Minelab Gold Monster 1000: Uncover Buried Riches with Ease!

In this review, we’ll explore the key features of the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 to help you decide whether it’s the right metal detector for you. From its operating frequency and search coil to battery life and gold-detecting capabilities, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

What was the device designed for?

The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 was originally designed with African gold prospectors in mind, who needed a highly efficient yet easy-to-use detector that could handle tough conditions. It’s a small, lightweight, and user-friendly device, making it ideal for gold nugget prospecting in challenging climates and highly mineralized soils.

Design and Purpose

Built for beginners and those who may struggle with complex settings, the Gold Monster 1000 automatically adjusts to provide optimal performance. Minelab’s designers created a machine that transforms novice users into capable treasure hunters, thanks to its fully automated features. Whether you’re searching for gold in the harsh terrain of Africa or simply want a reliable, no-fuss metal detector, this device has you covered.

User-Friendliness

One of the standout features of this detector is its ease of use. With everything automated, you won’t need to worry about complicated settings. The main decision you’ll face is whether to adjust the sensitivity manually or let the automatic function take over. If you choose the auto mode, keep in mind that the sensitivity will be slightly reduced to ensure stability during the search, especially on rough ground.

Sensitivity and Performance

The Gold Monster 1000 is a high-frequency detector, operating at 45 kHz, which makes it incredibly sensitive to small gold nuggets. This is particularly important for prospectors working in areas with highly mineralized soils, where other detectors might struggle. The automatic ground balance with tracking ensures the detector stays calibrated, no matter the soil conditions.

Additionally, the device offers two modes for sensitivity adjustment: Auto and Auto + Sensitivity. The “Auto + Sensitivity” mode gives an extra boost in difficult terrain, offering a bit more sensitivity without compromising too much on stability.

Model	Minelab Gold Monster 1000
Weight	1.33kg (2.94lbs) excluding battery
Length (Adjustable)	1382mm–944mm (54.4″–37.2″)
Batteries	Li-Ion (included), 8 AA Batteries (not included)
Headphones	Included
Warranty	2 years
Operating Principle	VLF
Key Technology	Ultra-wide dynamic range 45kHz VLF
Standard Searchcoil	2 coils: 10″ x 6″ Double-D, 5″ Double‑D
Operating Frequencies (kHz)	45 kHz
Water resistance	Coils waterproof to 1m (3′), Control box rain/splash-proof
Submersion Depth	No
Detect Modes	Gold (Iron reject), Deep All-Metal
Discrimination	Yes, Gold Chance Indicator (high/low)
Ground Balance	Automatic (Easy-Trak)
Noise Cancel	Automatic (On start-up)
Detect Modes	2 (Gold (Iron reject), Deep All-Metal)
Sensitivity Adjust	Manual (1–10), Auto (11), Auto+ (12)
Volume Adjust	Manual 1–6
Visual Display	Monochrome LCD
Audio Output	Internal speaker or headphones 3.5mm (1/8″)

Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

The review

The shaft

Unlike traditional metal detectors that feature an s-shaped shaft, the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 boasts a straight, durable shaft that is twisted together for added strength. This reliable construction minimizes the chances of breakage, making it well-suited for rugged use.

The control unit can be attached wherever you find it most convenient on the shaft. This flexibility allows you to customize its placement, enhancing comfort and usability during long treasure hunts. If you need to navigate constrained environments, such as caves or dense vegetation, you can even remove the bottom section of the shaft entirely. A special adaptor is included to help you reposition the search coil on the middle shaft, improving maneuverability.

One of the unique design features is the battery holder’s placement. Its unusual location provides excellent balance, a crucial factor when working in challenging terrain. This thoughtful design minimizes fatigue and makes extended treasure hunts more comfortable.

Additionally, the control unit is dampproof, meaning that rain or splashes won’t harm the device. However, be aware that the Gold Monster 1000 is not waterproof and cannot be fully submerged.

