Great video Chris, I have been detecting for 40 years and have used many in my time. I totally agree with everything you have said and your choices for the most sensitive metal detector. The Gold Monster has many advantages over the Gold Bug which I am sure that is why it is your preferred machine for small gold.
I love my Gold bug , I got the first model nade many years back. Since then I have found many small nuggets, all the way up to a ounce and a half solid eluvial chunk of gold. The gold bug is VERY sensitive to all gold . The ounce and a half was at 14"s...Now I want the gold bug two also.
I tested an original gold bug 1st model , I had a pure 1 ounce bar of gold ,laid it on the surface ,and if I lifted the detector more than 4" inches it would not pick it up ,that means the if the gold is buried more than 3" inches you will not be able to pick it up ,, but the gold bug 2 works much better , but I would buy another brand as you will be picking up mainly small gold ,get a better quality machine that can go deeper
I did run a gold bug 2 for many years. But shifted to the Marko gold Kruzer ... it handles hot ground much better.....and will detect gold even smaller than you pictured.....nice vid !
This is the best review of detectors that I've seen. Thanks for comparing them all at the same time. Great history and context for each one. I've been watching your videos since you first started the channel. I also appreciate that you've created playlist and have one on detecting. Since you spoke about a detector's ability to spot nugget sizes at different depths, I was wondering if the manufacturer or anyone has published a performance graph that plots detectable size versus depth for a given coil?
No one has done that for anything like these detectors. The problem is that soils make a huge difference in detection depth. Higher frequencies see smaller nuggets but also have more problems with mineralized soils. I am glad you enjoyed the video.
I have a gold monster and the gold Kruzerand have tested them against each other many times. Both of them pick up extremely small gold very well but the monster just does it better. In many tests against each other the Kruzer would sometimes miss the target or give a weak signal and then be more pronounced on the next few swings but only on very small targets. The Monster lets me know every swing and seems to really hone in on the target better. The Monster is so simple it feels like there should be more to it cause it cant be that simple can it? But really the Monster makes it so simple that it does not seem right. The Kruzer is a powerful machine too and the pinpoint button makes narrowing down where to dig very nice. The discriminate mode on the Kruzeris very nice cause i can adjust ferrous target out right on their borderline threshhold and it picks up nonferrous targets very well even when ferrous ones are above them. The Monster discriminate mode gives a short audible beep and can be hard to pinpoint so the user has to switch back to all metal mode to more acurately pinpoint in most cases or at least i do anyway. I agree. The monster is just better but its a small margin. If we were talking drag racing the Monster is a 10 second car and the Kruzer is a 10.5 second car for sensitivity. Considering how new they are as a company they sure come close to the leader. I wont be surprised if the next model catches them. I like both and would not sell either one. Just my two cents and experience with the two.
Good job Chris, my family and I enjoyed your channel. Personally I find all your information very sound for my likings, so keep up the good work, my family and I will stay tuned to new ideas on finding gold. (It's a great family hobby)👍
My White’s Gold Master V-Sat that I bought new in 1995 and have taken well care of ever since still finds teeny tiny nuggets like the 2 at the beginning of this video .. but only a couple inches deep. When it finally gives up the ghost I’ll probably get the Goldmonster 1000 for my VLF, and a GPX 6000 for my PI. This channel rocks, I really enjoy all the videos .. even the ones that don’t pertain to my areas of interest in prospecting. Thanks Chris 👍
I also have Goldmaster V-sat and have fun it for years. Recently I have decided to get a new detector. I went with the Garret Goldmaster 24k. It's the White's Goldmaster 24k with a higher Max gain. The reason I went with the Goldmaster is the tone. The 24k sounds just like the V-sat, no realarning what a hot rock sounds like. . It's also nice to see the mineralization of the ground on the display. So you can find the best ground to dry wash. It's also a detector you can have a beginner swing. It's has a starting setup that's turn on and go, and it's light. Even though it has a easy start up, you can find tune it for better sensitivity. Also look at sellers on E-bay. Some sell it with both coils. Keep swinging, dude.
I bought the GB2 for this reason and most of the gold found anymore is usually fairly small on average and the gb2 detects very small pieces ,I’ve found few small pieces with mine on old mine dumps ,the sound of gold compared to different metals is different ,I practiced a lot with bullets aluminum and other metals and there really is a difference .great video thank you
Yes please do that gb2 video please.... Speak about everything.. Maximum depth in small target. And big target.. Mack the video long speak about all...
Thanks for taking the time Chris, this video helps a lot of people and it's very informative. I always learn something watching your videos and down to Earth explanations...... Thanks really ..... The most sensitive gold detector to hear the signals it's your ear canals wearing headphones of course !
Even a Tear later, still great info. Can not wait to get out into the field and put this info to the test. Going to start watching the other recommended videos now. Thanks, Chris!
Hi Chris, I agree with most of the things you say. In Australia, we have very heavy mineralization in the soil which makes using a VLF machine inefficient compared to a PI machine. This is why the Minelab Pi machines outperform VLF. Having said that I love that people using VLF, because they miss the bits I pick up. Minelab GPX5000 has picked up nuggets so small that scales had trouble registering a reading, eg bellow 0.01gms. Also, I think a doppelganger has occurred, will you stop looking like me. Love your work, keep it up. I tell all my students no matter what machine you have, it will find metal. The important thing is to learn your machine thoroughly and what the tones mean. If in doubt dig it out.
@@ChrisRalph the 24 k is designed to handle heavy minerals. In fact if the ground has no mineralization it has trouble. Pretty hard to beat a minelab regardless. Of course the fisher is great for a pro.! I havent tried the gold bug 2 but i hear its nice.. thanks again for the great video. Your knowledge and honesty is appreciated. Some detectorists just want to show off and sell detectors if you know what i mean. Im sure you do.
But why would you dig flakes so small. It wouldn't be profitable unless you are picking up up a lot of them in the same spot. 100 hundred of them for just 1 gram which is currently only 66 US dollars.
Very interesting again Chris 🙂👍 I happen to have a 24k and gb2.So when we open a cut from drywashing or sampling I will hit it with both.The gb2 sees tiny fragments the 24k doesn't and the 24k finds larger deeper , great combo.
You use the bigger standard coil on the 24K, and the standard smaller coil on the GB2, right? If so, that explains the majority of the detecting difference. Bigger coils for big objects deep, and smaller coils for small objects shallow - you might be surprised at how much difference the coil size makes. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
I love your videos! Were you ever a teacher? You're like a great college professor who can present dry and technical concepts in a way that is very accessible, but also very entertaining. I just keep watching one video after the other. Maybe you oughta be the "professor" prospector!
@@ChrisRalph I disagree. I read your articles in the ICMJ for years and your articles were the first to read, like the Gold Monster- you are the Gold Teacher! Thank you for all and continue to learn about gold from the vast knowledge you share with everyone, Teacher! Dirk
Got your book. Thanks. Got the monster too. Love those Pitts. Found a nice nugget in Rye Patch with a friend of yours Jim. Very helpful. I’ve really been reading and Re-reading your book. I’ve learned a few tricks and now I’m really havin a great time. There’s gold EVERYWHERE 🥰♥️
Chris, very good video. I am very pleased to find that your idea of using the small coil is a good idea , when I tell most about this I just get an vacant look . your picks for detectors is very good. thank you for this video and will look forward to seeing more. don m
Thank you for the video! I picked up your book at the Gold Show here in Phoenix a couple weeks ago. The layman technical details you include are enjoyable and just what I was looking for. I just discovered your videos and look forward to subscribing and viewing
Old video but I just find that detecting in hard rock tailings (broken quartz pieces) for quartz/gold specimens is much different then nugget detecting. I have never used my gb2 for nugget hunting in placer deposits because of all the hot rocks and black sand that would drive most vlf machines crazy. I will say that detecting in crushed quartz for gold is a whole different experience where I find the gb2 vlf is best used, when the density of the gold is spread thin in the rock, and not as sensitive as a nugget, also being surrounded in quartz is when I find that 71 mhz is unbeatable.
There is a skill to learn to use a detector like the GB2 in gravel placer areas where there are hot rocks. Running in discriminate or learning to recognize visually what the how rocks look like, etc.
