Newbie Looking For Advice - Minelab CTX 3030 or Equinox

[SlickRick]

Hi everyone, first time poster and never metal detected before.

Firstly sorry if I've placed this in the wrong forum, there seems to be many places to post.

I was drawn to the thought of prospecting from watching The Curse of Oak Island and having researched Australia and been in awe of tales of Pirate Bonito Benito and Queenscliff fable, and a 6 month Victorian lockdown trying to decide whether or not to take a dip I think i have made a decision.

I have been looking at the Minelab CTX3030 and because of this forum and some informative posts, also the Equinox 800. I'm thinking the latter after reading many posts and was wondering if anyone had any additional advice for a newbie.
If I could get some advice on a pinpointer too it would be greatly appreciated.

Lastly has anyone had any dealings with Reeds prospecting in WA as they seem to have a great package deal for the Nox800. I would be using the detector looking for gold in rural area's and along beaches.

Many thanks once again and look forward to hearing from you

Cheers Rick

 

[7.62marksman]

Have a look here mate Done by a member here HH

Tours
VIC Gold Prospecting Australia http://www.goldprospectingaustralia.com gold-finds
WA Eureka Prospecting http://www.eurekaprospecting.com.au/
WA NSW VIC Gold and Relics Victorian based business and they do tag along tours to WA and NSW and also around Victoria
NSW & WA gold tours
WA Goldfields Kalgoorlie based. Steve
NSW Hill End-Tambaroora Gold Panning Tours Ted Abbott http://www.historyhill.com.au/school_touroptions.html
VIC Golden Triangle Tours http://www.goldentriangletours.com.au/
WA John Dyer http://golddiggerssafaris.com.au/

Training Days
Training Day with Nenad Lonic (Phase Tech) http://phasetechnical.com.au/
Training also with Gold Prospecting Australia http://www.goldprospectingaustralia.com gold-finds
Training Day Golden Triangle Tours http://www.goldentriangletours.com.au/
Training Day Coiltek Maryborough https://www.marybroughgoldcentre.com.au/
Training Day Sapphire and Rubyvale, Introductory day with Keith from Fascination tours
Training Day Goldtalk Leonora http://www.goldtalkleonora.com.au/
Training Day VIC Digger Downunder (Reg Wilson from this forum). http://www.diggerdownunder.com.au/
Training Day Minersden http://www.minersden.com.au/

I have not rated or recommend any of these tours only listed to assist.

Hope this helps.

Cheers HH

 

[7.62marksman]

And have a stroll through here

https://www.prospectingaustralia.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=22783

 

[SlickRick]

Thank you so much Marksman will take a look now

 

[Muk]

If your main aim is gold maybe a dedicated gold machine gpx4500/5000 sdc 2300 or the best of all gpz7000 the ones you mention good for relics and a bit of gold as well but not any way near as good as the gold machines cheers Muk.

 

[Jaros]

Welcome Rick.

 

[mbasko]

Lastly has anyone had any dealings with Reeds prospecting in WA

Purchased a bit of gear off Reeds over the years & had no dramas at all.

 

[PeterInSa]

My Bias I have a Nox 800 (and a Z) Have used the nox in trashie areas in the Goldfields.

Friends who are serious coin shooters have the 3030. I suggest for gold (and coins) as an entry level machine the Nox 800 with a 6Inch coil, if you can afford it a 2300 or a 2nd hand ML 4500 for around $2600 if you are quick as soon as its advertised.

https://www.detectorprospector.com/forums/topic/6935-equinox-or-ctx-3030/

 

[Mike678]

When the 3030 came out I did not buy because of the high cost . I have a nox 800 for a few months and I am very happy with it . Goes a lot deeper than my old machine . Lot lighter . I mainly use it on the beach . Buy one for coins and the odd gold hunting .

 

[grubstake]

Lastly has anyone had any dealings with Reeds prospecting in WA

Purchased a bit of gear off Reeds over the years & had no dramas at all.

I agree with that assessment, but just as a FYI, the business changed hands last year, so the new owners haven't had much time to establish their own reputation yet, especially given that this hasn't been anything like a normal year for WA prospecting:

Also, the business has just shifted into new premises which are on the main road, so it looks like the new owners are trying to actively drive the business forward, which should be a good thing for the prospecting community:

 

[Tillek]

If the Nox is what you decided on this has to be the best deal around $1079.
https://www.ja-gps.com.au/Minelab/equinox-800/
Goes back up to $1196 tomorrow night

 

[Goldtalk Leonora]

Reeds are good operators.

My advice for what it's worth is to hire a detector for a few days and see if you actually like the detecting experience. It may save you time and money if you work out it aint for you.

 

[SlickRick]

Eventually got around to taking a leap of faith after many hours going through this forum and what people had said on this thread.
Decided to go for the SDC2300 from AussieDetectorists in NSW which is currently for sale for $3999. It was @Muk that really got me thinking whether i was buying the right product and sent me back to the drawing board.
Now that I'm all in on the detector i will bow look into maps and how to get an understanding of them and where to look for gold. Found some very informative threads on this site already and this one a current favourite (Can't post a link due to not enough posts but) Thread is by @loamer and is called "What to look for on the Goldfields"
Anyway, i just wanted to say I'm very grateful to the help and advice I've already recieved and I'll hopefully see some of you in the 'Golden Triangle' soon.

Thanks once again

Rick

 

[RM Outback]

Good choice SlickRick erfect: you'll have a rattle in your jar no doubt about it :beer: