Gerry in Idaho

Bill, Glad to see another detectorist out there testing, comparing and utilizing the features of the new Garrett Axiom. Most importantly you are sharing your thoughts and experiences for us. I wish more people would do the same but at the same time, some folks when they find something really good and exciting, they tend to keep it to themselves. I totally understand their point as well. Your Beach Hunting Test is another reason I feel the Axiom and it's value point is so desired. I was not able to do such testing due to location (Idaho), but as a seasoned detectorist I could see the potential most certainly there. I also feel the same with the CW Relic Hunters back East, this new Axiom is going to open some eyes. It's all about options and to me, the more options the better. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts and knowledge and congrats to being the last article for W & E Treasures. My collection of their magazine goes back into the early 70s with a couple of 60's issues. Well done my friend.

Doc, 1st off, sorry for being 3 months behind. Since last Aug, I've been through the worst of times with a major flood of the shop and trying to deal with contractors. To this day, still not done. Yes I know you are alive and well my friend. Or at least you were when we had dinner together with our wives in Italy. Sure miss those good old days of Minelab. Heck, I try to get sales for you and the accessories your team puts together as I'm a firm believer of options. Your body covers are what I especially tell folks about and push. Heck, investing in a detector and not protecting it seems kind of silly to me, but many people don't. Rumor has it you're going to retire soon? No, I did not start this one though. I told him, heck no.... Doc will never retire, he enjoys his different tasks to much and all the people associated around them. You're an Energizer Bunny my friend and just keeps on going, or is that Timex? Well hopefully Minelab does decide to have a dealer conference soon as some of us old time dealers are getting long in the ears. Seems that the one time we all get to see each other. Keep on beatin the drum my friend and we'll see you down the road. PS. Here's a Blast from the Past person. She's was one of the hardest working Minelab Managers I have ever worked under in my 25 yrs. Always willing to go the extra mile and she had your back. Boy do I miss those days.

Jeff, Glad to see you out there chasing the heavy metal and cleaning up the environment for all of our youth days of running around with .22 rifles and slinging lead at anything that moved. Yes, I was one of those youngsters that shot up more bottles tweety birds and split the ears of jackrabbits for nothing more to do than get rif of a brick of ammo. Good report on the EMI update and yes that's quite a few targets, so tell me the CoilTek GoldHawk 10" Ellip is getting the bushes and between rocks quite well. I need to get down there one winter and say hello to Bill, it's been a while since I chatted with him. Who knows, might even chase a few nuggets with him one day. Does anyone know if Minelab Australia or other ever did come out with the serial #'s of the faulty GPX-6000's? Maybe a post in times past on here that I missed? I had a customer want to take advantage of the free Gold Monster 1000 with a GPX-6000 purchase during Christmas, but he wanted to know if my inventory was the new updated version without the issues? As a dealer who sells most of the higher end Gold Machines, I expected an email or update? Nice gold and again thanks for providing us some feedback.

Mitchel... Mitchel... Customers don't do that, you know better. Today's folks are ED-Ucated. They read all the reports from websites who compare. They watch YouTube videos of stars who are giving advice from their back yard of detectors they've yet to put 10 hrs on. Then the knowledgeable customers shop Amazon for best price and get free Next Day Air. Yes Sir, todays customers have it figured out. Their overpriced college ED-Ucation taught them smarts. Yes the sad thing is so many folks want to take short cuts and the fast lane to finding gold. All I can say: Silly Rabbit, Trix are for kids.

We all have humble opinions on this and experiences. Nobody is right or wrong. I'll stick with what I've learned in my 50 yrs of detecting (30 of that gold) and use ID and Discrimination detectors when needed. I'll never dig every signal at each site I hunt as some sites, I won't live that long. You want to dig every signal, have at it. Never wear blinders and think one way is the best for all situations. Just because one is successful does not mean they are the best. I'll start a post on this in a week or so as it will provide some free education. Here in the NW states our gold season will be opening up in a couple months. It's an important enough post that it does needs it's own and not run behind this original thread. I'm not saying my way is the best. I'm saying you do what works for you and I'll do what works for me. I assure everyone reading this. You hunt some of my sites and you will either die trying to prove your point or you'll get educated and learn. I'll never dig every signal....and I know I'll miss occasional gold...and I am at peace with that. But again, I'll never dig every signal.

Glad I was able to get one to you before Summer is over. Others may not be so lucky? If I see you selling it on eBay for $2000+ I'll wish all your deep digs to be lead sinkers for the rest of your life. Thanks for allowing me to earn your business again.

