Buna Flash

Thank you everyone for suggestions and tips. I ended up getting a Minelab Equinox 900 for Christmas via Gerry's Detectors. Gerry spent a lot of time with me to help me narrow down my decision on the model. I can't thank him enough for his patience in answering all of my questions and taking time that he spent with me. Highly recommend this guy.

On 12/6/2023 at 9:13 AM, Mike Furness said:

Hey Flash ... Tried to be gentle in my response to your original post. Sorry if it offended ... wasn't my intention at all. You are right I am a relatively new member again to this forum ... was a member years ago and got involved with another forum as an admin ... assume I was dropped back then for lack of activity and that's OK. I've been using a detector since 1989 and gold detector since 2003. I taught metal detecting for gold nuggets in AZ to a number of folks with another forum/company for a couple years. A few of those old 'students' are on this forum. I posted this info for you so you don't think I'm a newbee. Now as to a detector for you I have to agree with Steve H that the Equinox 800 or better yet the newer more powerful 900 is a great machine. I have both the 800 and the GM1000 aka Gold Monster. They are both great machines on fine gold and small pickers. I would say they both are worthy of your consideration. My dealer of choice is Bill Southern at: https://www.nuggetshooter.com 

Hey Mike, You didn't offend and I appreciate the advice as well as the caution. I'm glad that I found this forum to get some solid advice on picking up a new hobby. Its been my belief for some time now, that to find the best advice about a product, you need to ask the person who actually owns it or repairs it. Thank you again for taking the time to share some wisdom with me. I think I may be tossing up between the Nox 800 and Nox 900...Still researching.

1 hour ago, Steve Herschbach said:

No gold nuggets or flakes in Texas but that's beside the point. I have an 800 and have no reason to upgrade, but if I did not have one already I'd get the 900. For the improved waterproof integrity and better rod if nothing else. The Equinox 800 and 900 both are excellent nugget detectors, but for Texas best be thinking more about gold as jewelry.

Steve, I'll certainly take your advice on the Equinox 900. But, you should research LLano County Texas and the Llano River. It's been said to have some gold. Check out this video

3 hours ago, Steve Herschbach said:

He is asking for dealer information or recommendations, not asking any of you to sell him anything. I'd certainly be wary of a first time poster either selling or buying as a member of the forum. That's why new members can't advertise on the classifieds here. But dealers? As far as dealers go it's their job to deal with new customers every day. Hopefully for them they actually have those!  If they can't stand the heat they need to get out of the kitchen. 

This forum is supported via informational posting (I do not accept paid dealer ads) by several dealers all of which have ads in the forum classifieds. There are no dealers that advertise there that are not well known on these forums.

 

Thank you Steve. I'm just trying to do my homework before pulling the trigger. I've been reading and taking notes on your tips and recommendations found on this site. Probably one of the reasons that I was leaning towards the Equinox 800 since I would like to search for gold flakes/nuggets and gold/silver coins along our Texas beaches. One member is recommending the 900 over the 800; do you have any thoughts?

Thank you for the advice on the 900 but how would it be on searching for gold flakes. I was thinking forums that I read suggested the 800 might have an advantage there. I'm a newbie and just trying to do my homework before the purchase is made. Wife won't let me have a garage full of detectors. LOL

Hey Mike Furness,

I just located this website yesterday while searching for metal detecting topics and legit vendors. I was warned by a couple of people that the internet is full of illegitimate machines. I thought that i might get some sound advice from forums rather than 'Top 10 Best" lists. I usually rely more on forum input for my other hobbies which are hunting and shooting. I'll finish completing my profile.  For starters, I live in Texas, from Texas and don't plan on leaving Texas. My first name is also Mike lol No worries. I see that you fairly new to the website yourself. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Flash

I am wanting to purchase a quality metal detector at a fair price but in reading many forums and articles; it seems that there are a lot of counterfeit machines on the market. What are some of the reputable dealers that only deal in certified branded detectors and equipment? I'm looking to purchase within the next 5 days. Really interested in the Minelab Equinox 800. Thank you for suggestions on great dealers to work with.