Large and established manufacturers often open experimental series that are designed to try out new options or combinations of characteristics separately from the main line. Sometimes such market trials lead to a decrease in brand confidence, and sometimes open up a whole range of new opportunities for the manufacturer, increasing its competitiveness. In part, the Minelab Go-Find 60 metal detector also falls into the experimental category, an overview of which is presented below. It does not have innovative and fundamentally new features, but such a combination of functionality and basic working qualities is at least unusual for a budget-level detector.
Go-Find Series Overview
Over the short period of the family’s existence, a significant part of practicing treasure hunters have the idea that Go-Find is a separate brand within the Minelab brand. Such a perception is associated with the mass of differences between the models of this series from the typical devices of the manufacturer. Mainly the discrepancy is caused by the divergence in the concept of entry-level metal detectors and the possibilities offered by the new series of instruments. I must say that modification 60 is far from the only one in the line - it is preceded by versions 20 and 40. The index indicates the search depth in centimeters, therefore the device in question is the most productive. In addition, the level of monitoring is not the only thing that differs from the counterparts in the Minelab Go-Find 60 family. Reviews indicate both the device’s communication capabilities and other characteristics that increased the detector’s action potential . Of course, you can not expect from the budget segment a full range of performance at the level of more respectable representatives of the segment. For example, all models in this series also differ in the presence of plastic in the main components of the structure, which many users consider as a significant drawback.
Contents of delivery
The package has been expanded relative to conventional budget metal detectors in accordance with the increased functionality of the device. The basic delivery set, in addition to the device itself, includes a non-removable 10-inch coil, a Russian-language manual, a Minelab proprietary scoop, a smartphone case, and headphones. Actually, the last two components hint at the new capabilities of the device. A special 3.5 mm standard jack is provided for the headphones, and the protective equipment for the mobile device indicates that the operator is able to wirelessly interact with the Minelab Go-Find 60 functionality. Reviews also mention the presence of a small strap in the kit, which allows you to fix it with Velcro armrest. Supplement, at first glance, insignificant, but in the process of using the design, its benefits will be obvious.
Metal Detector Features
The main operating parameters are not as impressive as the functional support of the device, but even in this part the device has gone far from ordinary models of the initial link. In addition, you should not forget about the quality of the technical implementation of Minelab Go-Find 60 as such. The characteristics of the device are presented below:
- Length - 55 cm.
- Assembled length - 13.5 cm.
- The mass of the device is 1.06 kg.
- Coil size - 10 inches.
- Sensitivity Levels - 5 segments to adjust.
- Light indication - 5 modes of the LCD display.
- Sound identification - customizable 5-level scale.
- The number of discrimination programs - 4 modes.
- Batteries - 4 AA batteries or rechargeable batteries.
Ergonomics models
Perhaps one of the strengths of the model, on which the Go-Find developers generally relied. To begin with, it is worth noting the presence of a liquid crystal display and the presence of touch buttons. Moreover, the interaction with the controls is characterized as clear and responsive - the manufacturer did not save on this part of the interface. Information is also displayed without delay and through intuitive pictograms.
Special attention is paid to the implementation of LED infrastructure, which is designed to promptly inform the operator. In particular, above the screen is a confidence scale. Through multi-colored LEDs, it reflects the degree of probability of detection of the target object. The number of filled segments within the scale, as well as the intensity of the glow, make it possible to begin excavating the site. The discrimination scale also complements the Minelab Go-Find 60 metal detector. Reviews note that the joint operation of the two scales makes it possible to evaluate the feasibility of work. Disagreements and coincidences in the indicators of the two indicators create a logical fork that cuts off unnecessary objects for search - the risk of running into rusty cans, corks and bottles is minimized.
Metal detector design
Execution of the design, too, many owners enter in the list of advantages of the model. Engineers emphasized optimization in this part and did not fail. The device, unlike the vast majority of both budget and premium competitors, is not going to. It folds and unfolds, so you can forget about complex wiring diagrams, screws and screws.
