Metal detectors come in several main varieties, but they all follow a common principle: an electric charge is used to create a magnetic wave directed at the ground; if this wave comes into contact with metal, the metal begins to vibrate in a certain way, which can be detected by the device.
When the sensor detects metal, it notifies about it through headphones or a movable disc.The best metal detectors are sensitive enough to distinguish between gold and black metals, fully submersible in water, or even to find it in challenging soils such as mineralized black sand.
Some devices also have special features that give you an idea of how likely it is that the metal could be gold, rather than just a piece of lead.
How to choose a metal detector for gold and what to pay attention to?
The methods used for metal detection are divided into several categories. The two most common technologies are very low frequency (VLF) and pulse induction (PI).
Both of these technologies use electromagnetic waves to detect metal.Very low frequency (VLF) detectors use a sensor coil and a transmitter coil. The transmitter coil emits a constant electromagnetic energy at a tuned frequency.When this energy encounters metal underground, it creates an eddy current in the metal, which results in a phase shift of the reflected frequency. The sensor coil can then read this frequency characteristic with the phase shift.
VLF detectors make up the majority of metal detectors and are generally the most versatile. However, they do not work as well in more mineralized soils without proper calibration.
LW detectors designed for gold hunting are usually tuned to a higher frequency. Some higher-priced LW detectors can emit varying frequencies.
PI detectors, on the other hand, emit rapid pulses of electromagnetic energy. These pulses quickly decay. When the pulses encounter a magnetic object, they induce the formation of eddy currents within it.
Then this magnetic vortex current causes a measurable delay in the damping of subsequent impulse transmissions. PI detectors are better than VLF detectors at detecting gold in more mineralized soils and can generally be effective at finding gold at greater depths.
Newer technology is also generally quite expensive but can be useful for experienced seekers who need a device that will give them an advantage in more challenging terrain.
The size of the coil is an important factor in metal detectors for gold. While smaller coils are generally more sensitive to gold, larger coils allow you to cover more ground faster.
Fortunately, some detectors allow coil changes. This enables you to locate an area rich in gold and then switch to a smaller coil for a more precise search.
The depth of detection varies significantly when using different technologies. PI detectors usually handle detecting gold at greater depths better, sometimes up to 60 cm. Only more expensive VLF detectors possess the penetration depth necessary to detect gold at significant depths.
The balance is used to tune the detector's frequency to the sought mineral (in this case, gold) and to filter out everything else. A ground-balanced detector will filter out the frequencies of other minerals and mineralized ground, guiding you to gold at deeper levels and with greater accuracy. The frequency describes the transmission of electromagnetic waves from your detector. Since gold is a metal with very low conductivity, high-frequency transmitters with shorter wavelengths are better at detecting it. Most detectors will have a single frequency they can transmit, while some have a range. We were looking for detectors that transmit at good frequencies for gold hunting, usually 14 kHz and higher.
What to pay attention to before buying a metal detector for gold:
VersatilityMost metal detectors are tuned to a specific frequency. some metal detectors are more versatile. If you are looking for a good metal detector for gold that can also be used as a device for searching silver, relics, and rare metals, look for a more versatile detector with multiple frequencies or interchangeable coils.
Cost
Metal detectors are quickly becoming more expensive. Before buying a metal detector, it is recommended to clearly determine what you want to search for.Of course, there are budget options for amateurs, but if you are serious about searching for gold, purchasing an expensive device will be justified.More expensive metal detectors usually penetrate much deeper into the ground, where valuable gold nuggets may be located.However, even with the most expensive device, gold is very difficult to find, but if you are determined to try your luck, you won't want to miss a nugget that could change your life.
Or maybe you lost your wedding ring in your yard, and you need a simple device; we have compiled a list of the best metal detectors for gold hunting for you.
The best universal metal detector for gold: Minelab Equinox
Minelab Equinox is one of the most versatile metal detectors. With multiple simultaneous frequency characteristics ranging from 5 to 40 kHz, this metal detector can uncover gold veins as well as detect ancient coins, spear tips, and jewelry — all without requiring mode fixation in advance. This picture is complemented by reliable target identifiers that won't make you dig up nails.
Equinox offers an excellent combination of automatic settings and manual tuning options.With four different detection modes, it is just as easy to set up for beach hunting as it is for mineralized mountain soils, where gold is commonly found.
It also comes with 8 customizable search profiles and allows you to save your most frequently used settings. Advanced settings enable you to adjust the sound, while the LCD display briefly summarizes all this with simple controls that allow for instant adjustment of detection modes and frequency.
