35 PM(UTC)
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Originally Posted by: Derek0000 Go to Quoted Post
Im interested in buying a metal detector and after looking through the internet ive not a clue which one would be suitable. It seems that their are many variables which i don't understand.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different products ? What is the difference between the ones worth 100 and the ones worth 10,000 ?



1st question to ask yourself is "What do I want to find?" Are you after nuggets down south, jewellery from the beach, old coins from the parks?

No detector will do all the above at 100% efficiency thus there are some detectors that are optimised for small gold, others that are waterproof, some that hit hard on silver coins etc. Once you know what you want a detector for you will be able to narrow the list down to a few models from each brand. Then work out what is the maximum you want to spend and this will narrow things down even more. But for any sort of detecting I wouldn't consider any below $500 unless its a 2nd hand unit.
overdog  
Posted : Sunday, 31 July 2011 6:07:43 PM(UTC)
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What Shilo said lol...

Wise words!
keen  
Posted : Monday, 8 August 2011 10:12:45 PM(UTC)
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Hi there, I'm new to the game and considering buying a Gold Bug or a Gold Bug 2, can anyone tell me what machine would be best suited to a beginner, and why? I will be trying to find gold in old workings, dry stream beds and near rivers all in the Central Otago area. Cheers
1864hatter  
Posted : Monday, 8 August 2011 10:27:43 PM(UTC)
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Hey keen I live in Dunedin ive got a gold bug if you ever wanted to have alook at it. They are great machines for beginners and pros alike. Ive used mine to find both coins and nuggets
And now....On sandy beaches and muddy soil, rings and coins await my coil!
nzpoohbear40  
Posted : Thursday, 11 August 2011 7:13:10 PM(UTC)
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i agree with hatter..i also have a goldbug just bought it a week or so ago and it is a great all around machine
as well as built for finding gold.....
Chris - Fisher Dealer http://www.puiakisupply.co.nz/
keen  
Posted : Saturday, 13 August 2011 8:20:44 PM(UTC)
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Cheers for the recommendations guys. What frequency do they run? I went out on panning bedrock cracks on friday and got some colour but not enough to justify forking out for a detector just yet, need more time....
1864hatter  
Posted : Saturday, 13 August 2011 8:32:13 PM(UTC)
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they run at 19khz and have a 5 inch double d coil. They are very similar to the minelab x-terra70 which hs a 6 inch coil and runs at 18.75 khz. but they cost 2 grand. Where did you go to today. I went for a detect in a park today got $30 and a silver florin along with other rubbish coins such as Nz pennys and old decimal1 2 10, 20, 50, cent coins.
And now....On sandy beaches and muddy soil, rings and coins await my coil!
nzpoohbear40  
Posted : Saturday, 13 August 2011 10:59:42 PM(UTC)
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just to clairify what hatter said the minelab cost about 2 grand..the goldbug around 800.00
Chris - Fisher Dealer http://www.puiakisupply.co.nz/
keen  
Posted : Monday, 15 August 2011 11:38:59 AM(UTC)
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sweet, sounds like really good buying then! I went out just north of Alexandra but the river was fairly high, il go back when its low and with a sluice box to try my luck again
goldfinger  
Posted : Friday, 19 August 2011 10:07:15 AM(UTC)
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i am also searching info on detectors and have received much help from members here.
Perhaps the most through info i have found is at this link.
How to Choose the Best Metal Detector for Your Needs.
http://www.minersden.com...late=CONTENT&site=15
goldfinger  
Posted : Friday, 19 August 2011 10:08:52 AM(UTC)
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http://www.minersden.com...late=CONTENT&site=15
I am also looking for the right detector and have received much help from members here.The above link gives a good back ground on detecters.

Edited by user Friday, 19 August 2011 10:11:46 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

keen  
Posted : Sunday, 21 August 2011 10:20:51 AM(UTC)
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Cheers goldfinger. Great article, explains all the different parts really well.