@@ChrisRalph Years back when I was getting skunked by GB2 users and had enough coin to buy a new detector I regretfully bought an Infinium pulse machine because I thought I could find gold in mines with hot material. I even put magnetite, hematite and black sands all together in a pan and the gb2 screamed on each and all along with a gold button mixed in. The Infinium was dead silent and picked up the gold button the gb2 would have missed next to all those hot rocks and black sands. But up in the tailings it never found anything but a decent chunk in the wall of a mine that the gb2 screamed on. So 15 years later I finally bought the gb2 and went back to those same places and did well, I just wished I bought the gb2 back then when it wasnt hunted out.
Excellent job Chris Straightforward simple and clear. I don't know if you've ever talked about the North and South Pole of magnetic the double beep thing. Or the single beep of non-ferrous. The detector sees the size of the Nugget by the amount of surface exposed to the detector. If the Nuggets down in the crack and only the end sticking up it will sound like a teeny tiny nugget. The perfect detector is the one that finds gold for you. Pretty much all the gold detectors are good detector. Learning to find gold with any of them is a challenge. But once you learn to run one type the rest will fall right in line. First Nugget it's the hardest. Hang out with an old timer it's really hard to self teach.. Chris I dug 513 nuggets in one day remember I think it was like 1oz4 pennyweight. I was breaking off these slabs of slate in the bottom of the hydraulic pit. Most of these hydraulic pits look like parks for a reason. oh yeah it was a bug ser#000327 I will never forget that machine.
Morning Chris, thank you soooooo Much...I'm up getting ready for work with a cup of coffee and your video almost had me thinking of calling in sick and hitting the area around Placerville here...but since tomorrow is my Friday, I can wait to hit the dirt with the knowledge I will use to find some nuggets...Been a fan of yours for years and the Magazine you write your articles for...I still am going to stay with my Super trac and it's snake coil...but, I'm looking for another unit and your video has me interested in getting up dated, since the company that made the one I have went out of business that you emailed me a few months ago...later...PS: the book that you wrote a few years ago is my best friend in the field.
Thanks...im learning a lot !!! I live thirty minutes from the Appalachian mountains ive been looking so eager that ive been going out til dark..pretty much hiking out in the dark. Not enough time during the day! Ha!
Chris Ralph, Professional Prospector I just received my book from Amazon. I’m impressed... this is not some work merely phoned in. This thing is substantial! Can’t wait to dig in. My GM1000 will be here Monday and I’ll start learning the machine. Maybe in August I can take my first venture from Texas. Cheers!
The GB II is much more adjustable ground balance wise but also will suck up a lot of time keeping that 'just so', I still have one. But I find myself going to the minelab machine more and more these days.
Good video. I've always wanted a dector but knew nothing about them. Thank you for the education. I will look for one and learn more from your videos to hunt for my treasure here throughout Alaska.
The Falcon MD series are the most sensitive detectors by far, but not of much use to most people given they only have a useful depth range of around 1 inch. Generally only used for detecting fine gold in rock or for sniping in waterways and cracks.
I enjoy your videos, always informative and have bought your book. I had the same question as someone below about the Garrett AT Max (which isn't on your list). I was leaning toward it and the Gold Bug Pro but noticed that the majority of videos for the AT Max are about finding coins and relics. I am more interested in Gold detecting. I will now focus on the Gold Bug vs. the Gold Monster thanks to your review.
Whites has shut down so those detectors are not a practical choice anymore. The XP HF Elliptical deserves to be on your list though. That coil paired with the Deus or ORX is super sensitive. It can be set for various frequencies up to 81kHz though the standard ones are 14.4, 31.3, and 74kHz. The Equinox 800 in gold mode is surprisingly good with a 6" coil. It is not quite as sensitive as a GB2, but it handles really hot ground well.
@@ChrisRalph That's obvious, but just saying that the XP HF coil is more sensitive in real world performance than many on your list. Try one. It'll fill that gap left by Whites going out of business. Not armchair prospecting either. Used both the GM and DEUS/HF in Australia and did a lot of side by side comparison as we were curious. Had great success with both. It's annoying to charge the controller, the coil, and the headphones, but it does the job.
I thought with all your experiences, I see the elephant with raised trunk over your left shoulder, a good luck charm so is your success 50:50 , I’m only observing things, however I enjoy your knowledge and videos LOL Frankie.
I think the minelab equinox 800 would be your Best Buy for an all in one detector that is as good or better then the monster 1000. Folks have sold their monster for the 800 and have never looked back. I just bought your book tonight on Amazon. Can’t wait to start reading it!
For general use the Equinox is better, for hunting gold the GM1000 is better. Hunting gold is difficult. Lots of folks try, find it difficult and quickly give up.
I like the video a lot , especially talking about the physics - important to know the hows & whys of the different aspects & helps for figuring out how to adjust your detector . It seems you left out the links you mentioned , the deepest was one of them ? I use to do dredging in No. Cal. 80s-90s , bought a few detectors after that with the intention of going back to mining / detecting , had a fire lost everything , so just bought a NOX 800 & Garretts pointer , will be looking for a deeper diving detector & , or a PI detector . Headed for the beaches in FL in a week . Thanks again
Thanks. I'll be doing a video on the SDC 2300 in the coming weeks, a very popular Pulse Induction detector, and one that can go underwater. I'll be taking mine underwater for some video this summer. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Mr. Ralph, I want to thank you as a veteran for your information in your videos and book. Yes, I ordered your book and will use all of your advice. Soon, in a few years, I will retire and become a full-time prospector with a big smile. The smile is to the enjoyment to get out and enjoy our American way of life and to see this great nation while kicking over a few rocks. I am confident that my land deep in the Rockies in Montana will be a great start to use your advice during my next visit. I am so grateful, you're a great person to share your knowledge. I will enjoy reading your book.
Chris Ralph, Professional Prospector so true, that is why I will await my retirement in a few years. If I find something then great. If not still great as I get to see the country and keep myself busy.
Great review on metal detectors. With one exception a cheap metal detector that's used mainly for coin recovery can pick up on pockets of gold flakes but the sound sounds more like a Gieger Counter going over something radio active. I located a pocket of small flakes in eastern Oregon where the old timers told me metal detectors wont work because the gold was too fine.
Not sure about your cheap detector but the type you are talking about would be really old too. They have not made these in about 20 years (they are called Beat Frequency Oscillator - or BFO detectors).
Great video, and I just love the channel in general! We're in Iowa so our options aren't great, but we do know of one spot where there's surprisingly good amounts of gold. We're going out as a family on Tuesday. We checked out this place in the past but did not have all the information that channels like yours provide to guide us. Then we went through years of homelessness and other hardships that left us unable to get back out there and really work the spot. Our first trip is going to have to be home-made sluices and make-shift pans, but hopefully that will be adequate. The big issue with the gold in these sorts of spots though is that much of it is ultra-fine. I would love a device to at least tell me if there's gold dust in the classified samples being fed to the sluice. Do those "wand" or "gun" style detectors do an adequate job of this? What is my best budget option to discriminate between sediment with fine gold and sediment with no gold? I know for a fact there's gold at this spot, but I don't want to waste time sorting the wrong sediments! We'll film what we can of it. My 9 year old son really wants to be a TH-camr and will probably be more useful filming than working anyway lol We'll put up a sub channel on our account for our prospecting soon!
You spawn so many questions from my tiny mind -- I hear on so many MD TH-cam channels that gold nuggets are often found in black sand areas and high mineralization and that VLF machines don't do well, thusly encouraging the use of a Pulse Induction machine. Is that an issue or does it make that much difference? Thanks again!
Thank you for your video, my 1st detector was the gold master 4, now I swing the sdc and the 7000, I was thinking about the minelab gold monster, for a vlf some areas I go to the emi is too severe for pi detectors. I've had good luck with the gmt on bed rock but in the soil I dont like the gmt sensitivity has to be turned way down just to handle the ground conditions then small gold gets passed up. That's why I'm in love with my sdc 2300.
Thanks. I'll be doing a video on the SDC 2300 in the coming weeks, its a very popular Pulse Induction detector, and one that can go underwater. I'll also be taking mine underwater for some videos this summer. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
I'm close to buying my first detector for a prospecting trip and the GM 1000 is probably gonna be what I go with. Everything I see and read make me think its gonna be the best choice for my budget.
@@ChrisRalph Wish you could get a commission from Minelab since your video's on the GM 1000 sold me! (lol) I'll visit your website and purchase your book before I hit the road next year. I'm sure I'll gain even more knowledge, on top of what you've been teaching me since subscribing to your channel. I appreciate it more than you know Chris!