Discrimination is very important in certain areas and without it, you're left wasting energy and time digging trash. I'll pay for discrimination and lighter weight. Knowing how and when to use it is key.

Oh my, I've lost it. I actually informed folks not to buy the latest and greatest. And I'm supposed to be a Salesman? SELL, Sell, sell. Sorry, If you don't purchase the next new wiz bang detector from me, you won't find $hit.

Selling a GPX-5000 right now??? you take a big hit. Even all the extra coils. Heck I can't even get 30 cents on the dollar for the coils as so many people (20 yrs worth) have coils in every corner of their garage. Only the newest of new coils by CT and NF are worth anything. Used 5000's in the last year typically go for $1500 to $2500, depending on package size/condition/etc. If I were in the market for new detector only and it was between the Axiom and GPX-5000, I'm going Axiom as I prefer lighter, more compact, much more User Friendly and able to find the smaller gold (more of it still out there) and specimens better than a GPX-5000. Here's the bottom line. Some people chase gold with the mindset, a new detector will find them more. The facts are... The detector one knows best how to operate and maximize, I feel is your best tool. It's been said before, Proper skill level and technique is more important to newer players than the newest detector.

Yes, folks want them all, but not many are actually pulling the trigger. My phone is not blasting off the walls...yet anyway. I have most everything except Manti's. We all know the issue with them.

Great points have been brought up and I agree with most. I'll go over a few things I prefer the Axiom vs a GPX-5000 overall. Axiom faster Turn on and Go. Axiom lighter and easier to handle and swing. Axiom requires no harness to be tethered to. Axiom is more Sensitive to smaller gold and specimens (even bigger ones the GPX-5000 can not see - trust me). Axiom is more compact and easier to store or take on a bike, motorcycle and plane. Axiom accessories, coils and batteries are prices more reasonable. $440 for a GPX-5000 battery is stupid. Axiom is much more User friendly and fun to use. Axiom is better weatherproofing and waterproof coils as Minelab GPX-5000 coils are not WP. Axiom is made in America Axiom comes with wireless system Axiom is much easier to use with a VLF on your side or back. Not saying the 10+ year old GPX-5000 is no good, heck I've dug many nuggets with it. But I didn't have the option to use an Axiom back then for $4000. The GPX-5000 was $5800. Today, both are priced at $4000 and if Military, take an additional 15% off. 5000 is a known CW relic detector top machine and I think the Axiom will get there, but it's a matter of time. Not telling you to get the Axiom as you already know the 5000 and more than likely have all the coils and accessories paid for. I guess at this pint it's a matter of if you want swing with a new girl on the dance floor for a while. What I see with most of have a GPX-5000. The majority don't know all the Settings and what they are doing. Too many options of Settings and they get overwhelmed. It's actually a pretty easy detector and performance on dense gold is tops.

Come on over my friend. No salute needed, I was enlisted not an officer.

I think the ending is perfect. You went on adventures, paid the bribes of another country, left some scrap metal and plastic from your Razor on the rocks and brought home a little gold. Adventure is what keeps us going. Sitting in a rocking chair is not a good way to die in my opinion. Love the read of another Adventure.

