T2 vs. G2 vs. AT Gold - for detecting tiny iron objects

[claudius]

Hi everyone,
I am new to this forum, and need some help, as most newbies do.
My problem may seem strange, since most of you search for more valuable things than sewing needles.

I need to buy a metal detector for my hobby as a tailor. Its main purpose is to detect sewing needles or pins in the things I make. I do not want it to be a large industrial machine, but rather a regular detector. For the last couple of weeks I have read really a lot on the subject, called sellers, and I know that pinpointers and hand detectors in general are not sensitive enough.

So finally I narrowed my choice down to 3:
- Garrett AT Gold
- Teknetics T2
- Teknetics G2 (a clone of Fisher Gold Bug Pro)

Please, help me making this final decision. Which one would be most sensitive - for detecting small sewing needles from a distance of at least 8 cm? Please, basing on your experience, and knowledge - can you help me? If any of you would like to help me even more - you could check, what is a distance from which your detector sees a small (about 3 cm) needle or a pin.

 

[PhaseTech]

Sorry to do this to you, but to find sewing needles, I'd say you want to look at a machine with a higher Frequency.

Fisher Gold Bug 2 (71 kHz)
Whites GMT (50 kHz)
Eureka Gold (60 kHz)
Makro Gold Racer (56 kHz)

All of these units would be even better with their smaller 6" (approx.) coils, as this will slightly increase depth and aid is easy pin-pointing.
All these units will be similar price wise.

If you don't mind buying used, drop us an email as I may just have the perfect combo to suit your application.
[email protected]

Cheers

Nenad

 

[claudius]

Sorry to do this to you, but to find sewing needles, I'd say you want to look at a machine with a higher Frequency.

Fisher Gold Bug 2 (71 kHz)
Whites GMT (50 kHz)
Eureka Gold (60 kHz)
Makro Gold Racer (56 kHz)

All of these units would be even better with their smaller 6" (approx.) coils, as this will slightly increase depth and aid is easy pin-pointing.
All these units will be similar price wise.

If you don't mind buying used, drop us an email as I may just have the perfect combo to suit your application.
[email protected]

Cheers

Nenad

Why did you do that . But seriously, that are some detectors dedicated for gold hunting (like AT Gold) that operate on not that high frequencies, and are supposed to be very sensitive. Does that really make that much difference? If it does, I would go for one of those you mentioned, preferably makro gold racer, but just wanted to make sure. And certainly, I would like to ask for a test to show, if a detector sees a needle.

 

[PhaseTech]

Mid-freq units like 14-20 kHz generally handle hot ground better, will go deeper on larger targets, and have some capability on the beach, so are more popular due to their versatility. The dedicated VLF gold machines all have higher frequencies.

I'll run a test tonight and let you know. I can test out the Gold Racer when they arrive later this week.

 

[claudius]

Mid-freq units like 14-20 kHz generally handle hot ground better, will go deeper on larger targets, and have some capability on the beach, so are more popular due to their versatility. The dedicated VLF gold machines all have higher frequencies.

I'll run a test tonight and let you know. I can test out the Gold Racer when they arrive later this week.

Thank you very much. That makes sense. I thought of high frequency unit, but somehow got distracted by some mid-freq detectors dedicated for gold. I hope your test will give good results.

 

[jamie]

Would the falcon md20(?) do what he is looking for nenad, think being a handheld pinpointer may be easier to handle but a lot more sensitive then the regular pointers we all use

 

[claudius]

Would the falcon md20(?) do what he is looking for nenad, think being a handheld pinpointer may be easier to handle but a lot more sensitive then the regular pointers we all use

Thank you, that is indeed one powerful machine! 300kHz is really a lot. I must admit, I have never heard of it until now, even though I was searching very thoroughly. I will start reading more about the unit, and look for some youtube tests right away.

 

[Goldpick]

My G2 has no issues picking up a 3cm fine needle in all-metal at ~15cm when run length ways across the coil, and about 10cm when run parallel to the DD windings. The sensitivity was maxed out for those readings, so I tried again at 50% sensitivity, and managed around 10cm and 5cm for the same needle orientations.

I tried discrimination mode, and it sounded like it was trying to knock the needle out, even on "0" discrimination setting, guess it wasn't strong enough to break through the threshold.