But the basis is also made up of familiar components - a control panel, a casing and a bar. It has already been noted that instead of metal, plastic was used. This decision may seem doubtful, since a loss to traditional designs in terms of physical reliability will be obvious. On the other hand, in practice, the chance is not so great to seriously damage the plastic elements of the Minelab Go-Find 60. Reviews indicate that the manufacturer's characteristics of impact resistance and moisture resistance are not an empty phrase. In addition, high-strength plastic is lighter than any metal, which again is a plus to the physical ergonomics of the device.
Search modes
The device has 4 basic search modes, which can be found in a particular performance in the standard representatives of this segment. But the attention of experienced seekers is rather worthy of 2 new modes - statistical search and pinpoint. The first differs from the usual dynamic search in that the operator is in an immobilized state and, in essence, scans a single point. This search format can be called in-depth, because it makes it possible to move from fast surface to point target detection. The pinpoint mode, even against the background of more expensive models, distinguishes the Minelab Go-Find 60 version. Owner reviews, however, indicate not the most successful implementation of this function. The fact is that target localization in this mode does not do without special wiring. That is, the operator will need to perform manipulations to accurately assess the characteristics of the object.
Instrument Operation Tips
The main search mode will still be dynamic. Much depends on how the operator performs physical manipulations to scan the site. The manufacturer recommends holding the coil 2-3 cm from the ground, observing the parallelism of its position relative to the ground. The speed of the coil from side to side should be about 1-2 seconds. It is also not recommended to interrupt the swing, since in this case the full coverage of the zone with the Minelab Go-Find 60 coil will be excluded.
Reviews note that the convenience of making movements will be affected by the initial adjustment of the device. The design should be adjusted so that the device is located exactly relative to the forearm. If several users work on one site, then there must be a distance of at least 15 m between them.
Positive reviews
Among the advantages, seekers note ergonomics, the original design of the structure, its technical performance and the presence of a modern control unit. In terms of ease of customization and user interaction with a set of functions, this is one of the best models in the manufacturer's assortment. As for the design, comfort in handling is noted. In this regard, it is possible to call successful the implementation of the prefabricated mechanism that the Minelab Go-Find 60 metal detector is provided with. User reviews, by the way, also mention the bar departure adjustment system. Using an ergonomic locking lock, the operator can adjust the detector elements to the optimal parameters.
Negative reviews
Deficiencies are also present, and they are mostly related to the efficiency of the device directly in the scanning process. There are many complaints about the quality of detection. Although the device is nominally provided with a wide range of monitoring tools, practice shows that this model is still not suitable for the role of an average detector. However, it depends on the conditions under which the Minelab Go-Find 60 metal detector is used. Reviews about the assembly mechanism are also not uniquely positive. Many criticize this system for the lack of the ability to completely remove the coil.
Who is it for?
The characteristics and strengths of the device indicate that it is designed for beginners and undemanding fans. This is partly true, since an experienced treasure hunter who poses ambitious tasks with an orientation to ancient relics will not have the capabilities of this device. Judging by the data, the Minelab Go-Find 60 metal detector is suitable for generalists searching in different places and at shallow depths. The device performs well on different types of soil, outdoors and indoors.
Conclusion
Budget equipment rarely demonstrates new operational capabilities. But this is exactly what happened in this case - the adjustment and assembly mechanism was really new and did not disappoint users of the Minelab Go-Find 60. The price, reviews and characteristics of the model as a whole speak in its favor - for 11 thousand rubles. even a low scanning sensitivity can be forgiven. In terms of working qualities, the device does not lose to direct competitors in the budget segment, but it is clearly ahead of them in functionality. Another thing is that the advanced interface does not correspond in its level to the very modest efficiency of a 10-inch coil. But you can’t expect more from her.
For comparison, metal detectors with more powerful tools are on the market for at least 20 thousand. At the same time, semi-professional detectors can even lose this version in terms of ergonomic advantages and functionality.