Thanks! Next time I see someone from Minelab, I will tell them that! - But I dont want to be a detector dealer, I have many friends who do sell them, but its not something I want to do. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
I live in Nevada and the goldbug 2 is still the weapon of choice for most along with GPZ/X s for those that can afford them, i personally dont care for auto ground balancing
You mentioned that a small coil is more sensitive but doesn't have the depth of a bigger coil. I thought it was the opposite when I bought the Garrett super sniper. (The puck) for my AT Gold. But the small coil is a good choice for the rivers and crevice snipping. Well done video. VLF vs. PI next ?
Big coils for big objects deep, and small coils for small objects shallow. I am going to do a video on how to select the best prospecting metal detector for you soon. The video will include a discussion of VLF vs. PI in selecting a detector. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
@@ChrisRalph that helps a lot Chris. I have lots of small gold and a old cabin site on my claim. The chimney is the only thing standing and I plan on detecting around it. Hope to find some cool stuff there. Thanks for the info.
Hi Chris, really like the way you present your videos. New to metal detecting , was looking at MLNox 800 what do you think , compared to the Gold Monster ?
Great video! It should be a MANDATORY first video for all new prospectors. I’ve had a goldbug 2 for 20 year’s, I just wish they would update it with a visual sound meter for us older guys who can’t hear a pin drop very well any more. I’m looking at a minelab monster 1000 for that reason. Thanks
Thanks for the great video! I am working a hardrock tailing. I use a GB 2 and my partner swings a Gold monster 1000. We can't complain they are great and I love yer book. RAW
I'm fascinated by the GPS system and how sensitive the recievers are. Able to detect the difference in the amount of time it takes a radio signal to travel a few inches. All thanks to crystals and rare earth metals.
Great video Chris (nothing new there regarding your videos), but I finally broke down and bought a good Minelab GPX. Hopefully I'll soon need a GPZ--:) Thanks again..!
Another great vid chris , those are all great gold finders ! My cuz has the makro goldracer it does well just a lot of different ways to set up! But killer ! I do like my monster though!
Hi Chris, I have owned the Gold Bug II for several years. I have not found much gold with it. I did not have the time to do much prospecting back then. I am now retired and trying to get back to doing more prospecting now. Unfortunately the gold here in Colorado is very small stuff. I hope to get out and start prospecting again. Thanks for the info about metal detectors.
The gold bug 2 is a very capable machine, especially on small gold. I have a collection of detectors worth thousands and lm still tempted to add a GB2 purely for it's near legendary fine gold ability.
I received your Fists Full of Gold book this evening and have been enjoying watching your videos. 2 quick questions: Have you heard if an upgrade to the Gold Monster 1000 is coming out (Gold Monster 2000)? Since gold is currently over 60x the value of silver, is it that much easier to find silver in Nevada (Southern), or will my gold finds finance my hobby better?
Silver only rarely occurs as the metal like gold. Most silver is in silver minerals that a metal detector can't see. No coming soon revision to the GM 1000 that I know of.
Hey Chris! I've ordered your book and just waiting for it to come in. Thanks for the videos! I do have one question about detectors though:: What is your take on XP Deus? I already have one and have tried using it where I am (Middle East; finding almost all the trash on the beach) but a follow-on opinion is always helpful. Many thanks!
Yes, the MD 20 is not what you would use to look for nuggets, but it does detect gold. Sometimes I think detectors like that and even the Gold Bug 2 are TOO sensitive. You get a good signal, dig for it, and find it is a small speck. If you find it. A lot of labor for a speck. Might be good to use it to high grade ore for crushing later. Or trying to find hot spots for dry washing, I think. But we boys like our toys.
Very informative video. I use a Gold Bug Pro because I have poor hearing and like the visual display. How much do you depend on the visual display on your detectors and do some detectors have a more accurate display than others?
I use the visual quite a bit on the GM 1000, not at all on the Fisher Gold Bug 2 as it has no display. I've done no study of the relative accuracy of the different displays. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for the great information. Any suggestion for best setting adjustments on White GMT in high mineralization areas? Hot rocks in Colorado are hard on keeping a quiet threshold.
Try ground balancing on a small hot rock, then keeping it in fixed ground balance. and turn the gain down a little. You wont see as many hot rocks but you will loose a little sensitivity. You may end up with more gold though.
Chris Ralph, Professional Prospector , Thank you, I will try that next trip to that area. They were mining this area with water cannon and sluice box. I have been able to recover a little gold panning there but the hot rocks have been constant problem for the White GMT. Lots and lots of hot rocks.
@@edmc1000 Build a test bed and listen to the subtle tones differences, then have someone hide small gold and try to find it, that will help the gmt isn't the best entry machine But it will find small gold if you mess with it long enough
Crow Of Truth , finding small gold is a lot harder than detecting for Civil War relics. I have been recovering small lead shot occasionally so it is back to fine tuning and practice. I have a small gold nugget glued to a plastic button I use for practice. The plastic button makes it easier to find if I covered it too deep. Nugget is 1/4 gram
Chris, I did buy your book and am half way through it. Yes you do make LONG videos and you write long sentences in your book also. BUT, you do try to cover all the possibilities, which seems to limit the reader or video watcher from getting off course. In this micro thinking and listening world, where short and fast is better, I guess I am old school (@68 years young) your videos are like getting a free class on a subject, last time I checked classes are not over in 10 minutes. All that being said, it’s too cold for this 68 year old to be out in January winter weather, digging for gold, I’ll just check the water height and mark it down for spring prospecting. With my White’s MXT All Pro and waiting on a good deal on a White’s Gold Master 24K. Keep up the good work sir!
I agree.. on your choice... Next detector on the up price range is definitely the MINELAB SDC 2300 as you will definitely see on my videos .. Great Review Ralf. Cheers Famo59 ( Tony ) 👍🤓🍺⛏
Thanks Chris. I've been watching your U-Tube for years. I know this is an older video. I'm wondering what size of mesh do you figure is the smallest particles a metal detector may pick up? I'm putting together a vacuum classifier that will sort the smaller mesh size that the detector can't read. Then I will pan the sorted particles. Hope you're still watching the comments from older vids. Thanks Liv'n large in Vegas
The smaller the gold, the closer to the coil it must be. I have found gold pieces as small as 0.06 grams, or about 1/11th of a grain. At that size you must have a very sensitive metal detector and the gold must be pretty much on the surface. TH-cam gives me all the comments, even from older videos.
Thanks for answering Chris. You have a very professional channel. I watch any chance I can. I've been working on the idea that classifying the small particles will make it easier to separate the heavier gold particles. I'm wanting to work with anything smaller than the detector will pick up.
This was a good review, you covered a lot of ground. My professional prospecting experience began in the Southern gold belt, where I swung a GPX 4500. Not a good machine for beginners but you need to carry a long shovel! Do you have any experience with the Minelab Equinox 800? I have one but haven’t used it in the gold fields yet. I’ve heard the 6” coil on the NOX runs pretty equivalent to the GM 1000, but I have seem no comparisons. The 800 runs 20 & 40 kHz simultaneously, which helps smooth it out but I don’t know if the trade off is significant.
Watch this video on listening for faint signals. th-cam.com/video/_Y6rB4EdXsc/w-d-xo.html In a lot of places if you only dig those loud bullets and brass shells you are missing 75 to 100 percent of the gold. When you are digging little birdshot pellets, you are doing what you need to do.
Very informative Chris, I currently have the Makro Gold Kruzer for my gold detector. Unfortunately I get one day a week to prospect and mine so I really haven't gave it a good day or the time it deserves. I know imma get some gold with my pan and sluice or the dredge. I have taken it out randomly on some bedrock. No luck though. I live in NC in the north end of the Charlotte gold belt. It's here just haven't got my cherry with a detector yet. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have your book also. Great book. 👍
True, but the MD 20 is really only good for testing individual rocks. You really cannot use an MD 20 to scan an area for nuggets like a metal detector. It is a probe. That is why I dont count it as a detector.
Great video and love the way you told it like it is. No detector can do it all . Most gold is small. I think i picked the right machine for me for hunting. Learning your detector is key. Thanks again and im going to get youe book E
It sure does and if persistent there is always a payoff where you find virgin ground and lady luck shines. Im not persistent ans i find pleasure in seeing others have fun. If your getting into it for getting rich then your goingvto be disappointed. Its more than that.