The best metal detector for gold hunting for beginners is the Fisher Labs Gold Bug
The Gold Bug is easy to use and offers great value in mountainous areas where gold is mined; this metal detector is straightforward and set up for finding gold. The dual-tone detector operates at a fixed frequency of 19 kHz and offers an 'all metal' mode as well as a customized mode. It uses two tones to differentiate metals: a lower tone for ferrous metals like iron, and a higher tone for gold. The Fisher Labs Gold Bug metal detector also features a simple automatic mode selection that is easy for novice prospectors to use.
Due to the fact that this metal detector is tuned to search for gold, it works best in rocky natural environments where gold is found, and performs worse in some other types of environments. It is not the best option for those who plan to use it on the beach, and for this reason, it may not appeal to novice treasure hunters who want more versatility. Its waterproofing is also mediocre, with a submersible head but without full waterproofing. Nevertheless, at its moderate price, it is a good offer for those who have decided to try their luck.
The best underwater metal detector for gold searching is the XP Deus 2
A high-class multi-frequency detector with 49 individual frequency settings, simultaneous multi-frequency operation mode, wireless headphones, and a pointer, as well as impressive waterproofing up to 20 meters deep. The XP Deus is not just a waterproof metal detector. This high-quality multi-frequency detector supports 49 individual frequency settings and also features a 4-45 kHz range mode that is more than suitable for gold searching.
Wide and precise modes help you further narrow down the search area; the device reports results in three different tones for ferrous metals, low and high conductivity metals, in shim or square wave. Deus uses a wireless headset and can connect via wireless network. The monitor is certified to IP68 standard for water and dust protection. Deus II is a metal detector not for beginners; with so many features combined in one device. The controls of the metal detector may not be entirely intuitive for a novice. due to such a wide range of available frequencies and excellent waterproofing, it is one of the most versatile metal detectors.
The best professional metal detector for searching for gold: Garrett ATX
Thanks to its excellent sensitivity even to deeply buried objects, immunity to saltwater, and outstanding resistance to interference, this PI metal detector is ideal for harsh conditions and mineralized soils. The Garrett ATX pulse induction metal detector is a powerful tool designed for deep searches in tough conditions. Using PI technology, the ATX is made to detect gold in challenging environments. The Garrett ATX features multiple modes and capabilities; it uses a multi-frequency mode to detect metal deep underground.
The Garrett ATX has 13 sensitivity modes, an effective ground balancing feature that takes mere seconds to calibrate according to the soil you're working with, as well as ground tracking. The metal check is another feature that checks whether an object is iron, while the pinpoint function helps you lock onto and locate the specific metal you wish to extract. The ATX is quite sturdy, but also heavy—three times heavier than some other metal detectors on our list. It can be submerged to a depth of up to 3 meters, and its operation will not be affected by saline water. Overall, if you need a metal detector that excels in detection depth, this PI detector is what you need.
The best budget metal detector for gold hunting: Bounty Hunter
Bounty Hunter is an affordable metal detector that many people love. Although this VLF detector is not optimal for searching for gold in thick grass, highly mineralized soils, or saltwater, it is still a great choice for searching for gold that is near the surface, or in gravel pits and tailings. Its control panel is easy to use, whether you are switching between cyclic modes or adjusting the sensitivity to tune in to gold.
It has simple automatic presets, three search modes, and a good target strength meter. Its frequency response is below optimal for gold, but with the right sensitivity settings and patience, it hasn't stopped hundreds of users from finding lost wedding rings and gold jewelry near the surface.With such a low price, it is one of the most affordable metal detectors on the market and an excellent device for starting your searches. Its frequency may not be optimal, and other characteristics leave much to be desired, but you can still try to hit the jackpot with it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Metal Detectors
Will any metal detector find gold?
Yes. Most metal detectors are capable of finding gold, but some of them perform this task much better than others.Since gold has a fairly low conductivity, metal detectors using higher frequencies will detect gold better than low-frequency detectors.For this reason, most gold metal detectors have variable frequencies or are tuned to frequencies above 14 kHz. However, this is not an absolute requirement, and some low-frequency models can certainly bring you luck.
At what depth can metal detectors detect gold?
The depth at which metal detectors can operate can vary significantly. The cheapest metal detectors find metal only 10 cm below the ground level. Some of the most powerful detectors can find metal and gold at a depth of 50-60 cm underground. The greater the detection depth, the greater your chances of finding a valuable find.
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