In Pursuit of Treasure: A Comprehensive Guide to Best Gold Detectors

Finding gold along the beach or shallow waters seems a simple thing to say but a very complicated one to actually do. If luck is on your side, you can strike the real deal and stumble upon some lost valuables or jewelry items, but are you gonna wait for luck to befall you?

Let’s get real and take matters into our own hands. 

The market offers tons of metal detectors claiming to recover valuable metals, including gold. However, choosing the best device that suits your needs is complex. But don’t fret. 

In this guide, we have shortlisted some of the finest gold detectors in the market based on their effectiveness and durability. Let’s dig in.

Minelab Gold Monster 1000

Minelab designed a small, lightweight, user-friendly metal detector marketed as Gold Monster 1000. It is the best gold metal detector for beginners who are unfamiliar with the adjustment settings and sensitivity control. Here are a few key features that make it one of the best gold detectors. 

Key Features

Auto-Operability

Gold Monster 1000 usually features an automatic operation for amateurs. The auto settings help you to optimize the performance, thus eliminating the need for frequent and extensive manual adjustments. 

High Gold Sensitivity

This detector is commonly named as the Gold nuggets detector due to its high sensitivity to the small gold nuggets. Even if tiny gold particles are scattered below the soil’s upper surface, this gold detector will find it all. 

Adaptability

Unlike many other detectors with limited efficacy for particular terrains, Gold Monster 1000 can perform well in various terrains. Whether it is mineralized soil or shallow waters where gold is usually found, it offers efficient performance in complex conditions. 

VLF Technology

This gold detector utilizes VLF (Very Low Frequency) technology, which is essential for gold prospecting. The VLF tech allows detectors to be more sensitive to small gold particles and enhance their effectiveness. 

Pros

• Designed to be easily portable and lightweight making it handy for larger area coverage. 
• Automatic settings are a lifesaver for beginners. 
• Two search coil options (10″ and 5″ Double D coils) allow for a thoughtful selection according to your needs. 
• Ideal for hobbyists and beginner gold finders. 

Cons

• Contains a waterproof coil, but the control unit is not submergible. 
• It is slightly expensive. 

Fisher Labs Gold Bug Pro

The first thing to know about Fisher Labs is that it is one of the oldest standing metal detector manufacturers. Their Gold Bug series contains four different package sets, including Fisher Gold Bug, Fisher Gold Bug Pro, Fisher Gold Bug DP, and Fisher Gold Bug ProCCMB. 

Notwithstanding their different names, the only distinction lies in their search coils. We believe Gold Bug Pro takes the lead among all the variations for a seamless gold detection experience. 

Key Features

Dual Search Modes:

Gold Bug Pro features dual search modes, including discrimination and All-metal. Discrimination mode is ideal for filtering out unwanted targets, while All metal mode provides the best conditions for prospecting.

V- Break Technology:

V-break technology allows you to program breakpoints with respect to the target conductivity. This feature helps in identifying the targets and segregating valuables from trash.

FeTone® Adjustable Iron Audio: 

FeTone got its name based on its ability to tell apart Ferrous particles from non-Ferrous targets. The adjustable iron audio allows users to identify the target by audio changes. 

High Operating Frequency:

Gold Bug Pro operates at a higher frequency, unlike many standard metal detectors, making it more sensitive to small gold nuggets. 

Visual Target ID:

Gold Bug Pro is designed with a visual target ID feature that displays a numerical value corresponding to the conductivity of the metal detected. 

Pros

• One of the best gold nugget detectors you can get at a rather affordable price. 
• Comes with three selections of coils. 
• Lightweight built and easy handling allows hours of prospecting without getting sore arms. 
• LCD displays to identify the target ID and the depth of its location. 
• Easy ground balance. 
• Features waterproof coil to allow shallow water prospecting. 

Cons

• Doesn’t come with an included headset. 
• Instructions are not promising.

Minelab Equinox 800 with EQX 11″

Minelab Equinox 800 was first introduced to the treasure hunters community back in 2017, and once tested by professionals, novice treasure hunters began using this device, raising its market demand significantly. 

Today, it is a middle-market metal detector due to a few disadvantages that we’ll discuss later on. But first, let’s dial into its key features and explore what this detector has in store for you.