Thanks for all the great information. I been playing around with gold ever since the old buzzer first started doing making of the gold show. Never spent lot time detecting for gold. Bought my first really good detector and it was treasure baron with gold trx. Board has went bad in it. getting ready buy and put some time into this. I live in north ga. As you already probably know we are bless to have some very high kt gold here. some of the highest in the world. And the best thing that ever happen to ga was the gold rush in California. Lot of gold got left behind for that very reason. I know of a stream that someone is working right now that got over look back during that time. Not sure how much he has taken so far but i know for fact it many many once and probably in The many many pounds by now. If it didn't play out. Anyway. I just bought a gold bug pro. Seen you using one. But after watching this video i am thinking i may have bought something else. I see the pro only runs at 19kHz. Didn't really understand what that meant till i watch your video.thank you. Really like the fact that the gold bug 2 runs at 70kHz plus. But not really interested in all the knobs. It reminds me of my old detector. Seem like that thing was to difficult to run and was always ajusting and could believe the hits half time would get faults hit all the time. I think that was a really bad choice for me and kind turn me off to metal detecting. Also like the minelab detector you showen here seem very simplistic for new guys. But it looks really cheap. Like a kids toy. The white 24kt look like the best all around simply and powerful. Have you ran one of these your self?
The problem in the south is not lack of gold, its lack of access as almost all land is in private hands. In the west, much land is government with open access.
Georgia have 1,956,719 total acres of government land.much less then California.smaller state also.The laws here are different. You can't run. Dredges here on goverment land. but metal detectors and pan as much you want.
I just can't understand how does anyone gives him a thumbs down. If you don't like then watch something else. WOW 3 thumbs down. I guess we got 3 know it alls.
Yeah..strange sit and watch then dislike.I noticed When we are making videos if a firearm I am wearing in the desert for aggressive rattlesnakes happens to be shown automatically they hate.
Hi Chris, good data. I’m brand new to this. Long time rock hound want to do some prospecting. I’ve heard some detectors can detect other minerals ie gems. Any input as to which ones and how they do it.
A very small percentage of diamonds conduct electricity (less than 1%) and could be detected. Others cannot be detected. Whoever told you that some did was wrong.
Great video watched a few times buying my first detector and have narrowed down to to the gmt and 24k any thought there the same price new I found that interesting
I actually own only 2 detectors ...a GB2 and a GM 1000 - i enjoy working with both but find the 1000 easier to work with - in both cases i still have issues with ground balancing in the soils of AZ and NM... will continue to live and learn
Does the frequency affect PI units differently? I ask because my Garett Infinium ls specs state 730 which seems significantly lower than 35-75k even considering its an older mid range unit?
Nokta is pronounced NO - k - ta, not Knock-Ta. I used to live in Turkey, or I probably wouldn't know either. Great video. I found a lot of gold with my Gold Bug 2 but traded it for a Gold Monster 1000. I had a GMT for years too but a friend bought it. Now, I just have my 1000 and 7000 (deepest was 1/4 oz at 11").
Sdc 2300 for gold, vanquish 540 for coins First time out with my 2300 I found 50 pieces or 1/4 oz The 540 is awesome for coins and jewellery, just got back from holiday up north of Western Australia found $80 in coins and a 1922 half penny
Question so if you were to find 350 year old spanish bars next to a river how would they compare tovthe gold bars we see in hollywood movies..and with sediment build up around the bar what type of machine would be ideal to locate lets say 2~5 ft in the ground
Thanks for the very informative video. I use a White's MXT that I bought new in 2016. I have both the 9.5 coil that came with the unit and the small 6x4 coil. I've found lots of trash, some coins and jewelry and even a couple of small ( less than .1 ) pickers in the desert north of Yuma. Do you have an opinion on this detector?
How are the warranties on units like the gold monster 1000 and up? Do they ever break down and if so, are they hard to get fixed or expensive to do so? Thnx, a new prospector. We got your book last yr and we’re reading it now.
I actually ordered a gold bug 2 because of all the good things I've heard about it. Now I'm starting to hear that a lot of people have been upgrading to the GM1000. I have not opened it yet, and the place I ordered it from will still take it back for a full refund in store credit, so I could still swap it for a GM1000. Do you have a video that compares the two of them? I believe I've heard you say that you use both, but use the GM1000 more often.
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Great video Chris, I have been detecting for 40 years and have used many in my time. I totally agree with everything you have said and your choices for the most sensitive metal detector. The Gold Monster has many advantages over the Gold Bug which I am sure that is why it is your preferred machine for small gold.
I do like the GM 1000. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
I love my Gold bug , I got the first model nade many years back. Since then I have found many small nuggets, all the way up to a ounce and a half solid eluvial chunk of gold. The gold bug is VERY sensitive to all gold . The ounce and a half was at 14"s...Now I want the gold bug two also.
The original gold bug was a great detector, and still a lot of them out there. But it has been many years since they stopped making them.
The gold bug 2 is my next machine I think or the whites TDI SL
@@genofromrenoprospector6940 I just got the TDI SL and am ordering the Gold bug two today
@@GreeneGene33 that's awesome. Hope you do well with them.
I tested an original gold bug 1st model , I had a pure 1 ounce bar of gold ,laid it on the surface ,and if I lifted the detector more than 4" inches it would not pick it up ,that means the if the gold is buried more than 3" inches you will not be able to pick it up ,, but the gold bug 2 works much better , but I would buy another brand as you will be picking up mainly small gold ,get a better quality machine that can go deeper
I did run a gold bug 2 for many years. But shifted to the Marko gold Kruzer ... it handles hot ground much better.....and will detect gold even smaller than you pictured.....nice vid !
Glad you are happy with your Kruzer. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
This is the best review of detectors that I've seen. Thanks for comparing them all at the same time. Great history and context for each one. I've been watching your videos since you first started the channel. I also appreciate that you've created playlist and have one on detecting. Since you spoke about a detector's ability to spot nugget sizes at different depths, I was wondering if the manufacturer or anyone has published a performance graph that plots detectable size versus depth for a given coil?
No one has done that for anything like these detectors. The problem is that soils make a huge difference in detection depth. Higher frequencies see smaller nuggets but also have more problems with mineralized soils. I am glad you enjoyed the video.
I have a gold monster and the gold Kruzerand have tested them against each other many times. Both of them pick up extremely small gold very well but the monster just does it better. In many tests against each other the Kruzer would sometimes miss the target or give a weak signal and then be more pronounced on the next few swings but only on very small targets.
The Monster lets me know every swing and seems to really hone in on the target better.
The Monster is so simple it feels like there should be more to it cause it cant be that simple can it? But really the Monster makes it so simple that it does not seem right.
The Kruzer is a powerful machine too and the pinpoint button makes narrowing down where to dig very nice.
The discriminate mode on the Kruzeris very nice cause i can adjust ferrous target out right on their borderline threshhold and it picks up nonferrous targets very well even when ferrous ones are above them.
The Monster discriminate mode gives a short audible beep and can be hard to pinpoint so the user has to switch back to all metal mode to more acurately pinpoint in most cases or at least i do anyway.
I agree. The monster is just better but its a small margin. If we were talking drag racing the Monster is a 10 second car and the Kruzer is a 10.5 second car for sensitivity. Considering how new they are as a company they sure come close to the leader.
I wont be surprised if the next model catches them.
I like both and would not sell either one.
Just my two cents and experience with the two.
Good comments.
Hello there, how deep can these detect?
Good job Chris, my family and I enjoyed your channel. Personally I find all your information very sound for my likings, so keep up the good work, my family and I will stay tuned to new ideas on finding gold. (It's a great family hobby)👍
Awesome, thank you!
Very informative, you have just summarized an issue that took me many months viewing comparisons in TH-cam.
Many thanks.
Glad it was helpful.
My White’s Gold Master V-Sat that I bought new in 1995 and have taken well care of ever since still finds teeny tiny nuggets like the 2 at the beginning of this video .. but only a couple inches deep. When it finally gives up the ghost I’ll probably get the Goldmonster 1000 for my VLF, and a GPX 6000 for my PI. This channel rocks, I really enjoy all the videos .. even the ones that don’t pertain to my areas of interest in prospecting. Thanks Chris 👍
Glad you enjoy them.
