Don’t buy a Metal Detector Until You Watch This Video - 10 things you need to think carefully about

Don’t buy a Metal Detector Until You Watch This Video first - I'll cover 10 essential considerations you need to think on before you buy. Metal detectors can find a lot of gold fast, including big gold! Ever wanted to be a part of that? Metal detectors are expensive, and you don’t want to buy the wrong one - so don’t buy one until you have watched this video. These considerations include what features to look for and how to get the most bang for your buck, the different types of metal detectors and the features they offer, knowing the costs and understanding the environments in which you'll be using it. This guide will make sure you get the perfect metal detector for your needs.
My video on how to choose the right detector for you can be found at:
• How to choose the best...
My Nugget detecting playlist can be found at:
• Nugget detecting Succe...
For those who want to learn more about Prospecting and finding gold check out my book, Fists full of Gold. It’s an encyclopedia of everything on the topic of prospecting. It’s available on from High Plans Prospectors. (Affiliate) You can find it at:
highplainsprospectors.com/pro...
For even more information on prospecting, minerals, gems and other related information you can also check out my website at:
nevada-outback-gems.com/prospe...

[@michiganprospectors]

I hope to get a new metal detector in the next year or so. I have some vintage detectors I am using right now. They were very expensive when new back in the day. At first I was ashamed to be seen with them but now that they have proven themselves, I dont care what anyone thinks.

[@jeanclauderoget3756]

I am with you.

[@ChrisRalph]

Take your time with buying that new detector and consider the thoughts in this video. Thanks for watching!

[@user-ux9eb5pw2w]

A thousand thanks to you, my brother Chris Ralph. I am one of your viewers. I do not know how to speak English except for translating and copying in order to learn from you that you teach sincerely and teach honestly and faithfully. I see you as a father to us through your sincere teaching. 😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@ChrisRalph]

Thank you for your kind words.

[@jasonyork4418]

Great video again!!! You know Chris I have been watching you for awhile now and I took your advice on a gold detector. I had a budget and I ended up with the Gold bud Pro from Kellyco Detectors. It's funny what you said about getting out only a couple days a year with home responsibilities. I bought that detector over a year ago and had got to take it out 2 times. And no I didn't find gold but just being outside and trying makes all the difference! I did find nails, fishing lures, lead with it. I can't wait for Spring to come. I have been doing a lot of research around my area and hopefully one day with your help with all your videos that I've seen I'm pound to find something one day. Thanks again for your time and effort making educational videos for us!

[@ChrisRalph]

Keep practicing and working on it and you will get the hang of it.

[@firesauce9128]

Trade it for a mine lab gold monster.i have gold bugs..the monster is a better machine ....its about 900 bucks but worth it .if I could post some pics ,I'd show you some gold this thing will find..

[@jasonyork4418]

@@firesauce9128 I don't have the money to trade it in. I will just have to get to know the machine and keep using it. It was in my budget at the time. And I watched a video with Chris saying that it's a good gold detector. So we will see.

[@BeAFamily]

Got your book! Awesome content 100% recommend!

[@ChrisRalph]

Awesome! Thank you! Glad you are enjoying it!

[@allansgoldmining]

Well done Chris ! Great advice for everyone in the hobby ! Tremendous value in these 10 essentials, with #5 at the top, in my opinion. So much fraud out there these days. I don't do much detecting, therefore, it took me years to find my first nugget. When it happened, I was doing the "Happy Dance." Yeehaw !! The only thing I could add, is that one needs to handle each machine under consideration to insure it's ergonomically comfortable. Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge !

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you are well, we are buried in snow up north.

[@allansgoldmining]

@Chris Ralph, Professional Prospector we've had an abundance of rain down here, which good. 👍 At the claims mostly snow. Will make for easy digging once it soaks into the clay.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

Gold is found in areas where gold has been found. The problem with this is those there before left tons of metal trash. Lead bullets, bird shot, boot tacks, wire, and nails to food cans. Very few will find the profits compensate the time and investment. Often it will be less than working for minimum wage. You better get pleasure from the hunt.

