Gerry in Idaho

11 hours ago, geof_junk said:

 

14. Australia’s first police force was made up of the most well-behaved convicts.

 

I thought it was still that way today?

Interesting reads.

I'm trying my best to share the knowledge as Minelab USA provided it to us.

I found out the other day, those of us who enjoy the Equinox 600 and Equinox 800, their waterproof headphones are 100% compatible with the Manticore.  Now this is interesting.  The wireless headphones are not the ML 80's as is on the Equinox.  They are also not the ML 100's as we have on the GPX-6000.  Something new for us and probably better than the others.  Let's hope.

Today (Oct. 18th) we get to see what's Included. 

I realize this does not answer all questions but at least it gives us an idea that we'll be getting our initial shipments of a simple package similar to the Equinox 800.  It will come with detector, an 11" DD coil with cover and wireless headphones with case.

Anyone see anything missing that you expected?

Again, if you have not put your name on a list, let me know.  Just like with many other detectors in the past, I usually order more than most and get them to customers sooner.  My 25 year Minelab track record speaks for itself.

Thanks,  Gerry

Steve,  Here's the difference between you and so many others.  You just don't talk and dream it, like so many do.  You get out there and do it and make the memories for the rest to read/dream about.

No sitting in a rocking chair saying "I wish I would have done....."  I don't know what it is with the majority of folks, but they seem to come up with every excuse not to.  Glad my mind is not that way.  I'm about making them, not dreaming them.

Another adventure accomplished.  Well done my friend.

7 hours ago, phrunt said:

Yep, tried that.  thanks for the tip though, can easily go forgotten.

Simon,  One of these days if you ever get to the US and want to take my training, you my friend get a free pass.  The knowledge and gold we show is very eye opening to 99% of the folks chasing gold.  They have no clue to the amount of gold their PI's are missing.  Sure there are certain dealers who say "well yes you might miss that 1 piece on a rare occasion"  Fact is they have no clue either.  It's just easier for them to be lazy and not accept it.  I find that you are the type who wants to know as much as possible and not miss gold period.

There are many areas in numerous states of the US and the gold is missed by most older PI's.  I get the occasional Expert who feels they know their PI better than I as they hunt gold full time.  When I show multi ounces of gold they have missed, it totally blows their mind and ego as well.  Heck, I've found some VLF's pull $10K+ rocks at greater depth than even the newest PI's on the market.  As Steve H and I have said before, there is no "best" detector for all gold.

The pic below is US Postal scale.  The rock is over 2 pounds troy and there is well over $10,000 in gold in it.  What's amazing is when most folks pick it up and feel the weight vs size they know it's loaded.  Then when they test it with their PI, they want to cry.  As I say many times over "detector knowledge is power".

On 10/12/2022 at 11:43 AM, phrunt said:

I never thought I'd find a detector to replace my Herbert the Nox, this one looks to be it.

Simon, I quit saying that 30+ yrs ago.  I've learned to accept new updated technologies, software, lighter/stronger materials and even brands.  Who would have thought Nokta/Macro and XP would become who they are today.  But at the same time, 20 yrs ago I would have never expected White's to fold either.

Detectors are tools and some of us just have to try them for ourselves and see.

Hopefully the Manticore lives up to it's Beast name.  I'm not really worries as Minelab has yet to flop a machine in the 25 yrs I have been using/selling them.

9 minutes ago, Dain Blackburn said:

Thank you everyone for your input, it has help a lot making a decision. Then when I see Steve holding the Axiom with one finger, that's it iam going to sell.

 

I'm not telling you to keep or sell your GPX-4500, that's for your to decide.  If you have had great success and know the 4500 well, then it's harder to let it go.  If you are pretty new to the 4500 and only found a couple ounces, then it's easier to go with the Axiom.

I started my PI career with the old green SD-2100 and have owned every one ever since.  A couple of them were really hard to convince myself to upgrade to new...as the amount of ounces recovered with the old reliable was (we'll just say they're paid for).  Anyway, then I realized how the pattern from Minelab has proven that each of their newer models...is finding more gold.

Now with Garrett, this is really only their 3rd PI.  I've owned the other 2 and found gold, but it's hard to keep wanting to use them when I also had the Minelabs.  It's a different story this time around as the Axiom is a big leap for Garrett and for most folks, I feel they will like it.  I also realize there will be those who won't for one reason or another and nothing I can do about that.  Those folks are the ones who pretty much complain about every detector they own.  I guess a few folks enjoy finding complaints more than gold.

