mvh12345 said:
Any opinions or advice would be very useful.
HI MVH and others .... just a few points that may/may not assist in your decision.
1 - While I hate the pricing of Minelab detectors they do seem to find gold.
2 - the X-Terra range are a solid parks/beach detector, especially with a WOT coil (go back over some of SA Bogans posts and you'll see he did well with it). I've tried mine in the goldfields but got nothing but lead, then again that's all others with a 5000 found as well.
3 - Hiring is a great way to "try before you buy" BUT 1 day with 2 detectors will probably only confuse rather than assist. Get 1 for a weekend (or 2) then try another for a couple of weekends.
4 The SDC is a GREAT 'idiot proof' detector, simply switch on and go .... I've found all my gold with mine (around 60 pieces in 9 months).
5 The 45, 48 & 5000 GOX series are all great detectors, you may be lucky first up with factory presets BUT they will NOT work at all locations and to really get to understand these units will take MORE than a few hours over a weekend. I have a 4800 BUT always seem to revert to the SDC, nothing wrong with the 4800 just me not taking the time to learn.
6 Gold is scarce and just because you don't find any does NOT mean the detector is useless.
7 Swing slow, seem too many people rushing over the ground .... maybe they're right and I'm wrong ???
8 If a days hire is $125 (for 2x units) why not spend a bit more and kill 2 birds with 1 stone .... do a tour (GPA/G&R etc), use their supplied detector , get to try the detector and learn about "the lay of the land" at the same time ..... I should practice what I preach but haven't got around to doing one yet (but definitely will).
9 ... Enjoy you time out there ...... the nuggets are few and far between but the locations are great.
Cheers, Tom.