I also have Goldmaster V-sat and have fun it for years. Recently I have decided to get a new detector. I went with the Garret Goldmaster 24k. It's the White's Goldmaster 24k with a higher Max gain. The reason I went with the Goldmaster is the tone. The 24k sounds just like the V-sat, no realarning what a hot rock sounds like. . It's also nice to see the mineralization of the ground on the display. So you can find the best ground to dry wash. It's also a detector you can have a beginner swing. It's has a starting setup that's turn on and go, and it's light. Even though it has a easy start up, you can find tune it for better sensitivity. Also look at sellers on E-bay. Some sell it with both coils. Keep swinging, dude.
I bought the GB2 for this reason and most of the gold found anymore is usually fairly small on average and the gb2 detects very small pieces ,I’ve found few small pieces with mine on old mine dumps ,the sound of gold compared to different metals is different ,I practiced a lot with bullets aluminum and other metals and there really is a difference .great video thank you
Doing a special video on the GB2 here shortly.
Yes please do that gb2 video please.... Speak about everything.. Maximum depth in small target. And big target.. Mack the video long speak about all...
Thanks for taking the time Chris, this video helps a lot of people and it's very informative. I always learn something watching your videos and down to Earth explanations...... Thanks really .....
The most sensitive gold detector to hear the signals it's your ear canals wearing headphones of course !
I think you may be mistaken. The Goldmaster 24K by White's electronics is a brand new detector and a model meant to update the GMT.
Goldmaster 24K has not been discontinued. Whites. is selling a lot of this machine overseas and continues to outperform other machines in the market.
@@spuddiggers7899 I deleted that comment 🙂
Thanks, I corrected the mistake.......
Even a Tear later, still great info. Can not wait to get out into the field and put this info to the test. Going to start watching the other recommended videos now. Thanks, Chris!
Glad it was helpful, and more videos to come.
Hi Chris, I agree with most of the things you say. In Australia, we have very heavy mineralization in the soil which makes using a VLF machine inefficient compared to a PI machine. This is why the Minelab Pi machines outperform VLF. Having said that I love that people using VLF, because they miss the bits I pick up. Minelab GPX5000 has picked up nuggets so small that scales had trouble registering a reading, eg bellow 0.01gms. Also, I think a doppelganger has occurred, will you stop looking like me. Love your work, keep it up. I tell all my students no matter what machine you have, it will find metal. The important thing is to learn your machine thoroughly and what the tones mean. If in doubt dig it out.
I agree that in WA PI technology is best, but I found gold there with my VLF too.
@@ChrisRalph the 24 k is designed to handle heavy minerals. In fact if the ground has no mineralization it has trouble. Pretty hard to beat a minelab regardless. Of course the fisher is great for a pro.! I havent tried the gold bug 2 but i hear its nice.. thanks again for the great video. Your knowledge and honesty is appreciated. Some detectorists just want to show off and sell detectors if you know what i mean. Im sure you do.
But why would you dig flakes so small. It wouldn't be profitable unless you are picking up up a lot of them in the same spot. 100 hundred of them for just 1 gram which is currently only 66 US dollars.
@jdove6883 think 🤔 what he is saying is if it find those small pieces it will find those 1 ,2,3,4,5 and grammars for sure
Very interesting again Chris 🙂👍 I happen to have a 24k and gb2.So when we open a cut from drywashing or sampling I will hit it with both.The gb2 sees tiny fragments the 24k doesn't and the 24k finds larger deeper , great combo.
You use the bigger standard coil on the 24K, and the standard smaller coil on the GB2, right? If so, that explains the majority of the detecting difference. Bigger coils for big objects deep, and smaller coils for small objects shallow - you might be surprised at how much difference the coil size makes. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
I love your videos! Were you ever a teacher? You're like a great college professor who can present dry and technical concepts in a way that is very accessible, but also very entertaining. I just keep watching one video after the other. Maybe you oughta be the "professor" prospector!
Glad you enjoyed the videos, I come from a family full of school teachers, but I myself am not a teacher.
@@ChrisRalph I disagree. I read your articles in the ICMJ for years and your articles were the first to read, like the Gold Monster- you are the Gold Teacher!
Thank you for all and continue to learn about gold from the vast knowledge you share with everyone, Teacher! Dirk
Got your book. Thanks. Got the monster too. Love those Pitts. Found a nice nugget in Rye Patch with a friend of yours Jim. Very helpful. I’ve really been reading and Re-reading your book. I’ve learned a few tricks and now I’m really havin a great time. There’s gold EVERYWHERE 🥰♥️
Awesome! Thank you! glad you enjoyed the video.
Your videos are super informative and don't put me to sleep. Thank you for the wisdom!
You are so welcome. Thanks.
Have you ever used the At Gold? I was curious about your thoughts on that one if any. Thanks for all the Great information Chris :)
The At Gold is a very good detector, but it is built on a multipurpose design and does not belong on the list of the most sensitive.
Chris, very good video. I am very pleased to find that your idea of using the small coil is a good idea , when I tell most about this I just get an vacant look . your picks for detectors is very good. thank you for this video and will look forward to seeing more. don m
Thanks much, more videos are planned. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Thank you for the video! I picked up your book at the Gold Show here in Phoenix a couple weeks ago. The layman technical details you include are enjoyable and just what I was looking for. I just discovered your videos and look forward to subscribing and viewing
Glad you enjoyed the video.
Excellent video, very clear and defining.what I like is that you dont assume that the viewer knows that much. Priceless.
Glad you liked it!
Just stumbled onto your videos. Really enjoy them. Good work.
Glad you like them! Lots more coming.
Old video but I just find that detecting in hard rock tailings (broken quartz pieces) for quartz/gold specimens is much different then nugget detecting. I have never used my gb2 for nugget hunting in placer deposits because of all the hot rocks and black sand that would drive most vlf machines crazy. I will say that detecting in crushed quartz for gold is a whole different experience where I find the gb2 vlf is best used, when the density of the gold is spread thin in the rock, and not as sensitive as a nugget, also being surrounded in quartz is when I find that 71 mhz is unbeatable.
There is a skill to learn to use a detector like the GB2 in gravel placer areas where there are hot rocks. Running in discriminate or learning to recognize visually what the how rocks look like, etc.
@@ChrisRalph Years back when I was getting skunked by GB2 users and had enough coin to buy a new detector I regretfully bought an Infinium pulse machine because I thought I could find gold in mines with hot material. I even put magnetite, hematite and black sands all together in a pan and the gb2 screamed on each and all along with a gold button mixed in. The Infinium was dead silent and picked up the gold button the gb2 would have missed next to all those hot rocks and black sands. But up in the tailings it never found anything but a decent chunk in the wall of a mine that the gb2 screamed on. So 15 years later I finally bought the gb2 and went back to those same places and did well, I just wished I bought the gb2 back then when it wasnt hunted out.
Excellent job Chris
Straightforward simple and clear.
I don't know if you've ever talked about the North and South Pole of magnetic the double beep thing.
Or the single beep of non-ferrous.
The detector sees the size of the Nugget by the amount of surface exposed to the detector.
If the Nuggets down in the crack and only the end sticking up it will sound like a teeny tiny nugget.
The perfect detector is the one that finds gold for you.
Pretty much all the gold detectors are good detector.
Learning to find gold with any of them is a challenge.
But once you learn to run one type the rest will fall right in line.
First Nugget it's the hardest.
Hang out with an old timer it's really hard to self teach..
Chris I dug 513 nuggets in one day remember I think it was like 1oz4 pennyweight.
I was breaking off these slabs of slate in the bottom of the hydraulic pit.
Most of these hydraulic pits look like parks for a reason.
oh yeah it was a bug ser#000327
I will never forget that machine.
Thanks for the kind words. More videos are coming.
Morning Chris, thank you soooooo Much...I'm up getting ready for work with a cup of coffee and your video almost had me thinking of calling in sick and hitting the area around Placerville here...but since tomorrow is my Friday, I can wait to hit the dirt with the knowledge I will use to find some nuggets...Been a fan of yours for years and the Magazine you write your articles for...I still am going to stay with my Super trac and it's snake coil...but, I'm looking for another unit and your video has me interested in getting up dated, since the company that made the one I have went out of business that you emailed me a few months ago...later...PS: the book that you wrote a few years ago is my best friend in the field.
Sounds great.
You are very good at distilling technical information down to the core concepts. Cheers!
Thanks for the kind words. Glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for taking time to explain this. Interesting and informative.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks...im learning a lot !!! I live thirty minutes from the Appalachian mountains ive been looking so eager that ive been going out til dark..pretty much hiking out in the dark. Not enough time during the day! Ha!
