Minelab GO-FIND 11 Metal Detector

Minelab GO-FIND 11 Metal Detector Overview

The Minelab GO-FIND 11 runs VFLEX, Minelab's single-frequency VLF technology, at 8 kHz. Onboard you get two Find modes (Non-Ferrous and All Metal), three sensitivity levels, three volume levels and a monochrome LCD with four Find icons that flash to show the type of target under the coil. Audio is one high tone for every target, through the built-in speaker or wired headphones on the 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) socket. The 8 inch rectangular Monoloop coil is hard-wired to the shaft and waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft); Minelab rates only the coil as waterproof, not the control box. The GO-FIND 11 weighs 1.0 kg (2.2 lb), extends to 130.5 cm (51.4 inch), collapses to 55.5 cm (21.9 inch), runs on four AA batteries and carries Minelab's 2-year warranty.

GO-FIND 11 vs. GO-FIND 22: Which Should You Buy?

The GO-FIND 11 and the GO-FIND 22 share the 8 kHz VFLEX circuit, the 8 inch waterproof coil, the 1.0 kg (2.2 lb) weight, the folding shaft, three sensitivity levels and the same two Find modes. The GO-FIND 22 adds a second target tone (low for iron, high for coins and precious metals), five volume levels instead of three, and a 3-level depth indicator that reads Shallow, Medium or Deep before you dig.

If the detector is a first try at the hobby or a gift for a younger detectorist, we recommend the GO-FIND 11: one tone and two modes keep it easy to learn. If you want to hear iron and good targets apart without watching the screen, or want a depth reading, step up to the GO-FIND 22. Neither model has Pinpoint, a backlight or Bluetooth; those start at the GO-FIND 44. The GO-FIND 44 and 66 both work with the free GO-FIND app, and the free Pro App comes with the GO-FIND 66 only.

GO-FIND 11, Best For:

• First-time detectorists who want a detector that works from the first switch-on
• Younger users who need a light, short detector at 1.0 kg (2.2 lb) and 55.5 cm (21.9 inch) folded
• Parks, yards and dry sand where most coins and jewelry sit shallow
• Travel and camping trips where the detector rides in a backpack

GO-FIND 22, Best For:

• Beginners who want two tones to tell iron from coins by ear
• Hunters who want a Shallow, Medium or Deep reading before they dig
• Busy parks where five volume levels help over background noise
• Buyers who want more feedback at the same 1.0 kg (2.2 lb) weight

Key Features That Matter in the Field

Find modes accept or reject groups of metal objects, and you cycle through them with the Find button. Non-Ferrous rejects iron, so nails and other ferrous trash stay quiet; Minelab's product page calls this mode Reject Iron. All Metal detects every metal target, which is the mode we recommend on clean ground or when small jewelry could be in the area. A Find icon that is switched off in a mode shows a target type the detector will not report.

Sensitivity has three levels. Minelab's guide says to raise sensitivity for more detecting depth and to lower it when there is high noise or false signals. We recommend starting at the middle level in parks and dropping one level near power lines, fences or heavy trash.

Because the GO-FIND 11 gives the same high tone for every target, the Find icons do the target identification. We recommend air testing a coin, a nail and a piece of foil past the coil at home, so you know which icon each one lights before the first hunt, and keeping the coil level and close to the ground with slow, overlapping sweeps.

Where the Minelab GO-FIND 11 Performs Best

Parks, yards, school grounds (with permission) and dry beach sand are where the GO-FIND 11 makes the most sense. The coil is waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft), so wet sand at the waterline, puddles and shallow creek edges are fine as long as the handle and control box stay above water. The light weight and short folded length make it easy to keep in a car or a backpack for trips.

The limits come with the simplicity. There is no Pinpoint mode, no depth indicator, no backlight and no Bluetooth, and one tone tells you less than the two to four tones on the GO-FIND 22, 44 and 66. For a detector you can take fully underwater, the VANQUISH 360 runs Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency and is waterproof to 5 m (16 ft), control box and coil.

Coil and Accessories That Fit the Minelab GO-FIND 11

The Minelab GO-FIND 11 comes with its 8 inch rectangular Monoloop coil hard-wired to the shaft and two camouflage stickers. Minelab lists no optional coils for the GO-FIND series, so the coil stays with the detector for its life. The accessories Minelab lists for the GO-FIND 11 are a digging tool, earbuds and a carry bag.

For the GO-FIND 11 we carry the Minelab GO-FIND carry bag, the Minelab Koss earbuds for the GO-FIND series for the 3.5 mm socket, the GO-FIND locking kit with replacement handle and display buttons, and our small, medium and large padded carry bags. A pinpointer speeds up recovery, since the GO-FIND 11 has no Pinpoint mode of its own.

GO-FIND 11 vs. GO-FIND 22 vs. GO-FIND 44 vs. GO-FIND 66 Comparison

All four GO-FIND detectors run VFLEX at 8 kHz, have a hard-wired coil waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft), fold to 55.5 cm (21.9 inch), run on four AA batteries and carry a 2-year warranty. They differ in Find modes, tones, depth reading, Pinpoint, backlight, Bluetooth and coil size.

Read our GO-FIND 22, 44 and 66 comparison guide for a closer look at the differences across the series.

Why Buy the Minelab GO-FIND 11 from Serious Detecting?

• Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your Minelab GO-FIND 11 ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
• Authorized Minelab Dealer: Showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, full 2-year manufacturer warranty and product registration support.
• Help Before and After You Buy: Our staff answer setup, coil and GO-FIND 11 questions by phone or email.