These buying guides are based on manufacturer specifications and linked sources, and we make no claims about our own use of the products.

Gold prospecting

Gold prospecting detectors under $500 explains what a price ceiling can and cannot buy for gold, and when a used detector or waiting makes more sense. For hand recovery instead of electronics, see the Garrett gold pan kit review . Other pans and starter kits are compared in gold panning kits and pans for beginners . To move more gravel than a pan can, compare sluice boxes for beginners . To screen rocks out first, see gold classifiers and sieves .

Access before equipment

Before any purchase, check public land access rules . A detector or pan does not make a closed or protected site available.

All buying guides