Feeling the gold rush? We can help you with the best metal detector for gold nuggets. With a special gold seeker metal detector, you won’t have to waste time on other worthless metals like iron and just go straight ahead with finding gold. And whether you’re just starting out prospecting gold or you’re looking for a better metal detector for gold, check out these five hottest metal detector products developed especially for gold enthusiasts like you.
What kind of metal detector is best for finding gold nuggets?
There are generally three types of metal detectors: a land-based metal detector which is a multi-purpose metal detector, a water-based metal detector for underwater (to a certain degree), and for beach use and specialty gold metal detectors.
For anyone who wants to prospect for gold, a specialty gold metal detector is the best choice. Gold metal detectors are further classified as very low-frequency detectors and pulse induction detectors.
VLF detectors can find gold using a high frequency compared to other models. This detector is more sensitive to gold nuggets than large chunks of gold. Meanwhile, pulse induction gold metal detectors are more expensive than VLF detectors because these use the most updated technology in finding gold nuggets. A PI detector uses the latest detection depth and improved functionality, especially in the mineralized ground soil.
PI detectors are capable of identifying large chunks of gold up to 2 feet deep and sometimes even deeper. Most updated units are designed to be lightweight and may also work in shallow waters. Most gold hunters prefer PI detectors because it is more efficient and will give you better results than VLF detectors.
How we selected these top metal detectors for gold nuggets?
From several metal detectors for gold nuggets at Amazon.com, we picked these five top models. These have the highest consumer ratings, the best features, and specs. We hope you’ll find the best metal detector for gold nuggets that’s perfect for your gold prospecting activities from our list.
Bounty Hunter Gold Digger
Customer Score: 90%, gave it 4.3 out of 5
A metal detector for gold nuggets as well iron relics with included headphones.
Pros
- Can find all precious metals from gold to iron
- With trash elimination
- With included headphones
- Search coil with cover
Cons
- Analog meter, no LCD
- Analog switches
- Not so comfortable armrest and handle
- Non-adjustable handle
The Bounty Hunter Gold Digger is a metal detector that you can use anywhere. It can detect gold nuggets, gold coins as well as iron relics using its all-metal mode and special trash elimination setting. This will help you use this detector to find only the object you want.
It can detect small objects the size of coins buried up to six inches under the ground. It can also detect bigger objects to a depth of two feet. It even comes with a headphone which will help you look for treasure and other precious items, even in a noisy and busy area. You can use this at the beach, backyard, or the park.
This Bounty Hunter metal detector is completely analog with a sensitivity meter and knobs to fine-tune the device. The handle is non-adjustable with no straps on the armrest. The search coil is completely covered, so it’s protected from debris.
Garrett AT Gold Metal Detector
Customer Score: 92%, gave it a 4.4 out of 5
A metal detector with a large, easy to see LCD for easy viewing anywhere.
Pros
- Good for finding gold nuggets
- Can be used in freshwater
- Uses high-frequency needed for gold prospecting
- With True All Metal Mode
- With large, easy to see LCD
- Comes with a headset and free batteries
- With armrest straps, padded armrest
Cons
- Not completely waterproof
- Not saltwater-proof
The Garrett AT Gold is a reliable metal detector that’s designed to look for small gold nuggets even in the most difficult areas like shallow water, hunting area, and in areas where there’s too much obstruction. This gold nugget metal detector uses high-frequency that’s meant to find gold. But it can also be used to find other precious metals using its True All Metal Mode.
The AT Gold will give you continuous audio to help you hear very faint signals created by small and remote targets. It comes with an easy to read LCD with all the information you need to look for gold, silver, bronze, or iron.
The control panel also has all you need to tweak your search, such as iron discrimination, sensitivity, threshold, pinpoint, and so many more. And although its handle is non-adjustable, it is padded for extra comfort. The armrest is also padded and strapped for efficient use. If you’re looking for good value, this metal detector comes with accessories like a Garrett headset, batteries, and many more.
Fisher Gold Bug Pro
Customer Score: 92%, gave it a 4.4 out of 5
A metal detector with computerized ground balancing.
Pros
- With real-time electronic ground balancing
- With individual gain and threshold controls
- Provides ground phase value of minerals
- Very simple, easy to use
- Padded armrest
- Very large LCD for easy viewing
Cons
- No arm strap
- Does not come with a free headset
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro is a gold nugget metal detector used in mineralized soils. The secret is V-Break, the first variable breaking tone discrimination that will zero in on gold nuggets and other precious metals. Also, this metal detector offers real-time electronic ground balancing plus audio for all metal and a discrimination mode. You can easily adjust threshold and gain plus continuous ground condition readings.
