Gold Bug Pro

[ohlode]

Just learning this machine after several years on my GB2 and MXT. So far I'm very impressed. Super light!
One thing I notice hunting in the all metal mode for gold is each time I set it down my thumb invariably turns up the threshold... anyone else have this issue? Thinking of a small rubber band around the knob shaft to slow the travel down a bit. Maybe I'm just the only clutz running one...
Second is sealing the coil cover to insure no metallic bits interfere. I pulled the coil cover when I received it used and it had some small grit around the edge but not on the bottom. I read that silicone sealant works. Any down side to this? Any particular type/brand make a smooth non-sticky seal? I don't seal my other two but may depending on comments.
Thanks in advance.

 

[TabWhisperer]

I don't use the coil cover but I have considered using the material for spray on truck beds. I have had a little trouble with brushing that knob too but it isn't too bad. I thought about putting an o-ring under the knob to create some friction.

 

[wltdwiz]

ive used ge silicone for years on my coil covers keeps the sand out & can be removed ez
as far as your thumb it needs training
the goldbug is a hell of a detector & will find the gold

 

[Monte]

Just learning this machine after several years on my GB2 and MXT. So far I'm very impressed. Super light!

All mentioned are good detectors. The Gold bug 2, the MXT, and the newer Gold Bug Pro & G2. They are light weight and well balanced for a lot of field time without fatigue.

One thing I notice hunting in the all metal mode for gold is each time I set it down my thumb invariably turns up the threshold... anyone else have this issue?

If you're only holding the grip, that shouldn't happen. If you're hunting with your thumb on the Pinpoint button, don't. That will eliminate the problem.

Thinking of a small rubber band around the knob shaft to slow the travel down a bit. Maybe I'm just the only clutz running one...

That can work, but I don't like them. For one thing, you mentioned the grit in the coil cover fitting and I now some people get their detectors a bit dirty and gritty. If you get dirt, mud or grit in and around the rubber 'O' ring and the knob/housing, it can cause added wear and tear and even make the fine-tuning ability a bit coarse.

Personally, when I have used models that have variable knobs that are easily bumped, a good move is to simply ....... remove the knob! You can still adjust it easily, and one other handy option is to buy a thin rubber 'boot' that you put over the shaft. That makes it look better, you can grip it easier, and adjust it just as well. Also, it will be less likely to get bumped out of adjustment and give more room for your thumb.

On the G2 and GP Pro, or the Omega and others like them, you can remove the other knob and also rubber boot it. If you relic hunt a lot you might wear gloves and this will allow ample room for a gloved thumb, yet still let you make needed adjustment without a problem.

Second is sealing the coil cover to insure no metallic bits interfere. I pulled the coil cover when I received it used and it had some small grit around the edge but not on the bottom. I read that silicone sealant works. Any down side to this? Any particular type/brand make a smooth non-sticky seal? I don't seal my other two but may depending on comments.

Silicone and some other things, like coil covers, just add more weight. the best thing is to keep the coil cover off. Then there's nothing to clean or debris to be gathered. The search coils should be operated a small distance off the ground for best performance (see the manual) so why use a coil cover? I don't, and haven't for maybe 3+ decades.

Just some ideas.

Monte