Fors Gold+ Coming Soon

[Steve Herschbach]

Will the OLD Nokta Fors Gold Pro-Package COILS on (15 kHz) work on this NEW Nokta Fors Gold Plus on (19 kHz) or aren't they compatible swaping coils from one to the other viser verser etc?

Doubtful as they are different part numbers. My experience so far with Nokta and Makro detectors is that they sense which coil is on the detector and will not work at all with ones not designed for the machine. I even suspect the machine operating parameters change to accommodate certain coils.

[beardog]

Marketing. You can't sell VLF detectors by claiming "our detectors find gold about as well as any of the others". VLF tech is old stuff these days with no real change in depth of detection and sensitivity for over twenty years now. There have been a few tweaks on the discrimination side but that's about it.

There is more to it than just frequency, but as a rule lower frequency detectors are less sensitive to small targets but have less issues with ground mineralization and hot rocks. Increasing frequency increases sensitivity to tiny stuff while increasing ground issues and sensitivity to hot rocks. Batteries used has no bearing on this issue.

There is not much difference between 15 kHz and 19 kHz so I would expect only a minimal boost in small target sensitivity if any. The FORS are unusually hot machines anyway. The change is probably as much for marketing reasons as an actual performance change to better match up specifications with the Gold Bug Pro, the main competition. The new iSAT control does add a new twist as does the change in stock coil. Notice also the option for a concentric coil - a first on the FORS models. Note also the lack of a three tone discrimination mode, replaced by a two tone mode designed for bad ground.

Under 10 kHz you have the coin machines. 10 - 20 kHz is the realm of the multi-purpose do everything VLF that is hot on gold. Above 20 kHz would be dedicated units very hot on tiny gold. Multi-frequency acts like the lower frequency range for prospecting purposes.

In the 10 - 20 kHz range most popular machines used for prospecting have settled around 14 kHz to 19 kHz. From my perspective at least when comparing for maximum depth and sensitivity they are all about the same. Anyone expecting anything magically different will be disappointed. It is like buying a commuter car. There are bunches of them, all different, but all about the same. They get you from point A to point B. The differences are in the bells and whistles.

That all said I very much like what Nokta has done here. Before the differences between the FORS Gold and FORS CoRe were so minimal that they were basically the same detector. See http://www.detectorprospector.com/forum/topic/531-difference-between-nokta-fors-gold-and-fors-core/ for details. The changes make the FORS Gold+ less a multi-purpose detector and more one clearly designed for prospecting. A good move in my opinion.

Thank YOU Steve! Finally, someone has made it very clear in laymen terms.

 

I have recently switched brands, the process was daunting because of all the hype and my lack of knowledge around how detectors work. Not having the $$$ to lay out for the big OZ machines I struggled to get into a brand that would give me confidence at my level of knowledge.

 

My choice of the GMT was based on what I learned on YOUR site. I am grateful for your generous sharing of info and also your honest and direct evaluation of machines. 

 

If the release of the new Nokta had been a couple months ago, I might be swinging that machine right now but have no regrets about the one I bought. It goes down the road well, now I have learned the tweaks.

 

It's a jungle out there. I'm happy I found a good guide!

[Steve Herschbach]

Hi beardog,

 

The GMT is a good detector, just like a dozen others at least. The trick is to not second guess yourself every time a new VLF model comes out.

 

Now back to the FORS Gold+ which is what the thread is about. I have put up a new page at http://www.detectorprospector.com/gold-prospecting-equipment/nokta-fors-gold-plus-metal-detector.htmon the unit and expect to have one soon to review personally. This looks like a really nice unit. I tend to consider the Fisher Gold Bug Pro a standard by which I compare other mid-frequency machines. In a dual coil package (5" round and 10" x 5.5" DD) the GBP runs $749 new at discount. The FORS Gold+ will probably be sold out the door for $699 or less for the same dual coil package. Considering the FORS Gold+ has a few features the Gold Bug Pro lacks this is a pretty compelling option for the same or less money. The only spec the GBP really beats the FG+ on is weight but the FORS is better balanced so.....?

 

The concentric coil option is also very interesting. Concentrics can add a touch of performance in mild ground and improve ferrous/non-ferrous discrimination. The relic guys might like this machine a lot.

[Steve Herschbach]

Ironically I did the first major review of a Nokta product in the U.S. on the FORS Gold at http://www.detectorprospector.com/forum/topic/352-detailed-review-of-the-nokta-fors-gold-nugget-detector/. One of my comments regarded the side display on the FORS and lack of visibility while in use. I opined that a standard forward facing display would be preferable. Ultimately I also determined that the FORS Gold and FORS CoRe were basically the same detector with the Gold lacking the COG conductive ground mode. I ended up keeping the CoRe instead of the Gold.

 

I very much anticipated the Racer because it was billed as basically being a CoRe in a different package.

 

Then I got the Racer and compared to my CoRe it came down to balance and feel. The Racer has an odd angle in the handle that combined with the nose heavy attribute makes it harder on my arm than the CoRe even though the Racer weighs less. The Racer is fine with the small coil but with stock or larger coil the CoRe has a much better balance and feel - to me. So after my fuss about forward displays my Racer ended up finding a new home with Keith Southern and I still have the CoRe.

 

Now with the changes in the FORS Gold+ it is very much more a unique detector all its own and a much more compelling machine for the gold prospector than was previously the case. I am very interested in seeing how it compares to the FORS CoRE. The biggest obvious difference is the 19 kHz frequency on the Gold+ but also the lack of the three tone DI3 "coin hunting" mode that you have on the CoRe.

 

Honestly, a 4 kHz frequency difference is not all that much. I think it really boils down to intended use. If all you want is a good VLF for prospecting than the FORS Gold+ is the obvious choice. For those wanting more versatility and still good ability to hunt gold nuggets then the CoRe is the way to go.

 

One thing I have been trying to balance when dealing with VLF detectors is the trade incurred in choosing an operating frequency. In general higher frequencies are hotter on small gold. However, higher frequencies also "light up" the ground responses and hot rocks more compared to lower frequencies. When comparing a very high frequency detector to a more middle of the road frequency in very bad ground mineralization, the lower frequency will often be smoother operating and get better depth on gram plus nuggets. It is not a case always of "higher is better" but more dependent on the type of gold sought and ground conditions. Still, 19 kHz is a bit of a sweet spot for gold prospecting and I think this is a very good move on Noktas part.

 

P.S. It has been confirmed that other Nokta coils will not work on the FORS Gold+. The Nokta FORS Gold+ will start shipping to dealers around the 3rd-4th week of October so figure general availability starting in November. For more information see http://www.detectorprospector.com/gold-prospecting-equipment/nokta-fors-gold-plus-metal-detector.htm

[beardog]

I am never totally disappointed in any detector I purchase. Basically, the disappointment I have is the design. The S shaft has to go and I see the FORS Gold+ is falling in line with that design. I think those folks have been listening.

 

I have 4 machines from 3 different companies, trying to cover all the bases. One PI, one high frequency VLF, one mid range frequency VLF and one low frequency. Because of design, Nokta has my attention, big time. 

 

I don't think, "it is just another VLF machine." I think it's another VLF machine that is well designed and will give a better experience at the end of the day.

 

After more reports come in from the field I will take the plunge. I am hoping it is as comfortable as I think it is. Also, a longer warranty would be very nice.

 

Kill the S shaft!

[Steve Herschbach]

The Nokta FORS Gold+ Owners Manual is now available for download 

 

[Steve Herschbach]

Narrawa has done the first field report I have seen on the FORS Gold+ at https://www.prospectingaustralia.com.au/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=204116#p204116