The Gold Bug is easy to use with a basic user interface. It is very easy to take anywhere because it’s lightweight at just 2.5 pounds. It is recommended for gold prospecting as well as gold nugget hunting in all kinds of terrain.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector
Customer Score: 88%, gave it a 4.2 out of 5
A metal detector that’s easy to use, with pro features and a two-year warranty.
Pros
- Easy to use, for beginners to professionals
- With a large 10” coil
- Can be collapsed, lightweight, easy to travel with
- With different detection modes and sensitivity levels
- With discrimination mode
- Can find precious metals up to a foot deep
- Large LCD for easy viewing even from a distance
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons
- Does not come with a headset
When a metal detector is made by a popular science channel like National Geographic, it’s sure to have the best quality. The National Geographic PRO series is for beginner and professional users as it is available in Junior and Professional models with all the features you’re looking for in a metal detector.
The PRO can help you find artifacts, including gold and silver coins, other precious metals, jewelry, metal tools, and many more. It is easy to take anywhere; just unfold it and start using it right away. This comes with a large and waterproof coil that measures 10 inches. It has three detection modes, four sensitivity levels, and a special pinpoint feature that will distinguish your target object from trash up to a foot deep.
The LCD is readable, with a large numerical display. All you need to fine-tune this device is found on the control panel, and it’s easy to access this one even if you are constantly moving.
And because it’s from National Geographic, expect the best quality. The PRO metal detector comes with a 2-year warranty, which is the best value for your money.
Minelab Gold Monster 1000
Customer Score: 92%, gave it a 4.4 out of 5
A metal detector for gold nuggets that come with a complete set.
Pros
- Has all the things you need to start looking for metal right away
- Completely automatic
- Very sensitive performance
- Versatile and adaptable
- Comes with an extra search coil
- With a large LCD
Cons
- Non-adjustable handle
The Minelab GOLD MONSTER 1000 is sure to please first-time hobbyists and relic hunters as it comes in a complete set. The set comes with the Monster 1000 fully-automatic metal detector that’s very sensitive. You can use this on any terrain as it’s versatile and very adaptable.
The Monster 1000 has a large LCD with unique symbols that you may need to get used to. All the controls are on the panel, which is installed as a part of the handle. The armrest has no padding but comes with a strap so you can hold on to the device as you move along.
Aside from the metal detector, the Minelab set comes with an extra coil, a hand shovel, battery chargers, headset, AC charger, car battery cable, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, shaft adapter, and a startup guide.
FAQ
How deep is gold found underground?
There are mixed opinions when it comes to the depth where gold can be found. Some say that gold bits and nuggets are possibly 1.5 meters while some say it’s double the depth. The best prospecting devices can reach 1.5 meters to find gold nuggets.
Can metal detectors detect all metals?
No, not all metals can be detected, and one of them is stainless steel. This metal has very little electrical conductivity, and thus, even the most powerful metal detectors will never be able to find stainless steel.
Is it illegal to look for gold in an empty lot or area?
In most countries, it is illegal to look for gold in any property other than yours. And if you happen to find buried treasure on an empty lot or the beach, you must report it right away as this belongs to the owner of the lot.
Where is the best place to prospect for gold?
The best place to hunt for gold is an open area that has been used before. An open space where an indigenous tribe used to occupy is a good place to start when you’re looking for gold and other buried treasure on land. But if you’re looking for gold artifacts like coins and relics, an underwater search is a good method. They say that trillions of dollars’ worth of gold are lying around the ocean floor. You just need to find a way to find it.
Can you use any metal detector to find gold?
Yes, just about any metal detector can find gold, but if you’re very serious about prospecting for gold, the best piece of equipment is a highly-specialized gold detector. This can easily find gold, and zero in on the metal distinguishes it from other metals. This way, you’ll get more chances of looking for gold instead of wasting your time looking for other metals.
Conclusion
From our list of the top 5 best metal detectors made for gold nuggets, the Bounty Hunter Gold Digger is our top choice, and there are many reasons why it’s the best. This is a metal detector that’s versatile as you can use this anywhere. This detector is not just for locating gold nuggets and gold coins but can also detect all metals using an all-metal mode and special trash elimination setting.
Other reasons why it’s the best is that it can detect small objects to the size of coins up to six inches underground. It also detects bigger objects to a depth of two feet.
This is a good metal detector for first-time prospectors as it comes with a headphone that will help you look for treasure and other precious items even when you’re in a noisy area. And despite the Bounty Hunter metal detector being an analog device and having a non-adjustable handle, we agree that this will be great for beginners and expert users.
And if you think that this metal detector for gold nuggets is the best one for you, check it out at this link.