Gold Prospecting

Gold Monster 1000 vs Garrett AT Gold vs Goldmaster 24k

Minelab Gold Monster 1000

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Quick answerAll three are high-frequency gold detectors, and Garrett says high frequencies are better at small, low-conductivity targets. The Gold Monster 1000 (45 kHz) handles ground balance, noise canceling and sensitivity automatically, per the listing, but only its coil is waterproof. The AT Gold (18 kHz) is fully submersible to 10 feet with manual and automatic ground balance. The Goldmaster 24k is listed at 48 kHz.

If you want to hunt gold without jumping to a heavier pulse induction machine, these are the usual candidates. Specs are from Minelab's spec page and the listings. We haven't tested them.

Compared

Gold Monster 1000Garrett AT GoldGoldmaster 24k
Frequency45 kHz VLF18 kHz48 kHz
WaterCoil to 1 m; detector splash/rain proof (Minelab)Submersible to 10 ftSee listing
Ground balanceAutomaticManual + automaticSee listing
ModesGold and Deep all-metal; gold chance indicatorTrue All Metal; Iron AudioSee listing
HeadphonesNot includedSee listingWired included

Minelab Gold Monster 1000

The listing says ground balance, noise canceling and sensitivity are automatic, and Minelab's spec page adds manual sensitivity (1 to 10) if you want it. There's also a gold chance indicator. Minelab lists the 5 inch package at 2.94 pounds. Headphones aren't included; Minelab's own wired set lists the Gold Monster 1000 as compatible.

Minelab Gold Monster 1000 (5 in. coil)
45 kHz, automatic

Minelab Gold Monster 1000 (5 in. coil)

  • 45 kHz VLF, per the listing
  • Automatic ground balance, noise canceling and sensitivity
  • Gold chance indicator; Gold and Deep all-metal modes
  • Waterproof coil (Minelab: 1 m / 3.3 ft); headphones not included
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Minelab Wired Headphones, 3.5 mm (3011-0364)
Minelab wired headphones

Minelab Wired Headphones, 3.5 mm (3011-0364)

  • Fits Minelab Equinox series and Gold Monster 1000 audio jacks, per the listing
  • Standard 3.5 mm (1/8 in.) plug
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Garrett AT Gold

18 kHz, True All Metal mode, Iron Audio, manual and automatic ground balance, and submersible to 10 feet, per the listing.

Garrett AT Gold
18 kHz, waterproof

Garrett AT Gold

  • 18 kHz operating frequency, per the listing
  • True All Metal mode; Iron Audio
  • Manual and automatic ground balance
  • Submersible to 10 ft
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Garrett Goldmaster 24k

Garrett's 48 kHz gold detector, made in the USA, with wired headphones, per the title.

Garrett Goldmaster 24k
48 kHz

Garrett Goldmaster 24k

  • 48 kHz gold detector, per the title
  • Wired headphones included; made in USA (title)
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Need more depth in hot ground? See GPX 6000 vs Axiom. Pair any detector with a pan: how to pan for gold.

FAQ

Which is higher frequency?

Goldmaster 24k (48 kHz), then Gold Monster (45 kHz), then AT Gold (18 kHz).

Is the Gold Monster waterproof?

Coil only.

Automatic ground balance?

Yes on the Gold Monster; the AT Gold has both.

Sources

  1. Minelab: Gold Monster 1000 (5 in.) specs
  2. Garrett: Types of metal detectors