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I've cracked, dropped, and carried more pans than I can count. These five are worth your money.
How I Judge a Pan
Ruggedness, riffle design, grip in wet hands, and how it finishes black sand.
Jake's Top 5 (Quick Picks)
- 1) Workhorse 14" — my all-around choice. See it
- 2) Lightweight 12" — kids & long days. Check price
- 3) Aggressive Riffles — fast clearing. Details
- 4) Micro-Riffle Finisher — fines king. See specs
- 5) Budget Starter — won't cry if it floats away. Under $20
Who Should Buy What
- Brand-new? Start with #5 and learn the swirl.
- Weekend creek hopper? #1 or #3.
- Chasing flour gold? #4.
The Bottom Line
You don't need a $50 pan to find gold. But the right pan makes cleanup faster and keeps fines from escaping. Pick one that fits your budget and style.
Related:
Shopping for a prospector? Check out Jake's Holiday Gift Hub — I've bundled my favorites.
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