As a Multi line user/dealer, my job is to give quality built detector options to my customers.  If you know me well enjoy, you can read between the lines and see which detectors and models I enjoy swinging and sharing success with.  Those are the same tools I think will get results for folks if they hunt the same kind of areas/targets and styles I hunt.  I'll never post on a forum for someone to sell their older trusty detector, but I might give opinions and advice of why the new one is more fun and exciting to swing.  You get to make the final decision though and I am totally fine with your decision.

Hang in there Steve as you are just now getting the feel of the machine, it's sounds and the gold in their ground.  

Every time I go to a new area that has quite the soil change, it really does take some time to get acclimated (familiar) with the sounds the detector makes on that soil and the kind of gold at the depths it's best at.  Sometimes a site will take a few days to get the wrinkles out, but then the gold eventually comes and it starts getting easier.

When the 4 of us went some years back, all our gold was small up to 2.9 grams.  We ended up with over 100 nuggets and the biggest solid was 2 that weighed 2.9 grams and then my one specimen that was a few ounce.  Tougher hunting than most folks realize.

Good luck down the stretch..

42 minutes ago, CoinShooter1 said:

Gerry, you mention a new Minelab "8" x 5/5" semi ellip" coil from Minelab...Is this 8" x 5.5" ? Any details on that? Looking forward to a small Minelab coil! Thanks in advance!

Yes the 8" tall x 5.5" wide coil is an option for the Manticore.  I have yet to confirm if it will be as an accessory or in part of a package?  From 25 yrs of selling Minelabs I would think it and other size coils comes as an accessories, just like the Equinox currently does.

13 hours ago, phrunt said:

Really looking forward to this detector myself.  Silver coins here I come, I'm coming to get you!

I do believe they took the vibrating handle and torch idea from Nokta's detectors like the Simplex although I'm glad they did, good features to have.  For me I'd be happy to just have the vibrating handle and no headphones for underwater use, we have crystal clear water so a vibrating handle and looking at the target ID's is perfect for me.

If Coiltek make coils for it I hope they do the 15" round after it's taken a diet, their existing Nox one was stupidly heavy and it didn't need to be, they also need to make a 5" round or 6" round if they must for it, if they do both those coils I'd be happy, and added bonus would be a 17x13", that'd really make me smile.

Hopefully it's not too far away....   why are we waiiiting, whhhhhhyyy arreee weee waaiittinnggggg...

 

 

Yes I too enjoy the vibration mode on other detectors and pin pointers.  I do the same thing when detecting in water and it's a great feature that many will enjoy on the Manticore.

Coil options and selections for a quality detector are the backbone of what helps make that particular detector so popular.  Smaller is better on tiny gold, really rough terrain and trashy sites. A small 5 or 6" is ideal.  I feel the same way on the 15" as you, it is a little heavy.  Heck if Minelab can make a coil so light for the GPX-6000 and Garrett can make a coil so light for the Axiom, then yes I feel Minelab and Coiltek should make the same lighter design coils for the new Manticore.

We're waiting because we need to sell all the Equinox detectors sitting in warehouses.  Once that is done, then we'll be provided with the Beast.  Heck, I'm joshing....have no clue.  I do know the Equinox price point just dropped $100 here in the US last week and that is a fact (from $999 to $899).

Thanks for being an ambassador for our hobby in such a fine/fun way.  Hats off to you.

Boy that certainly is a big one.  Yes those broken and or even cracked bands will certainly read lower.  The CTX has capabilties I certainly miss and YES we are all hoping the Manticore is better at masking the bottle caps.  1/3 oz of 14K, very nice save Chuck.  Well earned.

11 hours ago, Ridge Runner said:

Gerry you and maybe one other dealer of Minelab I know that when you open your mouth what you say is true . That’s because you been there and done that whatever it’s relating to. 
 Some may say it’s not fair you got your hands on this new detector by Minelab called Manticore. I don’t think Minelab picked you on your good looks . Heck if that’s the case I’d be first to receive it .

 They know you would put that detector through every test possible in the allotted time you were given. I know it’s to your advantage to know all about anything you sell . In your case I think personal pride of knowing all about the Manticore so you in turn can relay your knowledge on to a customer.

 It will be interesting to hear all the responses we’ll get here when people start getting the Manticore in their hot little hands. It’s already 70 pages of speculation on the Manticore on this forum but on other forums is excitement like a dead horse.