This was using the stock 11" coil, the optional 5x10 coil would be more user friendly in pinpointing the pins.

Also tried my most sensitive pinpointer (Whites TRX) on the highest sensitivity, and it only managed 1cm.

Though I think it is a bit of an overkill, have you thought of using magnets to locate the pins and needles, or are they prone to wrecking/marking the clothing.

You also have to take into account that some of these highly sensitive detectors can be interfered with by indoor electrical interference, so smaller the coil, the better it should cope. The G2 is pretty good with regards to such interference, had no issues in my shed, and I am surrounded by all sort of electrical gear and fluoro lights.

 

[claudius]

My G2 has no issues picking up a 3cm fine needle in all-metal at ~15cm when run length ways across the coil, and about 10cm when run parallel to the DD windings. The sensitivity was maxed out for those readings, so I tried again at 50% sensitivity, and managed around 10cm and 5cm for the same needle orientations.

I tried discrimination mode, and it sounded like it was trying to knock the needle out, even on "0" discrimination setting, guess it wasn't strong enough to break through the threshold.

This was using the stock 11" coil, the optional 5x10 coil would be more user friendly in pinpointing the pins.

Also tried my most sensitive pinpointer (Whites TRX) on the highest sensitivity, and it only managed 1cm.

Though I think it is a bit of an overkill, have you thought of using magnets to locate the pins and needles, or are they prone to wrecking/marking the clothing.

You also have to take into account that some of these highly sensitive detectors can be interfered with by indoor electrical interference, so smaller the coil, the better it should cope. The G2 is pretty good with regards to such interference, had no issues in my shed, and I am surrounded by all sort of electrical gear and fluoro lights.

Goldpick, thank you for the test. Did you use a sewing needle or a medical one? 10-15cm would be fine. What worries me is that the unit comes with this 11" coil by default, and one must buy an extra coil to get better results. But since you used 11" and it worked, it seems I could stick with that.
Also thanks for checking the pinpointer - as I thought, most of them aren't sensitive enough.
As to magnets - they might be able to remove a needle, but will not detect it. I'd rather go with a detector.

 

[grubstake]

I tried discrimination mode, and it sounded like it was trying to knock the needle out, even on "0" discrimination setting, guess it wasn't strong enough to break through the threshold.

For most detectors with a discrimination mode, even the lowest setting isn't actually zero (ie. all metal). In Tesoro terminology, a full-ranging discrimination starting from true zero is ED 180 (meaning a full 180 degrees range, from minimum to maximum), however, many of their machines and other makes/models are actually ED 120 discriminators, meaning their range is truncated at the bottom end of the scale.

This is especially important for Claudius' application, because he wants to hear iron/steel, which is the first metal that detectors discriminate out. I'm wondering whether a detector with an iron audio option would be helpful for his specialised purpose? On a detector with notch discrimination facility, notching out everything except the low range (iron/steel), would be an interesting experiment too.

 

[claudius]

For most detectors with a discrimination mode, even the lowest setting isn't actually zero (ie. all metal).

I have been told I must be certain the unit has a true all metal mode. AT Gold has it, and it states clearly in the specifications. T2, and G2 - supposedly have it too. So yes - what I need is an unusual device, that WILL NOT reject iron (which is the opposite to what most of you do).

 

[nesral]

Is any of the needles or bits thereof to be detected Stainless Steel ?
If so forget VLF metal detectors including pin-pointers, unless you can find a PI unit operating at 2 sec.

If just normal pins and needles that can be attracted to a magnet, then many of the better Pin-Pointers can be used with ease.

 

[Goldpick]

My G2 has no issues picking up a 3cm fine needle in all-metal at ~15cm when run length ways across the coil, and about 10cm when run parallel to the DD windings. The sensitivity was maxed out for those readings, so I tried again at 50% sensitivity, and managed around 10cm and 5cm for the same needle orientations.

I tried discrimination mode, and it sounded like it was trying to knock the needle out, even on "0" discrimination setting, guess it wasn't strong enough to break through the threshold.

This was using the stock 11" coil, the optional 5x10 coil would be more user friendly in pinpointing the pins.

