New Minelab Go Find series, editorial review

It's been a few weeks since the new GoFind detectors have been on the market, so I think it's time to write some reasonable reviews. Since there is not so much to say about the settings of these detectors, we will focus on the functionality of the device, i.e. range, sensitivity and design.

Minelab GoFind 66

The best of the GoFinds is the 66. The detector differs from the cheaper variants mainly by a higher sensitivity setting and thus also a slightly longer range. There is also more variability of settings and some extra accessories. Unless you're going to use a mobile app, though, the difference in performance is probably the main thing you'll be interested in.

Both sensitivity and range are very decent, for a beginner detector anyway. Incidentally, as you'll see in the polygon video, the detector can look up to 1k at 25cm. Even though we are talking about a forest here and the result will be worse in higher mineralization, it is still important to remember that we are talking about a detector for 5.990 CZK incl. VAT. The sensitivity of the detector is also decent. Even smaller Ag coins the detector takes as "colored" targets, although the range is not dazzling again.

In general, however, it can be said that even a more experienced searcher will run out with the GoFind 66 on vacation and at this exact moment he will also appreciate the storage capacity, which is really extraordinary.

What can I say about the detector? A frequently discussed topic is the foldable construction. Sometimes I hear various statements about it, such as folding plasma etc. It's just that the construction doesn't fold down. If anything has snapped, it was the armrest, and that was back in the original GoFind series. The design is made in such a way that the detector can be folded and put into a relatively small backpack with a few movements, and that's basically the point. If someone is looking for a detector with a classic conservative design, it is no problem to choose, for example, X-Terra 305 and get a device with two working frequencies and VFLEX technology for less than 8.000 CZK.

Minelab Go Find 44

The detector is a slightly weaker version of the 66. It is mainly about slightly smaller range and also less adjustability. In general, however, we can say that the detector must surprise everyone with its performance, because we are talking about a device for less than 5,000 CZK.

Minelab GoFind 22

The detector has a smaller search coil and there is also the smallest possibility of adjustment. The device is primarily designed for, let's say, older children. A nine-year-old boy or girl can usually handle the detector. The shorter range of the detector than the higher versions is certainly not a problem here. On the contrary. Since you certainly don't want your child to dig 20 cm or deeper for half of the signals. If that's the case, you won't find yourself looking, as you'll be spending most of your time poring over your precious little ones' findings.

Features of the Go-Find 22 detector	Features of the Go-Find 44	Features of the Go-Find 66
2 search modes 20cm waterproof probe 3 sensitivity levels 5 volume levels Weight 1 kg Operating frequency 7.8 kHz	3 Search modes 25cm waterproof probe 4 sensitivity levels 5 volume levels 5 "Treasure" display LEDs Backlight Pinpoint - motionless tracking mode Bluetooth - smartphone connectivity Standard GO-Find app Weight 1.06 kg Operating frequency 7.8 kHz	4 Search modes 25cm waterproof probe 5 sensitivity levels 5 levels Volume 5 "Treasure" display LEDs Backlight Pinpoint - tracking motionless mode Bluetooth - smartphone connection Professional Go-FIND app Weight 1.06 kg Scoop Smartphone holder Headphones Operating frequency 7.8 kHz
Price 3.990 kEUR incl. VAT	Price 4.990 CZK incl. VAT	Price 5.990 CZK incl. VAT

Reviews of the entire GoFind series

The detectors are designed for beginners, but that's only half the truth. Yes, the devices are not up to the level of high-end detectors, and they are also weaker in terms of separation. On the other hand, even a big pro can pack them in his backpack for a bike trip and just go through the place he was curious about and if something is found, then come back with a professional device. Several of my friends, who also used the older Go Find series detectors, can't get enough of them and carry them with them pretty much everywhere with clear justification. For what the detector costs, it really does a lot. Basically for fun, Ondra and I spent one whole day testing all the targets we found. I walked with the CTX 3030 and Ondra with our test GoFind 44. We tested about how many targets he would lose. We walked in the local forest, where there are not so many targets. On the other hand, there is also not too much garbage here, so we have to argue whether it is really what he is taking or it is something that lies nearby... It was interesting, Go Find had almost 70% of all the targets found. Of course, this is not a perfect benchmark, but it is still a demonstration of what you are capable of with this detector, at least in locations with minor or medium amounts of iron. And also where you are simply not chasing extreme depths.

That brings me to the last assessment, and that is discrimination and separation properties. Discrimination is completely above expectations with the GoFinds. The iron filtering works very reliably. Great for the price. Separation is weaker, that is if we compare it with higher models. Basically, it works as you would expect in a detector under 10.000 CZK.

Video

The video shows a demonstration of the range on two targets on our polygon. One with 1c in 20cm and one in 25cm. The targets have been there for a number of years so it best shows what the detectors are for. The 25 cm is also the limiting depth for the GoFind 66, but you can see that in the video.