TOP 10 best metal detectors for gold: types of detectors, requirements for devices for searching for gold nuggets, prices and operational characteristics

Perhaps one of the most desirable finds for a treasure hunter is gold. Of course, for an amateur archaeologist, products with history are valuable - the older they are, the more valuable. For the average digger, modern jewelry is better - it has a higher standard. And there is a completely separate clan of native gold miners. Since 2017, the ban on private gold mining has been lifted in Russia, and no one is prohibited from walking around their site using a metal detector for gold.

Metal detector: purpose and principle of operation

A metal detector for gold is a device that indicates the location of metal with different compositions in the ground or water. The equipment records the reflected signal, similar to an echo sounder. Based on the response signal, it determines whether there is a particular metal under the search detector.

For proper functioning, you need a receiving and transmitting antenna. Metal detectors operating according to the VLF and PI schemes have combined antennas, which are called a coil or frame. To catch a signal, the coil must be moved.

RF-powered metal detectors have 2 coils located about half a meter apart from each other. During operation, they do not require constant displacement. There is another type of equipment - pinpointers, which are called precision pointers. They are able to catch interruptions and changes in the eddy current emitted by a metal object.

Key criteria for choosing a metal detector

Equipment of this type , especially professional models, is expensive and is purchased for more than one season.

For this reason, the choice of a metal detector must be approached responsibly. First of all, you need to consider the following:

• Type and purpose. The most common ground metal detectors are designed to search for metal objects underground. Full-size models provide the main search, pin-pointers are an auxiliary tool for pinpoint research. Ground-underwater metal detectors are waterproof and can be used underwater.
• Detection depth. This parameter is key. It characterizes the depth at which the metal detector is capable of detecting large/medium metal objects with high accuracy and small objects, coins, and particles with less accuracy.
• Operating frequency. High detection frequency allows you to find objects made of metals with low conductivity, small, thin and light objects at shallow depths. Low frequency metal detectors work better with large and deep objects.
• Detection method. The Very Low Frequency (VLF) option is the most common today. The method uses a relatively low signal frequency, which ensures little influence of the soil on detection efficiency. Pulse Induction (PI) options with worse discrimination quality and VFLEX with digital signal processing are less common.
• Discriminator. This function provides determination of the properties of the metal. In conjunction with the sensitivity adjustment module, it allows you to filter out certain types of metals and register those required by the operator.
• Coil shape. This parameter is mainly responsible for the size of the detection zone. The concentric element provides a narrow search band and is not efficient; round and elliptical coils capture a wide area with maximum efficiency/accuracy balance.
• Nutrition. Modern portable metal detectors, depending on the model, are powered by batteries or rechargeable batteries. The former require periodic replacement of dead elements, the latter require a source of energy for recharging.
• Additional features. As a rule, metal detectors are equipped with a speaker for sound notification, an output for connecting headphones, an armrest for comfortable searching, and a battery charge indicator. Additional functionality significantly increases the usability of the device.

Table: types of metal detector devices, pros and cons

Metal detector Garrett AT Gold

Top for professionals

The best professional metal detectors differ from amateur ones by having a wider range of functions and a high level of quality in searching for objects. The depth of such devices is about 1 meter, frequencies are set at several levels, and discrimination distinguishes several types of precious metals.

Professional metal detectors ignore interference caused by mineralized rocks. High quality detectors quickly adapt to the soil type using special settings.

XP Deus

Functionality 10 Characteristics 10 Convenience 8 Reliability 9

Overall rating

9.3

pros

• Wide frequency variability
• Lots of advanced features
• Possibility of recording programs on Flash memory
• Connector for charging and software updates

Minuses

• Recharging individual parts of the detector

The French metal detector XP Deus combines the most advanced technologies. The first thing that catches your eye is the absence of wires, which adds ease of use. All components, coil, headphones and electronic unit are connected to each other remotely. The only thing is that this innovation needs to be covered by recharging all individual elements.

The device weighs only 970 grams, and taking into account the batteries, case and other accessories, the same amount can be added. The device operates using FBS (Full Band Spectrum) technology, which indicates a frequency fluctuation from 1.5 to 100 kHz. When an object is detected, using the graphical target identification system, the location of the find is displayed on the coordinate axis.

Minelab E-trac

Functionality 10 Characteristics 10 Convenience 8 Reliability 9

Overall rating

9.3

pros

• High detection accuracy
• Wide choice of parameters
• Latest search technology
• Wide frequency range

Minuses

• High cost of the device

A high-quality metal detector with many cutting-edge features, it weighs 2 kg. The body part consists of a carbon rod. It works using FBS search technology, using 28 frequency programs from 1.5 to 100 kHz.

