Detector recommendations
- Thread starter Benyop
- Start date
Second hand Minelab gpx 4000. Minelab dealers sell them. $2200 on Coiltek Gold Centre website.
$3550 buys a brand new gpx4500, both models top gold machines.
$3550 buys a brand new gpx4500, both models top gold machines.
I go out with 3 people who all use the 4000 with an added signal enhancer. I use a 5000 and dont find any more than them.
Standard minelab coil is heavy. Most people buy either Nuggetfinder or Coiltek coils which are lighter and easier to swing. Price $5-600 for top models depending on size. I recommend you get a small 8x6 inch Nuggetfinder which is around $250 new. Good way to learn and find lots of small gold.
Larger coils go deeper but it can be a pain and much slower. Depends on the terrain and ground cover.
Buy coils from a dealer, some sell second hand ones with a warranty which is good because they do fail if wiring gets wet and coil lead can get damaged. Buy second-hand private if you can test first, not from ebay.
Standard minelab coil is heavy. Most people buy either Nuggetfinder or Coiltek coils which are lighter and easier to swing. Price $5-600 for top models depending on size. I recommend you get a small 8x6 inch Nuggetfinder which is around $250 new. Good way to learn and find lots of small gold.
Larger coils go deeper but it can be a pain and much slower. Depends on the terrain and ground cover.
Buy coils from a dealer, some sell second hand ones with a warranty which is good because they do fail if wiring gets wet and coil lead can get damaged. Buy second-hand private if you can test first, not from ebay.
Silvercross
Member
Nothing compares to the 7000 I know for a fact.
Benyop asked about the best machine for 3 grand not 10. I would not recommend a 7000 for a first machine, better with a gpx.
First time buyers need to think about a few things and factor them into their financial calculations. I mentioned coils earlier but theres other accessories and spares that you need to own or buy....prospecting pick (not from bunnings), box cover, spare power cable, paper maps, good no steel cap footwear and a thermos for starters. Then take into consideration how often they will be going out. Daily, weekly or once a year. No good tying up big bucks if it wont get much use.
Also while detecting sounds like great fun the reality is it can be a hard slog with no guarantees of success.
Ergonomically lousy and the hinged coil setup is lousy. They do detect well but no good for long stints.
With the SDC you can quickly set them up and find gold and often more times then not it picks up gold other detecters leave behind.
With the 5000 it needs to be tuned/tweaked this dial that way that dial this way that's why everyone tells new buyers that they will help them tune them in.
I will always run a GPX7000 along with the SDC2300 never a 7000 with any other machine.
I've ran the 5000 over small Gullys and gone back over them with the 7000 and picked up gold and I've had both machines in trenchs then turned on the SDC and picked up a load of smaller pieces.
I believe that if you are going to take the time and spend the energy to walk and swing a machine then why short cut and come home with nil then a 7000 comes along behind you and picks up 5oz's you missed.
I bought a top of the range Garrett and it was an absolute terrible machine I got rid of it straight after two trips away.
With the 5000 it needs to be tuned/tweaked this dial that way that dial this way that's why everyone tells new buyers that they will help them tune them in.
I will always run a GPX7000 along with the SDC2300 never a 7000 with any other machine.
I've ran the 5000 over small Gullys and gone back over them with the 7000 and picked up gold and I've had both machines in trenchs then turned on the SDC and picked up a load of smaller pieces.
I believe that if you are going to take the time and spend the energy to walk and swing a machine then why short cut and come home with nil then a 7000 comes along behind you and picks up 5oz's you missed.
I bought a top of the range Garrett and it was an absolute terrible machine I got rid of it straight after two trips away.
jackcoleman
New Member
The Minelab Gold Monster is probably the best choice for most of the NSW fields.
mrsilverservice
Well-Known Member
Personally I wouldn't by a "monster" I think the name is misleading
I reckon buying a $1000.00 worth of Gold instead will give you a much quicker and easier return plus no petrol bill
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The Book of Psalms Chapter 47 verse 2
For the Lord Most High is awesome,He is the great King over all the earth
Dynoman
Active Member
Personally I wouldn't by a "monster" I think the name is misleading
I reckon buying a $1000.00 worth of Gold instead will give you a much quicker and easier return plus no petrol bill
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The Book of Psalms Chapter 47 verse 2
For the Lord Most High is awesome,He is the great King over all the earth
Ah the great outdoors & maybe some shiny stuff to go with it.
I think it's like friends with benefits
I have a Fisher f2 and it works fine for what I do. I mostly detect old cabin sites/trash piles and it's not affected by our heavy mineralization because it's too weak.
It's a decent coin and can machine but not much good for small gold. It was $40 used once.
It's a decent coin and can machine but not much good for small gold. It was $40 used once.
jackcoleman
New Member
I agree but if you want a detector the Gm will find the same gold in NSWPersonally I wouldn't by a "monster" I think the name is misleading
I reckon buying a $1000.00 worth of Gold instead will give you a much quicker and easier return plus no petrol bill
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The Book of Psalms Chapter 47 verse 2
For the Lord Most High is awesome,He is the great King over all the earth