Sluice Box vs. High Banker: Which Is Better for Gold Prospecting?

If you're getting into gold prospecting, you've probably heard about two popular tools: the sluice box and the high banker. Both can be powerful aids in recovering gold from gravel and sediment, but they work a bit differently and serve different purposes depending on your prospecting environment and goals.

So, which one is better? The answer depends on where you're prospecting, how much material you want to process, and how much gear you're willing to carry. Let’s break it down.

What Is a Sluice Box?

A sluice box is a simple, gravity-fed tool that uses flowing water to separate gold from gravel and other materials. It's essentially a long tray lined with riffles and carpet or matting, which catch the heavier gold particles as lighter material washes away.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and portable – great for hiking into remote areas.

  • No power needed – uses the natural current of a stream or river.

  • Simple setup and easy to use – perfect for beginners.

Cons:

  • Limited to areas with good water flow – you need a natural water source with enough current.

  • Slower processing – depends on how fast the stream flows and how much material you can manually shovel into it.

What Is a High Banker?

A high banker is like a sluice box on steroids. It includes a hopper and a water pump, allowing you to process more material without relying on a stream. The pump pushes water into the hopper, breaking up dirt and washing it through a classifier and into the sluice.

Pros:

  • Can be used anywhere – no need for a river or natural water flow.

  • Processes more material – faster and more efficient than a basic sluice.

  • Often includes a built-in classifier – breaks up larger rocks and clumps, helping you find finer gold.

Cons:

  • Requires power – typically a gas or battery-powered pump.

  • Heavier and bulkier – more gear to carry and set up.

  • More expensive – higher upfront cost than a basic sluice.

Which One Should You Use?

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Feature Sluice Box High Banker
Water source Needs natural flow Pump provides water
Portability Lightweight and compact Heavier, more gear
Setup complexity Easy to set up Requires pump and fuel
Processing speed Moderate Fast and efficient
Best for Remote creeks and rivers Areas without water access

Final Thoughts

If you're just starting out and planning to prospect in places with good water flow, a sluice box is a great way to learn the ropes without investing too much. But if you're ready to step up your game and want to process more material in more locations, a high banker is a serious upgrade.

Either way, both tools can help you find that elusive yellow metal—just be sure to follow local laws and regulations, and always practice environmentally responsible prospecting.

You are able to find both Sluice boxes, High Bankers, and other prospecting products at www.pioneerprospecting.ca. If you don't see what you are looking for, send me a message and I help you get what you need to find the hidden treasure. 

Happy digging!

Back to blog