Best Metal Detector for Gold To Buy in 2019 | Top 11 Extended Reviews
What is the best metal detector for gold? Gold as metal, on conductivity and discrimination scale, is on the border with oxidized iron, so the best metal detector for gold should have an extended range of ferrous metals. Gold findings are most often of small sizes, and the best metal detector for gold must be sensitive to small targets. It's easy and difficult to find gold with a metal detector at the same time. It's easy because a metal detector can see gold which lies at a depth. It's difficult because you need to look for gold where it is. But if you add together the specialized capabilities of the best metal detector for gold and the place where it can be found – you get success.
For a newbie, it is difficult to understand the specifics of all the various devices on the market and how they work. It is good to be familiar with the main classification of the best metal detectors for gold to facilitate the selection process. This classification is very conditional, but for beginners in the search for coins and gold, it will be very useful.
- Metal detectors for beginners – cheap devices that do not have a wide range of functions and are suitable only for finding lost jewelry on the beaches. Spending money on such devices is not recommended as their functionality is very limited.
- Middle-level devices – are focused on solving a wide range of tasks: from searching on the beaches to a very serious search for metal things.
- Computerized high-level metal detectors – allow you to make a variety of settings for work in different conditions and on various soils. As a rule, they have a fairly high price and are used only by professionals.
In addition, there are special sealed devices that can work in depth: in lakes, rivers, etc.
How to Choose the Best Metal Detector? Buying Guide
It’s not a secret that for some people search for metal products is just an entertainment, and for others, it is a profession which helps to make money.
How Does the Best Metal Detector for Gold Work?
The best metal detector for gold consists of two elements: a coil and a control unit. With the help of electricity, the coil forms an electromagnetic field that reacts to the metal object. The control unit correctly interprets the signal coming from the coil and is responsible for controlling and adjusting the tool. Electricity comes from batteries.
Can metal detectors detect gold? Of course, it can. As soon as the metal object falls into the detection area, the device gives a sound informing the user about the find. The tone can move from low to high; it depends on the proximity to the object and its magnitude. The screen also shows all the necessary information including advanced parameters: precise identification of the object, the type of metal and its value, and even the depth of the target.
So, how to choose an effective and simply the best metal detector for gold with the help of which you will have fun and earn some money?
Size of the Coil
Fancying which best gold metal detector to buy, it is important to take into account its basic parameters. A large coil gives a perceptible increase in depth. Some metal detectors have in their complete set two search coils. The second one is usually used for heavily littered search areas.
A deep metal detector uses a mono coil. Another coil type (Double-D) operates at a shallower depth but with a significantly larger area. Coil of this class is effective when working with highly mineralized soil.
Discrimination
An effective metal detector for gold necessarily has the function of discrimination. With its help, the device can cut off tin cans, beer covers from valuable metals.
To set the best gold metal detector on receiving certain targets and ignoring others, there is a system of discrimination. Of course, there are several options to implement this system, but it is essential to focus on the main ones. The system of linear discrimination is implemented on pseudo-analog metal detectors of the Tesoro family. This extremely effective system allows setting up instantly! It is enough to turn the regulator to the required mark to exclude unnecessary targets from the search and get feedback only from useful items. In this case, the exclusion of metal objects is carried out in a sequential order starting from targets with lower conductivity (iron) to highly conductive ones.
A system of selective discrimination is used in digital metal detectors equipped with LCD displays. By modifying the discrimination scale, you can exclude intermediate segments from the reception. For example, you can eliminate foil from searching, but leave iron and other high-conductivity targets.
Search Depth
The efficiency of the best metal detector for gold is determined by the depth of its detection. A higher indicator is achieved through the use of technologies that compensate for soil disturbances, which depend on its mineralization and worsen the passage of the signal of the metal detector. The devices with smaller search depth usually provide more exact search results.
Operating Frequency
The working depth and size of the detected objects depend on the frequency of the output signal. For example, the choice of a metal detector with a high value of 10 to 20 kHz is justified if it is planned to search for small nuggets of gold. The signal is scattered in the ground and cannot identify objects at great depth. The average frequency of about 7.5 kHz is typical for universal devices if you do not need concentrating on searching for something specific. Devices with a low operating frequency of 2.5 and 3 kHz are able to scan the ground and mainly detect large objects.
