Rob Allison

Hey Guys & Steve, I have to agree with you, I have found over the last 10-15 years with the PI's, that some places they would perform beyond what I expect, while in other spots I would hit very hot bedrock that would scream, tons of hotrocks or even a lot of EMI. There will not be one detector that will perform the best on all types of ground conditions (iron, salt and benign soil), eliminate various ironstones and hot rocks, find all the small gold, large gold, or even different types of gold. I have to give a lot of credit to Minelab and their advancements in detector technology through. I can still remember hunting with the early GT series VLF detector. I look now at the Gold Monster 1000 and think back when I was swinging the early VLF's. I then can think about when I got one of the first Minelab SD2000's to hit US soil. It was awesome on hot ground, hot rocks and deep targets, but kind of sucks on small gold. Remember when the Minelab GP Extreme came out? I was featured in their GP Extreme ad, calling the GP Extreme at that time the King of Detectors! Minelab placed some numbers on it, claiming it would go 18% deeper & 55% better on small gold at depth over the prior SD series. Now we are into the GPX series, which are great on small gold, small gold at depth, good depth on large gold and much more immune to EMI. Then you have the GPZ 7000, which speaks for itself with superior depth ability, good EMI immunity, hot on small gold, specimens and various gold types. There has always been a huge amount of hype and field testing prior to a release, sometimes it really pans out, other times it just a detector with a few more bells and whistles and didn't really make a huge jump. To date, what I have experienced is the greatest gains was from the VLF to early PI's (SD series). Then the next major jump for me and my finds was the GP Extreme over the prior SD series. Lets all hope the hype, independent field testing, what we are ready is all a fact and proves out 100%. There could be a lot of detectors for sale, or a re-evaluation months after the release. I have placed my trust in what I have read, Minelab's History of detectors, so I think the Minelab GPX 6000 will be a winner like most of all the previous Minelab metal detectors. Take your "Tool" and knowledge to the goldfields, Rob

Hey Guys, Ok, I stirred the pot just a tiny bit! First, no disrespect, but the business to get into now is running online forums with ads (pay per click). Oh boy, now I did it ..... Back to detectors - Steve H. is probably one of the most knowledgeable guys I know. He's sold and used detectors way before my time. There are handfuls of very knowledgeable electronic prospectors on this forums, probably just as many just lurking and reading. I think the 40% deeper has proven itself over the years with Minelab GPZ 7000 users. There were times where I really questioned the claim, but then again it only took a few very deep, sizeable gold nuggets to change my mind. I think the 40% is very moveable, meaning there are a lot of variables (added and removed) to get to 40%. I think some of those in general are ground mineralization, size of searchcoil, detector settings, type of gold, size of gold and more. The GPZ 7000's depth ability was a huge plus, but I found a lot of gold that the GPX series missed. In my opinion, the GPX series and prior did poor on very porous gold (sponge like), wire gold and disseminated gold in matrix. I couldn't believe all the little pieces I picked up in various areas and old patches missed by prior technology. I also found a lot more small gold with the GPZ 7000 on old patches and worked them heavily with small searchcoils on the SD/GP and GPX series. Does the GPX 6000 fit in Minelab's category that claims the GPZ 7000 goes 40% deeper than the GPX series? That is a question I can't personally answer, as I have not used the GPX 6000 yet. The Independent field testers would have a better idea if they owned and operated a GPZ 7000 for any time. It's my understand there are more than 1 Minelab GPX 6000 on US soil right now. I know someone mentioned something about this. Another question people have is - "Will the new Nugget Finder 12" Round Z Searchcoil" eliminate the need for a GPX 6000 purchase? That is a loaded question, but I have found a lot of smaller gold with the new Nugget Finder Z Searchcoil for sure. It's a very impressive coil, super lightweight, but does have a pretty steep price tag at $1100 US. Minelab GPZ 7000 - $8000 MAP Minelab GPZ 7000 - $8000 MAP + NF 12" Round Z Searchcoil - $1100 = $9100.00 overall investment Minelab GPX 6000 - $6000 MAP Minelab GPX 5000 - $4000 MAP Used Minelab PI's (SD's, GP's and some GPX's) - $1000 - 3000 range I'm sure there are a lot of people just sitting back and reading, thinking the only way they can really compete in finding gold is they have to invest into one of these units, GPX 6000, GPZ 7000. There is plenty of gold to be found still, majority of electronic prospectors like to circle back to the known goldfields or old nugget patches. You could get into a used PI for several thousands of dollars, work little known placers, fringes of known gold areas, explore and get off the beaten path and do well. The chances of doing very well in a pounded gold field are slim (regardless of detector), but the potential of finding an overlooked small placer, pocket or even surface vein is much higher for the prospector that does the research and branches out. Purchase within your means, do your research, talk with people, read the forums, you will make the right detector purchase when you are ready. Wishing you all many nuggets and exciting times, Rob