[@ChrisRalph]

Mostly true, but I have found gold in places with no trash - the old timers were never there before.

[@hosgs14]

Great video Chris! Love these instructionals.

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad you like them!

[@danbrent4618]

Awesome video Chris! Thank you for your counsel! It’s going to be a fabulous spring, summer and fall! Dan Brent

[@ChrisRalph]

Fingers crossed! I just wish the rain and snow would end and the weather warm up a little.

[@Mike_Greentea]

Great info! I learned a lot.

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad it was helpful!

[@filmocansanmigueleskrimala7399]

Idol Chris Ralph how about deep hunter pro 7 is it true that it can detect 6 meters? I am waiting for your advice.

[@ChrisRalph]

I would say that I am very highly skeptical of such a claim based of the physics of how metal detectors work.

[@AuProspecting-Scotland]

Great video chris i took all your information and wrote a short list of all the things i needed from one, at a price i could afford for what i was doing with it, i'm going to be prospecting gravel bars and river edges with it looking for small gold, the machine i decided on and now have in my possession is the Nokta Gold Kruzer , running at 61Khz it should be great for finding small gold. i always enjoy your videos, very educational. for what i need it for did i make a good choice on the detector ?

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad I could help. The Gold Kruzer is a good detector and will find small gold.

[@karlfonner7589]

Thank you for your good advice sir. Especially the enjoy the ride part. Now all I need to know is where to go.

[@ChrisRalph]

Listen again to the part about join a local prospecting club. That will give you places to go.

[@robertlint4742]

I moved to North Carolina ,I watched your videos . I will say afterwards my finds Changed. Ty .

[@ChrisRalph]

You are welcome! Glad they were helpful.

[@Smithsgold]

Good info for anyone looking to get a new or used detector soon !!!!!!

[@ChrisRalph]

Are you guys getting enough rain yet? I see flooding all over California on TV.

[@Smithsgold]

@@ChrisRalph yep I’m good for it to stop now !!!!

[@ChrisRalph]

Sorry, no such luck - your forecast is for rain, rain, rain, rain, rain, rain, and after that - more rain.

[@horseman528]

I like my detectors simple. That's why I loved the Tesoro's. They could discriminate iron out better than any other detector I have used. Plus, they had fairly good separation and recovery. I still use my AT Pro. I don't want a metal detector I have to take a class to figure out how to use. Love my little Fisher F5.

[@ChrisRalph]

Yet Tesoro has been out of business for many years, just no new inovation - the same old detectors year after year killed them.

[@horseman528]

@@ChrisRalph They're still great detectors and will get you many great finds. I guarantee if Tesoro went back in business, a lot of people would buy them for their simplicity and ability to disc. out iron. I think Vince and James just got tired of the business and wanted to do something else. If their father had still been alive, Tesoro would probably still be in business.

[@glentomkins8044]

Thanks again Chris, I wish I'd watched this video before I bought my metal detectors!

[@ChrisRalph]

Well, I'm shortly putting out a nugget hunters guide - 2 part video.

[@eqebeats2794]

Hi, Chris. What recommendation would you make for doing jewelry detection on the beach / shoreline ?

[@ChrisRalph]

I've only done that a few times, and it was 12 years ago, so I'm not the guy to ask. I do metal detecting for nuggets and that is different.

[@weshawkins7165]

Hi Chris. Good video. It will be a while before we can access the Sierra this year. Of course you know I’ve got a big detector tool box.

[@ChrisRalph]

So lets try again to get together. Yes deep snow in the high country will linger into May and June.

[@weshawkins7165]

@@ChrisRalph I’ve probably had 5 ft at my place in the last week.

[@thebushbunker]

Hey great video I just purchased a 6000 can’t wait for summer

[@ChrisRalph]

Hope you enjoy it and find loads of gold!

[@thebushbunker]

@@ChrisRalph thank you I have a few places in mind

[@BradenLeviJudd]

My father has been wanting to get into using his metal detector more. I am wanting to work into my budget a device to start going with him. Would you have a device recommendation for the southern Utah or northern Arizona region? I would say my aim would be if possible finding small gold or silver deposits/nuggets. This is on a going out once per month or so basis so I would hopefully be able to start using said device often. @chris Ralph, Professional Prospector Thank you for your time.