Display
Most metal detectors have a monochrome display. It is well-read in direct sunlight and has low power consumption. Today metal detectors with large LCD screens are becoming more and more popular as they are more convenient in use especially at night.
Learn more about the best effective metal detectors for gold available on the market today. Detailed product reviews will highlight the most important features they possess and their pros and cons. Be ready to choose the best among metal detectors that detect gold.
Top-Rated Products: What’s The Best Metal Detector for Gold 2019?
| Product | Weight | Technology | Frequency | Feature | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
16.35 pounds |
MPS, DVT & SETA |
Bi-Level, Advanced Pulse Induction |
Top accuracy and sensitivity |
|
|
4.45 pounds |
VLF |
17.5kHz |
Lifetime Warranty |
|
|
3.7 pounds |
VLF |
6.6kHz |
Excellent price |
|
|
6.15 pounds |
VLF |
18kHz |
Waterproof |
|
|
2.49 pounds |
VLF |
19kHz |
Best discrimination |
|
|
6.7 pounds |
VLF |
18kHz |
Waterproof construction |
|
|
2.5 pounds |
VLF |
19kHz |
Easy for beginners |
|
|
4.45 pounds |
VLF |
19kHz |
Large LCD Screen |
|
|
2.9 pounds |
71kHz |
Excellent frequency |
|
|
|
6.8 pounds |
VLF |
45kHz |
Fully automatic metal detector |
|
|
14.6 pounds |
PI |
Pulse Induction |
Ideal for all terrains and extreme conditions |
|
Best Overall: Minelab GPX 5000 Metal Detector
Minelab GPX 5000 is a professional in search of gold, the best in its class. It contains the new technologies which will appeal to the beginner and an experienced treasure hunter. Soil adjustments make it possible to work comfortably in soils of any complexity, from highly mineralized to saline beaches. The main purpose of the device is the search for gold, from large nuggets to the smallest particles. It has proven itself in the search for coins, relics, and jewelry.
Due to the special scheme created for catching the smallest grains of gold, Minelab GPX 5000 has extremely high sensitivity and the maximum depth of search. This best metal detector for gold is ideal for an exhaustive inspection of areas rich in finds. It can be stated with confidence that after the GPX-5000 other devices will find nothing. However, it is worth remembering that this device discovers everything, even the smallest targets which make it difficult to use in littered places. A well-known place explored by other metal detectors and rich in finds is the best area for using the device.
PROS
- Lightweight.
- Sensitive.
- Super-powerful.
- Technologically-advanced.
- Detects the smallest particles of gold.
- The most effective.
CONS
- High price.
Best Gold Prospecting Detector: Tesoro Lobo SuperTRAQ Metal Detector
This is another best metal detector for gold from Tesoro engineers. It guarantees the success to treasure hunters because they can easily find gold nuggets and jewelry. Developed with high-quality materials, it shows excellent results, and many people from all over the world give preference to the device. Those who are constantly looking for gold, recommend this gold detector as one that offers the best value for the money.
Tesoro Lobo Super Traq contains schemes which allow searching inside various types of the soil. It finds gold nuggets and old expensive artifacts because of the high frequency. A good coil helps to search for small objects at a sufficient depth very effectively. In addition, this best metal detector for gold has three modes: detuning from alkaline soils, black sand, and from saline soils. When you use these modes, the search appears to be more effective. Also, this product can be fastened on a belt.
PROS
- High-frequency processor.
- Effective even for the smallest nuggets.
- Lifetime warranty.
- Easy in use.
- Affordable price.
- Deep search.
CONS
- Absence of protection for the wide-scan coil.
