Minelab PRO-GOLD 15" Gold Pan with Dual Riffle System

The PRO-GOLD 15" pan recovers gold particles from nugget-size pieces down to fine flour gold, thanks to its dual riffle system. The deep 90° riffles catch larger gold during the initial wash, while the precision mini riffles grab fine particles that would normally wash away in standard pans. The three-zone design lets you process material in stages, so you're not losing fine gold when you wash away the bulk gravel. Prospectors working concentrates from sluice boxes see the biggest benefit from the mini riffle zone, which holds onto the small particles that escape single-riffle pans. The combination of riffle types ensures you capture gold across the full size spectrum, from visible nuggets down to the finest flour gold that settles in creek gravels.

The PRO-GOLD 15" pan divides the interior into three functional zones that each handle a different panning stage. The outer zone carries 90° riffles that trap larger gold pieces during the initial high-volume wash. The middle zone holds mini riffles that catch fine gold as you work down to concentrates, creating turbulence that separates gold from black sand. The flat sidewall zone gives you a smooth surface for final cleanup and inspection, letting you spread concentrates thin to see every speck. Each zone supports a different panning technique, so you can process material efficiently without switching pans.

The PRO-GOLD 15" pan works excellent for processing concentrates from sluice boxes and highbankers, which is why many prospectors keep one in their cleanup kit. The mini riffle zone is engineered specifically for fine gold recovery, catching the small particles that accumulate in sluice box concentrates. The 15-inch diameter handles a full cleanup pan's worth of material without overflowing, and the flat sidewall zone gives you the control you need for inspecting the final black sand concentrates. We run this pan on concentrates from both our highbankers and portable sluices, and it's become the standard cleanup tool in our gold prospecting equipment rotation.

The PRO-GOLD 15" pan is made from polypropylene, a plastic that resists cracking in cold weather and won't warp in desert heat. Polypropylene stays flexible at low temperatures, so the riffles don't snap when you're working mountain streams in early spring or late fall. The material handles rocky creek beds without developing stress cracks, and it's light enough to carry all day without adding significant weight to your pack. We've used these pans in conditions ranging from Arizona desert washes to high-elevation Colorado creeks, and the polypropylene construction holds up to the abuse of both environments without degrading.

The 15-inch diameter balances capacity and portability, making it large enough for serious prospecting sessions but manageable for all-day use. Smaller 10-inch or 12-inch pans require more frequent reloading when you're processing high volumes of material, while 17-inch or larger pans get heavy and tiring after a few hours of continuous panning. The 15-inch size holds enough gravel to make each pan worth the effort without causing arm fatigue, and it fits easily into a backpack or prospecting kit. Most prospectors find this size ideal for both field panning and processing concentrates back at camp.

The PRO-GOLD 15" pan comes in black, which provides strong contrast against gold's yellow color and makes it easier to spot fine particles during the final cleanup stage. Black pans are the standard in prospecting because gold shows up clearly against the dark background, especially when you're working under natural sunlight. The flat sidewall zone gives you a smooth black surface for spreading concentrates thin, so you can inspect every speck and separate gold from black sand. Some prospectors prefer green pans for certain lighting conditions, but black remains the most popular choice for all-around visibility.

The PRO-GOLD 15" pan works for prospectors at any skill level, though the three-zone design gives you room to develop more advanced techniques as you gain experience. Beginners benefit from the 90° riffles that catch gold even with basic panning motions, while the mini riffle zone rewards more refined technique as you learn to control water flow and material movement. The 15-inch size is easier to handle than oversized pans, and the polypropylene construction forgives the inevitable drops and scrapes that come with learning. If you're new to panning, our gold panning guide covers the basic techniques that work with this pan's three-zone layout.

The PRO-GOLD 15" pan requires minimal maintenance beyond rinsing it clean after each use to remove sand and silt from the riffles. Polypropylene doesn't rust or corrode, so you can store the pan wet or dry without worrying about degradation. Avoid leaving the pan in direct sunlight for extended periods when not in use, as UV exposure can eventually make the plastic brittle. If black sand or clay builds up in the mini riffles, a soft brush and warm water will clear the channels without damaging the riffle structure. We rinse our pans at the end of each prospecting day and store them flat to prevent warping.

The 90° riffles are deep channels that sit at a right angle to the pan's surface, designed to trap larger gold pieces during the initial wash when you're moving high volumes of gravel. Mini riffles are smaller, shallower channels that create turbulence to separate fine gold from black sand as you work down to concentrates. The 90° riffles prevent gold from washing over the rim during aggressive shaking, while the mini riffles hold onto particles that would escape a flat surface or standard riffle design. The PRO-GOLD pan combines both riffle types in separate zones, so you get the benefit of each design at the appropriate stage of the panning process.

The PRO-GOLD 15" pan handles temperature extremes from desert heat to mountain cold without warping or cracking, thanks to its polypropylene construction. We've used these pans in Arizona summer conditions where daytime temperatures exceed 100°F, and the material stays rigid without softening. In cold-weather prospecting, the polypropylene remains flexible enough that the riffles don't snap when you're working mountain streams in freezing conditions. The material's temperature tolerance makes it reliable across the full range of prospecting environments, from high-elevation snowmelt creeks to low-desert washes. Browse more cold-weather and hot-weather options in our gold pans & panning kits collection.