[@ChrisRalph]

So look at my Where to find gold in Arizona video. AZ has loads of gold large enough to detect, but mostly in the central and southern parts. Utah is also pretty limited as far as gold big enough to be detected. Look into the places that would work for detecting and how far they are for you to drive.

[@BradenLeviJudd]

@@ChrisRalph I'll double check if I missed that one. I've been watching many of your videos based on Arizona and Nevada. I have been watching your device video's as well. Would you still recommend the fisher gold bug pro to someone who is wanting to stay under a 1,000$ budget? I rock hound quite a bit and would like to be able to use a device when doing that as well. I know the area's I go sometimes have silver but I personally haven't found any. It probably isn't easy to settle on one device since I'd be looking for gold at times or silver at other times.

[@ironhorse7588]

👍Great Tips 👍

[@ChrisRalph]

Thanks! Glad it was helpful!

[@SuperJupiter33]

could you share any thoughts on the whites V3I I have been using one for 5 years but do not prospect gold with it! best wishes with your nugget hunting.

[@ChrisRalph]

Great machine for coins, jewelry and relics. Not really made for gold nugget detecting.

[@aliabdihaj001]

Charging detector battery with solar .does that affect battery 🔋 .what makes your not to last long apart from its limit

[@ChrisRalph]

Not sure which batteries you are using or if you are overcharging them.

[@WhyWhatWhoWhenWhyAgain]

You are pretty cool, from a young Canadian rock enthusiast, thanks for all the great videos

[@ChrisRalph]

Wow, thanks!

[@GoldPanDan]

Good info Chris! It definitely takes patience to start finding nugget with the metal detector. It took me about a half a dozen times out to find my first piece of gold, but once I found my first piece of gold with my metal detector, it has been non stop finding gold for me! It has definitely made me a better prospector and opened up my mind to where to look for gold in our area. :)

[@ChrisRalph]

You got that right!

[@dromeda6066]

I love your energy

[@ChrisRalph]

Thanks!

[@clarencewsmith707]

Hey Chris what do you think about a whites detector, I paid 12 hundred dollars for it about 15 years ago it’s a DFX spectrum E series I haven’t used it much in the last few years

[@ChrisRalph]

Well designed, good detector for hunting coins and jewelry, relics, etc. You do know that whites has been out of business for the last several years, right?

[@clarencewsmith707]

@@ChrisRalph yes that’s what I hear about whites detectors, when this one goes bad I’ll get a new one, say I see alot of people in arizona out looking and finding gold, I would like to go one of these days I use to live in Tucson but back then never cared about prospecting but would like to do that some day.

[@younggoat9614]

Hi Chris, what do you suggest about TITAN GER 1000? Is it worth it?

[@ChrisRalph]

If you are searching for gold nuggets, it would be a complete waste of money and time - in my opinion.

[@bryandraughn9830]

I found a lot of meteorites in az without a metal detector but now I live in NC so it's almost impossible to spot a keeper around here. I'm always keeping my eyes open for a unit that might be helpful but I don't have any idea what kind or anything. I'm only really interested in meteorites though and most of the advice I can find is all about coins and jewelry. Any tips would be much appreciated!

[@ChrisRalph]

Sorry but finding meteorites is much, much easier in desert areas - which NC is not.

[@jaminoes_]

Where in AZ where you hunting for meteorites?

[@user-yw1sx5wp2h]

Do you find those nuggets anywhere? Or is it only in specific states?

[@ChrisRalph]

Only some places.

[@jimwilliams3517]

I'm gonna buy one and I appreciate your advice here. Of course you know, Chris, I'm gonna come to you for lessons.

[@ChrisRalph]

Glad the video was helpful.

[@firesauce9128]

I have gpx5000 ,gold bug 2,gold bug pro,and some whites,but the best I've ever used ,is my mine lab gold monster,,have 3 of these..the best by far...