We will get more daylight as the weather warms - hopefully the additional hours of daylight will help.
I'm picking up your encyclopedia on prospecting tonight, too. Thanks for sharing your information with dummies like me!
The book has loads of info. I think you will like it.
Chris Ralph, Professional Prospector I just received my book from Amazon. I’m impressed... this is not some work merely phoned in. This thing is substantial! Can’t wait to dig in. My GM1000 will be here Monday and I’ll start learning the machine. Maybe in August I can take my first venture from Texas. Cheers!
The GB II is much more adjustable ground balance wise but also will suck up a lot of time keeping that 'just so', I still have one. But I find myself going to the minelab machine more and more these days.
Agreed, but the time it takes depends on how variable the ground is. Some place only need adjustment a couple times a day.
@@ChrisRalph not if you are anal like me, lol. The minute the threshold changes I am fiddling with knobs !
Excellent program. Man seems very informed and experienced. Thank You Sir.
Thanks for the kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed it. By the way, I answer all my comments.
Good video. I've always wanted a dector but knew nothing about them. Thank you for the education. I will look for one and learn more from your videos to hunt for my treasure here throughout Alaska.
Glad it was helpful! I've found some good gold metal detecting in AK.
The Falcon MD series are the most sensitive detectors by far, but not of much use to most people given they only have a useful depth range of around 1 inch. Generally only used for detecting fine gold in rock or for sniping in waterways and cracks.
I agree that the falcon is more sensitive, but its a pin-pointer not really a detector that one searches the ground with.
@@ChrisRalph l tend to see it as the odd one out, neither a normal detector or pinpointer as it's generally not used in the same way as either.
I enjoy your videos, always informative and have bought your book. I had the same question as someone below about the Garrett AT Max (which isn't on your list). I was leaning toward it and the Gold Bug Pro but noticed that the majority of videos for the AT Max are about finding coins and relics. I am more interested in Gold detecting. I will now focus on the Gold Bug vs. the Gold Monster thanks to your review.
gold bug or gold monster are much better for gold.
This is the second video I have see , well done . May I ask have you done a video on the best beach metal detector or detectors
Sorry, no. I am the professional prospector, I look for gold nuggets. I don't live near a beach, so I have done very little beach detecting.
Whites has shut down so those detectors are not a practical choice anymore. The XP HF Elliptical deserves to be on your list though. That coil paired with the Deus or ORX is super sensitive. It can be set for various frequencies up to 81kHz though the standard ones are 14.4, 31.3, and 74kHz. The Equinox 800 in gold mode is surprisingly good with a 6" coil. It is not quite as sensitive as a GB2, but it handles really hot ground well.
There is more to sensitivity than just kHz. There are a lot of good detectors, including the equinox, but this video was about the most sensitive.
@@ChrisRalph That's obvious, but just saying that the XP HF coil is more sensitive in real world performance than many on your list. Try one. It'll fill that gap left by Whites going out of business.
Not armchair prospecting either. Used both the GM and DEUS/HF in Australia and did a lot of side by side comparison as we were curious. Had great success with both. It's annoying to charge the controller, the coil, and the headphones, but it does the job.
I thought with all your experiences, I see the elephant with raised trunk over your left shoulder, a good luck charm so is your success 50:50 , I’m only observing things, however I enjoy your knowledge and videos LOL Frankie.
Never thought of it that way.
As always, good information. Thanks Chris...!
I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
I think the minelab equinox 800 would be your Best Buy for an all in one detector that is as good or better then the monster 1000. Folks have sold their monster for the 800 and have never looked back. I just bought your book tonight on Amazon. Can’t wait to start reading it!
For general use the Equinox is better, for hunting gold the GM1000 is better. Hunting gold is difficult. Lots of folks try, find it difficult and quickly give up.
I like the video a lot , especially talking about the physics - important to know the hows & whys of the different aspects & helps for figuring out how to adjust your detector .
It seems you left out the links you mentioned , the deepest was one of them ?
I use to do dredging in No. Cal. 80s-90s , bought a few detectors after that with the intention of going back to mining / detecting , had a fire lost everything , so just bought a NOX 800 & Garretts pointer , will be looking for a deeper diving detector & , or a PI detector .
Headed for the beaches in FL in a week .
Thanks again
Thanks. I'll be doing a video on the SDC 2300 in the coming weeks, a very popular Pulse Induction detector, and one that can go underwater. I'll be taking mine underwater for some video this summer. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
@2:15. Day yum! My hats off to you and that detector!
Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed the video.
Mr. Ralph, I want to thank you as a veteran for your information in your videos and book. Yes, I ordered your book and will use all of your advice. Soon, in a few years, I will retire and become a full-time prospector with a big smile. The smile is to the enjoyment to get out and enjoy our American way of life and to see this great nation while kicking over a few rocks. I am confident that my land deep in the Rockies in Montana will be a great start to use your advice during my next visit. I am so grateful, you're a great person to share your knowledge. I will enjoy reading your book.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video! I wish you the best of luck, but finding gold for an income is not easy.
Chris Ralph, Professional Prospector so true, that is why I will await my retirement in a few years. If I find something then great. If not still great as I get to see the country and keep myself busy.
Great review on metal detectors. With one exception a cheap metal detector that's used mainly for coin recovery can pick up on pockets of gold flakes but the sound sounds more like a Gieger Counter going over something radio active. I located a pocket of small flakes in eastern Oregon where the old timers told me metal detectors wont work because the gold was too fine.
Not sure about your cheap detector but the type you are talking about would be really old too. They have not made these in about 20 years (they are called Beat Frequency Oscillator - or BFO detectors).
Great video, and I just love the channel in general! We're in Iowa so our options aren't great, but we do know of one spot where there's surprisingly good amounts of gold. We're going out as a family on Tuesday. We checked out this place in the past but did not have all the information that channels like yours provide to guide us. Then we went through years of homelessness and other hardships that left us unable to get back out there and really work the spot.
Our first trip is going to have to be home-made sluices and make-shift pans, but hopefully that will be adequate. The big issue with the gold in these sorts of spots though is that much of it is ultra-fine. I would love a device to at least tell me if there's gold dust in the classified samples being fed to the sluice. Do those "wand" or "gun" style detectors do an adequate job of this? What is my best budget option to discriminate between sediment with fine gold and sediment with no gold? I know for a fact there's gold at this spot, but I don't want to waste time sorting the wrong sediments!
We'll film what we can of it. My 9 year old son really wants to be a TH-camr and will probably be more useful filming than working anyway lol We'll put up a sub channel on our account for our prospecting soon!
Best of luck to you in your prospecting efforts.
Well good for ground but what about in the water ? So could ya do some underwater one someday ?
Eventually I will.
WOW 😮 the most informative gold MD video on TH-cam.
I've got plenty of other information videos, too. Glad it was helpful!
You spawn so many questions from my tiny mind -- I hear on so many MD TH-cam channels that gold nuggets are often found in black sand areas and high mineralization and that VLF machines don't do well, thusly encouraging the use of a Pulse Induction machine. Is that an issue or does it make that much difference? Thanks again!
It all depends on where you are prospecting. In some places there is a lot of mineralization that affects VLFs, and in others not so much.
I live in Springfield Oregon. there's gold all around me. maybe even my yard
It might be in your yard. Maybe you should check.
Thank you for your video, my 1st detector was the gold master 4, now I swing the sdc and the 7000, I was thinking about the minelab gold monster, for a vlf some areas I go to the emi is too severe for pi detectors. I've had good luck with the gmt on bed rock but in the soil I dont like the gmt sensitivity has to be turned way down just to handle the ground conditions then small gold gets passed up. That's why I'm in love with my sdc 2300.
Thanks. I'll be doing a video on the SDC 2300 in the coming weeks, its a very popular Pulse Induction detector, and one that can go underwater. I'll also be taking mine underwater for some videos this summer. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
I’d choose the GM 1000, simply for newer digital circuitry and water/dust proof design. I detect in all weather/all metal 👍
I'm close to buying my first detector for a prospecting trip and the GM 1000 is probably gonna be what I go with. Everything I see and read make me think its gonna be the best choice for my budget.
The GM 1000 is an excellent detector.
@@ChrisRalph Wish you could get a commission from Minelab since your video's on the GM 1000 sold me! (lol)
I'll visit your website and purchase your book before I hit the road next year. I'm sure I'll gain even more knowledge, on top of what you've been teaching me since subscribing to your channel. I appreciate it more than you know Chris!
