Gold Bug 2 Metal Detector Review

The Gold Bug 2 by Fisher Labs has been around for over two decades, having first been released in 1995. Most people who’ve had the pleasure of owning a Gold Bug 2 in their lifetime will all tell you the same thing, it’s the best purchase they ever made.

So what makes this particular metal detector so great? That’s what we’re going to explore. In this article/review, I will talk all about the Gold Bug 2 and what it can do. I’ll also give you my personal thoughts on this legendary piece of equipment.

Let’s dig in!

Specs

Key Features

There are so many great features in the Fisher Labs Gold Bug-2 metal detector worth mentioning, but here are some of the key features:

• 71 kHz operating frequency making finding even the smallest pieces of gold a breeze
• 6.5 inch coil included
• Convertible to hip mount or chest mount
• Dual-knob ground control which makes coarse and fine adjustment easy
• Comfortable, lightweight design
• Sturdy design making it long-lasting machine
• 5-year warranty

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For a more detailed understanding of the ins and outs of the Fisher Labs Gold Bug-2 metal detector, please be sure to check out the manual provided by Fisher Labs.

Pros & Cons

Everything has pros and cons, and the Gold Bug 2 metal detector is no exception! Here are some of the pros and cons of this machine:

Pros

• Does an amazing job of finding small nuggets of gold
• Lightweight design makes long stretches of use extremely comfortable
• Batteries can be rechargeable 9V
• Easy to use
• Stable

Cons

• Coil can come loose sometimes and fall off requiring it to be screwed back in
• Battery doors are tight meaning you really have to shove those batteries in and close with force
• This shouldn’t come as a shock, but it’s pricy
• Can sometimes be hard to find due to popularity

Review

The Gold Bug 2 is by far one of the most impressive Fisher Labs metal detectors on the market. It’s been available to purchase for a long time. It has a stellar reputation as being an amazing machine which is no real surprise.

There’s a lot to discuss regarding the Gold Bug 2, but let’s start with the operating frequency, which is often pinpointed as one of the most impressive features. With an operating frequency of 71 kHz, it’s one of the highest operating frequencies available in common ground balancing metal detectors. Considering how many metal detectors have been designed, built, and released since the Gold Bug 2 debuted, you’d be surprised to learn how few have managed to beat this impressive frequency from Fisher Labs.

On top of the impressive operating frequency, the 6” elliptical concentric search coil makes searching for those truly tiny pieces of gold possible. I’m talking about gold that weighs 1/10th of a gram. Yes, that small! The Gold Bug 2 has three coils available. Either the 6.5” elliptical, 10” elliptical or the 14” elliptical. These are all concentric coils, and there’s no DD coil available for the Gold Bug 2.

Thanks to the high frequency, the Gold Bug 2 is capable of working with pretty much any type of surface. The iron discrimination is superior to other models and means highly iron mineralized rocks and soil are no match for the Gold Bug 2. This doesn’t mean it’s all work, no struggle, this metal detector does lose slight sensitivity in iron disc mode, but it’s not enough that you won’t catch hidden gold which other detectors would miss.

The design is comfortable, compact, and rugged. What’s even more amazing, and in this day and age rare, is that the control box is removable. You can easily slide it off the rod and place it on your belt with some integrated belt slots. The cable is long, and there’s plenty to go around, so you’ll never have major issues with the distance. Having it on your belt, or perhaps a chest mount, means long stretches of use become far easier and more comfortable.

Most users of the Gold Bug 2 will all agree that they use it at a full volume and sensitivity and low mineralization setting when in general use. However, suppose you’re going to an area with hot rocks or ground. In that case, you’ll use the iron disc mode for easier search capabilities.

There’s so much to admire about the Gold Bug 2. It’s a model that’s been around for so long. Yet, it’s made an incredible mark on the hobby and made many users incredible happy with their decision to purchase one. You’re hard-pressed to find someone unhappy with owning a Gold Bug 2 by Fisher Labs.

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I find when people are just now discovering the Fisher Labs Gold Bug 2 metal detector.

Does The Gold Bug 2 Come With Accessories

Having accessories with the Gold Bug 2 is dependent on who you’re purchasing the metal detector from, as you’ve got various options for purchase. Second-hand sellers might not have the accessories listed or included due to them being lost during their time using the metal detector.

Additionally, sometimes refurbished models are sold without the accessories too. Some sellers offer their own accessories like Kelly Co Detectors, which offer gloves, a bag, and a small spade.

Can You Use the Gold Bug 2 In Water?

The search coil on the Gold Bug 2 is waterproof. However, the control box is not, so please make sure you’re well aware of this difference. A great aspect of the Gold Bug 2 is that you can detach the control box and wear it on your belt or on a chest mount. Keep the control box safe, and you’ll be fine, so proceed with caution.

How Many Meters Deep Can The Gold Bug 2 Detect?

The Gold Bug 2 is capable of detecting 10 – 12 inches or so below the surface. This can be lessened due to ground conditions.

Does The Gold Bug 2 Work With Silver and Copper?

While it’s not called the Silver Bug 2 or Copper Bug 2, this metal detector is more than capable of finding these metal targets. The higher operating frequency is better for gold than these other materials, but this doesn’t negate its ability to locate all types of metal.

Conclusion

The Fisher Gold Bug 2 is probably one of the most iconic metal detectors Fisher Labs has ever released. While it’s been around for a long time, it’s still incredibly popular among metal detector enthusiasts, especially in comparison to other gold finding options. The high-frequency range and uniqueness of its design make it well worth it for someone seriously interested in finding gold. This is a brilliant metal detector perfect for the more seasoned metal detector user who knows their way around a machine like this.

You can buy the Fisher Gold Bug 2 metal detector at most major sporting retailers, Amazon, and other online retailers.