[@ChrisRalph]

I like the gold monster very much, but you have me beat as I only have 2 of them.

[@firesauce9128]

@@ChrisRalph of course ,we are hardrock miners ,we are in Allegany ca sierra county..I'm sure you have heard of this...😁😁😁😁😁😄

[@estherhriati3262]

I have gold monster 1000 detectot, so is it good??

[@ChrisRalph]

Yes it is good.

[@richardbillin5190]

Still watching your video but could you do a follow up video on why a “Gold Detector” isn’t good as a all purpose machine. Reason I ask this is because many KZbin videos of those using high end gold detectors will find a lot of what would be “Trash” before they even find gold. Couldn’t that “Trash” end up being coins jewelry etc?

[@ChrisRalph]

I talk about this on several videos, including one coming up in a couple weeks. The all purpose detectors are not as sensitive as a detector designed principally for hunting gold nuggets - which are very small targets by comparison to coins and jewelry. The "all purpose" detector will simply not see smaller nuggets that make the bulk of finds in many gold areas. Also, they will not deal with ground mineralization and hot rocks as well as a detector designed for the goldfields, as gold areas tend to be much more mineralized than your typical park or school. As far as "trash" when I talk about hunting gold, I am talking about hunting nuggets in areas with gold deposits, and the odds of finding coins and jewelry in these places is very, very low. Over the years I've dug thousands of targets in the gold fields I've found a couple of coins (less than 50 cents face value) - all modern, and no jewelry. If you have a detector with some discrimination, your detector will indicate not iron for any coins and jewelry, and all those not iron targets need to be dug. Does that explain what you were asking about?

[@richardbillin5190]

@@ChrisRalph kinda…maybe I’m not fully understanding…my thought wasn’t so much with the all purpose detectors but those specifically for “Gold” either VLF or Pulse Induction. I’m not fully understanding why those couldn’t be used as a detector in gold fields to find the best gold and also do well if your in a area that may have Coins, Jewelry etc…Thanks for your input just trying to get more educated on this before I decide what to get. I’m not opposed to a higher end “Gold Detector” just not clear on why that couldn’t be a dual purpose machine. My reasoning on that is from watching KZbin videos of those with those high end expensive “Gold” detectors” will dig a lot of trash I’m just thinking they could be good for both.

[@ChrisRalph]

It can be a dual purpose machine, but a Notka simplex is not a dual purpose machine - its a coin machine and even Notka does not think it capable of hunting gold as they do not offer any type of gold mode - which they do on some of the better detectors.

[@toddeftsadams5909]

Thanks again, Chris. I bought a bullet monster 1000 three years ago. I've looked for hours and days and still just bullets and trash. I'm not sure if I do it wrong, but I have even found shotgun BBs. I'm not giving up, but it's frustrating.

[@ChrisRalph]

Keep trying new places.

[@goldfools5445]

If you are chasing gold in known gold area. If the ground is highly mineralised, ie bullet monster never shuts up unless you are on auto1. Then I have to say, it’s time to bite the bullet and get a PI detector. I guarantee if there is gold there, you will find it. The GM1000 is more likely to miss the gold. If you are in lightly mineralised soil, you might get away with a VLF like the GM. You have to ask yourself the reason your not finding gold. Research what they are then change it. Example, I have a PI detector and I was finding gold. My wife had a VLF, GM1000, she never found any gold in three years. She bit the bullet, bought SDC2300. Found gold within one hour of using it in the same area she had detected many times before. 😮

[@toddeftsadams5909]

@Gold Fools Prospecting WA thanks for that advice. I will look into it. I'm in gold areas and other people have found gold in the same places I've looked. So you are most likely correct.

[@firesauce9128]

@@goldfools5445 really i have a pi gpx5000 i go to the mine lab gm1000 every time ..we have a gpx9000 GPS everything .cost 9 grand ..we have it but still go to the 1000 everytime ..just trying to help..

[@goldfools5445]

@@firesauce9128 what’s a GPX 9000?

[@romeomadriaga2500]

hello sir.. can you recommend a detector ranging 500 to 600 dollars to detect 6 meters deep treasures, thank you, have a good day sir…

[@ChrisRalph]

There is no metal detector which will see 6 meters deep - at any price.

