Any metal detector folks here?

I have had the itch for some time. Doing a bit of research. I would be more into gold hunting, but also would into the old coin game.

I have not done any research yet, but you guys seem knowledgable. How much does one have to spend to get going?
My targets would be gold and gold rush artifacts.
Thank you in advance
Steve

Steve, you need a good pair of headphones. Gold targets don't scream out. I have Nugget Busters w/volume control. You need a good pick (I like the long handle one from Alaska) with a powerful aftermarket magnet ($10-20) attached so you save time while digging. The magnet will get that old nail or wire that's sounding off in your hole. Collects a ton of black sand as well. Need the magnet for meteorites (most types) as well. A plastic scoop to run material from your hole to wave across your coil. The plastic scoop (and your hands) acts like a filter as you eliminate material (dirt) and get to the target quicker.

If you go in weather when it's roughly 70-90 degrees you need rattlesnake chaps/boots (in snake areas) for your lower legs. Some people only use half a headphone (single) to hear snakes while they're listening to tones on the unit.

The detectors themselves that focus on gold start out around $600-700 for VLF's (very low Freq.) and run up into the thousands for the higher-end PI's (pulse induction units). The sport is similar to kayaking in that many folks are very passionate about their favorite brands etc.

Whites, Fisher, Tesoro, Garrett and Mine Labs are some of the bigger players.

I myself have a unit that was developed in Arizona for mineralized ground and works quite well around hot rocks etc. in noisy areas. It is a VLF and I need to pay for it (via finds) before I justify going for the much more expensive (and deeper) PI units from Australia etc.

I like my Tesoro because of the relative simplicity and they have a great selection of coils that can give me more depth (at the sacrifice of the smaller gold) or better performance in many unique situations etc. Some other folks (and brands) like more bells and whistles with various meters on their units. These can be very nice but they also add complexity. I prefer automatic ground balance and others like manual etc.

My guess/estimate for entry price for gold detecting would be a little less than a $1000.

This sport is not for everyone. I would be very frustrated working junky sites for coins mixed with pull tabs, nails etc. Others use that game plan well and find great older coins/civil war stuff etc. I prefer the desert. I like hitting areas that haven't seen much human contact. And I like being out there with a remote chance of hitting something BIG!  Be it a gold nugget or meteorite. It is also beneficial to study minerals/crystals in case you find other valuables while on your travels. Carry buckets and bring it all home.

Good luck!       

               

ppickerell, I've been to Pyramid once but didn't get a chance to fish for the Lahontans. Nice place. And it would be fun to bring the whole AI set-up but also increase the hassle factor. They have a LOT of rules there. Good trip for future reference. And with the kayaks we wouldn't have to bring ladders.   

   

Rules are pretty reasonable to fish and camp there (Pyramid). Once you head up into the hills there ain't no rules (faint sound of banjos here). Another interesting place I collect is Hallelujah Mtn on 395 on the way to Eagle Lake. Lots of quartz scepters there and you know what hangs with quartz.

Wilderneshunter, was that Sand Mountain over in Nevada (Highway 50 past Fallon?) I've driven by there and watched all those quads etc. racing up and down the hills. Amazing to watch.

Same place. Imaging e all the stuff lost there.