Hey Steve, Nope, you have similar thoughts on the depth ability of the GPZ, but the weight, price and other factors could discourage many to go that route. Agreed, many previous PI's with larger coils could hit gold at good depth. A coil that has been somewhat overlooked outside of Australia is the Detech 32" Round Concentric coil. This coil will work on the Minelab PI's and gets great depth and coverage on large gold. Rob

Hey Guys, I figured we can stir the pot just a little while we wait out the release of the Minelab GPX 6000, right? That being said, Minelab still claims the GPZ 7000 can get "up to 40% more depth" over previous GPX detectors. We can all question, does the GPX 6000 still fit in this category, as Minelab stated GPX detectors. The upcoming Minelab GPX 6000 is still a GPX series detector, but primarily using GeoSense Technology. I don't see where GeoSense really talks about any more depth ability over the previous GPX 5000, but it does mention about better ground response/clarity, maybe allowing you to hear something in higher mineralized ground over previous GPX series. I don't claim to be an expert electronic prospector, but my specialty is in detecting for gold nuggets with the best detectors available. We call all talk about how much gold we found, years of experience, regions we hunted and such ..... The bottom line is I still feel the Minelab GPZ 7000 is the KING of detectors when it comes to depth. Many Australian, African and US prospecting friends still feel the same. I personally have found many large gold nuggets and specimens at max depth where I doubt any detector with a similar sized searchcoil would have found. I also know that probably 1% or less of those large gold nuggets/specimens are out there still and the ones at max depth range of the current detector technology. Does this justify the purchase of a Minelab GPZ 7000 over the upcoming GPX 6000, or should GPZ 7000 owners dump their units now? These are questions I personally can't advise anyone on, but it's something to consider when you make a purchase of a metal detector in the thousands of dollar range. What I can leave you with is my personal experience over the last 25 years chasing gold nuggets .... If you are in areas where there has been historically large gold nuggets, overburden to bedrock/paylayer/caliche/false bedrock that can be several feet and deeper in depth, you might seriously consider either holding your current GPZ 7000 or consider a purchase of one at some point. I personally will not be parting with my trusty GPZ 7000, we have a 5+ year personal relationship. We have been through tough times, bad weather, I even yelled at her and dropped her a few times! Like Steve mentioned before, you could actually fall in love with your detector. Wishing you all much success with whatever detector(s) you swing. P.S. Below is a recent GPZ 7000 find, max depth, just a break in the threshold (yes the GPZ 7000 has one). Nearly a pound in weight (uncleaned in picture) Rob

Hey Reese, The Walco's are awesome picks. I sold hundreds of them here in the US many years ago when Doc (Doc's Detecting Supply) was the US Distributor. However, not getting into any details, but there was a parting of ways and no US Distributor after that. They were a little pricey back then, but are well built and worth it. That being said, all picks are expensive today, Apex and other brands can run into the low $100 range for the larger picks. Rob

Hey Guys, I think training on some units is important. I'm not a huge fan saying that training is essential or important on something like a Minelab Gold Monster 1000. This unit was originally designed to be used by people that couldn't even read/write, so it has to be super user friendly and easy to use. I think training on many detectors like the higher end PI's and such are important and will speed up your success, but also just as important is understanding where to prospect, what to look for and various "gold" indicators. Sometimes, this could be more important, being in the right spot where nuggets are, rather than being in a spot that don't have gold and being an expert user. To learn your detectors ins/outs in a parking lot or front of someone's house is not the same as a dealer taking you out to the goldfields, showing you the ground, the color of mineralization, types of hotrocks, geological indications and such. Many dealers advertise "Training," but it's what I call backyard training. It's not in the goldfields and really don't benefit you as much in my opinion. Another important factor on training which you should inquire about is - "How much one on one time do you actually get?" To go out with a dealer and there are a dozen other guys trying to get the same training is not the same as one on one in my opinion. I prefer to keep my groups smaller, allowing me and the customer to have more time together and for questions. Many dealers like Gerry and I also use multi field trainers, so you get a different view or perspective from other experienced users, rather than just one. Overall, some training is probably better than no training at all. Do your research and see what is the best fit for you. Some customers of mine have done training with other dealers along with myself to get even more information which could benefit them. Wishing you Golden success! Rob