Assembly Instructions

Assembling the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is straightforward, with just six steps:

1. Connect the Shaft Sections: Twist the middle, upper, and bottom shaft sections together to form a solid and durable connection.
2. Attach the Search Coil: Use the provided plastic bolt to attach the search coil. You can opt for the GM 10 elliptic coil, which provides greater detection coverage and depth, or the GM 5 concentric coil, which is better for locating small gold nuggets.
3. Mount the Control Unit: Secure the control unit to the upper shaft using the special fixation system. First, attach the lower ring to support the base of the control unit. Then, attach the upper ring to lock the unit in place. Tighten both rings using the bolts provided.
4. Install the Armrest: Attach the armrest to the upper shaft using the two fasteners. Adjust the armrest to your preferred position for maximum comfort during use.
5. Wind the Search Coil Cable: Wind the search coil cable tightly around the shaft to avoid loose cables, which can cause phantom signals and affect performance.
6. Connect the Search Coil Cable and Insert the Battery: Attach the search coil cable to the control unit. Finally, insert the battery. You can choose between a rechargeable Li-ion battery (charger included) or 8 standard AA batteries. Once inserted, close and screw the battery cap to secure it.

The coil

The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 package includes two waterproof search coils, making it adaptable for a variety of terrains and targets. The first is a multi-purpose elliptical 10×5-inch DD coil, which excels in wide area coverage and offers excellent target detection in open spaces. Its elliptical shape also helps reduce ground noise in mineral-rich areas, making it particularly effective in challenging environments. The second is a more focused concentric 5-inch DD coil, ideal for precise searching in tight spots or uneven terrain. This smaller coil ensures excellent target differentiation, especially useful for detecting smaller gold nuggets, and is renowned for its precision when separating closely positioned targets in cluttered environments.

Since both coils are waterproof, the Gold Monster 1000 is equipped for shallow water treasure hunts, allowing you to explore riverbeds and shores with confidence. Waterproof coils are essential for shallow water hunts, but keep in mind that while the coils are waterproof, the control unit itself is not submergible. Care should be taken when using the device near water.

While the device is highly accurate, you should always keep your spade or digging tool at a distance from the coil to prevent false signals. For soft soils or sandy environments, the package includes a plastic digging tool to further minimize interference, making your search smoother.

Operating Frequency and Sensitivity

The Gold Monster 1000 operates at an intermediate frequency of 45 kHz, offering an excellent balance between sensitivity and depth. This frequency is designed for maximum sensitivity to tiny objects, such as small gold nuggets, even in highly mineralized soils. Its performance surpasses metal detectors that operate at lower frequencies (e.g., 18 kHz), which are more focused on larger nuggets (≥1.0 gram), and those with extremely high frequencies (e.g., 71 kHz), which excel at detecting smaller nuggets (≤0.1 gram) but may struggle with depth.

The Gold Monster 1000’s 24-bit signal processing unit provides high-speed data analysis, ensuring superior target identification. This combination of intermediate frequency and advanced processing allows the device to distinguish between valuable gold targets and false signals more effectively than most single-frequency VLF detectors, especially in complex soil conditions. Additionally, the 24-bit processor significantly boosts real-time signal analysis, improving the device’s ability to distinguish between metallic targets and common ground noise, providing a more accurate and reliable prospecting experience.

Headphones

The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 package set includes a pair of branded wired Minelab headphones, designed to enhance your treasure hunting experience by allowing you to hear subtle audio signals that might otherwise go unnoticed in noisy environments. These headphones are especially useful when prospecting for small gold nuggets, as the device emits faint tones that could be easily drowned out by background noise. While they are not wireless, the wired connection ensures a stable and uninterrupted audio signal, which is critical for precise metal detection.

