VLF Detectors in Gold Detection

VLF Detectors,gold prospectors have two basic choices when metal detecting for gold. There are very-low frequency (VLF) metal detectors, and there are pulse-induction (PI) metal detectors. Both types can find gold, and each has their own place in the goldfields.

PI Detectors

These two detector types each have advantages and disadvantages, but most serious gold hunters have gravitated toward PI detectors in recent years. And this is for good reason… PI detectors run much quieter and smoother than VLF detectors. They do an exceptional job of canceling out hot rocks and ground noise, which VLFs aren’t so good at.

I use a PI detector for about 90% of my gold detecting. Their ability to cut through the ground noise gives them a considerable depth advantage over VLF detectors. Of course depth is very important in many places, because the goldfields have been hunted hard over the years. If you are hunting in a “pounded” out area, then a tiny extra bit of depth can result in a nice nugget that other detectors can’t hear.

Serious Gold Hunters Use Both a PI and a VLF

Pretty much every serious gold hunter I know is using both a PI and VLF detector. PI detectors are still the go-to detector for most situations because of their depth advantages, but don’t throw away those VLF detectors just yet.

VLFs are Old Technology

VLFs are much older technology. Lots of the better-known goldfields were already “cleaned out” with VLF detectors before PI detectors were even invented. Then PI detectors came along (over 20 years ago now) and prospectors were able rework old areas again.

In these heavily worked areas, you would think that a VLF detector would be about worthless. However, they still have some advantages over PI detectors that will produce gold even to this day. Even those $5,000 PI detectors will miss gold that you can only find with a VLF.

Sensitivity

VLFs are still better than PI detectors when it comes to small gold. PI detectors are great for punching deep on good-sized nuggets, but they aren’t all that great on small bits of gold. This is especially true on flaky, crystalline pieces of gold. For some reason, these nuggets can be virtually “invisible” to PI detectors.

Some of the newer PI detectors have improved considerably and hit really well on smaller gold, but VLFs are still king.

Small Coils on Bedrock

A VLF with a small coil is killer on bedrock because you can get down and work all those nooks and crannies with ease. with 6″ coil is absolutely deadly on shallow bedrock, but just about any high-frequency VLF will do well on bedrock.

Discrimination

All VLFs have discrimination capabilities that give you an idea of what’s in the ground before you dig. This can be helpful, but I recommend you dig all targets most of the time. Once you really understand your detector you can pass on some targets, but most of the time I’d tell you to dig.

Why VLF Metal Detector is Most Popular?

The popularity of VLF detectors is due to their ability to be used in many different areas and conditions. Most are all-purpose units that can be used for coin shooting in local parks, hunting relics on forgotten battlefields, or combing the beach for lost jewelry. Many also have submersible coils for shallow water hunting along rivers and beaches. Versatility is what makes VLF the most popular detector type on the market.

Now that we’ve got our quick breakdown out of the way, how about we get to some actual recommendations? Here are just a few VLF detectors that we believe stand out from the rest of the pack.

VLF Metal Detectors Main Advantages

Price – much cheaper than PI Machines
Weight – Much lighter than PI machines.
Less Power Required
Small Nugget Detection, Usually better in VLF machines, particularly with small coils. This is totally lost in magnetite or hot rock areas because of noise and overload of the VLF circuits.
Can get a multipurpose machine for gold, coin and relic hunting
Metal Discrimination mode, to deal with iron trash.
Not as sensitive to electrical interference.

VLF detectors vs PI detectors Advantages and Disadvantages

VLF detectors vs PI detectors Advantages and disadvantages , Metal detector enthusiasts have at their disposal a lot of types of metal detectors. Mainly manufactured two types: detectors, VLF (very low frequency) and PI detector (pulse induction). Both have strengths and weaknesses.

The purpose of this article is to provide metal detection novice into a topic of discussion, to find out more information about these differences, in order to assist them in making a decision about the category that would be part of the metal detector you will buy.

Between the two categories, VLF detectors are the most popular, being manufactured and sold towards the greater number in prospectors than PI detectors, VLF detectors because they are more versatile. This type of detectors offers a better balance between soil mineralization and discrimination between different types of metals. They may even offer a better idea about the target that were detected, which means that you can more easily decide whether or not to retrieve that object from the ground, thus avoiding after a lot of garbage. These detectors are often equipped with a screen that displays various types of options and information, from custom presets until the target type to detect.

PI metal detectors are used for a more specialized detection. Are a type of detectors what detects all metal (all metal). Although some prospectors are saying there are some methods and steps to follow in order to make some discrimination, PI detectors do not provide any such discrimination ability of VLF detectors. However, because the signal is not affected by the iron mineralization of soil PI detectors penetrate far better in depth, including in water and wet sand being harnessed and can be used very effectively in areas with very little trash. This type of detector is also commonly used for searching for gold nuggets, though and a VLF can run decently this task.

For a beginner, it is advisable in the detection type VLF metal of prospectors . VLF detectors prices range from over a hundred to over a thousand euros. After you collect more experience in the detection of metal detectors can become PI a valuable tool for detecting the specific locations and specific for detection purposes. However, the majority of enthusiasts metal detection have only one or more detectors, VLF type holds a PI-type detector.