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It looks like Garrett has improved a few things and fixed issues after the Apex experience . More performing electronics with much more stable TIDs . A submersible CB . A new and probably better quality coil connector . It is a pity that they still use an outdated shaft design but this is not the most important . For me not a revolution but the Vortex looks like a serious detector The prices are reasonable and I like its modern look Looking fwd to the field tests now ...

I think carbon remains an excellent choice for upper sections of a detector shaft, for all applications. The superb strength-to-weight ratio (high strength, light weight) makes it so. However, there is clearly at least a niche market out there, amongst those detectorists who may prefer a non-conductive alternative. While, again, this is really most applicable in specific situations (gold prospecting primarily), there seems to be a "better safe than sorry" mentality (as you are noting, fishersari) for some folks even beyond the gold-prospecting community. And even though most of these folks outside of niche applications would be entirely unaffected in any negative way, it seems that some would nonetheless like to try a non-conductive lower. So, what I plan to do over time, is to work toward making non-conductive lower rod alternatives increasingly available, eventually to include most if not all of the shafts that I offer, for any of those who may prefer that. I'll start with the shafts associated with "gold prospecting" units (MC, EQX 700/900, GPX 4500/4800/5000, and the 6000, Gold Monster, etc.), but will be looking to gradually expand to make the non-conductive lowers available for my other complete shaft offerings as well (EQX 600/800, Deus II, etc.) as it increasingly seems that there will be some market for both types of lowers. Carbon is strong, lightweight, and relatively cost-effective, whereas Kevlar is more expensive, but non-conductive. As such, I think a "standard" line of shafts that includes a carbon-fiber lower, AND then a Kevlar or glass "premium line" of non-conductive lowers available as an upgrade, makes sense for a large portion of my product line. That's what I'm thinking at this point, anyway... Steve

Some people have too many rocks in their heads! 🤪

At 1/2 the price of equinox 900 and 1/3 price of the manticore, I think it will do ok. It will really need to give the legend a run for its money to be a real contender in my opinion. As long as they release the optional coils soon, and at a reasonable price, we will see how well it does. It might be on my list, since I don't have a MF detector in my arsenal yet. It will be fun to see experienced users opinion of it in all scenarios.

I have confirmed with both of my suppliers that I'm working with on the non-conductive lower-rod tubes, that they use UV-resistant resins/epoxies/clear coats with their 100% Kevlar tubes. So -- that being one of my specifications for the Kevlar tubes that I will submit to them as we move into production mode -- this requirement will not be an issue at all, as it's already what they use (which I assumed was the case, as I discussed this with them years ago specific to the carbon tubes). Steve

I hadn't checked your forum in awhile and I had no issues! Was still logged and did not have to re-enter my password. Great work Steve for a one man operation!

Nokta has a habit of trying to "One Up" Minelab. So, maybe a lighter Waterproof machine with more than one coil (SDC2300). I would hazard a guess that the Axiom coils are styrofoam inside to keep them light. The new Vortex has a submersible (to 16') Apex/Axiom-style pod. I doubt they will ever use it to modify those models or even make a waterproof Axiom. It'll be interesting to see what Nokta comes up with. I'm sure we won't be disappointed.

I really like the look of it, it's hard to know if it will be a success for them or not, it's clearly not a top tier VLF, more middle ground type stuff, the lack of prospecting modes are disappointing, that immediately rules me out as being a customer UNLESS it's a great performer, target ID stability would be the key for me wanting one, I love and use my CTX for that very reason, it would not make a good prospecting machine 🙂 Sounds a big step up for their AT Series customers. I was confused at first with the paid upgrades after only reading a few comments, I'd just fallen out of bed, but now I understand and that's fantastic, we all know an Equinox 600 is really a throttled back Equinox 800, so having the option to pay for software upgrades to jump up models and the detector designed for the purpose is fantastic, a really good feature, top marks from me on that one, as the user grows in their ability they can now move up, gives more confidence in new comers to buy the cheaper model knowing they can upgrade it as they start to grow in their ability or when they know they're confident they're sticking with the hobby. I wouldn't be at all disappointed knowing my entry level machine is really a held back top of the line machine, I'd be happy with that knowing for a small fee I can update it if I ever need or want to. At least the detecting hobby isn't mainstream enough for hackers to come in and patch up a copy of the firmware to distribute to spread the top of the line firmware around for free 😛 We have to remember Garrett are swimming upstream, fighting against a myriad of patents, the innovator sets the path, the rest have to follow but can't take the same path, and have to try find another way, when you're lagging behind it' makes it a lot harder to find a new path. A thing that puzzles me, salt modes on the higher models, yet you can buy an Ace Apex and hit the salt well.

One thing that struck me was how studiously they made sure that any comparative claim was followed by “of any Garrett detector”. They know full well that they are late to the MF game but act as though the competition doesn’t exist. The “upgrade by software” is a bit of a slap - sure, it cuts their costs by having to make only one machine, but I’d be annoyed knowing that the hardware I own has been crippled and that I have to pay more to use fully what I already have. What’s next? Subscriptions? But I really like the blue color they picked for it.

They need more! I've got plenty of tin foil left.

