Testing the New / Old Gold bug 2 metal Detector - taking look at the new user interface
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- In this video I will be testing and evaluating the New / Old Gold bug 2 metal Detector. The Fisher Gold Bug is one of the most sensitive metal detectors on the market and has been the gold nugget detector of choice for many. Fisher has now updated the user interface. The guts of the detector remain the same but the user will now have an easier time of operating the machine.
If you are interested in purchasing one of these great detectors, here is a link to buy one.
highplainspros...
For those who want to learn more about Prospecting and finding gold check out my book, Fists full of Gold. It’s an encyclopedia of everything on the topic of prospecting. It’s available on from High Plains Prospectors. (Affiliate) You can find it at:
highplainspros...
For even more information on prospecting, minerals, gems and other related information you can also check out my website at:
nevada-outback-...
The Prospecting and Mining Journal magazine can be found at:
www.icmj.com
I have a Gold Bug 2 for over 25 years. Still works great ! When I find a target on Discriminate Mode, I switch back to Normal Mode to center the target more accurately, and find it a bit easier to use when reducing spoon material. Thanks for showing us the new version ! Good luck out there ! 🤠⚒⛏👍
The GB2 has been a great detector for me as well.
The gold bug 2 is hands down the best vlf! It has made me alot of $$.
Its been a good one for me too.
Thanks for reviewing this! I have never understood why there are so few options for detectors above 30KHz. The Gold Bug 2 is more than double that. You would think there would be more detectors designed to find that really fine gold that is hard to spot with the eyes. I admit I still have a lot to learn about detection technology. I am probably going to build my own detector eventually since I can do those kinds of things.
Glad I could help! You might want to take a look at my video on making your own detector. See: th-cam.com/video/plgpn7E7puE/w-d-xo.html
I just bought the old GB2 and love it. However, I seem to bump the threshold a lot when digging the target. The new threshold feature is the only feature I see as a real bonus. The new screen is nice but not necessary in my opinion and not worth the extra $100 to the price. But that's just me. Thanks for the demo Chris. 🇺🇸👍😎⛏
I didn't bump it that often, but when I did I was always surprised...
I think that this is the type of “retrofitting” or update that this machine needed sometimes it might not be be a good idea to mess around with a really good thing that works really great to much but with 2022 around the corner i think it was necessary
I think this retrofitting was just what the doctor ordered.
Just purchased my first gold bug 2 for $250 😆
A very Nice buy!!
@@ChrisRalph drove 2 hours to pick it up wasn't passing that deal up.. it works amazing I was worried about that...
Great stuff! Hope to see more videos of you in the field with the machine.
There is more to come!
Nice sharing Vidio my friend 👍 nice day.. ✋ thank for sharing this Vidio 👍 greeting from Indonesian traditional gold finder🇺🇸🇲🇨✋👍👍
Thanks for visiting
Hi Chris, I’m new to this and am finding prospecting quite interesting. I’ve just ordered your book, contacted our local prospecting group in Utah and am researching detectors. I am aware of the Goldbug 2 and Goldmonster 1000 and am most likely going to get the Goldmonster. However, during my research I came across the QZ 80 made by Vogel (no relation to me that I know of). It’s pretty pricey but seems to be among the most superior products, based on the hyped advertising, which is all I can find about it. Have you had any experience with it, heard of it or know of anyone who has?
Dont know much about it, seems expensive compared to similar units made in the US.
Just stumbled across this comment. To be honest, as a born german and native german speaker, the website of Vogel seems highly dubious. They kinda have a very strange wording, as if the website had been auto-translated from some other language. On a technical note, "hyped" is exactly the impression i get from the product description on the site. Personally, i would be very careful here, but this is just me after 25 years in the metal detecting & gold panning market. Just an example, what the hell are "ultra-compliant search frequencies"? (source: th-cam.com/video/Pgw_EQeqq9E/w-d-xo.html at 1:36). I nearly fell from my chair laughing. Their combination of nonsensical pseudo-technical wording on the one hand and nice, "a bit too highttech-looking" design on the other hand really makes me think this is a scam. To be clear, if anyone of the vogel team actually reads this, just hit me up and back your product with replicable real world tests and some down-to-earth talk. i would be happy to change my opinion every day. Until then, i see this as a product trying to exploit our "made in germany" label.
If the sensitivity of the machine was not impacted by the changes, then this one should be a winner ! I like that threshold re-location too. Great video Chris !
