Comparisons between the X-70 and Gold Bug II

[rifleman]

Has anyone had the chance to do a side by side comparison between these two machines. I have and love my X-70. I have the 5 X 10 18.75 and the 6" 18.75 DD coils. I intend to do a lot more prospecting for gold nuggets in the Arizona desert. The Gold Bug II has a good reputation for finding gold and is available for a reasonable price. I'm just curious how the two stack up against each other. I had one of the Minelab PI machines and it did nothing but hurt my back with the weight of the battery pack and machine. The Whites machines are also supposed to be pretty good. I guess what I am asking is, am I giving up much not using a dedicated gold detector? So far I'm pretty impressed with the prospecting mode of the X-70. I know it won't find the bigger, deeper nuggets that the expensive PI machines will find, but lots of smaller nuggets that I don't have to dig to china for sounds pretty good too. The weight is important as my back is not that of a younger man.

Thanks, John K

 

[nero_design]

The Gold Bug II is a popular and low priced dedicated Gold Detector. It's relatively lightweight and is far lighter than the Pulse Induction machines with their heavy batteries. You'd probably enjoy using it if nuggets are your main target. But at 71kHz (the highest frequency on the market), you'll find that this is a specialized detector which won't allow you to hunt for relics etc which are better suited to even lower frequencies. Fisher were one of very first metal detector manufacturers in the world so it may pay to look closer at the Gold Bug II. I find quality 9V batteries a little pricey by comparison to the AAs. A lot of Australians use it on our mineralized soils here. If you were thinking of buying one, you won't be out of pocket by much as this is a fairly affordable detector. It would certainly be outperformed by the SD detectors from Minelab but against the X-Terra 70, I wouldn't be surprised if the higher frequency of the Fisher has the edge in hot soil.


* Minelab X-Terra 70 ... a good VLF all-rounder (for both Coins, Relics & Nuggets).
Plenty of people are using this VLF detector to find Gold nuggets... including myself. It's pretty effective finding small gold or specimens which other machines overlook. It has a dedicated Prospecting Mode and is one of the first VLF machines to handle the hot Mineralized soils with a good deal of stability due to the VLFEX processor. Runs at 18.75khz when utilizing specific nugget-hunting coils and operates on 4 x AA batteries. Weight: 2.9 lbs. 2 year limited warranty.


* Fisher "Gold Bug" 2 ... VLF(?) single purpose nugget finder
Probably one of the more popular and affordable entry level Prospecting detectors out there at the moment. It runs at 71 khz which is touted by Fisher as the optimum for small gold at greater depth. Converts to a hip mount. No external speaker. They say it's the highest operating frequency on the market. Weight 2.9 lbs, runs on 2x 9V Batteries. 5 year limited warranty.

 

[Digger]

the Minelab Eureka. It is about $300 US more expensive than the Fisher Gold Bug II. But might be worth checking out.

[attachment 100939 eurekagold-new-med.jpg]

"borrowed" from a dealer's site..........Minelab's exclusive triple frequency technology makes prospecting easier! The Eureka Gold gives you 6.4kHz for maximum depth, 20kHz for general detecting and the super sensitive 60kHz to find the smallest gold nuggets that others are missing. Featuring Minelab's "Accu-Trak" Digital Ground Balance with switchable 2 speed recovery, combined with new microprocessor controlled discrimination circuitry takes the guess work out of detecting so YOU will find more gold, more often. Serious gold detecting technology and versatility for the serious gold detectorist! Exclusive Triple Frequency operation with switchable 6.4, 20, or 60 kHz! "ACCU-TRAK" DIGITAL Ground Balancing with 2 speed adjustable or fixed mode. Iron Rejection in each frequency. Variable Discrimination Control gives you ultimate accuracy. Full coverage with Minelab's 10" Double D "easy sweep" elliptical coil system. NEW Rugged Metal Armrest and stabilizer strap. Trash rejection circuits in each frequency. NEW "FIRM FEEL" Comfort Balance Shaft. State-of-the-Art NiMH rechargeable Battery System. Slide in detector stand. 2 position box mounting system. Weighs 4.5 lbs with batteries. Uses 8 "AA" batteries. 2 Year Minelab USA Warranty + 2 Year Extended ESP Warranty

HH
Randy

 

[rifleman]

Thanks, The X-70 with it's 18.75 kHz operating frequency should in theory go a little deeper than the gold bug 2 and still find the small gold. I have been told the Minelab Eureka is not the best on the market for the price. I'm going to use the X-70 for gold hunting this winter. I was just curious if the Gold Bug 2 had a big enough edge to make it worth buying. I'm thinking not, but wanted a few others opinions. The new Whites PI machine may be worth a look at under $2000.00. I'm going to wait to hear feedback before I make any commitment to spending that much. You have got to love the versatility of the X-70, especially at the price it goes for. Thanks for the answers. If anyone else has anything else to offer, I'd love to hear other opinions.

Good hunting, John K

 

[nero_design]

The higher the frequency (like the Gold Bug @ 71kHz) = more sensitivity
The lower the frequency (Like the X-Terra 70 @ 18.75kHz) = deeper soil penetration.

This is why I said the Gold Bug II might have an edge over the X-Terra but it would only be slight. Because the Gold Bug II is a dedicated detector, it can't be used conveniently as a coin or relic detector whereas the X-Terra 70 can be used for both kinds of hunting : Prospecting & Coin/Relic Hunting.

The Garrett PI detectors (like the Infinium LS) are VERY similar to the X-Terra 70 in many ways... with one notable exception being that the Infinium LS is completely waterproof. The other major difference is that the Infinium LS weighs almost double the weight of the X-Terra 70 and uses more batteries in less time. The main reason I'll personally pass on the LS is going to be the weight. Not a pleasant experience.