The accuracy of the location of the jewelry is determined by the coordinate grid, which is displayed on the display. All data obtained has amazing accuracy. Balancing during operation occurs automatically when the detector itself determines the optimal frequencies. This is the ideal tool for professionals.

Minelab CTX 3030 PRO!

Functionality 10 Characteristics 10 Convenience 8 Reliability 10

Overall rating

9.5

pros

• Wide operating frequency range
• Use of high technology search
• Synchronization with a computer and GPS availability
• USB and WiFi support

Minuses

• Battery drains quickly
• High price

Superpro with a color display is developed using FBS2 and GPSi technology and is designed to search for coins, jewelry, and relics. The detection depth reaches 1.45 m. The control panel has 10 search modes, improved color discrimination, automatic compensation and ground balancing.

The reel is waterproof, which allows you to work underwater up to 3 meters deep. There is a radio unit for connecting wireless headphones, the GPS navigator draws routes and allows you to specify targets for searching for objects. The entire route and coordinates of the finds are saved on the computer.

Metal detectors for gold: types and specifics

Not all metal detectors are the same. To see the difference, you need to study the characteristics of the device. High frequencies, more than 14 kHz, are important for searching for small objects.

All search equipment can be divided into universal or specialized. The first type is suitable for various metals, including precious stones. There is a wide range of options here, and it is possible to make custom settings.

Specialized equipment is being developed to determine gold in conditions where this is difficult to do. Such equipment can cost a lot of money, which means it is used only by professionals. An example of such technology is the demon-yu electrochemical detector from Ultramag.

Its task is to establish the authenticity of precious products, non-ferrous and ferrous metals, etc. The device is used in Russia, Ukraine and many other countries.

Beach

The purpose of such equipment is to find precious metals on a fresh or salt beach. The metal detector must be protected from water and have high ground balance. Such requirements are associated with high mineralization of the soil, which makes searching difficult. Therefore, the device must distinguish between signals emanating from ferrous metal and directly from the precious metal.

Not all metal detectors see gold the same way

Water

Precious jewelry is often hidden at knee depth. To do this, the gold detector must have a waterproof coil and a protected housing. It is possible to search for precious metals at a depth of up to 3 meters. To hear the sound of the device, it is better to use special headphones.

How to use a metal detector correctly

First of all - and not later, as Russian people like to do - read the instructions. Not only will she tell you, she will save you. For example, from turning on a metal detector in an apartment stuffed with metal and its immediate failure due to overload.

Equipment setup

We believe that we have decided on the model of a metal detector for gold and have chosen, for example, Minelab Safari or Fisher F75 SE.

First of all, we deal with ground detuning. If necessary, we pump it out. If not, turn on the machine.

The next step is to adjust the sensitivity - to the maximum, but so that there are no false positives. Or almost none.

Next we set up discrimination. We exclude ferrous metal. If we want only and exclusively gold, we can cut out segments to the right, except for the right one - it always works.

If the metal detector has a thrash hold - a threshold sound - be sure to set it up too. Often a small thing does not give a clear signal, but only interrupts the trash hold - such an interruption will tell an experienced treasure hunter more than a loudspeaker screaming at the top of his lungs to a beginner.

By the way, if we consider universal solutions, then Polish new products immediately come to mind - Rutus Argo NE and Rutus Alter 71. This is where the work with thrashhold is done perfectly.

Where to start looking for gold

If the Klondike is unattainable and you don’t even really want to go to Kolyma, a treasure hunter can try his hand at searching for gold in crowded places in nature.

On public beaches

The site has material on how to properly look for jewelry on the beaches. Let's not repeat ourselves, just note that people are strange - why not leave the jewelry at home or in a hotel?

Beach Cop with Metal Detector.

Let us remind you that not all beaches allow you to walk like this, casually waving a metal detector. We read the article and prepare for the legal aspects.

Watch the video of the channel Search for Gold - Aleksey Schwarz. This is the kind of gold jewelry you come across on the beaches.

Requirements for an effective metal detector for gold prospecting

When choosing a metal detector, the following indicators are important:

• quality of goal separation;
• size of found objects;
• depth;
• soil rebuilding.

Qualitative target separation and discrimination

A high-quality detector should distinguish gold from iron. Devices with vDI from 0 to 99 show vDI of precious metal from 40-45, while ferrous metal - no more than 30. The signal of precious metal can be given by metal affected by severe corrosion.

Eliminating interference is the task of discrimination. The more thin bars the scale contains, the less chance of getting a false signal.

Magnitude of discrimination target

The indicator depends on the frequency at which the search is carried out. The higher the frequency, the smaller the wave, which means the smaller objects can be found. The minimum acceptable frequency for gold miners is 14 kHz.