I tested it for while and the overall sensitivity did not seem to be affected to me.
Ive had my gold bug 2 for more than 20 years, it still works too good, i can find a piece of a bread tie 14 inches down.. lol how it gets there is beond me..
I would think if your going to update an awsome detector you should incorporate some of todays technology.. have it conect to your phone via app, you could use it to track where you have been and what the conditions were... it might let you know of a claim near by and how you can get permission to be there. Or if you cant hear very well a frequency read out.. just some ideas..
The approach to the update was to do as little as possible to change the successful design of the GB2.
April 22 2024, Just Bought one of these" What a "CHEAP MADE MACHINE" , Plastic Housing, Tiny Coil, Housing was LOOSE, Wiggles on Handle, (Have to Tie Down with Plastic Straps. Battery Compartment is Flimsy Plastic, may break. Will take it into the field and see how it works but if the Gold Kruser or the Garrett 24K works better, I'd not waste your money. There is a Lot of Hype in this market, so do your homework before you spend $500.00. Chris is probably sponsored by Fisher. Not Happy with my Purchase and I bought from Chris's Review.
OK. First, I see that this is your first metal detector. I will go through your complaints one by one.
Plastic Housing - Clearly you did no comparison of other detectors - the housings are all made of plastic. The high frequency circuits interact with metal if the circuits are surrounded by metal. The plastic is quite sturdy.
Tiny Coil - the detector can be purchased with a small or a large coil. Why did you buy a small coil if you wanted a larger one? The small coil is more sensitive to smaller gold.
Housing was LOOSE, Wiggles on Handle, (Have to Tie Down with Plastic Straps. - This is not normal. Did you buy a used detector? If your detector is new, the dealer should help you get this fixed or replaced.
Battery Compartment is Flimsy Plastic, may break. - On this one I agree with you. I have complained about it to Fisher. I use a control box cover over mine to hold in the batteries and covers.
Do your homework before you spend $500.00. - This detector is more like $800+ new, so did you buy a used and somewhat damaged one ?????
Chris is probably sponsored by Fisher. - No I am not, and my recommendation is genuine and still valid. I have a few friends who work there, but I have friends at all the major metal detector companies.
Joedirt - I'd like to see you respond to this. If I can help you I will.
I have been gold panning off and on since 1967 (though mostly off) and after watching your videos I have been thinking of getting a gold capable metal detector. One question I have is I have hearing loss. I'm deaf in one ear and should be using a hearing aid in the other. With a hearing loss would a person be able to pick up on the tone differences enough to detect smaller gold sources?
I cant answer that question because it all depends on how bad your hearing loss is and at what tonal range your loss is in.
Great review Chris, I bought the new Gold Bug-2 after seeing your review. I also bought your book. You might say I have Gold fever LOL.. I live in Temecula Ca and wondered if you have any good places to look for gold in Southern Ca. I'm thinking of Julian, and Hurkey Creek near Hemet lake. Plus at the end of this December I'm thinking of going to Ransburg. Thanks for all you do to educate me you are really interesting. I am really new to prospecting but love the great outdoors.
First, watch my video on where to find gold in southern California. See: th-cam.com/video/j2l8yMXFxeY/w-d-xo.html
Then consider joining a prospecting club. The GPAA is headquartered right there in Temecula.
@@ChrisRalph Thank you Chris
Chris, thank you ! I joined the GPAA thanks to you. It was good advise to join a club. This way I'll be able to get with other Gold diggers that have real experience. Should be fun take care and good luck to you.
So would you recommend the goldbug 2 for the price or is there better ones at that price that you would recommend?
Check out this video to help you better informed to make a decision: th-cam.com/video/SqwkpH9LZIM/w-d-xo.html
Good video and good machine for sure been around for a long time. I did end up getting the gm 1000. Only cause I'm a beginner and it seemed the way to. I would like to have that one as well.
Good luck in your prospecting!
Which country produced it and what is the price? It's interesting
Made in El Paso, Texas, USA.
hay cot an old gold bug 2 it quit working would you send it in to the company to have it fixed or would you buy a new one that they came out with thanks for your in put
Depends in how bad it is damaged. If only a little, get it fixed. If badly damaged, get a new one.
I keep bumping the threshold on my Gold Bug Pro. I tent to crank it on accident.
Maybe tape a cover over it?