Hey Gerry, Great article. I had some great times hunting tailing piles in Alaska thanks to Steve H. and Moore Creek and many other locations. I never had the fortunate luck of hitting anything super big, but a few ounce to two ounce specimen pieces were still great finds with handfuls of small nuggets and specimens. In the dry arid desert regions of the Southwest, you can also hunt drywasher tailing piles. I have had great success hunting them in certain spots with many sizeable nuggets that were just too big for the old-timer and even more modern day drywasher screens. Like you mentioned Gerry, the PI can be an advantage or disadvantage when it comes to deep, iron rubbish. I spent many hours digging faint targets that ended up being chunks of iron down several feet deep. At some point, you just hope one of those targets will be a huge gold nugget, worth all time and effort digging. Wishing you all gold under your searchcoils. Rob

Hey Condor, Boy does that bring back memories. I can still remember that trip like it was yesterday. I've been back several times, once when the GPZ 7000 first came out. It was a good spot for sure, I took a nice handful of nuggets from just that one spot. Congrats on those beautiful finds, hope you find many more to come. Rob

Hey Gerry, I have to agree with you, the days of us hard working dealers being supported from the Manufactures is long gone. In my honest opinion, the US is not the primary market anymore for gold nuggets, coins or relics. Places like Africa/Asia and Europe have much greater markets for all detectors and I feel like the major manufactures are more focused now in those regions. I talked to a dealer in Africa about 2 weeks ago, they have no shortages of metal detectors over there, but we can't even get a unit here in the US. I have backorders from 4-5 weeks ago still waiting. We can offer all the training & support, but without a detector to sell what do you do? One thing we do that is unique to our business, since we sell a lot of accessories/coils is to customize bundles for the customers. This would be free items we include that are customized to their level, basic needs (pick, scoop, pouches and such vs. an advanced user that might need more such items a signal enhancer or coil for their new detector. Cross your fingers we can get more inventory into our region soon to supply the customers that are searching for them (before it too hot again)! Rob

Hello All, Here we are again, a partner and I placering a dry creek bed. The process of placering is to remove all the overburden (rocks, gravel) and process or work the paypayer/bedrock. We are doing that by using rakes, shovels, crevice tools and then using metal detectors to scan the paylayer and bedrock for gold nuggets. This process is back breaking hard work, but can be very rewarding in the right locations. As you can see in this video, we hit a nice crevice that had a hidden beauty in it, a 3/4 ounce gold nugget. The nugget was wedged below the hardpack gravels and wedged in a bedrock crack. In this video we were using the Minelab GPZ 7000 metal detector, Garrett AT Pinpointer and several hand tools, including "Two Toes" nice crevice tool he shipped me. We have gotten a ton of use from this tool, very good on narrow bedrock cracks and holds up well. Contact Gary for more information, or visit his "Two Toes Youtube Channel. Thanks Gary!! Remember, the true treasure is the ability to get outdoors and enjoy your friendship with others that also enjoy this hobby. God Bless, Rob

Hey Reese, Thanks. Ya, agree you have great books, for anyone that don't own the Nugget Shooter's Guide, it's worth the money. Great info, tons of color pictures! Anyone looking for Reese's great book, we have them in stock. Rob

Hey Lunk - I have to agree with your statement below. It would have been nice to see a small coil a year after the release of the GPZ 7000, not 5 years later like the NF Z Search coil now. However, later is better than never I guess. I also have found so much gold with the stock Minelab 14x13 GPZ 7000 coil, I'm very happy. I really like the new small NF, more for the weight and a slight sensitivity edge. However, as you mentioned about coil prices going through the roof, this new coil I believe will be $1100-1200 MAP 😞 I'm excited to see what the new GPX 6000 will bring. The lighter design and ergonomics of this unit will be a huge plus. P.S. Try not to beat us to all the old nugget patches out there! Rob Especially with the inflated coil prices these days; the same amount of money that buys a 14”x9” NF Evo used to get you a Coiltek 27”x21” Bonzer. I was delighted when the GPZ 7000 was released because the stock coil found gold of all sizes at depth, eliminating the need for a coil arsenal; the only exception being the lack of a small coil for tight spots and heavy scrub, which appears is also going to be the same deficiency on the upcoming GPX 6000, with the 11” round mono coil being the smallest offering.

