What's the Best Metal Detector for Gold?

So you want to find gold with a metal detector? Locating that elusive gold nugget or gold flake can become a reality with the correct equipment. Unlike treasure hunting for coins, jewelry or relics, selecting the correct equipment for gold prospecting requires careful consideration. If you are looking to locate gold nuggets or flakes, read on.

Are you are looking for large quantities of buried gold coins or gold bullion? If this is the case, then what you are looking for is a Two Box or Deep Seeking metal detector like one of the following:

• Detech SSP 5100 Deep Seeking Metal Detector System
• Detech SSP 5100 Deep Seeking Metal Detector Two Coil Pro-Package
• Garrett GTI 2500 Metal Detector with Depth Multiplier
• OKM Delta Ranger Light Long Range Detector
• Nokta Makro Invenio Pro Pack Smart Metal detector and Imaging System
• Groundtech Discovery SM Smart 3D Ground Scanning Detector (Top Pick)
• Groundtech Discovery SMR Smart 3D Ground Scanning Detector + Resisitivity (Top Pick)

Finding gold requires time and effort. Many of the best gold producing regions are remote and cover large expanses of land. The effort may be great, but the rewards can be even greater. As you get started you will be searching large areas looking for your first signal. Once you have found your first gold nugget, you should slow down your search to examine the area around your find in greater detail.

What Are the Types of Gold Metal Detectors?

In general, gold detectors come in two flavors. Gold-seekers can choose from either higher frequency VLF circuits that are very sensitive to gold or lower frequency Pulse Induction (PI) circuits. The Pulse Induction models are typically more expensive than the VLF models. First time hobby metal detectorists may find using a VLF device fun and instantly rewarding. These models are typically all terrain in design and easy to to turn and on use in a variety of settings. The VLF circuits are very sensitive to gold, but they are also sensitive to minerals in the soil. Unfortunately these minerals are common in highly productive gold prospecting regions of the world. The good news is that these detectors can be tuned to filter out most of the mineral interference.

Pulse Induction detectors main strength is in ignoring the toughest ground mineral conditions and finding both large and small gold nuggets at exceptional depth. More serious detectorists will want to  consider a PI metal detector. You can search much deeper in the ground with a PI gold metal detector than with a VLF. This means you can locate gold that is buried deeper. In addition Pulse detectors are able to handle more challenging ground conditions with ease.

Ground Balancing

Having your metal detector ground balanced is important. Ground balancing filters out the minerals in your search area and helps you to distinguish the difference between gold nuggets and the ground surrounding those items. By getting a proper ground balance, you will get the most depth and accuracy from your gold metal detector. This allows you to locate more gold on searches as you can filter out the impacts of minerals on your searches.

Depending on your device, you will likely have manual or an automatic ground balance or some combination of the two. The best gold metal detectors will typically have both manual and automatic ground balance. An improperly ground balanced detector will produce false signals.

Discrimination

You can easily filter out junk targets with discrimination. Simple discrimination will eliminate targets that are within a given range. Lower conductivity targets are the first to be eliminated. Metals with higher conductivity, such as gold, and junk metals, such as aluminum, are removed at a similar level. In an advanced notch discriminator, targets can be selectively filtered out within a wide range of conductivity. Natural gold comes in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and weights. These variations in size will overlap a wide range of your detector's discrimination range and can be easily filtered out. To avoid filtering out gold, you should set your discrimination to low.

Is it gold? Gold can be accurately identified using conductivity meters and specific chemicals. While searching for gold in the field, you should know how to identify the different materials you will encounter. There are many ways to determine whether you are detecting gold or another material. The following are some of them:

• Gold nuggets have a brilliant yellow color.
• Pyrite also known as fools gold has a greenish tint.
• Iron pyrite has a reddish tint to it.
• Other metals such as copper and silver have a metallic shine to them.

