GoldBug 3

[RjMac]

I'm looking into purchasing a new or used metal dector for nugget hunting in Northern Nevada. Anyone have any thoughts on the Goldbug 3, things are pretty tight out here in Nevada so right now price is a huge factor, Cabelas has it for around $500.00... any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

[Steve Herschbach]

Hi,

Officially, there is no Gold Bug 3.

Back around 1985 Fisher released the original Gold Bug. Then around 1990 the Gold Bug 2.

Last spring Fisher gave Cabelas an early version of what they simply were calling the Gold Bug. That confused people, so Cabelas started calling their version the Gold Bug 3. Fisher recently released the Gold Bug Special Edition, which is the same price, and recent reviews on the forums are saying it is a big improvement over the earlier units. Another version will probably show up before Christmas called the Gold Bug Pro.

Right now the Cabelas Gold Bug and the Gold Bug Special Edition can be had for the same price - in fact dealers may give you a better package deal than Cabelas. The Special Edition is the better of the two. So pretty much the way to go. I just got a bunch in for stock so I know they are in good availability right now. The Pro model will cost over $100 more when it comes out.

For what it is worth in my opinion if you are looking for a low cost nugget detector, new, then right now the Gold Bug Special Edition is the bang for the buck detector. I will be taking one out for the next few days myself and if you can wait until next Thursday will have a field report with photos.

[Joe C]

Any rumors as to whether or not they'll be dropping the Gold Bug 2? It seems, as far as sensitivity, the newer version is a step backwards.

[Steve Herschbach]

The Gold Bug 2s days are numbered. It is an analog machine, and digital is the way everything is going. However, the Gold Bug and Gold Bug SE are not likely to be the replacement. They are intended to hit a lower price segment. I have faith that right now Dave Johnson is working on the machine that will eventually replace the Gold Bug 2. I think I even have an inkling of what it may be. Maybe we will yet see the real Gold Bug 3.

[RjMac]

Thanks Steve, I didnt have time to get more into it on my last entry. I was thinking just what you said, to me the price sounded just too cheap. I'll wait on your report back. I just want something that will work for nuggets in the Pinenut Range of Nevada, this area was supposed to have large sized nuggets back in the day.
Thanks again.