New Zealand Gold Prospecting & Metal Detecting Forums Archive

hey there fellas I'm wanting to get into detecting. ive only ever done sniping and panning so I was hoping to get some advice. I was thinking sdc2300 or gp5000> anyone on here actually use either or both these types of detector. thanks in advance

I've got an SDC 2300 and love it as it's a simple machine - just turn on and go. Copes with mineralisation really well.

I had a GPX 4500 which is going to be similar to the GPX 5000. I just found it too complicated and bloody annoying always being connected by both a lead to a battery pack and the headphones. Bloody annoying when you're bush bashing or just trying to put it down to dig a signal.

The SDC gives you a bit more confidence playing around creeks as it's waterproof. Nearly dropped my GPX in the drink a few times = game over.

The GPX is a bit more versatile though - stick different coils on it depending if you're trying to find deeper big nuggets etc. I'd say it definitely punches deeper than general to the SDC.

If you keep an eye on trademe, you can get a second hand gpx 5000 for around $5,000.
Make sure you get a harness for it, too.
A gpx 4500 is nearly identical and will suit most uses, a second hand one can be got for under $5,000
All the gpx range are fairly similar - you can use the same coils on them, they all go to roughly the same depths, so you could go for gpx 4000 for $2,500 and work your way up, retaining your coil & accessories, selling any excess you get when your upgrade.

I'm using the 5000.
The battery cord comes in curly bungee or straight (you might get both with yours), lose the bungee as this will snag on EVERY shrub/branch. You can get longer or even very short straight cords on ebay. I use the longest, it can be restrained by a velcro strap on the harness, and when it comes time to dig a hole (I often get away with a one armed spade dig ;) you unstrap the cord and can lay your detector down, then begin digging away (a long straight cord allows you to do this).

A battery will last you for at least a day, but you may be able to go for 3 or 4 days, depending on how intense your detecting is.
Charging does take several hours, I bought a spare battery, which set me back $500.

I just discovered this smaller lightweight battery for half the price
Think I'll be purchasing one of these, shortly!

Add this short cord

I also use earbuds, instead of the headphones - for compactness, weight, and pack size.
Yours might also come with an external speaker, that fits on the harness if you prefer.
Though it can attract coin poaching children at the beach,


or give away your "super secret detecting spot" in the bush.


I'm running this Coiltek 10"x5" oval coil
Cost about $300 (which is about the price you'll pay for most gpx coils).
You can get these in mono if you prefer (I'd recommend DD as it can do mono also).
Provides the same depth as the larger 11" minelab standard coils, with a much more compact size - great for detecting tight places & packing away when travelling.
Then you could sell the 11" off to get a bit of your money back, reducing your overall investment.

Edited by user Friday, 24 June 2016 11:28:41 PM(UTC)  | Reason: alfabet

thanks for all the replys. what depth were you getting with the sdc gavin? and how small or big of pieces I asked on a facebook page and a guy said he was getting down to around 6inches on sub gram bits. also what depth were you or others getting with the gpx models?

Why don't you boycott minelab and go with a macro or nokta fors gold, macro claim the deep seeker unit can detect down over a few meters where as the new nokta units have been getting great reviews they encompass never faster detecting units digital displays that are best in class and also way cheaper than minelab.

Check out the nz dealer page earthscan.co.nz Andrew is a top guy.

Because they are extortionately priced mainly and no longer the best detectors about. I've had several minelabs the last of which the sdc2300 which for the money was no better a machine at finding gold than an original goldbug. Why on earth is the gpz "worth" $11k quite frankly it's not In my opinion. I'm merely saying to the guy give these new brands a look as they are way cheaper and getting good reviews and also sold locally

gold bug 2 is my choice very happy

My experience proves otherwise.