Also tried my most sensitive pinpointer (Whites TRX) on the highest sensitivity, and it only managed 1cm.

Though I think it is a bit of an overkill, have you thought of using magnets to locate the pins and needles, or are they prone to wrecking/marking the clothing.

You also have to take into account that some of these highly sensitive detectors can be interfered with by indoor electrical interference, so smaller the coil, the better it should cope. The G2 is pretty good with regards to such interference, had no issues in my shed, and I am surrounded by all sort of electrical gear and fluoro lights.

Goldpick, thank you for the test. Did you use a sewing needle or a medical one? 10-15cm would be fine. What worries me is that the unit comes with this 11" coil by default, and one must buy an extra coil to get better results. But since you used 11" and it worked, it seems I could stick with that.
Also thanks for checking the pinpointer - as I thought, most of them aren't sensitive enough.
As to magnets - they might be able to remove a needle, but will not detect it. I'd rather go with a detector.

Just regular sewing needles as far as I know. The Fisher Goldbug Pro which is essentially the same detector as the G2, comes standard with a small round 6" coil, only the more expensive Goldbug DP model comes with the 11" coil.

 

[claudius]

Is any of the needles or bits thereof to be detected Stainless Steel ?
If so forget VLF metal detectors including pin-pointers, unless you can find a PI unit operating at 2 sec.
If just normal pins and needles that can be attracted to a magnet, then many of the better Pin-Pointers can be used with ease.

These are normal, regular sewing pins, like Goldpick showed. Pin-pointers don't see the, or if they do - the distance is about 1cm. Good PT are too expensive. I am reading about this Falcon MD20, but I saw some youtube tests, and it look weird, really weird, and not impressive when it comes to distance.

Just regular sewing needles as far as I know. The Fisher Goldbug Pro which is essentially the same detector as the G2, comes standard with a small round 6" coil, only the more expensive Goldbug DP model comes with the 11" coil.

Yes, this are normal needles, although their ears are pretty big . GBP is the same indeed. I will look into it.

 

[Goldpick]

Might pay to walk in and try few detectors if possible to satisfy your curiosity, the higher frequency detectors may well do a better job than the GBPro. Hopefully some others will chime in with their findings on the more specialised and sensitive gold detectors.

 

[claudius]

Might pay to walk in and try few detectors if possible to satisfy your curiosity, the higher frequency detectors may well do a better job than the GBPro. Hopefully some others will chime in with their findings on the more specialised and sensitive gold detectors.

I would, but the closest shop is 300km away, and when I called, they said, they have it all packed, and will not unpack it for me. That is why I have to ask owners to make me a favor, and make the needle test.

 

[stalker]

What's wrong with using a big earth magnet ..

 

[claudius]

What's wrong with using a big earth magnet ..

A magnet won't detect a needle, and I would not trust it much. Besides, I really got into this MD thing, and hope to use the detector I buy also for fun.

 

[nesral]

A good pinpointer have no trouble detecting pins/needels and small items.

If you as indicating want to try metal detecting also, then have a look here.

https://www.cwpsupplies.com.au/product/makro-racer/

The Red Racer have absolutely no trouble in detecting a ferrous pin or needle, be it in All Metal or Disc. and as in above link it come with a pinpointer.

Gold Racer will also do it, but the Red Racer is tops for Park/coins and Beach Work/Jewellery.

I use both, it's not based on guesswork.

 

[PhaseTech]

I just ran a few tests on a 48mm needle.

XT18000 and 6" goldseeker coil (Sens 90%)
Across coil - 11cm
Parallel to coil - 7cm

Fors Gold + with 10x5" coil (sens 50%)
Fast Disc Mode
Across coil - 9cm
Parallel to coil - 7cm
the needle ID's at 20, so Disc mode with ID Mask on ten hits it clearly.

Fors Gold + with 10x5" coil (sens 50%)
All-Metal Mode
Across coil - 9cm
Parallel to coil - 7cm

Fors CoRe with 5" oor coil (Sens 50%)
DI2 Disc Mode, ID Mask 10
Across Coil - 12cm
Parallel to coil - 8.5cm

Fors CoRe with 11x7" coil (Sens 50%)
DI2 Disc Mode, ID Mask 10
Across Coil - 12cm
Parallel to coil - 8cm