Minelab Gold Monster 1000 versus the Minelab Gold Monster 2000: What's the Real Difference?
(By Bart Davis, Big Boys Hobbies Metal Detectors)
Hey folks, Bart here from Big Boys Hobbies Metal Detectors. If you're chasing gold nuggets, you've probably heard of Minelab's Gold Monster series. The original Gold Monster 1000 has been a fan favorite for years—it’s super easy to use and crazy good on small gold. But now, Minelab has dropped the new Gold Monster 2000, and this machine takes it up a notch in just about every measurable way.
The new Gold Monster 2000 is built to handle the toughest, most mineralized ground while giving you the precise data you need to dig less trash and more gold. It’s not just an update; it's a completely re-engineered machine aimed at the serious prospector. Let’s break down the real-world differences so you can decide which Gold Monster is right for your kind of hunting.
| Feature | Gold Monster 1000 | Gold Monster 2000 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection Tech | Single-frequency VLF (around 45 kHz) tuned for small gold sensitivity. | All-new Multi-Au™ Simultaneous Multi-Frequency (12–76 kHz) for more depth and smoother performance in bad ground. |
| Target ID | Simple Gold Chance indicator that shows “gold vs iron.” | Full 0–99 numeric Target ID and real-time gold probability gauge for faster digging decisions. |
| Audio & Response | Basic threshold and tone response—high for gold, low for iron. | Echo Wave™ Audio gives crisp tone separation and smoother threshold response. |
| Ground Handling | Auto ground balance and noise cancel—great for moderate soils. | Handles hot ground and mineralization much better thanks to the SMF engine. |
| Design | Lightweight and easy to swing with standard shaft. | Upgraded telescopic carbon-fibre shaft, waterproof coil (to 1 m), rain-proof control pod (IP55). |
| Skill Level | Beginner / Intermediate – simple one-button operation. | Intermediate / Pro – more tuning options, more target info. |
| Warranty | 2 Years (Control Box & Coil) | 2 Years (Control Box & Coil) |
The Game-Changing Multi-Au™ Simultaneous Multi-Frequency
The biggest difference between the two models lies in the engine under the hood. The Gold Monster 1000 uses a powerful single Very Low Frequency (VLF) of around 45 kHz, which is highly sensitive to tiny gold. However, in heavily mineralized or "hot" ground—like many of the goldfields across the West—a VLF can become noisy, unstable, and lose depth.
The Gold Monster 2000 solves this problem with its all-new Multi-Au™ Simultaneous Multi-Frequency technology. This system combines the extreme sensitivity of VLF with the ground-handling power typically seen in Pulse Induction (PI) detectors. The result is a detector that maintains stability and signal clarity across a wide range of frequencies (12-76 kHz) in real-time. If you frequently hunt in highly mineralized ground, the Gold Monster 2000 will provide deeper, more stable performance than the older model.
Full Target ID: Digging Smarter, Not Harder
One of the most requested features that separates the GM 2000 from the GM 1000 is the full-featured Target ID.
The Gold Monster 1000 features a simple "Gold Chance Indicator" that gives a basic visual of whether a target is likely gold or iron. The Gold Monster 2000, however, gives you a full 0–99 numeric Target ID display, along with a real-time gold probability gauge.
This numeric feedback allows intermediate and professional prospectors to make much faster, more informed decisions about whether to dig a target. Instead of relying on just audio tones, the numeric ID helps you identify common trash items (like small iron nails) so you can skip them and spend more time digging valuable gold nuggets.
Enhanced Audio and Durability
The Gold Monster 2000 also includes Minelab's Echo Wave™ audio system. In the field, this means crisp, clear tone separation that makes a small gold signal stand out even when the ground is chattery or you have background noise. When searching for tiny gold flakes or deep nuggets that produce faint signals, audio clarity is everything, and the Echo Wave™ system delivers that advantage.
Finally, the new model offers a significant upgrade in design and durability. The GM 2000 features an upgraded telescopic carbon-fibre shaft for easier transport and swing comfort, a waterproof coil (submersible to 1 meter), and a rain-proof control pod (IP55). These features make the GM 2000 a much more reliable detector for all-day hunting in harsh or wet goldfields.
[Place Gold Monster 2000 YouTube Video Embed Code Here]
Which One Should You Get?
If you are a beginner prospector who wants something simple, lightweight, affordable, and deadly on small gold in moderate ground, the Gold Monster 1000 is a fantastic choice.
But if you are ready for the next level—hunting in hot ground, chasing both tiny flakes and deep nuggets, and demanding more information and durability from your machine—the Gold Monster 2000 is the future of Minelab's gold lineup. It gives you more power, better information, and smoother operation across challenging terrain.
Shop the NEW Minelab Gold Monster 2000 Here!
Shop the original Gold Monster 1000 Here!
As always, when you call or email Big Boys Hobbies, you talk directly to me—Bart Davis. I'll make sure you get honest advice and the right detector for your kind of hunting. We're a small mom-and-pop shop that truly appreciates your business!
Free shipping, no sales tax outside Oklahoma, and top-rated support—every time.
Call or Text: 405-206-9010 | Email: Bart@BigBoysHobbies.net
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some of the most common questions we get about the new Gold Monster 2000.
- Q: What is the biggest performance difference between the Gold Monster 1000 and the 2000?
- A: The biggest difference is the Minelab Gold Monster 2000’s Multi-Au™ Simultaneous Multi-Frequency technology. This system provides superior stability and depth in highly mineralized or "hot" ground compared to the single-frequency VLF system of the Gold Monster 1000.
- Q: Does the Gold Monster 2000 have a screen display with Target IDs?
- A: Yes, the Gold Monster 2000 features a full **0–99 numeric Target ID** display. This is a major upgrade from the older model's simple "gold vs. iron" indicator, allowing prospectors to better discriminate between targets before digging.
- Q: Is the Gold Monster 2000 waterproof?
- A: The Gold Monster 2000 is built for tough conditions. Its coil is waterproof (submersible to 1 meter) and the control pod is rain-proof (rated IP55), making it safe for use in wet weather and shallow stream beds.
- Q: What is Echo Wave™ Audio?
- A: Echo Wave™ Audio is Minelab's system that provides enhanced tone clarity and separation. This feature is crucial for gold prospecting as it helps the user distinguish the faint sound of a small gold nugget from ground noise and surrounding clutter.