Se ve interesante el libro.....estara tambien en español ? 🤔 Saludos desde Chile.
I do not speak Spanish.
Hi Chris, would you say this is as good as the Gold Bug Pro that you went over in your other video?
It is much more sensitive, but more expensive too.
How much are you going to sale me the old one sir, Benny from Zambia,
I do not sale metal detectors. Find someone in your own country who sells them.
I had the older Gold Bug 2, but looking at buying a new one!👍
Sounds good.
My gold bug2 is about 12 years old but I really like it, it’s found me many ounces of gold. I might have to get the newer version.
Keep the older one as a back up.
@@ChrisRalph hello Chris is this gold bug 2 good to use in Africa soil like Zimbabwe
Good day! will this detector work on black sand?
Yes, if you adjust it properly.
Was that a 6 inch coil? And would it be referred to as an elliptical coil and would you ever stick the coil into water?
Yes, that was the 6 inch coil - it is elliptical, and 6 inches is the length. The coil and cable can go into the water, the battery and control box cannot.
@@ChrisRalph excellent thank you so much really enjoying your Channel!
bend your knees not your waist
Doctor - have you examined my knees?
Chris, good evening. Just finished watching your video here and the one on the Gold Bug Pro. I enjoyed them both. Main problem is doing the manual ground balance. Drives me crazy and because of that I have pretty much set my old Gold Bug 2 aside. My question that I've got now after watching your videos is whether or not the user interface for the new version will work with the coils for the older model. I have both coils and it seems to be a waste of money to purchase the whole setup if all I need is a newer interface. Thanks for taking the time to respond. Best regards, Don
The old coils for the GB2 will work with the new GB2. The Gold Monster 1000 by minelab has automatic ground balancing and is easier to use.
Gold Monster 1000 vs Gold bug 2 which one is better.Sir old gold mining area.
It depends on where you detect and what type of detecting you do. There is no one clear winner for all cases.
I just found your channel. I have the original goldbug. I was considering moving up to the goldbug two. Looks like its going to be the goldbug 2.2.
The threshold location was a real ..... yep. Glad they moved it. I looked at minelab and quite honestly they are really expensive and from my research, not all that more effective. And i would rather support an American company first. The goldbug isnt my only Fisher detector. And won't be my last. They just work. And I don't need a read out screen. Like yourself, i use my ears to listen to the tones my detector picks up. I have Garrett AT's and the Max also. And I rarely look at the screen. They are just easier to use all day when relic hunting. And gold doesn't register like it does with the goldbug. So i usually sweep over a site with the Pros then go back over it with the bug. You never know and not checking could be the difference between a great day detecting and an ok day.
Well presented review. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with the goldbug two.
Thanks, glad you liked my review.
Very much. I'm glad I subscribed to your channel.
Yeah I'm a rock Hunter and I found some gyms I think and I like to show them to you and I got a dinosaur egg and I'm pretty positive that's what that is and I like to show it to you and see if you can tell me if it's real or not or if it's a dinosaur egg you know because I'm pretty sure it is.. can I get your email so I can email you some pictures unless you're going to be in the area of kirksville Missouri
Hi Aubrey -
My apologies, but I get 10 to 20 people per day who want me to give them personal help, advice, training, mineral identification, property evaluations, etc. The truth is that it is nearly impossible to ID rocks and minerals just from photos - and I make that very clear on my mineral identification videos. I have many family obligations and projects of my own and simply do not have time to help everyone who asks. My priority by far is my own family and my own projects. Helping all who ask would be a full time job in itself, and I simply do not have the time. I have a detailed book that I took a lot of time to write and my videos which also take time to produce and that is all I can offer.
I wish you the best of luck in your prospecting efforts.
Chris
I would have thought the update would include rechargeable batteries.
Carrying spare battery’s seems a bit archaic.
Maybe they are rechargeable, it didn’t say.
I have rechargeable batteries I bought for my GB2, but it does not come with that in the package.
I was out a ryepach about 5 years ago, it was September was a hot day, but around dusk time the wind gusts had picked up, and it seamed like with the gusts it would cause the gb2 to sound off.. have you ever experienced anything like that?
Only if you were very close to power lines.
@@ChrisRalph
Not at rye patch no lines for miles..
Where does it say that the coil is concentric?
In my discussion with the Fisher company Engineers.