[@Frigateman]

Excellent advice all around, though perhaps you might have better stressed the point that if you get a detector that can "see" small gold, the big gold will take care of itself.

[@ChrisRalph]

True, but a high frequency sensitive with a small coil will see small gold shallow but miss bigger gold down deep.

[@Frigateman]

@@ChrisRalph Yep, every choice is a compromise! Thus, the need for different tools going over the same ground, be it different detectors or just different coils.

[@MrLukaszcu]

Nokta legend under 500$ Absolute Swiss Army Knife of metal detecting.

[@ChrisRalph]

With the smaller search coil, its an OK multi-purpose detector. List price is $700 with the smaller search coil. Hunting nuggets with the big 11" coil = waste of time.

[@aliabdihaj001]

which is good for burried treasure .just mention i wil do research on it

[@ChrisRalph]

I detect for gold nuggets, not buried treasure.

[@user-ux9eb5pw2w]

Oh, the most beautiful teacher, I got dust from dozens of years ago inside a jar, but how do I know its location? It is in an area where a foreigner named Hayyan lived and roasted gold and all minerals.

[@ChrisRalph]

Unless some person can tell you, there is no way to know.

[@treasurehuntingnewyork5979]

Hi Chris I don’t really see this on the gold prospecting side of detecting but on the coin and relic side I’ll use the ace apex as an example when it came out there was a very small and very dedicated group of people that were spreading some cynical criticism over its performance and this was all loosely based on some simple nail testing and test gardens even though as time has shown there have been many once in a lifetime finds many examples of gold silver and amazing relics with this machine when I first started detecting the general consensus when a new machine came out the testing by the consumers was something done in the field and could take weeks or even months and that was logical to see how the machine performs in a variety of real world settings but not any more this testing can be done from the comfort of your own home and absolute conclusions can be drawn from this on what’s the latest and greatest technology no need for in field testing anymore sorry for the long winded post this is just my humble observation and opinion on certain matters in the sport that I hope don’t spread to the prospecting side of things

[@ChrisRalph]

Its true in comparing many products - like the Ford Trucks vs. Chevy Trucks arguments. Thats why its best to consider everything and make up your own mind for yourself.

[@darrel731]

Hi from Australia I've been prospecting for about 10years I've got 2 minelab machines a GPZ700 and a gold monster 1000 they are a great combo they have payed for them several times over !!! I only go out In the winter here it's to hot in summer !! Great advice just buy the best money can buy cause it's worth it !!! It's like picking up $5000 dollar nuggets some times yes it's hard work but add camping to it it's fantastic hobbie thanks Darrel Brisbane Australia

[@ChrisRalph]

I've enjoyed my time detecting.

[@darrel731]

@@ChrisRalph me to Chris take care Darrel from aus

[@aliabdihaj001]

how about gpx6000 regardless of its price

[@ChrisRalph]

great detector for gold nuggets.

[@khiem1939]

Little HINT to save you money and from being ripped off! If you buy on Ebay, which I used to be both a seller and am still a buyer and stockholder, ALWAYS PAY with Paypal, then if an Ebay Seller attempts or is successful in ripping you off, you are in nearly ALL cases protected by Paypal. It costs YOU NO money to have a Paypal account and it's well worthwhile to have one if you want to safely transfer money for purchases on the Internet!

[@ChrisRalph]

Good thought, but there are plenty of thieves in addition to the good sellers.

[@perryhanson7878]

Your absolutely right if your only going to use a metal detector a few times a year you won't be successful it takes a lot of practice to get good with one I'd say atleast 200 hours to get pretty good you have to learn what the machine is telling you once you learn that it's a blast I have 3 different machines and they all work differently one will work great in an area and the other sucks where the other one works great one go's deep but doesn't like big coins the other works great on all coins but lacks the depth so I use both and go over the same area twice by then I pretty much have everything I average 4000 coins a year and 30 to 50 rings a year lots of gold and silver mostly junk rings and a ton of other jewelry great hobby I love it

[@ChrisRalph]

I have also had situations where the ground was productive and I use more than one detector over it in order to get the most out of the ground.