The battery

The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is powered by either 8 standard AA batteries or a rechargeable battery accumulator, providing flexibility during extended treasure hunts. The device package includes charging cables, which allow you to charge the accumulator from alternative power sources, such as your car’s battery. This feature is particularly convenient when prospecting in remote areas where access to electricity may be limited. The ability to recharge the device on the go ensures you won’t be interrupted in the middle of a productive search due to a dead battery.

Waterproofness

The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 features a fully submergible search coil, making it ideal for shallow water treasure hunts in riverbeds or along shorelines. However, the control unit is dampproof, meaning it can withstand exposure to rain, splashes, and dust, but it is not designed for full submersion in water. While the metal detector is primarily built for use on dry land, its protection against rain and environmental dust ensures reliable performance even in challenging outdoor conditions. Care should be taken to avoid fully submerging the control unit to prevent damage.

The control unit

The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is equipped with six control buttons, allowing for quick and efficient adjustments, making the metal detector user-friendly and ready for use in under a minute.

One of the buttons is the on/off button, which powers the device. The central button (Detect Mode) lets you toggle between two search modes: All Metal, which detects all types of metals, and Iron Reject, which filters out unwanted iron signals.

On the right side, there are + and – buttons for adjusting the volume, ensuring you can clearly hear signals in any environment. On the left, there are another set of + and – buttons for adjusting the device’s sensitivity. The sensitivity scale has 10 units, with the 11th unit dedicated to automatic sensitivity adjustment, offering optimal settings for those who prefer fully automated performance.

Search modes and settings

The Detect Mode button on your Gold Monster 1000 metal detector allows you to choose between different modes for your treasure hunting trip. Simply press the button with the search coil icon to select the mode.

The metal detector has two search modes:

Gold Mode (Iron Reject): This mode is designed to ignore everything but gold. If a target contains gold, you’ll hear a signal, while all other metals will be filtered out.

Deep All-Metal Mode: In this mode, the detector picks up all metal targets, providing greater depth detection. However, you may experience more interference, as it detects all metal types.

For beginners, it is often recommended to start with the Deep All-Metal Mode to ensure optimal detection depth. This mode gives you a better chance of finding deeply buried objects, including gold.

Gold Detection Indicator

The Gold Monster 1000 is equipped with an indicator that helps you assess whether a target under the coil is likely to be gold. When you swing the coil over a target at a 45-degree angle, the display’s scale will reflect the chances of gold being present. If the indicator leans to the right, your chances of finding gold are high. However, if the needle shifts to the left, the target is likely iron trash.

Another helpful feature is the Gold Chance Indicator, located at the top of the display. This visual aid shows whether the target is more likely to be gold (moving to the right) or iron (moving to the left).

Adjusting Sensitivity and Volume

To adjust the detector’s sensitivity, use the “+” and “-” buttons on the left side of the unit. As you adjust, the circle on the display will fill according to the sensitivity level. This allows you to fine-tune the detector based on the terrain and target size.

The volume works similarly. Use the “+” and “-” buttons on the right side to increase or decrease the sound volume, helping you hear faint signals more clearly.

Treasure Hunting Tips

Here are some valuable tips to improve your chances of success:

1. Listen for Faint Signals: Many detectorists focus only on large, clear signals. However, small, faint signals can lead to valuable small targets, including tiny gold nuggets.
2. Slow Down: Take your time when scanning an area. Thoroughly examine each section instead of rushing. The goal is not to cover ground quickly but to uncover as many gold nuggets as possible.
3. Coil Positioning: Keep the search coil parallel to the ground throughout the swing, ensuring it doesn’t lift at the end. Maintain a consistent 2-inch distance between the coil and the ground.
4. Overlap Your Sweeps: Ensure that each swing of the coil overlaps with the previous one. This prevents you from missing any targets.
5. Field Practice: For better results, practice detecting small gold targets in different environments. Avoid areas with electrical interference, such as near power lines, to minimize false signals.
6. Patience is Key: Finding gold is a challenge, which is why it’s so valuable. Be patient and persistent in your search.

