Garrett Goldmaster 24k Metal Detector Overview
The Garrett Goldmaster 24k (Garrett PN 1142650) is a single-frequency VLF gold detector running at 48 kHz. Garrett lists XGB ground balance with Ground-Sync and TracLock, a 0 to 99 digital target ID, VCO and 2-Tone Beep audio, and the 6 x 10 inch DD waterproof search coil. The Dual-Coil bundle adds a 6 inch concentric waterproof coil. Power comes from 8 AA batteries, rated for about 45 hours, and the Goldmaster 24k ships with NiMH rechargeable AA batteries and a charger. Garrett gives the weight as about 3.0 to 3.4 lb. Headphones ship in the box (Garrett's Clearsound Easy Stow), and Garrett backs its detectors with a 3-year warranty.
Goldmaster 24k vs. AT Gold: Which Should You Buy?
Both are Garrett VLF gold detectors with a 0 to 99 digital target ID, but they are built for different days. The Goldmaster 24k runs at 48 kHz with a 6 x 10 inch DD coil, XGB ground balance, Iron Cancel and Ground Scan, which makes it the more specialized small-gold machine. The AT Gold is fully submersible to 10 ft (3 m) in fresh water, uses a 5 x 8 inch PROformance DD coil, and adds DISC 1 and DISC 2 modes with iron discrimination from 0 to 44, so it also works coins and relics. On the Goldmaster 24k, Garrett describes the coils as waterproof and gives no submersion rating for the control box, so keep the control box dry.
One step up in technology, the Garrett Axiom is a pulse induction detector for the most heavily mineralized ground, hot rocks, black sand and salt, at more weight and cost. We recommend the Goldmaster 24k for small gold in mineralized ground you can work dry, the AT Gold if your gold hunting runs through creeks or you also hunt coins and relics, and the Axiom when ground mineralization is beating your VLF.
Goldmaster 24k, Best For:
- Prospectors hunting small nuggets, pickers and flake gold in mineralized ground
- Tracing paystreaks with Ground Scan, which shows ground strength and ground type as you swing
- Long days in the field on 8 AA batteries rated for about 45 hours
AT Gold, Best For:
- Gold hunters who work creeks and shallow fresh water, with the whole detector submersible to 10 ft (3 m)
- Detectorists who want DISC modes for coins and relics as well as gold
- Hunters who want adjustable iron discrimination from 0 to 44
Key Features That Matter in the Field
48 kHz is a high frequency for a VLF. In our experience higher frequencies are more responsive to small, low-conductivity gold, at the cost of less reach on large, highly conductive targets, which is the right trade for a dedicated gold machine. XGB ground balances automatically by default. Tapping the ground balance button locks the setting, and the display shows TracLock On; tapping again while locked updates it to the ground under the coil. Hold the same control to enter Ground Scan, where the top bar shows ground strength and a two-digit number shows ground type, which Garrett's quick start guide calls useful for tracing paystreaks. Iron Cancel silences hot rocks, trash and mineral changes in both audio modes; Garrett notes it may decrease sensitivity to very small gold, so use the lowest setting that keeps the ground quiet. The SAT setting smooths out ground inconsistencies (default 2). All Metal mode gives the most sensitivity to small targets, and Beep mode gives a high tone for good targets and a low tone for bad ones. With the volume above 8, Boost 1 and Boost 2 can be switched on for maximum sensitivity; frequency shift moves away from electrical interference, and non-motion pinpoint and a backlit display round out the controls.
Where the Garrett Goldmaster 24k Works Best and Its Limits
The Goldmaster 24k fits gold country where the gold is small and the ground is mineralized but workable for a VLF: dry washes, bedrock exposures, tailings and creek banks. The 6 inch concentric coil in the Dual-Coil bundles is the one we recommend for tight spots between rocks; the 6 x 10 inch DD handles changing ground and covers more ground per swing. Its limits: in the most heavily mineralized ground, hot rocks and black sand, a pulse induction detector such as the Axiom keeps more stability and depth; it is not built for coin and relic hunting; and its control box has no published waterproof rating, so wading hunts belong to the AT Gold.
Coils and Accessories That Fit the Garrett Goldmaster 24k
Two Garrett coils fit the Goldmaster 24k: the 6 x 10 inch DD coil that ships with the detector and the 6 inch concentric coil from the Dual-Coil bundle, both waterproof. A replacement 6 x 10 inch coil cover protects the DD coil from rock wear. Some Goldmaster 24k bundles in this collection add a Garrett carry bag or a Pro-Pointer pinpointer; the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT in our Garrett pinpointers collection is fully waterproof to 20 ft (6 m), IP68. Round out the kit with gold pans and classifiers from our gold prospecting equipment and a pick from our digging tools.
Garrett Gold Detector Comparison
Garrett's three gold detector families side by side: two VLF machines and the Axiom pulse induction detector.
| Feature | Garrett Goldmaster 24k | Garrett AT Gold | Garrett Axiom |
|---|
| Technology | VLF, 48 kHz | VLF, high frequency for gold (no kHz figure published) | Pulse induction (PI), Ultra-Pulse timings |
| Search / Audio Modes | All Metal (VCO) and 2-Tone Beep | All Metal, DISC 1, DISC 2 | Fine, Normal, Large, Salt; PWM or VCO audio |
| Target ID | 0 to 99 digital | 0 to 99 digital | No numeric ID; Iron Check with DD-FC coils |
| Ground Balance | XGB automatic, Ground-Sync, TracLock | Automatic, manual, Ground Balance Window | Terra-Scan automatic dual-channel, 4 Ground Track settings |
| Iron Handling | Adjustable Iron Cancel | Iron discrimination 0 to 44 | Iron Check tone (DD-FC coils) |
| Frequency Shift | Yes | 4 channels (F1 to F4) | Frequency Scan (picks the best of 100 frequencies) |
| Coil(s) in the Box | 6 x 10 inch DD (Dual-Coil bundle adds 6 inch concentric) | 5 x 8 inch PROformance DD | 13 x 11 inch DD-FC + 11 x 7 inch mono (MS-3 package) |
| Waterproof | Waterproof coils | Submersible to 10 ft (3 m), fresh water | Coil and stem waterproof; control box rainproof |
| Headphones in the Box | Clearsound Easy Stow | MS-2 | MS-3 wireless |
| Battery | 8 AA, about 45 hr | 4 AA, 20 to 40 hr | Built-in lithium-ion, up to 16 hr |
| Weight | About 3.0 to 3.4 lb | Not published by Garrett | 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) with 11 x 7 inch mono |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years |
For more on the Goldmaster 24k, read our Garrett Goldmaster 24k review.
Why Buy the Garrett Goldmaster 24k from Serious Detecting?
- Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your Garrett Goldmaster 24k ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
- Authorized Garrett Dealer: Showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, full 3-year manufacturer warranty and product registration support.
- Help Before and After You Buy: Our staff answer setup, coil and Goldmaster 24k questions by phone or email.
