The various types of metal detectors that are used in gold prospecting and mining include BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator), VLF (Very Low Frequency), and PI (Pulse Induction). These different types of metal detectors use different technologies to detect metal objects, and they have been developed and refined over time. Modern gold detectorists are often called "Nugget Shooters".

BFO metal detectors were some of the first metal detectors to be developed, and they have been used in gold prospecting and mining for many years. The technology behind BFO metal detectors was first developed in the early 1900s, and these types of metal detectors were commonly used in World War II to detect landmines and other metal objects.

VLF metal detectors were developed in the 1950s and 1960s, and they use a more advanced technology than BFO metal detectors. VLF metal detectors are able to detect smaller and deeper objects than BFO metal detectors, and they are also better at distinguishing between different types of metal. VLF metal detectors have been widely used in gold both lode and placer prospecting and mining for many years.

PI metal detectors are the most advanced and arguably sensitive type of metal detector, and they were developed in the 1980s. PI metal detectors use a technology known as pulse induction, which allows them to detect small and deeply buried objects with high accuracy. PI metal detectors have become increasingly popular in gold prospecting and mining in recent years due to their superior depth sensitivity and accuracy.

Overall, the various types of metal detectors that are used in gold prospecting and mining have been developed and refined over time. BFO metal detectors were some of the first to be developed, and they have been used in gold prospecting and mining for many years. VLF metal detectors were developed later and are more advanced and sensitive than BFO metal detectors and on smaller gold even more sensitive that PIs due to the operating KHz. PI metal detectors are the most expensive, advanced, deepest sensing type of metal detector, and they have become increasingly popular in recent years. Be sure to read How to Get Started for more information.