Hey Bud, I'm going to consider doing some more, but I'm so darn limited on free time. Thanks for watching. Rob

Hello All, A forum member sent me this question after I posted one of my videos. To answer his question, years ago I started to make a video series, but only ended up getting like one video up about "What to Look for in the Field." This video might help some to ID handstacking, which is very common in areas that have been placered mined. You might need to turn the volume up a tiny bit. Rob: Nice job with the latest video. As a beginner I am always interested in learning more about identifying favorable terrain. Do you have any video or still shots of what the general area looked like so that I might learn how to identify favorable terrain and what indicators you used to spot a potential area? Thanks for any help you provide.

Hey Guys, Agree, the Minelab Gold Monster 1000 and any Pulse Induction really is a good solid combo. Thanks for watching. Rob

Hello All, Here in this video a partner and I have been working (placer mining) a dry creek bed for gold nuggets. This process including digging down, raking and metal detecting the paylayer and bedrock for detectable gold nuggets. We were using the Minelab Gold Monster 1000, Minelab GPZ 7000 & Garrett AT Pinpointer along with various hand tools for digging. We dug a lot of old rubbish, not shown in the videos to preserve time and boredom This is part 1 of the entire video, the second part will be up soon. If you like our video, please Subscribe, Like and follow us on Youtube.

JP - I'm gagged also! I guess we will let others tell us about it .... Rob

Hey Guys, My experience was different than yours, my x coil outperformed it and that’s why I’m selling it. Seems no one wants them in Australia I haven’t got any enquires about it. MC30 - I find this hard to believe, customers from Australia are calling here and looking for them, as they are out of stock in locations in Australia. This would only make me think they are selling very well and customers are trying to get them from different regions to supply the demand for them. I would have NF check out the coil you have, I think it could be faulty from what you're saying about it. Rob

Mc30 - I have only been out one trip with the Z Search coil. From what I can see here in Arizona, the NF Z Search is more sensitive to tiny nuggets or dinks. I could still hear many of them with the Minelab 14x13, but they were much more obvious with the NF coil. I had no issues with EMI whatever, my coil was really stable and smooth. I know mine is working well, picked up over 16 Grams the first trip. If you're looking for a lighter coil, a bit more sensitive to small targets, easier to pinpoint with and can get into tighter spots, then the NF coil will work great for you.

Hey Guys, I understand all the ins/outs of the patch leads and coil. I guess the moment you ask a general question, the assumption is you don't know anything. I have been using and selling these products for over 25 years, so I would consider myself an expert on what I use and sell. I know this all started when someone thought I was trying to talk down about X-coils and that wasn't the focus, but more we finally have a searchoil available for the GPZ that just plugs in that is not a Minelab coil. This is what I have hoped for over 3 years now. I heard rumors of Coiltek, NF and other companies experimenting and trying to get something off the ground, but it never materialized. Many don't want to tinker, modify or chance any risk of damage or voiding a warranty. This is only fair to tell anyone and then let them decide what they want to do. The new NF Z Search coil in my opinion is a winner. The demand is super high, but unfortunately here in the US we need a huge shipment to fill backorders (hurry up Rohan!). I think we will potentially see this issue going forward about aftermarket coils. Sure looks like the new Minelab GPX 6000 will not allow the use of any previous GPX Searchcoil, Minelab or aftermarket, but time will only tell. Rob

Hey Guys, Great comments from all you and Thanks for the better explanation about the patch lead. I'm still a bit stumped, Nugget Finder is not endorsed by Minelab, but they somehow got around and built the cable that will just plug right in. This would be nice for X-coils, Coiltek or anyone else that would like to design coils for the GPZ or future detectors. I 100% agree about aftermarket coils, their company loyalty to Minelab and the fact with them, Minelab is selling many more detectors. I'm still selling Coiltek, Nugget Finder and Detacc searchcoils for detectors that are 15 years old and older. All these additional coils give the end user many more options on gold types, ground mineralization, ground terrain, more depth, more coverage, weight, greater sensitivity to small gold and on ...... I think Coiltek, Nugget Finder and many other companies, plus others that are newer should be able to prove their worth to Minelab as down the line it would only increase more sales. Just my thoughts. Hope I didn't offend anyone originally, that was no my intentions whatsoever. Rob