Thanks! Next time I see someone from Minelab, I will tell them that! - But I dont want to be a detector dealer, I have many friends who do sell them, but its not something I want to do. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
I live in Nevada and the goldbug 2 is still the weapon of choice for most along with GPZ/X s for those that can afford them, i personally dont care for auto ground balancing
You mentioned that a small coil is more sensitive but doesn't have the depth of a bigger coil. I thought it was the opposite when I bought the Garrett super sniper. (The puck) for my AT Gold. But the small coil is a good choice for the rivers and crevice snipping. Well done video. VLF vs. PI next ?
Big coils for big objects deep, and small coils for small objects shallow. I am going to do a video on how to select the best prospecting metal detector for you soon. The video will include a discussion of VLF vs. PI in selecting a detector. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
@@ChrisRalph that helps a lot Chris. I have lots of small gold and a old cabin site on my claim. The chimney is the only thing standing and I plan on detecting around it. Hope to find some cool stuff there. Thanks for the info.
Hi Chris, really like the way you present your videos. New to metal detecting , was looking at MLNox 800 what do you think , compared to the Gold Monster ?
Depends on what you want to do with your detector.
Great great video, shopping for my first detector and you answered so many of my questions, thank you
Glad I could help
Great video! It should be a MANDATORY first video for all new prospectors. I’ve had a goldbug 2 for 20 year’s, I just wish they would update it with a visual sound meter for us older guys who can’t hear a pin drop very well any more. I’m looking at a minelab monster 1000 for that reason. Thanks
Thanks for the kind words. Best of luck in your prospecting.
You might try a battery operated db meter attached? Just a thought.
Well explained. I am going to purchase a Gold Monster 1000.
Thanks! I am glad you enjoyed the video.
Your videos are great. Love the info. Thank you.
Glad you like them!
Thanks for the great video! I am working a hardrock tailing. I use a GB 2 and my partner swings a Gold monster 1000. We can't complain they are great and I love yer book. RAW
Sounds great! glad you enjoyed the video.
I'm fascinated by the GPS system and how sensitive the recievers are. Able to detect the difference in the amount of time it takes a radio signal to travel a few inches. All thanks to crystals and rare earth metals.
Certainly a very interesting topic.
Another Great Video Chris , well done !
Thanks. Looking forward to seeing your next video. I'm glad you enjoyed my video!
Great video Chris (nothing new there regarding your videos), but I finally broke down and bought a good Minelab GPX. Hopefully I'll soon need a GPZ--:)
Thanks again..!
Best of luck with your detector!
Your book is the best by far
Thanks for the kind words. I am glad you enjoyed the video.
Big thanks for prompt response!
Any time! I'm not always that fast but I do catch up in time.
Thanks Chris great informative videos.
Glad you like them!
Another great vid chris , those are all great gold finders ! My cuz has the makro goldracer it does well just a lot of different ways to set up! But killer ! I do like my monster though!
I like my GM 1000 too! I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
It seems like all this gold excitement has been brewing all year I just started watching abandoned mine and I can't stop watching every one I can find
He is a good man to share what he knows with us that don't thank you cris
Thanks for the kind words - I do appreciate it. Glad it was helpful!
Hi Chris, I have owned the Gold Bug II for several years. I have not found much gold with it. I did not have the time to do much prospecting back then. I am now retired and trying to get back to doing more prospecting now. Unfortunately the gold here in Colorado is very small stuff. I hope to get out and start prospecting again. Thanks for the info about metal detectors.
Cant find much gold if you are not out prospecting. I hope you enjoy your retirement as much as I have enjoyed mine.
The gold bug 2 is a very capable machine, especially on small gold. I have a collection of detectors worth thousands and lm still tempted to add a GB2 purely for it's near legendary fine gold ability.
@@Jake12220 Thanks. That is the reason I purchased the Gold Bug II.
So you're saying those $8,000 plus detectors are no better than the ones you're mentioning That's really good news Thanks
Pretty certain I never said anything like that on the video. Not sure where you got that.
@@ChrisRalph Your title implies this ! and you never said the opposite !
Present brother,, i like your video,, metal detektor gold 😱💯👍
Thanks 👍
I received your Fists Full of Gold book this evening and have been enjoying watching your videos. 2 quick questions: Have you heard if an upgrade to the Gold Monster 1000 is coming out (Gold Monster 2000)? Since gold is currently over 60x the value of silver, is it that much easier to find silver in Nevada (Southern), or will my gold finds finance my hobby better?
Silver only rarely occurs as the metal like gold. Most silver is in silver minerals that a metal detector can't see. No coming soon revision to the GM 1000 that I know of.
Hey Chris! I've ordered your book and just waiting for it to come in. Thanks for the videos! I do have one question about detectors though:: What is your take on XP Deus? I already have one and have tried using it where I am (Middle East; finding almost all the trash on the beach) but a follow-on opinion is always helpful. Many thanks!
I've not used the Deus.
Maybe if I can get back to the real world some day we can do a little testing.
@@ChrisRalph
Yes, the MD 20 is not what you would use to look for nuggets, but it does detect gold. Sometimes I think detectors like that and even the Gold Bug 2 are TOO sensitive. You get a good signal, dig for it, and find it is a small speck. If you find it. A lot of labor for a speck. Might be good to use it to high grade ore for crushing later. Or trying to find hot spots for dry washing, I think. But we boys like our toys.
You can always turn the sensitivity down.....
I thought of that, and will probably try that. Thanks for replying so quickly! Love your videos, by the way. Dan
Thanks again Chris!
You bet! Glad you enjoyed the video.
Very informative video. I use a Gold Bug Pro because I have poor hearing and like the visual display. How much do you depend on the visual display on your detectors and do some detectors have a more accurate display than others?
I use the visual quite a bit on the GM 1000, not at all on the Fisher Gold Bug 2 as it has no display. I've done no study of the relative accuracy of the different displays. I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Chris do you have the original GMT by chance?
Great vid👍
I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks for the great information. Any suggestion for best setting adjustments on White GMT in high mineralization areas? Hot rocks in Colorado are hard on keeping a quiet threshold.
Try ground balancing on a small hot rock, then keeping it in fixed ground balance. and turn the gain down a little. You wont see as many hot rocks but you will loose a little sensitivity. You may end up with more gold though.
Chris Ralph, Professional Prospector , Thank you, I will try that next trip to that area. They were mining this area with water cannon and sluice box. I have been able to recover a little gold panning there but the hot rocks have been constant problem for the White GMT. Lots and lots of hot rocks.
@@edmc1000
Build a test bed and listen to the subtle tones differences, then have someone hide small gold and try to find it, that will help the gmt isn't the best entry machine
But it will find small gold if you mess with it long enough
Crow Of Truth , finding small gold is a lot harder than detecting for Civil War relics. I have been recovering small lead shot occasionally so it is back to fine tuning and practice. I have a small gold nugget glued to a plastic button I use for practice. The plastic button makes it easier to find if I covered it too deep. Nugget is 1/4 gram
Chris, I did buy your book and am half way through it. Yes you do make LONG videos and you write long sentences in your book also. BUT, you do try to cover all the possibilities, which seems to limit the reader or video watcher from getting off course. In this micro thinking and listening world, where short and fast is better, I guess I am old school (@68 years young) your videos are like getting a free class on a subject, last time I checked classes are not over in 10 minutes. All that being said, it’s too cold for this 68 year old to be out in January winter weather, digging for gold, I’ll just check the water height and mark it down for spring prospecting. With my White’s MXT All Pro and waiting on a good deal on a White’s Gold Master 24K. Keep up the good work sir!
Snow on the ground here too, a good time to study and do research..... I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Come visit us here in Australia, you certainly won't freeze to death and we still have lots of gold.
Awesome video !
Glad you enjoyed it
I agree.. on your choice...
Next detector on the up price range is definitely the MINELAB SDC 2300 as you will definitely see on my videos ..
Great Review Ralf.
Cheers Famo59 ( Tony )
👍🤓🍺⛏
I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Thanks Chris. I've been watching your U-Tube for years. I know this is an older video. I'm wondering what size of mesh do you figure is the smallest particles a metal detector may pick up? I'm putting together a vacuum classifier that will sort the smaller mesh size that the detector can't read. Then I will pan the sorted particles.
