Gold detectors can vary significantly in their effectiveness depending on the technology they use, the conditions in which they are employed, and the specific type of gold being sought (natural gold nuggets, flakes, or buried treasure). The most effective gold detectors rely on either Very Low Frequency (VLF) technology or Pulse Induction (PI) technology. Here's an overview of detectors that are known to work well for gold prospecting:

1. Minelab GPZ 7000

• Technology: Pulse Induction (PI)
• Depth and Performance: Known for its exceptional depth detection (up to 40% deeper than older models), it is one of the most powerful detectors for finding gold nuggets in mineralized ground.
• Best For: Serious gold hunters looking for large, deeply buried nuggets.
• Price: High-end.

2. Minelab Gold Monster 1000

• Technology: Very Low Frequency (VLF)
• Frequency: 45 kHz
• Depth and Performance: Great for detecting small gold nuggets and fine gold in shallow ground. It's also good for beginners due to its automatic ground balancing and simple user interface.
• Best For: Beginner to intermediate prospectors, looking for small gold in shallow soil.
• Price: Mid-range.

3. Garrett ATX

• Technology: Pulse Induction (PI)
• Depth and Performance: Ideal for harsh environments and mineralized ground. This detector excels at deep nugget detection but also handles shallow targets reasonably well.
• Best For: Prospectors in challenging ground conditions (mineralized soil or saltwater beaches).
• Price: High-end.

4. Nokta Makro Gold Kruzer

• Technology: Very Low Frequency (VLF)
• Frequency: 61 kHz
• Depth and Performance: This is a waterproof detector, which makes it versatile for detecting gold both in and out of the water. Its high frequency is excellent for detecting small gold nuggets.
• Best For: Prospectors looking for gold in both dry land and wet environments.
• Price: Mid-range.

5. Fisher Gold Bug 2

• Technology: Very Low Frequency (VLF)
• Frequency: 71 kHz
• Depth and Performance: Renowned for its ability to detect small gold nuggets at shallow depths. It’s very sensitive to fine gold and works well in mineralized ground.
• Best For: Detecting tiny gold nuggets close to the surface.
• Price: Mid-range.

6. Minelab SDC 2300

• Technology: Pulse Induction (PI)
• Depth and Performance: Waterproof and compact, this detector is known for its rugged design and good performance in highly mineralized soil. It’s effective for both small and large nuggets, making it versatile.
• Best For: Finding gold in tough, mineral-rich environments.
• Price: High-end.

7. Garrett AT Gold

• Technology: Very Low Frequency (VLF)
• Frequency: 18 kHz
• Depth and Performance: This all-terrain detector works well in freshwater and on dry land. While it's not a dedicated gold machine, it performs reasonably well for finding small nuggets.
• Best For: Hobbyists who want a versatile detector for gold and other metal-detecting activities.
• Price: Mid-range.

Key Factors for Choosing a Gold Detector:

1. Frequency: Higher frequencies (e.g., 45 kHz to 71 kHz) are better for detecting small gold nuggets. However, they are more limited in depth.
2. Ground Conditions: For heavily mineralized ground (often present in goldfields), Pulse Induction detectors (PI) are more effective as they can penetrate deeper without being affected by ground minerals.
3. Sensitivity to Small Nuggets: Very Low Frequency (VLF) detectors are typically more sensitive to smaller nuggets, while PI detectors are better for deeper, larger nuggets.
4. Portability: Depending on where you're prospecting (deserts, mountains, etc.), the weight and portability of your detector matter.
5. Budget: Detectors range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so it's important to align your choice with your goals and budget.

If you're a beginner, starting with a mid-range VLF detector like the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 or Fisher Gold Bug 2 can be a good introduction to gold hunting. For experienced prospectors or those hunting in extreme conditions, a high-end PI detector like the Minelab GPZ 7000 will yield better results.