Frequency Adjustment

Other Considerations for Finding Gold With a Metal Detector

Environment

It can be challenging to search for gold in areas where it hasn't previously been found. Not only is gold not certain, but a search could take a while. It is suggested that you begin your search for gold in locations where gold has already been found in the past.

You cannot, however, assume that you will find gold in a location simply because it was previously discovered there. Therefore, you should search the exact areas where prospectors worked in the past. It would be a mistake to just search the area around the mines where miners worked. The creeks where miners stacked rocks by hand or the hillsides where they dug tunnels are excellent places to search.

There is a possibility that some gold nuggets might have been missed or dropped by miners when prospecting these areas. A gold metal detector can locate nuggets that the naked eye missed. An area where gold was discovered previously is a good indication that there may be more gold there today. Prospectors didn't have the technology to find more gold nuggets before gold metal detectors came along.

Mineralization

If you are searching for gold with a metal detector, you need to consider mineralization. Soil magnetism results in mineralization. Some particles in the soil have metal characteristics. When metal is found in soil it emits a magnetic response, which metal detectors are able to detect. Detectorists all over the world are frustrated by mineralization.  It may take a detectorist minutes or hours to dig in certain locations after receiving a false response due to mineralization. As a result, time is wasted and frustration results.

One of the encouraging items you may find before locating gold is lead. If you find small pieces of lead, then you are on the right track for gold. Your gold metal detector will signal if you locate gold. This should give you faith that gold may not be too far away. You can increase your hunting success with a reduction in your sensitivity, ground balancing, and experience.

Gold Metal Detectors Features Comparison

In these three comparisons below our team has reviewed the most important gold metal detector features to help you select the best model for you. As part of our comparison, we looked at frequency, waterproofing, coil size, technology, and warranty.

Best Entry-Level Metal Detectors for Gold Comparison Chart

With an eye to help find the best gold metal detector for beginners our team has reviewed the four best entry level models. As two of the top entry level models for the money, the Fisher Gold Bug Pro and Nokta Makro Gold Kruzer stand out.

Best Mid-Level Metal Detectors for Gold Comparison Chart

Finding gold with a metal detector requires skill, a bit of luck and finding a gold metal detector price with exceptional features within your budget. The following six models made the cut. The Detech EDS Gold Catcher and the Garrett AT Gold receive exceptional scores for features for the price and exceptional performance in the field.

Best High-End Metal Detectors for Gold Comparison Chart

If you are looking for the best metal detector for gold, three models make the cut. The models are all waterproof and provide unmatched sensitivity, enabling you to find grain sized nuggets in any terrain. In comparison, the XP DEUS 2 utilizes Fast Multi Frequency technology while the Garrett ATX works with Pulse technology.

What are the Best Metal Detectors for Gold?

Here are links to the most popular gold nugget prospecting models that we offer. If you are a first time prospector, be sure to consider how often you plan to use the equipment and your budget. In addition to the metal detector, you will want to select a quality set of metal detecting headphones, a pick or trowel and a carry bag.

What Are the Best Entry-Level Metal Detectors for Gold?

Fisher Gold Bug

As we noted in our article comparing detectors in the Fisher Gold Bug series: "This powerful, gold prospecting metal detector offers a high frequency perfect for finding the smallest nuggets. It comes with a precision LCD display for easy to read and accurate information on ground conditions and targets. Pinpoint mode helps you get closer to your target's exact location."

The key specifications for the Fisher Gold Bug are:

• Operating frequency: 19.2 kHz
• Water resistance: Waterproof Search Coil
• Coil size: 5"
• Technology: VLF
• Warranty: 5 Years

Fisher F-70 

As we noted in our article comparing detectors in the Fisher F series: "This is one of the most well-rounded metal detectors on the market. The F70 is the one detector with powerful features excellent for searching for gold nuggets, coins, relics, and jewelry. The double filter discrimination mode helps sort between the objects you are looking for and the less desirable objects in the ground. The F70 also positions the batteries under the elbow to provide a counterweight for comfortable all-day hunting."