Hope you're still watching the comments from older vids. Thanks
Liv'n large in Vegas
The smaller the gold, the closer to the coil it must be. I have found gold pieces as small as 0.06 grams, or about 1/11th of a grain. At that size you must have a very sensitive metal detector and the gold must be pretty much on the surface. TH-cam gives me all the comments, even from older videos.
Thanks for answering Chris. You have a very professional channel. I watch any chance I can. I've been working on the idea that classifying the small particles will make it easier to separate the heavier gold particles. I'm wanting to work with anything smaller than the detector will pick up.
This was a good review, you covered a lot of ground. My professional prospecting experience began in the Southern gold belt, where I swung a GPX 4500. Not a good machine for beginners but you need to carry a long shovel! Do you have any experience with the Minelab Equinox 800? I have one but haven’t used it in the gold fields yet. I’ve heard the 6” coil on the NOX runs pretty equivalent to the GM 1000, but I have seem no comparisons. The 800 runs 20 & 40 kHz simultaneously, which helps smooth it out but I don’t know if the trade off is significant.
I've not done any comparisons myself.
I seem to dig a lot of bullets and brass from shells. I try to go to the middle of nowhere to get away from the iron but I still find a ton of bullets
Watch this video on listening for faint signals. th-cam.com/video/_Y6rB4EdXsc/w-d-xo.html In a lot of places if you only dig those loud bullets and brass shells you are missing 75 to 100 percent of the gold. When you are digging little birdshot pellets, you are doing what you need to do.
Very informative Chris, I currently have the Makro Gold Kruzer for my gold detector. Unfortunately I get one day a week to prospect and mine so I really haven't gave it a good day or the time it deserves. I know imma get some gold with my pan and sluice or the dredge. I have taken it out randomly on some bedrock. No luck though. I live in NC in the north end of the Charlotte gold belt. It's here just haven't got my cherry with a detector yet. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have your book also. Great book. 👍
Thanks so much for the kind words.
The Falcon MD 20 runs at 300Kh.
True, but the MD 20 is really only good for testing individual rocks. You really cannot use an MD 20 to scan an area for nuggets like a metal detector. It is a probe. That is why I dont count it as a detector.
Great video and love the way you told it like it is. No detector can do it all . Most gold is small. I think i picked the right machine for me for hunting. Learning your detector is key. Thanks again and im going to get youe book
E
What you know makes a big difference in prospecting.
It sure does and if persistent there is always a payoff where you find virgin ground and lady luck shines. Im not persistent ans i find pleasure in seeing others have fun. If your getting into it for getting rich then your goingvto be disappointed. Its more than that.
Thanks for all the great information. I been playing around with gold ever since the old buzzer first started doing making of the gold show. Never spent lot time detecting for gold. Bought my first really good detector and it was treasure baron with gold trx. Board has went bad in it. getting ready buy and put some time into this. I live in north ga. As you already probably know we are bless to have some very high kt gold here. some of the highest in the world. And the best thing that ever happen to ga was the gold rush in California. Lot of gold got left behind for that very reason. I know of a stream that someone is working right now that got over look back during that time. Not sure how much he has taken so far but i know for fact it many many once and probably in The many many pounds by now. If it didn't play out. Anyway. I just bought a gold bug pro. Seen you using one. But after watching this video i am thinking i may have bought something else. I see the pro only runs at 19kHz. Didn't really understand what that meant till i watch your video.thank you. Really like the fact that the gold bug 2 runs at 70kHz plus. But not really interested in all the knobs. It reminds me of my old detector. Seem like that thing was to difficult to run and was always ajusting and could believe the hits half time would get faults hit all the time. I think that was a really bad choice for me and kind turn me off to metal detecting. Also like the minelab detector you showen here seem very simplistic for new guys. But it looks really cheap. Like a kids toy. The white 24kt look like the best all around simply and powerful. Have you ran one of these your self?
The problem in the south is not lack of gold, its lack of access as almost all land is in private hands. In the west, much land is government with open access.
Georgia have 1,956,719 total acres of government land.much less then California.smaller state also.The laws here are different. You can't run. Dredges here on goverment land. but metal detectors and pan as much you want.
I just can't understand how does anyone gives him a thumbs down. If you don't like then watch something else. WOW 3 thumbs down. I guess we got 3 know it alls.
There are always folks who object to anything. Just ignore them and they will go away.
Yeah..strange sit and watch then dislike.I noticed When we are making videos if a firearm I am wearing in the desert for aggressive rattlesnakes happens to be shown automatically they hate.
They're probably just from people bumping it by accident. Idk why some people make a big deal out of it.
This guys awsome!
eraged 1 ox / ton ho
My grandfather home
dreaded and talked about a gravel pit that he said it av
Hello Chris thank you for the content it’s always a pleasure learning from you. My question is what is your take on Forrest Fenn’s treasure?
I think its real, but I've never spent any time thinking about where to look for it. I am glad you enjoyed the video.
Hi Chris, good data. I’m brand new to this. Long time rock hound want to do some prospecting. I’ve heard some detectors can detect other minerals ie gems. Any input as to which ones and how they do it.
A very small percentage of diamonds conduct electricity (less than 1%) and could be detected. Others cannot be detected. Whoever told you that some did was wrong.
Great video watched a few times buying my first detector and have narrowed down to to the gmt and 24k any thought there the same price new I found that interesting
Best of luck to you.
If you had to choose between the goldbug 2 and the goldbug pro, which would you choose, and why? Thanks for this video, very informative!
I use my gold bug 2 a lot more frequently than my Gold Bug Pro. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
I actually own only 2 detectors ...a GB2 and a GM 1000 - i enjoy working with both but find the 1000 easier to work with - in both cases i still have issues with ground balancing in the soils of AZ and NM... will continue to live and learn
These types of detectors have ground issues in highly mineralized areas. Just the nature of the detector.
@@ChrisRalph i really like my 24k Garrett/ whites model. It has opion to lock auto tracking at ground to really hone in on target. Still learning.
Thank you for sharing your passion, I'm inspired...
The gold is still out there to be found by those who put in the work to search.
Does the frequency affect PI units differently? I ask because my Garett Infinium ls specs state 730 which seems significantly lower than 35-75k even considering its an older mid range unit?
Because they are very different technologies, comparing the two is like apples and oranges.
Nokta is pronounced NO - k - ta, not Knock-Ta. I used to live in Turkey, or I probably wouldn't know either. Great video. I found a lot of gold with my Gold Bug 2 but traded it for a Gold Monster 1000. I had a GMT for years too but a friend bought it. Now, I just have my 1000 and 7000 (deepest was 1/4 oz at 11").
GM1000 and GPZ7000 are two very powerful detectors that will cover a lot of possibilities.
Sdc 2300 for gold, vanquish 540 for coins
First time out with my 2300 I found 50 pieces or 1/4 oz
The 540 is awesome for coins and jewellery, just got back from holiday up north of Western Australia found $80 in coins and a 1922 half penny
Sounds great.
Thanks Chris found your video informative 😊🌏
Glad it was helpful!
Question so if you were to find 350 year old spanish bars next to a river how would they compare tovthe gold bars we see in hollywood movies..and with sediment build up around the bar what type of machine would be ideal to locate lets say 2~5 ft in the ground
Sometimes Hollywood does not really get things right. A good backhoe will dig 2 to 5 feet.
Thanks for the very informative video. I use a White's MXT that I bought new in 2016. I have both the 9.5 coil that came with the unit and the small 6x4 coil. I've found lots of trash, some coins and jewelry and even a couple of small ( less than .1 ) pickers in the desert north of Yuma. Do you have an opinion on this detector?
I own one myself. Ive found gold with it, but prefer other detectors when gold hunting, but I have many detectors. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.
Can a gold bug 2 detect big gold as well
How are the warranties on units like the gold monster 1000 and up? Do they ever break down and if so, are they hard to get fixed or expensive to do so?
Thnx, a new prospector. We got your book last yr and we’re reading it now.
I've owned a good number and only one broke, Minelab replaced it with a new one at no cost.
I actually ordered a gold bug 2 because of all the good things I've heard about it. Now I'm starting to hear that a lot of people have been upgrading to the GM1000.
I have not opened it yet, and the place I ordered it from will still take it back for a full refund in store credit, so I could still swap it for a GM1000.
Do you have a video that compares the two of them? I believe I've heard you say that you use both, but use the GM1000 more often.
I do not have such a video.