I know there is a Gold Bug Pro and a Gold Bug 2,but don't think Fisher makes a Gold Bug 2 Pro.

Thank you. You are right. I think I better go with the Gold Bug Pro. It sounds like it is a lot easier to operate for a beginner like myself. I would be using it mainly in southern Arizona, and I think there is a lot of mineralization in the ground there which would make a Gold Bug 2 real hard for me to use.

The difference between the 2 is the operating frquency. Pro = 17khz vs GB2 =72Khz ......in VLF machines always remember...The higher the frequency the more sensitive to smaller targets, just like radar. Lower frequency more sensitive to larger targets. I have the Gold Bug Pro and it will work well on shallow gold, in top couple of 5 inches if about a gram but if on the surface smaller too.....but does not beat the Gold Bug 2 for sensitivity to smaller gold and small gold in quartz. I swapped out the circular coil that came with it and put the elliptical coil on it.

Thanks Leo. Do you think a beginner like me would be able to use the Gold Bug 2 without getting frustrated from the increased sensitivity? When you replace the round coil with the elliptical coil, do you get deeper readings? I guess I'm just wondering what the elliptical coil does that the round coil won't?

The 10x5 does give better depth, but by how much I dont know since I never did any comparison tests. I changed on the recommendation of other experienced MD's and never thought twice. One clear advantage with the coil being its shape and front end sensitivity at the nose. This really helps to pinpoint a target vs a round coil. You can get under bushes much more easily, with it as well. With GB2 I think it runs noisier than the pro....The Pro is just supposed to be easier to run

Thank you Leo for your tips and advise.

I purchased a Gold Bug 2 a few months ago and found a picker my first time out.  Many of the club members I belong to have the Gold Bug 2 and those that don't have Mine Labs wish they had the Gold Bug 2.

As Leo pointed out the larger coil will give you somewhat of a deeper depth but I use the smaller elliptical coil and believe me when I say it will find the smallest pieces of gold for I have witnessed that. 

The Gold Bug 2 is simple to set up and operate and I love it so far.

 

Good luck.....Steve

I purchased a Gold Bug 2 a few months ago and found a picker my first time out.  Many of the club members I belong to have the Gold Bug 2 and those that don't have Mine Labs wish they had the Gold Bug 2.

As Leo pointed out the larger coil will give you somewhat of a deeper depth but I use the smaller elliptical coil and believe me when I say it will find the smallest pieces of gold for I have witnessed that. 

The Gold Bug 2 is simple to set up and operate and I love it so far.

 

Good luck.....Steve

Thanks Steven, I downloaded the manuals for both and read them. I'm sure there would be a learning curve with any metal detector. It's nice to hear that the mine lab owners wish they had the Gold Bug 2.
I think I can learn how to use it without getting too frustrated after reading the manuals. Kellycodetectors.com offers a GB2 with a 6.5 and 10" coils. I'm thinking that is a good way for me to go.

I love my Gold Bug 2 I have both the 6.5" coil amd the 10" and have never taken the 6.5 off. It finds gold. The thing I found is play with your machine with gold at home with size/amounts and depths and Iron ID. I missed alot of gold on a couple of trips due to not fully exploring my gb2 in a controlled environment vs out in the field.

So you have the 6.5" that finds NAT shit size pieces.

So you have the 6.5" that finds NAT shit size pieces.

In what state are you using it? What is the mineralization like where you use it?

I would be using it in southern AZ just south of the Tucson area. The Santa Rita Mountains and down by Arrivica. I think that area is quite minerized.

I like what I'm hearing about the GB2. I think I will be ordering one soon with the 6.5 and 10" coils.
I live in Minnesota and go down to AZ in the winter. I can play with it like Jeff recommended before I go.

Thank you everyone for your advise. I ordered a Gold Bug II Pro, and it was delivered a couple days ago. I think I made the right choice for myself. I don't think I will have too hard of time learning how to use it.

Jim....There is only a Gold Bug 2 or a Gold Bug Pro.....which one did you get?

I got the Gold Bug 2. Its weird because I bought it from Kellyco and they call it Gold Bug 2 Pro. But it is the Gold Bug 2, with the 71 kHz.

Ok thats great! Wish you do well with it.!