 I’m not sure if I’ll buy the Manticore as of yet but Minelab makes such great detectors a force come over me saying buy it buy it.

 You know the rest of the story!

 Chuck 

Chuck, Part of why I didn't post any sooner on DP was the fact that Minelab USA really had not provided any info.  Now that they have, I figure it's time.

You are 100% correct about the looks and I still can't figure out why you are not on their front page.  You're the sexiest guy I've replied to today on DP, well Phrunt might give you a run for your money.

Interestingly.... Minelab USA management in recent yrs has told us they would rather dealers not test new products.  Management says our field testing is not accepted by the general public as we sell the product.  Well I agree somewhat if you view many of Minelab dealers and their overall lack of detector knowledge.  In my opinion, many dealers are worthless stumps waiting for the phone to ring and they can hopefully make a sale.  Luckily Minelab came up with a plan a couple yrs back and asked who wanted to be a "Detexpert".  The USA team is 95% Equinox.  Well at least they know 1 detector to promote.  Sure wish they would find a few more "Gold Detexperts" since Minelab is known for such detector models.  What's amazing is if you took all those USA Detexperts and added all their gold nugget finds, what would their nugget weight be?  Maybe marketing is missing something, again?

Yes I'm looking forward to sharing it's capabilties and the knowledge we learn from swinging it for the uses my team and I will be putting it through.  We'll then share some of that here on DP.

Thanks for thinking highly of my staff/I.

On 9/19/2022 at 6:52 PM, Purplehays69 said:

Thanks for the replies. So far we've pulled a 2.7 oz, 4.5, 5.4, 9.2 and a 19oz. All with 6000's... I think the ground is fairly mild as I pulled my first ouncer with the 4500 and it ran alot smoother than the 6. Just wanted to run a massive coil over that ground, low n slow. Surely there's more big n deep ones we haven't heard with the 6. Gonna flag possible targets with the big guns n go back over with the 6 after taking layers off.

Thanks again 

Those are some monster nugget sizes you guys are digging.  We're all eyes and ears.  

Good luck on some more Heavy Metal Au to you.

4 hours ago, Condor said:

I arrived in Perth with all luggage intact.   Caught the Skipper flight to Leonora and my ride was waiting.   We pitched camp between Leonora and Leinster and hit a well detected patch.  The 6k and 14x9 Coiltek were awesome at sniffing out some incredibly tiny gold.  I had 15 crumbs just shy of 2 grams.  My partner had an extra half day of detecting and pulled close to 4 grams. 

We packed up to head north for some 40e spots we had logged.  Unfortunately, my partner sprained his detecting wing while loading the truck.  We've holed up in the lodge in Leinster,  hoping for some mending time, however; we got some pointy fingers from forum members Gone Bush and Dave D.  Their guidance produced another couple grams in the poke and we're just getting started.  

We could not have organized this adventure without our Aussie prospecting brothers on this forum.

Bravo Zulu to Tony in Perth for storing our gear and helping us at every step. 

Bravo Zulu to Gone Bush and Dave D, for unselfishly giving us the pointy fingers to productive areas us poor Yanks might never find.

I'll get some photos and nugget weights out tomorrow.   I hear the beer time bell at the pub across the street.   Don't want to be late for beer time. 

See you fukkas soon.

Thats great to hear the luggage is all there.  Was even more amazing is the friendships built from being on DP and the willingness to help a couple Yanks and put some gold within reach.  DP has helped many folks in times past and many friendships made.  That's part of why we enjoy this hobby is the helping and camaraderie.

When I was in the Leonora & Kalgoorlie area, we had these little pubs to swing in the evening and grab some grub.  Watch out for the college girls trying to pay their tuition.  Pasties have a different meaning over there.

Well

23 hours ago, oneguy said:

The story on the battery...  The old cougar is apparently getting dementia, and few other issues...lol  Being a creature of habit at the end of the digging day once I come off the hill I stop and pour a big cup of coffee.  By the time I get home the cup is empty and before I get out of the PU my gold vile, cigarette case, lighter, and battery from the Monster go into the cup then head into the shack.  This time I didn't finish all the coffee and dementia me soaked that battery in half a cup of coffee and ruined it.  One of the MANY little things I'm noticing about getting old.  Used to be a time where you had to get up real early in the morning to trick the old cougar...not any more......

That's the straight poop, raining today all day (we need it), so I'll only lose a couple days.  Thanks once again and appreciate the fast action Gerry....  