Key Features

Multi-Frequency Technology:

Equinox 800 is designed to function on a multi-frequency model. It can operate simultaneously on many frequencies making it discrimination improved and enhanced target detection.

Multi IQ Technology:

This technology allows Equinox 800 to transmit and receive signals across various frequencies simultaneously. Multi IQ optimizes the performance of this detector for several terrain conditions and target types.

Advanced Target ID:

This gold detector’s advanced target identification system enables high accuracy with numerical Target IDs and visual target screen display. 

Search Modes:

This device features several search modes like Field, Park, Beach, and Gold. Multiple modes make it easier for you to optimize your settings according to your detecting environment and preferences. 

Adjustable Tone Profiles:

Equinox 800 allows customizable audio tone profiles, allowing each user to adjust according to their desire. The tone profiles enhance the target identification through sound. 

Pros

• Adjustable backlit display for visibility. 
• Noise-suppressing systems help in areas with high levels of electric noise.
• Comes with a DD 11-inch coil.
• Target tone technology is ideal for those who prefer treasure hunting on the basis of target tone response. 
• Wireless headphones eliminate the hassle of dangling wires. 

Cons 

• Has issues with leak integrity that go against their waterproof claim.
• Unsuitable for the beach or underwater gold detecting. 
• Price can be a deal breaker for many.

Minelab Equinox 900 with EQX 11″ & 6″

Minelab announced the launch of another metal detector in 2022, and rather unexpectedly, they were Equinox 900 and 700. Here, we’ll talk briefly about the Minelab Equinox 900, which is the same as the 800 but with some additional features. 

Key Features

Equinox has all the features discussed earlier for Equinox 800, with some exceptions given as follows:

Waterproof Design:

After the failure of the waterproof feature in Equinox 800 (3m submersible), 900 claims an IP68 waterproof feature that holds true to its claim. It is submersible up to 16ft, making it a good gold detector for beach hunters. 

Multi-Frequency Technology:

Multi-frequency works the same as Equinox and enhances the overall performance of this detector. But EQX 900 features more frequency ranges, including 4,5,10,15,20, & 40.

Dual Search Coil Options:

EQX 900 features a 6″ & 11″ Double- D coil with a skid plate, making it possible for its users to select their preferred coil size. 

Pros

• The shaft is foldable and easy to store. 
• The armrest rolls along the bearing slide to your desired length. 
• Supplied with two search coil options 6″ & 11″. 
• Very lightweight, weighing only 1.27kg.

 Cons

• Slightly leans towards the pricier side.

Garrett Goldmaster 24K – 1142650

Take your prospecting to newfound depths with Garrett Goldmaster’s 24k, aka, the best metal detector for gold. 

Early on, this detector was produced by White’s company, which Garrett later bought; therefore, this Goldmaster 24K was named after it. It was initially designed to detect gold nuggets, and today, it allows several types of treasure hunting. 

Key Features

Selectable Search Coils:

Like many detectors we have already discussed, this gold detector also presents you with a choice of coil size. Select 6″ or 10″ concentric coils based on your preference. Both soils come with a coil cover.

XGB Ground Balance System:

Ground balance system and auto tracking allow this Goldmaster to be used in a variety of land conditions. The XGB system allows less ground noise while more stable operation.

2 Audio Modes:

GM24K features two audio modes where you can select from the 2-tone ‘Beep’ mode or the standard VCO ‘Zip’ mode. Beep mode helps to distinguish target types, while Zip mode raises the audio pitch and volume as signal strength is enhanced. 

Self Adjusting Threshold:

This feature allows you to adjust the threshold recovery speed easily. This adjustment capability helps to reduce the effects of ever-changing ground mineralization. 

Pros

• Backlight enhances vision in low visibility. 
• A simple S-shaped shaft is easy to hold and use. 
• One recharge allows up to 45 hours of treasure hunting. 
• High sensitivity to gold as compared to its competition.

Cons

• Doesn’t come with coil covers.
• Bit of an expensive unit. 

The Bottom Line

There you have it! This guide covers all the necessary information on the best gold detectors that are beginner-friendly and very high on professional usability. So, study the features and pay heed to their pros and cons to decide on the detector that fits YOU the best.

Once you are done, You are good to go all out on your gold hunting with the best gold detector that matches your preference checklist.