Best Budget: Bounty Hunter Tracker IV
If you are looking for a cheap metal detector for search hunting in several modes, then you need to pay attention to Bounty Hunter Tracker IV. It will be an excellent option. This is a simple and affordable device suitable for soil search on any terrain. It comes equipped with a coil, control unit, and a bar. The frame is of reliable plastic and metal, and the length of the device can be adjusted. This gold metal detector has an original search coil to search above the surface of the ground. The location of the arrow allows you to get information about the finding (black or non-ferrous metal). There are two toggle switches for adjusting sensitivity and discrimination and three modes: All metals, DISC, TONE.
PROS
- Low price.
- Easy in use.
- Excellent for beginners.
- Ideal for any soil type.
- Effective enough.
CONS
- A lot of plastic components.
Best Value: Garrett 1140680 AT Gold Metal Detector
Garret AT Gold metal detector is another device that deserves being reviewed in details. It is widely popular on the market because it offers new exclusive technologies especially useful for finding coins, jewelry, and gold nuggets, not only on the ground but under the water as well. Rain, fog, and drizzle are no longer the obstacles as this best metal detector for gold can be immersed up to 3 meters deep into the water. The presence of a wide range of settings is also beneficial. The most noticeable among them are manual and automatic ground level detuning, EMI cancellation, convenient coil, waterproof control unit and coil, digital target identifier. All this will make your search effective in the most difficult conditions.
PROS
- Waterproof.
- Digital target ID of VDI.
- Extended range of discrimination of ferrous metals.
- 3 Search modes.
- Affordable price.
- Automatic and manual grounding.
CONS
- Not used in salt water.
Best Discrimination: Gold Bug Pro 2 Coil Combo
Gold PLUS Metal Detector is a device with the best discrimination. It is responsible for finding gold coins and relics. It comes equipped with an 11-inch search coil, which is very effective and convenient in use. If you are planning to utilize this best gold metal detector to search for coins, you should keep in mind that it offers a bit lower sensitivity to US quarters due to their specific design. Also with this device, you will have much success hunting for gold nuggets. The much-mineralized soil won’t serve as an obstacle because this widely popular product uses improved formulas and operating frequency of 19kHz.
PROS
- Lightweight.
- Good price.
- Easy to adjust.
- Allows finding the smallest pieces.
- Excellent discrimination.
CONS
- Difficult to start working with the device.
Best Waterproof: Garrett AT Gold Waterproof Metal Detector
Garrett AT Gold metal detector is the best waterproof device manufactured by the famous American company. With this device, you can hunt for gold on the ground, in the ground, on the beach and even underwater. Salty water is also allowed. With different types of settings, it can detect even the smallest gold items. This gold detector for sale operates using the principle of selective discrimination. All the existing metals divide into 20 segments which correspond to the scale on the display of the device. The detector has three programs and even extra modes. The display shows information about the target, chosen settings, and battery life.
PROS
- Works in the highly mineralized soil.
- Waterproof.
- Can be used in salty water.
- Numerous useful settings.
- Accurate metal discriminator.
- Informative display.
CONS
- Poor quality of headphones.
Best for Beginners: Fisher Gold Bug Pro Metal Detector
The Fisher Labs is always ready to please its fans with top-quality metal detectors. This time we are talking about Fisher Labs Gold Bug Pro. This is one of the gold metal detectors for sale that will fit the beginners eager to find gold nuggets at rather big depths. As a bonus, this device also allows searching for antiquities, military artifacts, and even coins. The compact design permits using it in hard-to-reach places. What is also important, this best metal detector for gold is very easy in use. It comes equipped with the most suitable and correct scheme of consistent discrimination. Also, it offers an inherent ground balancing – manual or automatical. The top-quality system of sound indication allows the hearing to distinguish low-conductivity metals from other ones.
PROS
- An ideal variant for beginners.
- Suitable for finding gold and other treasures under the ground.
- The high-quality system of the sound information.
- Lightweight.
- Affordable price.
CONS
- Arm strap should be purchased separately.