[@debralaforest4281]

Thanks so much! Very helpful! How would I know if a used detector is a chinese knock off (if it looks like the original)?

[@ChrisRalph]

Buy only from a reputable dealer.

[@debralaforest4281]

@@ChrisRalph Thank you Chris

[@dave9351]

Humor me... We have all seen the two fisted drinker, pistol shooter... How about designing a way to use a VLF and a Pulse Induction machine side-by-side with some type of device in the middle that will cancel out any negative problems using the two types of metal detectors together ? Elon Musk can probably solve this ? Sorry folks, long drive, back at my RV winding down with a cold one and a bizarre idea. I bought a Fischer Gold Bug Pro (Walmart... great deal right now ! and hopefully NOT a Chinese knockoff ?) Ralph, weigh in !

[@ChrisRalph]

Even if that could be done (and I have my doubts) - it would weigh 30 pounds. As far as a gold bug, if bought from Walmart, it's should be genuine.

[@sabrinabogart9104]

Just started taking my android phone to detect gold. Thanks for the warning on the Chinese, but does that mean the same goes for smartphones?

[@ChrisRalph]

Metal detectors I know about, but I don't know as much about Chinese cell phones.

[@Jacknjill124]

Hello Sir..we had some news that there is gold buried long long time back, so we wanna buy gold detector...can u please find me the best gold detector but not too expensive...m from India...

[@ChrisRalph]

I have no recommendations for you. Watch the video and search what is available on the market.

[@Jacknjill124]

@@ChrisRalph okay...no problem...thanks

[@HybridParentSupport]

But aren’t the Chinese knock offs manufactured at the same facilities as the brand names?

[@ChrisRalph]

No, they are not.

[@justriley9157]

Damn, it’s been 3 days late , I bought one for 100$ two weeks ago

[@ChrisRalph]

best of luck to you.

[@joselitosiarot7025]

Hi sir Gevme metal detector 😊

[@ChrisRalph]

I do not understand your English

[@paulbegley1464]

You know Chris. We really need to invent the time machine. And get there before the Spanish. Maybe Heaven is like that. We all get are own private planet to prospect. One can hope.

[@ChrisRalph]

Time machine is out of my league of capability.

[@---bs8dp]

Damn look at those biceps

[@ChrisRalph]

OK.

[@jimtaylor6930]

I find more trash than anything else with the whites mxt or mtx and the gold monster 1000

[@ChrisRalph]

99 percent of the days when I find gold, I find more trash than gold - its the nature of things. Old timers dropped there trash wherever.

[@user-ux9eb5pw2w]

😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@ChrisRalph]

Thank you.

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

bill southern. ,pat & mark keene. reputable.

[@ChrisRalph]

Yep, I agree and there are others too.

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

@@ChrisRalph yes.

[@realtaiter3991]

Great video but definitely didn’t need to be 30 minutes long.

[@ChrisRalph]

ok

[@frankmosses9121]

To late

[@ChrisRalph]

Well, I'm shortly putting out a nugget hunters guide.

[@Doc_-]

Buy once, cry once.

[@ChrisRalph]

Buy wrong once, cry again and again.

[@PACstove]

Can you train a dog to sniff out gold and silver?

[@ChrisRalph]

Nope.

[@SuperJupiter33]

@@ChrisRalph They are able to train dogs for sniffing money ,drugs,cancers,bugs ECT sorta would be surprised that in some context they could not be trained for silver/gold of course I am sure there would be a depth issue .

[@markkulyas2418]

All I got from this video was blah blah blah blah.

[@ChrisRalph]

My videos are for those who want to learn. It seems you are not in that category.

[@jbowerman50]

Number 9 - can it really get better than Camping, Fishing, And Prospecting?

[@ChrisRalph]

I would vote that Camping, Fishing, And Prospecting are pretty much as good as it gets.

[@nelsonmatavu-uy1pm]

Thanks so much brother Chris iam following you all the way from Zambia