Gold Detector Comparison: Current Models
Compare our dedicated gold detector machines by technology, frequency, waterproofing and weight.
| Model | Technology | Frequency | Waterproofing | Weight | Who it suits |
|---|
| Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000 | VLF | 45 kHz | Coil to 1 m (3.3 ft); control box splash and rain proof | 2.94 lb (1.33 kg), GM10 coil, no battery | First gold detector |
| Minelab GOLD MONSTER 2000 | Multi-Au multi-frequency | 12 to 76 kHz | Coil to 1 m (3.3 ft); IP55 rainproof control pod | 2.75 lb (1.25 kg) with battery | Small gold, changing ground |
| Minelab GPX 6000 | GeoSense-PI | Pulse induction | Coils to 1 m (3.3 ft); detector splash and rain proof | 4.6 lb (2.1 kg) with GPX 11 coil | Deeper nuggets, light PI |
| Minelab SDC 2300 | MPF pulse induction | Pulse induction | Detector and coil to 3 m (10 ft) | 5.1 lb (2.3 kg) | Small gold, hot ground |
| Minelab GPZ 7000 | ZVT | Zero Voltage Transmission (ZVT) | Coil to 1 m (3.3 ft); control box weatherproof only | 7.32 lb (3.32 kg), GPZ 14 coil and battery | Deep nuggets; built-in GPS |
| Minelab GPZ 8000 | GeoZVT | Zero Voltage Transmission (ZVT) | Detector, coil and WM 14 to 1 m (3.3 ft) for up to 30 minutes | 6.1 lb (2.78 kg) with Z18 coil | Professional prospectors |
| Fisher Gold Bug | VLF | 19 kHz | Searchcoil waterproof | 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) | Lowest-cost start |
| Fisher Gold Bug Pro and Gold Bug DP | VLF | 19 kHz | Searchcoil waterproof | 2.5 lb (1.13 kg) with 5 inch coil | Beginners, relics too |
| Fisher Gold Bug 2 | VLF | 71 kHz | Searchcoil waterproof | 2.9 lb (1.3 kg) | Very small gold |
| Garrett Goldmaster 24k | VLF | 48 kHz | Waterproof coils | About 3.0 to 3.4 lb (1.4 to 1.5 kg) | Target ID, automatic ground balance |
| Garrett AT Gold | VLF | 18 kHz | Submersible to 10 ft (3 m), fresh water | 4.1 lb (1.9 kg) with 5 x 8 inch coil and batteries | Creeks, coins and relics |
| Garrett Axiom and Axiom Lite | Pulse induction | Pulse induction | Coil and stem waterproof; control box rainproof | 4.2 lb (1.9 kg) with 11 x 7 inch mono coil | PI with Iron Check |
| Nokta Gold Kruzer | VLF | 61 kHz | IP68, 16.4 ft (5 m) | 3 lb (1.4 kg) | Small gold in creeks |
| Nokta Magnetar 9000 | Pulse induction | Pulse induction | IP68, 10 ft (3 m) | 5.3 lb (2.4 kg) with MG29 coil | Waterproof PI |
| AlgoForce E1500 Plus | Ultra-Fine pulse induction | 1500 Hz transmit, adjustable | Control box not water resistant | Under 4.4 lb (2 kg) with small coil and battery | PI with target ID |
How to Choose a Gold Detector
Choosing a gold detector comes down to one question: what kind of gold, in what kind of ground? The right metal detector for gold depends on both. High-frequency VLF detectors run one frequency, far higher than a coin detector, so small, low-conductivity gold responds more strongly. They are the affordable way in, though hot rocks and heavy mineralization make them noisy. Simultaneous multi-frequency, Minelab's Multi-Au on the GOLD MONSTER 2000, runs several high frequencies at once for small gold in harder soil.
Pulse induction detectors such as the GPX 6000, Axiom and E1500 Plus largely ignore mineralization and hot rocks and reach larger, deeper nuggets. The GPZ 7000 and GPZ 8000 run Minelab's ZVT and GeoZVT technology for depth in difficult ground. As a rule: VLF for small gold on a budget; PI and ZVT for depth and hot ground.
Dedicated Gold Detectors vs All-Purpose Detectors with a Gold Mode
The Minelab MANTICORE and EQUINOX 900 both prospect: the MANTICORE has a Goldfield mode, and the EQUINOX 900 has a Gold mode with two profiles that runs Multi-IQ, 20 kHz or 40 kHz. The XP DEUS II reaches 120 kHz with its HF2 coil, and the XP ORX has Gold and Fine Gold programs. They suit one machine for parks, beaches and goldfields; if gold prospecting is the main goal or the ground is heavily mineralized, a dedicated gold machine finds more small and deep gold.
Gold Detectors by Experience & Budget
New to prospecting: an entry-level high-frequency VLF is easy to learn. Stepping up: multi-frequency or a light PI handles harder ground. Serious prospectors: professional gold detectors, the PI and ZVT machines in the table, chase nuggets a VLF cannot reach. Sort the gold detectors for sale by budget with the filters above.
What Affects Gold Detecting Depth & Sensitivity
A metal detector can detect gold, but finding gold well depends on frequency, ground and coil. Hot, iron-rich soil masks faint signals, so re-balance when the ground changes. A small coil is more sensitive to tiny gold and fits between rocks; a large coil covers more ground and reaches deeper. Run noise cancel first; electrical noise costs depth.
Gold Detecting in Water and on Beaches
Creek gold often sits in bedrock cracks under water, so check the waterproofing column: some gold detectors have only a waterproof coil, others are submersible. For jewelry on salt beaches, the MANTICORE's Beach modes and the DEUS II's Beach programs suit wet salt sand. See waterproof metal detectors and our waterproof gold detectors guide.
Complete Your Prospecting Kit
A pinpointer speeds recovery of tiny targets, a rugged pick and a scoop handle hardpan and creek banks, headphones reveal faint threshold changes, and a second search coil suits a different patch. The Falcon MD20 Gold Tracker, a 300 kHz probe on a cable, checks a pan of dirt for small gold. See also gold prospecting equipment and all metal detector accessories.
Gold Detector Guides and Comparisons
Why Buy Your Gold Detector from Serious Detecting?
- Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your gold detector ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
- Authorized Dealer for Every Brand We Carry: Showroom and local pickup in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the manufacturer’s warranty on every detector and product registration support.
- Help Before and After You Buy: Our staff answer setup, coil and gold detector questions by phone at (844) 771-0707 or by email.
