It's easy to become addicted to gold after you've tried panning or sluicing as methods to find it. Once you realize that you're hooked, it's best to come up with more practical ways of gold detection.
It is important to realize before purchasing your own gold metal detector that all of these devices are not intended for gold hunting. The reality is that the majority of metal detection devices are ineffectual in gold prone areas due to they fact they can't function well amidst the high levels of mineralization typically found in these areas. Their readings will be inaccurate and will be a source of great frustration for you.
Metal detectors that are specially designed for gold hunting can deal more effectively with mineralization which allows them to detect the most minute amounts of gold once you learn how to use them properly. You'll need lots of experience and persistence to master these metal detectors but once you do, your gold hunting experience will be greatly enhanced as a result.
Because the purchase of a gold metal detector is costly, it may not be feasible for an individual to buy one of these devices if they only go gold prospecting a couple of times yearly.
When prospecting for gold by using panning techniques, you'll more than likely find at least some gold flakes as a result of your efforts. Using a metal detector for gold prospecting necessitates much more endurance. You should prepare yourself for the reality that it may require a few prospecting trips before you locate a gold nugget for the first time. For those individuals willing to put in the time, the rewards will be well worth it.
It is regrettable that many gold seekers abandon metal detecting prematurely and so never find that desired gold nugget. They decide instead to yield to their feelings of frustration and give up their hobby. In too many cases, they resort to selling their brand new top dollar metal detector for much less than they paid for it.
Because of this, I strongly recommend that you either rent a metal detector or borrow one. There are some stores who will also give you the option of a guided tour in conjunction with a rental of a metal detector. This is beneficial for a variety of reasons. The primary reason is that these individuals are familiar with the area and know the most ideal spots where you'll be more likely to locate a gold nugget. The second reason is that a gold detector is not a simple device to operate and these expects will be there to give you some much needed instruction. The third factor is that metal detection is a much more involved process than simply pressing the on button. Having a professional at your side will help you recognize and locate the signs indicating the presence of gold. The fourth reason is that renting a metal detector will allow you to get some experience with the hobby and with the brand of metal detector you've selected without having to pay from $700 to $5000 before you are definitely sure that this is the hobby and device for you.
If there are no metal detector rentals in your area or if you are intent on buying your own, I strongly suggest that you look into the purchase of a secondhand unit to make sure you like it.