The key specifications for the Fisher F-70 are:

• Operating frequency: 19.2 kHz
• Water resistance: Waterproof Search Coil
• Coil size: 10" or 5" and 11" DD Combo
• Technology: VLF
• Warranty: 5 Years

Fisher Gold Bug Pro 

As we noted in our article comparing detectors in the Fisher Gold Bug Series: "This prospecting metal detector offers a high frequency that's perfect for finding the tiniest of gold nuggets. The Fisher Gold Bug Pro features a precision LCD display for easy reading and accurate information on ground conditions and targets. This model offers more precise user control and enhanced audio and visual identification. It comes standard with a 5" search coil with the option of upgrading to 11"."

The key specifications for the Fisher Gold Bug Pro are:

• Operating frequency: 19.2 kHz
• Water resistance: Waterproof Search Coil
• Coil size: 5" or 11"
• Technology: VLF
• Warranty: 5 Years

Nokta Makro Gold Kruzer 

As we noted in our article comparing detectors in the Nokta Makro Kruzer series: "The Makro Gold Kruzer is a state-of-the-art gold detector that operates at a whopping 61 kHz! This unit will never miss a tiny gold nugget or sub gram gold nugget! It boasts unparalleled sensitivity and is one of the most affordable high performance and waterproof gold detectors available. It is the same price as the Makro Multi Kruzer, with highly advanced features that are specifically dedicated to gold nugget detecting." This model is Fully submersible up to 5 meters, 16.4 feet and protected from total dust ingress.

The key specifications for the Nokta Makro Gold Kruzer are:

• Operating frequency: 61 kHz
• Water resistance: Waterproof Detector and Search Coil
• Coil size: 10" x 5.5" and 7.5" x 4"
• Technology: VLF
• Warranty: 2 Years

What Are the Best Mid-Level Metal Detectors for Gold?

Garrett AT Gold 

As we noted in our article comparing detectors in the Garrett AT series: "The Garrett AT Gold is a dedicated gold model designed for advanced prospecting and gold hunting. Its 18 kHz frequency is optimal for detection of small gold nuggets. The AT Gold also outperforms when it comes to finding jewelry, coins and relics! This model is not designed for use in saltwater conditions."

The key specifications for the Garrett AT Gold are:

• Operating frequency: 18 kHz
• Water resistance: Waterproof Detector and Search Coil
• Coil size: 5x8" DD
• Technology: VLF
• Warranty: 2 Years

Nokta Makro Gold Finder 2000

As we noted on our Gold Finder 2000 product and specifications page: "Want to detect in the rain? Not a problem as the Gold Finder 2000 is rain proof. No need to get frustrated with ground balancing or navigating through settings. The Gold Finder 2000 offers a turn-on & go operation and saves valuable detecting time."

The key specifications for the Nokta Makro Gold Finder 2000 are:

• Operating frequency: 61 kHz
• Water resistance: Water Resistant Detector and Waterproof Search Coil
• Coil size: 10" x 5.5" and 5"
• Technology: VLF
• Warranty: 2 Years

Fisher Gold Bug 2 

As we noted in our article comparing the Fisher Gold Bug detector models: "The Gold Bug 2 operates at 71kHz, one of the highest operating frequencies on the market. This makes it even more sensitive to the smallest of gold nuggets. It's "Iron Discriminate" mode helps you avoid trash by rejecting iron. The Gold Bug comes with either a 6.5" or 10" search coil with the option to purchase both at a reduced price in the Gold Bug 2 "Combo" package. This model has become the go to detector used by thousands of amateur and professional miners world-wide."