Ground balance

The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is a fully automated metal detector designed to simplify the search process. One of the device’s key features is automatic ground balance, which continuously adjusts during use. This allows you to focus on detecting targets without being distracted by manual adjustments.

For users of VLF metal detectors, dealing with interference from mineralized soils is a common issue. This is where the Gold Monster 1000 excels. Its automatic ground balance ensures stable operation, allowing the detector to pick up signals from deep targets without being disturbed by false signals.

Sensitivity and Performance

The Gold Monster 1000 operates with high sensitivity, making it highly effective for detecting small targets, including gold nuggets. However, in areas with highly mineralized soils, the device offers Auto 1 and Auto 2 modes, which help reduce interference while maintaining sensitivity. In areas with low mineralization, manual sensitivity adjustment may be more effective, as it allows the user to better control the device’s performance.

The key is to strike a balance between high sensitivity and stable operation. Setting the sensitivity too high may result in false signals, while setting it too low will reduce the device’s ability to detect small targets.

Sweep Speed and Ground Balance

The Gold Monster 1000 automatically adjusts its ground balance, but for optimal results, maintaining a steady sweep speed is crucial. Moving the coil too fast may cause you to overlook signals, while sweeping too slowly can reduce the detector’s accuracy. A moderate, consistent pace works best. Since the device stabilizes continuously, it’s important to briefly pause at the start of a search to allow the detector time to adjust before you begin.

Discrimination

The Gold Monster 1000 features an automatic discrimination function, which cannot be manually adjusted. When this mode is active, the detector will not emit signals for ferrous targets, though they will still be displayed on the discrimination scale.

This device offers enhanced discrimination between ferrous and non-ferrous targets, allowing for better performance, particularly in highly conductive soils.

Conclusions

The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is a solid metal detector, especially tailored for gold prospecting, offering automatic features that simplify operation for both novice and experienced users. With automatic ground balance and sensitivity adjustments, it handles varying soil conditions well, reducing the need for constant manual adjustments. Its enhanced discrimination function helps separate valuable targets from ferrous junk, making it particularly effective in mineral-rich and highly conductive soils.

Strengths:

1. Ease of Use: Fully automated features like ground balance and discrimination make it user-friendly, especially for beginners.
2. High Sensitivity: The detector is highly sensitive to small gold nuggets, even in difficult terrains.
3. Automatic Discrimination: Efficiently filters out ferrous targets without producing unnecessary signals, making it easier to focus on non-ferrous targets.
4. Stable Performance: Remains stable and functional even in mineral-heavy areas, ensuring consistent results.

Weaknesses:

1. Limited Manual Control: The lack of manual adjustments for discrimination may frustrate advanced users who prefer greater control over settings.
2. Basic Target Information: The device doesn’t provide detailed target identification, which more advanced models may offer.
3. Specialized Design: While excellent for gold prospecting, it may not perform as well for general metal detecting or treasure hunting.

Competitors:

1. Fisher Gold Bug 2: Renowned for its extremely high sensitivity, particularly for detecting tiny gold nuggets. However, it requires more manual adjustments, making it less user-friendly for beginners compared to the Gold Monster 1000.
2. Garrett AT Gold: A versatile detector offering both automatic and manual adjustments, giving users more flexibility across different terrains. It’s submersible in water, making it suitable for detecting in shallow areas, although it may not be as sensitive to small nuggets as the Gold Monster 1000.
3. Minelab GPX 5000: A high-end, professional-grade gold detector known for its exceptional depth detection and multiple ground balance settings. While more advanced and offering superior performance in finding gold at greater depths, it is much heavier, more complex to use, and significantly more expensive than the Gold Monster 1000, making it a better choice for serious prospectors with experience.

In conclusion, the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 offers a balanced mix of simplicity and performance for gold prospecting, making it a great choice for beginners and casual users. However, for those seeking more advanced features or deeper detection, models like the GPX 5000 provide greater precision and versatility.