@@ChrisRalph how does it behave with botteclaps
Since dd coils can’t discriminate them
In the gold fields, bottle caps are super rare - unlike parks and schools. I cant remember the last time I found a bottle cap in the gold mines.
there was many people using the old gold bug 2 today got me a .67 piece of gold with my gold monster. was a great day out by randsburg.
Sounds good, congrats on the prospecting success.
How do I buy a detector like this and how can it get here in Brazil? I want to publicize this detector here in Brazil
Buy one for yourself. I do not sell detectors.
Hello Chris. I would like to email you & discuss a few things would you be willing to do that? Thank you
My apologies, but I get 10 to 20 people per day who want me to give them personal help, advice, training, etc. I have many obligations and projects of my own and simply do not have time to help everyone who asks. My priority is my own family and my own projects. If you have a simple question, ask here and I will answer. If you need something a lot more, I simply do not have the time.
@@ChrisRalph I understand & thank you for your reply.
so Chris I have quick question I'm looking to buy a gold metal detector I live here in Nevada. I'm debating on the goldbug 2 or should I save up a little more and get the gold monster1000? what's your opinion?
Go to a dealer and check them out for yourself as see what you think. The gold monster is much easier for a new guy to operate. Selecting which would be best for you would be impossible as I know nothing about you.
@@ChrisRalph understandable thank you for the responses, I truly appreciate it. Keep up the awesome videos I've learned a lot from you. 👍
Hey Chris as always great video, so I picked up a gold bug 2 without the screen and the white small coil, when I was asking around and researching people were telling ne there 3 versions the new with the screen, the older version with white coil, old version with black cover on small coil which they say is the most sensitive. Can you confirm any of this. Almost everyone agreed the non screen versions are more sensitive than the digital "new" version. Thanks again
Just like belly buttons that everyone has one, everyone has an opinion, too. There are always loads of rumors, often from folks who are not well informed but talk a good game. There are only 2 version of the GB2, the really old ones are made with exactly the same circuits as the other pre-screen models. The screen version is tested to be very slightly more sensitive than the pre-screen versions, but in practice, and field testing there was no real difference I could tell. Don't listen to any detractors, they are all excellent detectors, just go out and find some gold with it.
@Chris Ralph, Professional Prospector Thanks I appreciate the real info. Everyone has a belly button and every 6 finds nuggets every time they film. Lol. There are a few of you TH-camrs that are honest. Lol. I'm sure you know who I'm talking about. Have a great evening brother.
lets hope this isnt an excuse to bump up the price, always wanted one of these machines.
guess ill stick to two bent copper rods cause my wallet tells me no 😒
They are not planning to raise the price but everything is going up as we now have strong inflation.
This is the first i heard about the gold bug 2 being updated. Thankx for the info bro.
No problem 👍 Glad it was helpful.
Buying an American made machine no matter what! Have the OG GB2! 🇺🇸
sounds good.
i like you very nice video sir. iam confusion 2 detectors between old GB2 & new GB2 witch better pperformance detector your opinion please sir.iam wait your reply
The performance of both is the same, the new one has the screen, but both find gold the same.
Thank you sir very well very good my confusion is swole very good reply.your experience and guidelines super sir I like you. sir My simple1 coustoin old GB2 & new GB2 witch better life using this detector ? Your guide sir
Chris I live in nsw Australia would the new fisher gold bug 2 ground balance in our soil some places in Australia are very 🔥
I've not detected at every goldfield on the planet, and that includes NSW. I did spend time in WA, but that is not the same. I'd recommend talking to some of the local gents about if they thin you need a PI or if you could get by with a VLF.
I will get onto the dealer in Victoria Australia 🇦🇺 thankyou
On Amazon, I can get this unit with 2 coils or the Minelab GM1000 with 2 coils. About $100 difference. Which would you purchase and why?
If you can afford it, get the 2 coils, it gives you more flexibility.
Hi Chris I am wondering telling him to get the one with 2 coils are you referring to the Minelab or the new GB 2? Also you don't seem to confident in the new GB 2 and especially after you told the other guy you would keep the old model as a back up also if it were you. Just the way you said it makes me wonder if I should buy the old model! Thanks Chris really good video!
Thank you so much for your time... If you have chose between gold bug 2 and gold monster 1000... Waht do you will take.. And. Why... Thank you again..
It depends on where you detect and what type of detecting you do. There is no one clear winner for all cases.
Good information thanks !!!!
could you compare both side by side with small gold .