The key specifications for the Fisher Gold Bug 2 are:

• Operating frequency: 71 kHz
• Water resistance: Waterproof Search Coils
• Coil size: 6.5" and/or 10" Elliptical Concentric
• Technology: VLF
• Warranty: 5 Years

XP ORX with 9.5" High Frequency Elliptical Coil 

As we noted in our article comparing the XP ORX models: "This model was Designed to Find More Gold Nuggets in the Toughest Conditions. Top features for this gold detector include: 9.5" Elliptical DD Waterproof Search Coil: Extremely Sensitive to Smaller Targets. Higher Frequency Detector: 21 Frequencies from: 13 kHz – 81 kHz for finding GOLD and small targets. Find small nuggets and flakes of gold. Designed around 3 frequencies to maximize nuggets of all sizes, small, medium and large: 13-15.7 kHz, 26-31 kHz and 68-81kHz. Perfect for trashy and mineralized areas"

The key specifications for the XP ORX are:

• Operating frequency: 13 - 81 kHz
• Water resistance: Waterproof Search Coil
• Coil size: 9.5" Elliptical DD
• Technology: VLF
• Warranty: 5 Years

Detech EDS Gold Catcher 

As we noted in our article comparing detectors in the Detech Metal Detectors: "Detech produces a full range of well built and thoughtfully designed detectors for gold prospecting, relic hunting, coin shooting and deep treasure hunting. The Detech EDS Gold Catcher is designed with one purpose in mind, finding the tiniest and deepest gold nuggets."

When prospecting for gold nuggets or deep veins or gold, the Detech EDS Gold Catcher is one of our favorite options. Like the Fisher Gold Bug 2, this model features an uncomplicated design that finds tiny gold nuggets with ease. In our test patch, the Gold Catcher located tiny nuggets that other models did not even sense. This model includes two waterproof search coils. The first is ideal for all around hunting and pinpointing small nuggets. The second coil covers more ground and penetrates deeper for locating deeper gold nuggets."

The specifications for the Detech EDS Gold Catcher are:

• Operating frequency: 28 kHz
• Water resistance: Waterproof Search Coils
• Coil size: 6" x 6" and 10" x 10"
• Technology: VLF
• Warranty: 2 Years

Garrett GOLDMASTER 24k 

As we noted on our Garrett GOLDMASTER 24k product page: "The Garrett Goldmaster GMT24K metal detector — used in goldfields around the world! This machine represents a new generation of VLF detection technology, with features that both old school and new school or rookie prospectors can appreciate.

A large, backlit display shows you all of the machine’s settings as well as valuable target information. The Target Graph at the top of the display shows Ferrous, Gold, and High Conductor ranges, which is mirrored with Target ID numbers ranging from 0-99."

The key specifications for the Garrett GOLDMASTER 24k are:

• Operating frequency: 48 kHz
• Water resistance: Water Resistant Detector and Waterproof Search Coil
• Coil size: 6" x 10" DD
• Technology: VLF
• Warranty: 2 Years

What Are the Best High-End Metal Detectors for Gold

XP DEUS 2 Fast Multi Frequency

As we noted on our DEUS 2 detector product and specifications page: "DEUS 2 is the first wireless, fast simultaneous multi-frequency metal detector that is also waterproof to 20 meters, 65 feet under water. The unit has 12 very usable pre-set programs including one for gold prospecting and aptly named GOLD FIELD. GOLD FIELD is intended for highly-mineralized gold-bearing ground. Since gold nuggets are often seen as the ground or ferrous items in these tricky environments, the detector is set to “all metal” for deeper detection and only rejects the localized ground."

The key specifications for the XP DEUS 2 are:

• Operating frequency: 4 to 45 kHz
• Water resistance: Waterproof Detector and Search Coil
• Coil size: 9" or 11"
• Technology: Fast Multi-Frequency (FMF)
• Warranty: 5 Years

Garrett ATX Standard Package

As we noted in our article comparing detectors in the Garrett ATX Series: "The ATX is the perfect companion for the harshest conditions. It provides maximum detection on all targets. No need to switch modes and miss one type of target while focusing on another. It also features advanced ground balance perfect for highly mineralized ground and or saltwater without having to use special modes. The Garrett ATX is the ultimate gold nugget prospecting machine."