Your coils already have shielding paint in them 🙂

As phrunt noted, I think carbon remains an excellent choice for upper sections of a detector shaft, for all applications. The superb strength-to-weight ratio (high strength, light weight) makes it so. However, there is clearly at least a niche market out there, amongst those detectorists who may prefer a non-conductive alternative. While, again, this is really most applicable in specific situations (gold prospecting primarily), there seems to be a "better safe than sorry" mentality for some folks even beyond the gold-prospecting community; even though most of these folks would be entirely unaffected in any negative way, it seems that some would nonetheless like to try a non-conductive lower. So, yes, I do have a good inventory of carbon-fiber lower rod tubes; what I'll probably do over time, is to work toward making non-conductive lower rod alternatives increasingly available, eventually to include most of the shafts that I offer, for any of those who may prefer that. I'll start with the shafts associated with "gold prospecting" units (MC, EQX 700/900, GPX 4500/4800/5000, and the 6000, Gold Monster, etc.), but will be looking to gradually expand to make the non-conductive lowers available for my other complete shaft offerings as well (EQX 600/800, Deus II, etc.) as I think there is a market for both types of lowers. Carbon is strong, lightweight, and relatively cost-effective, whereas Kevlar is more expensive but non-conductive. As such, I think a "standard" carbon-fiber lower, AND a Kevlar or glass "premium line" of non-conductive lowers, makes sense for a large portion of my product line. That's what I'm thinking at this point, anyway... Steve

Go here: https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/26032-garrett-vortex-prototype-testing-videos/

Add them when you find them, but do look to avoid duplicates. Copy the Share link and paste into your post so the video appears heren not just a link. Thanks.

A couple test videos are on YT. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=garrett+vortex&sp=CAI%3D

May 5 2003 Part Two Paul’s Secret Map I asked Paul when he discovered that outcropping of gold rich quartz and he just laughed. He said there were other areas in the canyon with the same thing. Evidently he had wanted to keep this a secret in case something fell apart before we initiated our partnership and project. I can’t say that I blame him for keeping this a secret. He was just getting to know us as we were him. I was frustrated because I didn’t have anything with me to take a sample back to camp. Paul just laughed once again and told me not to worry about it right now because he had taken samples all over the canyon during his many years of exploration. He assured me that the samples were quite rich and worthy of our efforts. He was being just a little mystical about this but I let it pass. We turned back to head out of the canyon. We had a tough hike out of there and eventually met up with the rest of the crew. Paul and I helped with the trail work until nearly dusk. I was exhausted by the time we got back to camp. We had radioed Jacob half an hour before we headed back and he had a big supper of hot dogs and beans waiting for us. I told the crew about the quartz vein and then Paul told us all about how much gold was in that canyon. Some of it was in quartz and some was in the gravel. He proceeded to bring an old map out of his camper. There were numerous X’s marked all over it. Some had a Q beside them and some had a P. The Q was for gold in quartz and the P was placer gold. He had the sites marked numerically from 1 to 10. He said 10 was sizable tonnage (very rich) and 5 was rich. There was nothing under 5 and most were higher with numerous 10’s. Jacob brought out a bottle of his prized Bushmills whisky and poured everyone a cup. Paul lit up a big cigar and leaned back in his camp chair. He calmly stated “Gentlemen, the project we are about to begin will be considered the new California gold strike of 2003.” The rest of us just looked at each other and toasted Paul with our cups of whisky. TO BE CONTINUED .................

Punched the button. The 3 graph looks beneficial. I was looking for a detector that gives a graphical display of the audio. Watched it over and over. To a limited extent, the ‘hit’ marker reacts to the audio. It trails one way or the other with the audio. May be sorry in a month. Hey, it’s a new toy! Doesn’t look like I’ll need a PhD to use it. If it works, the graph adds a lot at a lower price. ID + audio + graph. The thin coin mode looks ideal for park gold.

Advance to ~12:00 to skip the CEO's justification verbage and see Steve Moore describe the detector.

It depends on performance. Don't like the shaft - will not fit my backpack. Rutus Versa is stil more tempting for myself. The display layout reminds me of old White's models with triple VDI bar. But it uses dot-matrix display, so they can enhance this later without any issues. Unlike Nokta with Legend.

Until we see the manual or at least all the menu items we are not sure yet what the audio options may or may not be. Go here:

Well crap, there it is lol. I'm trying to justify NOT to get one. My mad money stash was going to go for an xt elite. I have the nox 600, the xtp, 2 vanquishes and an f70 but I don't have anything in blue 🤪

For VX9 it's Multi, Multi Salt, 5 kHz, 9 kHz, 13 kHz, 18 kHz, and 25 kHz

it has single frequency mode ... no details

The line up does have SF options. Up to 25 KHz on the VX9.

After looking on the garrett site, i understand and like the 2 and 3 tier system. If it works as stated, it could be a great tool. The color is fine by me, but, i didn't see any mention of being able to switch to run a single frequency. That stinks for me if it can't as i hunt a lot of plowed field homesteads loaded with iron. The single freq. does a lot better in broken ground for me than smf. That was one feature on the apex that i did like and it worked well in the fields. Maybe i missed it, fingers crossed.