Metal detector Makro Kruzer Gold

Search depth

The greater the depth indicator allowed for the device, the better. This creates a greater chance of finding deposits lying at depths of more than half a meter.

Setting up ground balance

The indicator can be adjusted automatically or manually. It's better when there is manual and automatic balance at the same time. This way there is less chance of catching false signals.

Ground Penetrating Radars

The principle of operation of this device is comparable to the principle of a metal detector - a signal is launched into the medium, which, reflected from the sections of the media, returns back and is processed by a computer.

However, unlike a metal detector, GPR
interacts not only with metal .
This makes it more functional, and the scope of application is wide - from geology to the defense industry .

When choosing between a ground penetrating radar and a metal detector, you should understand the purpose of the entire search procedure and understand that a regular metal detector will be enough to detect lost jewelry.

And a ground penetrating radar also suitable for determining geophysical data of the studied environment to a greater depth than a metal detector, and will help to find gold ore rather than gold chains and rings.

Metal detector pricing factors. Price range

Factors taken into account when pricing are:

• the model was made to search for gold or such a function was obtained by increasing frequencies;
• marketing costs;
• how recognizable the manufacturer is;
• equipment of the device.

Metal detectors for searching for gold vary depending on the following price categories:

• 7 - 15 thousand rubles. - the equipment is designed to search for ordinary metal;
• 16 - 30 thousand rubles. — some models are able to find nuggets;
• 31 - 60 thousand rubles. — models designed for silver, gold;
• More than 60 thousand rubles. - a technique used by professionals.

How to make a metal detector yourself

Even those people who are not particularly good at electronics can make a simple device for searching for gold with their own hands.

Part and workpiece materials

To make a metal detector, you will need a radio, an electronic calculator, a plastic box that will serve as the housing, and double-sided tape. Moreover, both the calculator and the radio should be chosen from those that are worse. The calculator will be a source of radiation, and the receiver will capture its echoes.

Table: TOP 10 effective metal detectors. Comparison of characteristics

The top best devices included 10 metal detectors in the price category from 15 to 50 thousand rubles. The rating is based on user ratings.

Metal detector Minelab X-Terra 305

Rating of devices and their price

After searching the Internet, the conclusion is that users prefer the devices listed below .

We have compiled a rating of professional metal detectors for searching for coins, recycled gold and lost jewelry from the best and most powerful models at their price.

The price indicated is approximate :

• Xpdeus ($1400);
• Fisher f75 ltd ($1000);
• Minelab Safari ($1000);
• Teknetics t2 ltd ($1000);
• Minelab x-terra 705 ($750);
• Aka Sorex 7281 pro ($750);
• Garrett at pro ($750);
• Aka berkut-5 ($600).

very important to be able to use technology and know how to choose the right equipment, since even a professional with a cheap metal detector who understands how this device works will find more than a “teapot” with a professional tool, even if they search on the same beach.

Thus, the number of finds does not always depend on how much the search apparatus costs.

Where is the best place to start looking for gold?

If gold-bearing places are far away and there is no way to get there, you can try your luck in nature. People often go to parks, beaches, and also often lose jewelry there. The gold miner will be able to test his equipment and try out different settings and functions. But it is important to remember the legal side of the issue and responsibility.

It is better to study the law and the area before starting research in order to understand what you can do and what is punishable.

Underwater metal detectors often do not have a display and the digger works only by ear

Assembly procedure and design

Let's start assembling:

1. The receiver is mounted on the inside of the case cover, the calculator on the bottom.
2. We set up the receiver: set the volume and AM range to maximum.
3. We turn on the calculator, the receiver should respond by making noise. Close the housing cover. The receiver relative to the calculator must be fixed in such a position that the receiver stops picking up interference from the latter. The device is ready for use.

Anyone who understands electronics can assemble a more complex metal detector, the Pirat model. The name is an abbreviation, where pi is the operating principle based on pulsed radiation, and rat is “Radio Cattle,” an abbreviated name for the resource of its developers.

