Find Gold With VLF Detectors

July 20, 2023
Posted by Geo Detektor

What Is VLF Detectors?

VLF Detectors is an abbreviation for Very Low Frequency. It refers to the frequency of single-frequency sine waves transmitted at high-pitched audio frequencies. In metal detecting “low” is between 3 kHz and 30 kHz. My first metal detector was a Garrett Ace 250 with a 6.5kHz.

VLF are usually better for finding gold in most conditions. Pulse Induction (PI) work a little better in highly mineralized soil and saltwater. The other most common waveform is PI, but that’s a story for another day. The main focus of this article is on VLF units.

Where Are the Best Places to Find Gold?

Experts recommend hillsides. Hillsides will yield a better result when it comes to finding gold. Another reason why hillsides are so great is that if you find the source of the gold deposit, you can find the veins.

The veins tend to have more extensive gold deposits. The larger the deposit, the easier it is to find the gold. Unfortunately, gold is a scarce mineral. Not only that, but you will find it in much smaller deposits compared to other minerals like iron.

What Should You Expect from A VLF Detector?

Before getting into the best VLF for gold, it’s essential to understand a couple of things about VLF detectors.

Manufacturers make metal detectors to find gold; pretty much all of them can do that. The answer to this concern lies in the different sensitivity levels that every single VLF detector has. Experts recommend getting a VLF detector that has a high sensitivity level.
Experts recommend an operating frequency of between 13 kHz to 19 kHz. It’s the minimum frequency level for detecting gold and anything higher is another excellent prospect.
Experts also recommend a VLF detector with manual ground balancing. This feature is crucial if you want to drown out ground noise while in use. It’s a bit complex, and so some users prefer an automated ground balancing system.
An elliptical search coil about 10 inches in length by about 6 inches wide is the optimal size for a search coil.

Minelab Gold Monster 1000 Gold Detector

First and my recommendation is the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 Gold Detector. As shared earlier, Minelab is one of the big names in the metal detector industry. You can’t go wrong with a Minelab VLF detector.

Here are some of its features:

It has an operating frequency of 45kHz.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, it has an automatic ground balance. It depends on your preference as a user.
Experts recommend this VLF detector for novices.
It has a high sensitivity giving you the ability to find smaller gold nuggets.

The Garrett AT Gold

Garrett AT Gold makes the lineup at #5. I love the Garrett brand. ( I started with a Ace 250 that I borrowed from my son) The AT Gold has manual and automatic ground balancing allows this machine to adjust on the go for varying ground conditions. The Garrett folks have excelled at fine tuning the discrimination. Iron and other undesirable targets are sensed with unique sounds.

Features of the Garrett AT Gold:

Fully submersible to 10 feet.
Target identification from 0 to 99 helping discriminate at high accuracy.
Built in pinpointing for precise locating.
Ground balance window, allows the ground balancing to be taken over a range of terrain.

Nokta Makro Gold Finder 2000

Last and certainly not least is the Nokta Gold 2000. This VLF detector utilizes a 61 kHz frequency which is higher than most gold machines. The Nokta brand is relatively new in the US, but the company has been around for +17 years and has grown through the smart and cost effective use of technology.

Makro Gold 2000 features:

It comes with an operating frequency of 61 kHz for great depth penetration.
The Gold 2000 has a rain resistant control box and super simple display.
Experts praise this VLF detector for its ease of use and impeccable design.

These are but the top VLF for gold. The market has numerous other options for you to look into during your buying phase. Don’t hesitate to keep reading for tips and tricks for metal detecting (especially with VLF machines).

Tips and Tricks to Improve your VLF Detecting

Here are a couple of tips and tricks to aid in your gold detecting:

Gold is scarce. You can spend an entire day in an area known for having gold, without any gold to report at the end of the day. Experts recommend carrying a strong magnet. If you end up finding other minerals, you can use the strong magnet to check whether it’s gold. How? The magnet will not attract gold, whereas the magnet will attract other minerals like iron, magnetite hot rocks, negative hot rocks, positive hot rocks, and meteorites.
Another tip is that your VFL detector may not be lying to you, and it’s not broken. You can find gold on top of hot rocks. If you find something, use the magnet to draw out the hot rocks and check for any gold on the hot rock.
Ensure that you move the search coil slowly and carefully over the surface. It should also be at a specific height that you can capture stronger signals.
If you hear ground noise while searching for gold nuggets, conduct the ground balancing procedure one more time. Ensure that you note the ground changes as you move and keep tabs on the ground balance.
In the case of gold prospecting, experts do not recommend multiple simultaneous frequencies.

Which VLF Gold Detector Is the Best for Beginners?

If you’re a beginner looking into metal detectors, experts recommend trying the Minelab Gold Monster 1000. Minelab has developed technologies that scan using simultaneous frequencies. Specifically designed for searching for gold the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is the perfect VLF unit that can help you in your gold prospects. You can’t go wrong with Minelab.