The electronics that detect the gold are the same, only the adjustment part is changed to make it easier. If you have an older gold bug 2 you will not gain any sensitivity by switching to the new one.
So when do they come out with the next gold bug 2 that has more uses for the screen. ?
Don't know....
if two detectors are being used close together, the old version would interact with each other. does the new version?
yes, its the same that way.
I wouldn't have dug that signal. When it brakes up like that it tells me it's junk.
when a signal breaks up, it means its weak. It still could be gold. I've seen plenty of targets that break up in one direction and are a good target if you turn and swing perpendicular to the original direction.
@@ChrisRalph if a signal breaks up I try swinging over it in various directions and if it's still broken, depending on where I am and what I'm looking for, I usually move on. But I have had that to happen to me and my buddy came behind me, got the same broken signal but dug it anyway. It turned out to be a soda can beside a $5000 relic. So you never know. I don't have the strength now, because of cancer that messed up my back, to dig everything. And I only go to a creek that runs through my property. That way I'm close to home.
they should have made it completely digital screen with rechargeable battery and waterproof 👍
and would then need to charge $200 more for it.
That’s right lol 😂
Another awesome video! I think it's time to check out the Gold Bug.....
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
Chris, Hopefully the GB is not a single turn pot now??? with no course adj either??
Its a single pot, but turns multiple times to give the same level of fine tuning.
@@ChrisRalph Thank you! Been reading your stuff for years.
Great video!!
Glad you enjoyed it
Hey Chris enjoy your videos thank you upper ohio valley here not much good always wanted to hit the gold fields old school prospectors my dad r.i.p. Cut his teeth on a mine sweeper in Europe then gotta old Fisher tube type 67 n half volt stateside.I still have operable then upgraded to an m scope I cut my teeth on with amazing results for years.latest upgraded to an abundant but was sorely disappointed daughter third generation in our family recently aqquired a technical with great results I'm looking to upgrade on last time been watching to see what fisher came up here we go
Teknetics not technical. Auganuat not aboundient. Sorry spell correct.
Not as much gold nuggets suitable for metal detectors in Ohio.
I think the ground mineralzation is a great improvement. Thanks agIn for a great video.
You bet - glad you enjoyed it.
Im glad that you respond to comments. Some creators are too busy i guess. Of course there are alot of people who dont deserve a responce. Lol.
''' THANKS SUPERRR...............!
surrrrre.
What's is the best metal detector gold bug 2 or gold monster
It depends on where you detect and what type of detecting you do. There is no one clear winner for all cases.
Having both is best, gold monster is more complex and almost $500 more expensive.
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
They shoot lead into areas where they don't want metal detecting to get the gold.
Who is "they"?
Claim owners
If they want to metal detect, they are shooting themselves in the foot.
@@ChrisRalph They often do not metal detect, using other methods to get at the gold, do not want metal detecting to interfere with their work. Going for the small gold as well as the larger pieces if not already removed by those pesky detectorists. I speak from witnessing such in known gold areas.
@@arne6787 i have as well
This is the one I’m using
How do you like it?
@@ChrisRalph i love it - still figuring out how often I should ground balance, and it sure is finding tons of bottle caps and foil wrappers on the beach I live on . I will be using the crap out of it in Colorado and my Alaska trip
Best of luck to you. Change the ground balance as the machine gets noisy. After some practice you will notice when you reach this point.
Umm, I'm a jerk but if you can get fists full of gold, you wouldn't be selling a book.
Lol jokes
Its true, you are a jerk. LOL. fists full is not an everyday occurance, but is a rarity.
I only spent 1600 on my machine 15 years ago and it still hasn’t paid for itself. I couldn’t be happier. Ha found thousands of bullets and silver. Damn PI machines. In gold country I must be an idiot. So now it’s time for a VLF machine. Gold bug 2 is cheaper than Deus 2 by far. I’m changing gears and moved from California to Ga and now I get to dig MORE BULLETS. Civil war bullets. I think beaches and lakes are next on the list so I can pay off the first machine. Nice review and I love the new designer box.
Toggles are superior. Everything they did was just to cut costs. The old unit is superior. You still need to buy 9volt batteries and that screen is gonna get scratched to haties. Everyone buy the new so the old ones are dirt cheap. Anything over 600 dollars your better off with the Goldmonster Need a side by side to be convinced. You have both of them why not compare. Suspect.
You have the the paitience if a Saint!
You are too kind!