Tips on finding gold from metal detecting professionals

• you can explore areas where there used to be deposits, for example, Krasnoyarsk or Chita;
• it is important to study information about the places where you plan to search for gold with a metal detector (pay attention to places where there are minerals, granite, shales and gneisses);
• look for traces of gold mining, these can be mine dumps, blocks of rocks that have fallen on the way, mines and holes in the ground;
• You need to look for gold in rivers in depressions that resemble a “pocket”; the nugget can lie in large underwater rocks and their cracks;
• You need to set aside several days for research;
• It is best to look for treasure with a partner for safety reasons;
• a novice seeker must select equipment for the study area, choose appropriate clothing, shoes, a backpack, a pick, a shovel, a tray, etc. (You can use a used metal detector. You should not buy the necessary equipment on aliexpress, it is better to visit specialized retail outlets);
• you should learn how to rinse sand correctly: the tray should not be overloaded; you need to pour out the water carefully, without haste;
• Each zone needs to be worked especially carefully;
• when searching, it is important to take into account river floods, since gold often lies not only near the riverbed, but also beyond it;
• you need to use a professional metal detector for gold;
• smooth pieces doused with water indicate a long stay in water, which means they were brought from distant territories. (You should look for a rough ingot literally under your feet);
• It is best to start research after a flood or flood;
• Not everyone manages to find the treasure right away; it is important to be persistent and go towards your goal.

Features of the process.

If we talk about the features of searching for gold treasures, it is important to take into account a number of factors:

1. The first point is the correct choice of a metal detector and its optimal setting to select a specific metal in the ground. Accordingly, the equipment will search for everything from nuggets to small particles, jewelry and coins. If there is no such model, take a universal one with an extended search range.

2. The main criterion for choosing a unit is the latter’s resistance to soils with a high mineral content. And it’s optimal if you choose those models that are adjusted to certain types of soil.

3. The main thing is to set such a criterion as resistance to small objects - this will help you find even small decorations and particles. But most often professional models have these criteria.

When the equipment is configured, I then select the location for the future search.

Silver

Silver

What the Law Says About Prospecting for Gold with a Metal Detector

With his own hands, a treasure hunter can find not only wealth, but also problems with the law. The difficulties that amateurs may encounter are set out in Article 243 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation “search and (or) removal of archaeological objects from places of occurrence on the surface of the earth, in the ground or under water, carried out without permission (an open sheet), resulting in damage or destruction of the cultural layer" .

What to do with found ancient gold

Russian legislation regarding the activities of treasure hunters is quite confusing. On the one hand, everything that was found in the ground belongs 50% to the state and the same to the finder. But, if the item is more than 100 years old, the seeker has no right to it, since it is government property and should be returned to the owner.

Found gold items

Can you be fined for searching for precious metals with a metal detector in a public place?

There are no penalties for the fact that a person decides to walk around in a public place with a metal detector. But for violation of Art. 243 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation, a fine of up to 500,000 rubles or withholding of wages for several years is possible. Punishment is also possible in the form of:

• corrective labor for up to 1 year;
• imprisonment for up to 2 years.

Conducting excavations in places of architectural heritage with “like-minded people” will entail a penalty of imprisonment for up to 6 years.

Mined gold about

Question answer

What is the best metal detector for finding gold nuggets?

Expert opinion

Shabanov Andrey

Amateur prospector, has been searching for gold for over 14 years

Minelab GPZ 7000 is the most powerful and expensive metal detector. The equipment is heavy, its weight is 3.3 kg. There is manual and automatic balancing and is highly sensitive. Even with a lot of weight, the device is balanced and quite easy to operate. There is a waterproof Super-D configuration reel, for which there are no competitive models in the world. Custom settings provide for the use of 3 detection modes. GPS makes it possible to mark areas where the user has already been.

The best metal detector manufacturers

Of course, the rating of metal detectors includes only models from trusted manufacturers:

1. Garrett is an American brand that offers devices for both amateurs and professionals;
2. Australian Minelab is known and loved among beginners - its detectors are budget-friendly and easy to operate;
3. Fisher is another American brand that focuses on general-purpose hobbyist and military-grade devices;
4. White's is a British supplier of powerful, professional metal detectors;
5. Teknetics is recommended for amateur searches for coins and gold.

When choosing, you should focus on these two criteria: experience and search specialization. We have divided all the models in our rating into such groups. You may be interested in reading the accompanying articles: Rating of the best walkie-talkies for various purposes and TOP of the best thermoses for tea and food.

Fishing, hunting and tourism The best Chinese metal detectors on Aliexpress

A selection of the best products from Geeksus

What model of metal detector is the best for finding gold for the earth?

Expert opinion

Sizov Roman

Member of the “Metal Detectors on the Beach” club in Anapa

White's TM 808 deep metal detector, made in the USA. The model finds metal at depths of up to 5 m. There is manual ground balancing and VLF detection, which allows you to bypass interference. Operating at low frequencies allows users to adjust sensitivity. The design is heavy, its weight is 2.75 kg, but it is quite easy to operate. Professionals recommend using additional dme-03. DME-3 is a device for express identification of various alloys. The device helps to accurately determine the authenticity of metals and has simple functionality. Specialists can buy these models by ordering via the Internet to any city in the country: Moscow, Minsk or St. Petersburg.