Well at least you didn't forget your Power Cord to your GP-3500 like I did about 15 yrs ago.  Heck I was still semi young back then.  I drive from Idaho to Oregon and get about 4 hours into the field.  We arrive at site and I realize my power cord is missing.  One of the things I hate about the older Minelabs is all the little parts and pieces you have to have to make the day go right.  Sure I could miss my bungee.  Heck I might even miss my pick or a back up coil.  But the power cord is a MUST HAVE item needed.

At the end, I realized the situation and so I wandered around helping my customer dig targets with his detector.  

At least you did this when you got back home.  Now go dig some more heavy metal.

13 hours ago, geof_junk said:

Seeing all of mine are from AUSTRALIA and your monitor is not large enough to fit it on, I will refrain for breaking the rules and not post my larges. 😜  By the way all of those USA nugget look great beside the one being eaten so next time Gerry shave before taking the photo. 😁 

I love seeing pics of true monsters.

Shavings????  Yea if the pic needs to go into the magazines or video, I should rid the whiskers.

I'll be sure to keep a little booger in my nose for ya..., but at least I'll shave.

18 hours ago, mn90403 said:

I've been waiting on a Rye Patch report for months now!

I have not been there since the last training session in June.  A few of my customers have found some gold with their GPZ-7000's and even more with the GPX-6000's, as expected.  

The Field Training with my Staff in Nov should be interesting.  Hopefully the customers are able to find a few nuggets during the training and the variety of detectors in the class will get to hear the targets before we dig.  Comparing their different detector brands and models is quite informative knowledge.  Realize the results are only good for this area/kind of soil/nugget size/nugget density.  If we change locations to a different region/environment, then the results will vary.

Expecting to have some 6000's, 7000's, Axioms and hopefully but doubtful...a couple Manticore.  I seriously doubt the Manticore to not be out until 2023 though - from past experience of NOX release rollout. 

These days... gold we find at Rye Patch "proper" during the training is pretty much the smaller ones like in the pic below.

Happy customers using variety of detectors/coil sizes.  Looks like Terry might be in that group?  Boy that was a while back.

Listening to an iffy...  Be sure to do a "ground balance" off to the side before chasing those iffy sounds.  Mike (hat with a hook) came all the way from Maine.

Here is a gift that arrived in the mail (Next Day Air) from Maine.

These crawdads are golden.

30 minutes ago, RONS DETECTORS MINELAB said:

Gerry,

 

I'm not sure the weight on this one a friend found, but people were willing to pay multiple times spot for it's rarity. Northern Nevada Gold Bug 2 find. 

Yes that is a high dollar nugget there.  Thanks for sharing.

On 9/20/2022 at 8:32 PM, oneguy said:

Debated on posting the following but it's the truth so here goes.  Long story but I managed to ruin the battery on my Monster (my fault) and need one ASAP!  So I called Gerry and left a message on the answering machine.  Immediately after the call I also shoot an email stating the same.  Maybe 10-15min after I shot the email the phone rings and some guy says "it's on it's way out tomorrow".  So then I know it's Gerry...lol  Anyways...just a little pump and with out a doubt that is the fastest service/transaction I've EVER gotten anywhere, no shit!.  So thanks Gerry, appreciate the super fast service.....

Luckily I was in the store office and not the field office.  Glad I could help again.

What would have been great Scott, is if you said why you needed a new battery?  No worries, we all get old.

Totally different terrain than many Americans think of when we hear of Australia.  Many of our Western Sates in the US are the same way.  Here in Idaho we have dry desolate desert regions with antelope, badgers and rattlesnakes.  Then in the Northern region is conifer forests so thick you can't see 10'. Mighty snow capped mountains, deep glacial lakes with mountain goats, wolves, moose, caribou, and grizzly bears.

Very nice pics.

15 hours ago, Doc Bach said:

That is a great Token Jerry with everything going for it it's scalloped and from a small town and a Gold Rush town to boot and unless some lucky privy digger  or contractor working at the Hotel site got into a slew of them it's probably pretty rare as well.As you probably know rare tokens particularly from Saloons and Hotels command a premium and their value far exceeds their weight in Gold.You cannot beat Tokens for pure Historical significance.

Eventually I'll probably sell it but since I have yet to sell any tokens, I don't know their value.  Do you know of a site or group who specializes in early California mining memorabilia?  Thanks for the input.