The key specifications for the Garrett ATX are:

• Operating frequency: 730 Pulses Per Second
• Water resistance: Waterproof Detector and Search Coil
• Coil size: 12" DD
• Technology: Pulse Induction
• Warranty: 2 Years

Garrett ATX with Deepseeker Package 

As we noted in our article comparing detectors in the Garrett ATX Series: "The Deepseeker Package enables the ATX to search even deeper to find more treasure, including deeply buried treasure caches. The package includes a 20" Deepseeker Mono Searchcoil in addition to the standard 12" DD coil. It also comes with a military-grade Garrett hard case to keep your investment protected. Look no further than the Garrett ATX Deepseeker when searching for deep gold nuggets or veins of gold."

The Garrett ATX is our top choice as it is one of the most advanced nugget detectors in the world. Whether you're looking for gold nuggets, coins, jewelry, or relics, this detector is a great choice for all terrains and conditions. The ATX features a pulse design and is ideal for highly mineralized soil where gold nuggets are often found. Extreme sensitivity allows this detector to locate the tiniest gold nuggets.

The specifications for the Garrett ATX Deepseeker are:

• Operating frequency: 730 Pulses Per Second
• Water resistance: Waterproof Detector and Search Coils
• Coil size: 12" DD and 20" Mono
• Technology: Pulse Induction
• Warranty: 2 Years

metaldetector.com product specialist Moe visits the Minelab facility in Las Vegas, NV for product training on the new Minelab GPX 4500 Gold Prospecting metal detector. Pictured from left to right, Moe, Kevin Hoagland, Minelab USA Dealer Specialist and Jim Drummond, Minelab USA President.

So how deep will my gold prospecting metal detector go?

A better question might be how deep do you really need to go? Modern prospecting detectors can discover gold as small as a half a grain. As the size of the target becomes larger, gold nuggets can be located at significantly greater depths. A single grain nugget can be unearthed at a depth of 1-2 inches. A match head size nugget can be located at a depth of 3-5 inches. A nugget the size of a US half dollar can be located at depths of 9-11 inches. Larger nuggets can be located at depths over a foot with a Pulse Induction style detector.

Gold Prospecting search coil types and sizes.

Searchcoils come in two types: Concentric and Widescan Double D. Concentric are preferred for discriminating. Widescan are less affected by ground mineralization. In general, larger searchcoils will give better depth with larger nuggets and better ground coverage. However, sensitivity to smaller nuggets may be sacrificed. Smaller searchcoils will offer greater sensitivity to smaller objects and improved target separation in trashy soil.

Do I need to ground balance?

Most gold prospecting detectors feature manual ground balance controls. This feature will allow the machine to be adjusted to filter out the general iron content of the ground. Don't be intimidated by the need to ground balance, after you have done it once or twice, it will become second nature. Metal detectors that feature automatic ground tracking will require less adjustment and produce less false ground signal noise.

Will my gold nugget detector discriminate out junk metals?

Nugget detectors are designed to find all metals. While finding the smallest nuggets, these detectors will also locate trash metals as well. Most of these units have the ability to tune out common iron and steel junk items. Pulse induction detectors are not designed to filter out trash items.

Go where the gold is!

You can purchase the best gold metal detector in the world, but if you do not spend the time to locate the correct site location, your efforts will not produce gold. Be sure to put yourself on proven nugget bearing ground. A little bit of time spent researching will pay you back many times over. Gold producing areas are well documented and can be researched through the library, the internet, or one of the many excellent books on nugget hunting. Always be sure to check the land ownership and contact claim owners if need be for permission to nugget hunt a specific area. Above all, have fun and may your efforts yield golden rewards.