Hey Guys, JP - The coil was super quite, but kind of expected that with a small coil. I didn't take it around anywhere I felt there was a problem with EMI, I was pretty much in the outback of Arizona with minimal to no EMI (electrical, airplanes, microwave towers and such). Dave - We can agree to disagree. If the X-coils were "plug right in" I would be selling them. I had the same opportunity to sell these coils here in the US. I think the X-coils put the fire under other companies to either build additional coils for the GPZ 7000 or not. I personally think originally if the patch lead was included with the purchase of a coil early on, there wouldn't be any issues. However, that was not the case, you had to purchase the coils from Russia or elsewhere, then find someone to make a patch lead using a wiring diagram. These are the facts. I agree with you, where customers might have been having the patch leads built, or doing it themselves is a different story. I never stated that the X-coils were bad, but more so giving a customer more options of coil sizes and potentially more gold in different hunting environments. This is the information anyone that owns a GPZ 7000 deserves. If a customer wants to have additional coil options, they need to be aware if there are issues, Minelab will not cover the expense or make the repair. Lastly, If one manufacture can make a coil for the GPZ with the correct connector that just plugs in, why can't X-coils? What is the reason for the adapter? Rob

Hey Jasong, I just got off the phone with my rep to clarify. It was my understanding and I just make the correction and posted above about it, that Coiltek right now is the only manufacture endorsed by Minelab. I mis-heard that NF was also endorsed on this new coil, but I was wrong as of now. My rep is going to inquire more from Minelab Australia, but as of now, Coiltek is the only manufacture that is endorsed by Minelab. This does not mean any other manufacture such as Nugget Finder, X-Coils, Detacc, NEL or whomever don't make great products. I guess it's more of being backed by Minelab, more of maybe a safe guard to a customer. Rob

Hey Dave and Phrunt, I appreciate your comments. However, my business ethics over the years don't have to be explained, I think all my customers would say I have been upfront, honest and gave them the best service and advice any dealer could give. That being said, I'm not sure about your selling techniques, or if you even sale. When anyone calls and tells me they damaged a $8000 metal detector due to a modification error/issue, then it's only fair for me to tell anyone out there to be careful and make sure it's worth the potential risk. I have never told anyone not to inquiry, test or purchase any product or coil, just make sure you do enough research. I'm not sure either of you called Minelab and tried to satisfy the customer, but I did. I did everything in my power to have Minelab work with the customer(s) to see what type of options they have (if any). On another note, I had to make a small correction on my original post. I posted "that the new Z Search" coil was endorsed by Minelab" and I was told today, this is not correct by Minelab. I'm going to follow up with Minelab Americas/Australia to find out. This is a question someone might ask. It's my understanding today, the only Searchcoils endorsed by Minelab are Coiltek Manufacturing. P.S. As for the pinpointing issue, it's more about time then true issues of finding the target. Lets just make it easy, the smaller coil makes it easier to pinpoint more precise and less time recovering nuggets that are grains in size, not sub-grams, or grams. Rob

Hey Guys, For the people, Yes and I'm not going to say names or exact numbers. I have been a dealer for almost 25 years, so there are customers that had units burn up, had to purchase completely new detectors were purchased. As you see, there is already a friend and forum member that stated one person had two units burn up. Please keep in mind, I can't speak for someone else, just know there were issues/damages from modifications. These were not faulty coils, but rather a "modification process" that allows you to use a aftermarket Minelab coil on a Minelab metal detector. I just want to make sure that is "crystal clear." Minelab will not warranty, nor fix/repair a burned up GPZ related to a modification or tampering. The only coils endorsed by Minelab at this point are Coiltek. I can't speak for how a person does the work, wires it, or whatever the issue(s) might have been. These coils are probably great, I had a handful of opportunities, even from the designer to test a few. I didn't find the value at that time, with a smaller coil to see that much performance difference (risk vs. reward). I decided I was finding enough gold with the 14x13 that I didn't really need to risk any potential damage, so I waited it out for another Minelab coil or a coil that was 100% endorsed and backed by Minelab. After over 4 years with the Minelab GPZ 7000 and stock coil, I found this new NF Z Search coil a pleasure to use. Its lighter, more sensitive, well built and plugs right in. It also includes all the hardware and lower GPZ Shaft. Furthermore, I just want to plug a coil in and go play. I don't want to tinker or modify. Rob