Best Display: Fisher Gold Bug Metal Detector
The famous manufacturer of metal detectors has released another top-rated model. Gold Bug metal detector is primarily designed to find nuggets of gold. In addition, the device is the most sensitive to this metal. Working with this gold detector is very easy as it has a large LCD screen, an informative menu, and numerous useful features. Unlike many other models, this best metal detector for gold features a simplified digital discrimination. Its sequential discriminator excludes objects from low-conductivity to high-conductivity. It is worth mentioning that the sensitivity of the detector is amazing, and it can find and recognize small coins in the soil. In addition, it can be used on the beaches thanks to its waterproof qualities.
PROS
- Large LCD display.
- Waterproof.
- Effective.
- Excellent sensitivity.
- Digital discrimination.
- Lightweight.
CONS
- Complicated for the beginners.
Best Frequency: Fisher Gold Bug-2 Metal Detector
The product of new generation developed by Fisher Labs is the best choice for medium-level and professional gold hunters. It offers the highest frequency of operation – 71kHz. Unlike other metal detectors with a lower frequency, this one easily discovers tiny gold particles even in highly mineralized soils. Fisher Gold Bug 2, as a professional gold metal detector, is extremely easy to use and is recommended for use both independently and for cleaning up places where large nuggets have already been detected by other low-frequency devices. With the help of the inbuilt switch you can set the type of soil: normal, weakly and strongly mineralized. The device has a plastic rod and an oval coil. The control panel is maneuverable and can be placed on the rod or on the belt.
PROS
- Accurate.
- Professional device.
- Easy in use by professional gold hunters.
- Versatile.
- Ultra-high frequency.
CONS
- Overpriced.
Best Sensitivity: Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000
Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000 is another high-frequency metal detector for highly mineralized soil. Due to the high frequency of 45 kHz, its sensitivity to small nuggets is very high. This best metal detector for gold was created as the most adaptive system with several different configurations. This device is fully automatic, so you no longer need to spend extra time on various adjustments. The Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000 has several control buttons that make the search more successful. Detect Mode achieves maximum efficiency. Iron Reject misses all targets, except gold. With Deep All-Metall mode you hear all the targets, and the depth of search is greater. So, if you really want to be an owner of the smart automated best gold metal detector, choose this model.
PROS
- Fully-automated.
- Exceptional sensitivity.
- High frequency.
- Numerous useful modes.
- Easy in Use.
- Affordable price.
CONS
- Can not be used in the dark.
Best All-Terrain: Garrett ATX Pulse Induction Military Grade Metal Detector
Based on Garrett metal detector reviews, Garrett ATX Pulse Induction Military Grade Metal Detector is the best, which easily copes with harsh conditions. The device developed for finding coins and gold treasures in abandoned houses, cellars, and attics, lost ornaments on the beach is reliable, unpretentious and simple in use. Moreover, this fantastic device comes equipped with numerous essential functions. The sensitivity is adjusted; there is manual and automatic tuning to the ground, a discrimination controller and the function of the exact location of the target (pinpoint). It can be completed with 10 or 8-inch DoubleD search coils with a wider coverage area compared to conventional concentric sensors. So, this best gold metal detector is very effective.
PROS
- Waterproof.
- Ideal for all terrains.
- Perfect choice of settings.
- Easy in use.
- Great for professionals.
CONS
- Heavy.
The Best Metal Detector for Gold. Final Advice
Based on the detailed research, it is necessary to admit that the Minelab GPX 5000 Metal Detector is the best metal detector for gold. We recommend giving preference to this best gold metal detector above all the rest because of its unique sensitivity and the highest quality of the construction. It has convenient and intuitive programs for searching. All of them can be easily re-configured depending on the user's needs. Each program works on the latest technology. This best metal detector for gold ensures high accuracy of work and broadening of the search spectrum. Each function involves changing the sensitivity to a particular metal increasing the depth of target detection, etc. Discrimination of the target leads to the possibility of excluding certain metals from the search list. You can create an optimal balance between the type of metal and soil that is characteristic of the area by adjusting the speed of the coil. Balancing on the ground is also a unique feature, which was first used in the best metal detector for gold of this type. Balancing makes it possible to significantly increase the depth of target detection. The results of the work are effective and accurate. So, if you are a professional gold hunter, it is recommended to consider Minelab GPX 5000 as the best gold detector on the market.