Thanks for chiming in Simon. Yes, the bigger concern to me is the coil size and why not keep what we already have been making, the 6"? After all, it proven. On that note, I already reach out to Trevor and what's interesting??? You/I are on the same page able a really small elliptical coil. I asked him for a 6" to 7" Ellip approx 3.5" across. Also asked for an 18" x 3" similar to the old Big Foot. They could call it the "Beast Foot". That coil is tops when urban detecting schools/parks and planted hunts. 18" of ground coverage per sweep and dead accurate pinpointing at the end of the coil every time. I know of a few beach hunters in dry sand who used them all the time. Sure the manual may say something to the effect of only needing 1 gold mode. Why take away what you already have and then charge $500 more? Below info from Minelab Equinox 900 Manual on page 14. Makes sense to me to have 2 after reading what each does. Both the EQ-900/Manti operate kHz pretty close to the same in Gold Mode at 20, 40, Multi IQ for 900 and 20, 40, IQ+ for Manti. I just wonder why no 2nd Mode? Yes the missing 4kHz Setting is not a big deal to me, but it was big enough they decided to add it to the 900 but not on Manticore? Sure they say the Multi IQ+ covers it even lower than 4 kHz. Well I would hope so. The very popular 10+ yr old technology CTX 3030 ran from 1 to 100 kHz and the senior aged 30 yr old Explorer was 1.5 to 100 kHz. Must have to do with Marketing the 900? Steve H. - Yes I went back and viewed that very post I started last year. I was hoping after 2 to 3 months there would be more information and knowledge shared by now for our Gold Hunters. So far it still seems pretty silent? I'm starting to feel as you do Steve, the Manticore is more geared towards the masses. That's perfectly fine with me, I was just hoping to get some official knowledge. Simon did mention someone of authority said it should be on par. I guess the verdict is still out. That's what happens when I'm stuck in long winters. Keep hoping and dreaming for the next best Gold Detector. For now, I'll keep telling my customers what I know for Fact. the EQ-800 is proven. The EQ-900 with the same technology and a little extra, will be proven. The Manti for gold prospectors... we're still a little in the fog. Here's the good side. Hopefully by the time all backlogs are caught up, we'll start seeing results from those who are doing it. Again, I'm not down on the Manti at all for the masses and I have proven it's deeper for Coins and did me better on my Cancun trip for gold jewelry. If that is all I'll see for extra performance in just those 2 categories. I'm 100% on board and will happily sell it to customers and mention just that.

My finds include a little more than yours. while shoveling the snow (more coming tonight), I quirked my back again. Hopefully it will mend soon as I really do need to find some warmer weather to turn on a detector. I keep dreaming of finding that perfect detecting partner who is sexy and doesn't talk much. I think I'm on to something (see below).

Only 11 of those rings were gold and then 2 other pieces of gold, the 14K white gold diamond heart my wife added to her collection and the yellow gold necklace pendant with the small diamonds and a blue sapphire. I was happy with my water finds. Now I want to know how this machine is so great for Gold Prospecting or not. If it's really not designed for Nugget Hunting, no big deal as I have proven detector. But many of my potential clients want to know before they purchase. Right now, I don't know what to tell them.

Love the video. Many great tips and he is dead on with this comments and I can factually back up at the 5:20 mark as KEY.. it will save you many trips, wasted fuel and worn out tires. But so many actually try for a year or 2 and on occasion even longer with not much gold to show for. Be wise my friends.

Very good point Phrunt. I also don't think there is a new GPX/GPZ-8000 coming anytime soon, as Minelab has their hands full of 4 new Coin/Relic detectors. But we also know the age of the GPZ-7000 is getting long on the tooth. GPZ-7000 and SDC-23000 sale last month and now GPX-6000 sale this month. Curious minds want to know.

My wife/I go each year for the last 15 and sometimes I go 2 or 3X a year. Cancun is still a safe place and no worse than Chicago or New York. Day is perfect and night, is not advised. I find more gold than most, but that's because I hunt harder and have learned much about the beaches/resorts. It's no different than detecting FL or CA beaches as you learn over time, the sand and which resorts seem to produce more trash and those who are cleaner with less trash. Never had a problem bringing back the rings as I make sure my wife is wearing the best. Sometimes they charge you a fee at Cancun Airport (going through customs) with a detector so make sure to have an extra $100 or more. I look at it as it's just part of the trip cost. My issue is not the people, not the safety, I'm good with that. It's the new generation of folks wearing Tungsten, Stainless and less traditional gold or platinum jewelry. Seems each year gets less Au and more modern.

Go Big or Go home... with a truck full. I'll make sure not to stop in, as I would end up buying way to much Gold Hunting Supplies. Well done my friend.

Minelab Manticore vs Equinox 800 vs Equinox 900 for Gold Nugget Prospecting. I’ve been keeping my lips tight on this subject long enough. It’s to the point now I have to ask you the general public for input. After all, we have members on DP from other countries and maybe you can chime in as well? But for everyone reading, what do you think is the better detector for chasing Au nuggets and also do you feel is the best overall vale? Yes this is a 2 part question and it’s just your opinions so nobody is wrong. PROVEN - We all know (well at least my Field Staff Experts and I…as well as most of my customers who’s taken our Field Training at Rye Patch NV, the last 3 yrs) how well the Equinox 800 performs and the 10X of features why it’s a better performing VLF gold detector than the Monster and most other class detectors. Don’t get me wrong, the Monster is a great detector for many and those who like to hand a simple Turn on and Go detector to a friend or family who wants to give it a try on occasion. But there’s many shortcoming on the Monster I wish it had. Brain flash…Oh my…the next detector “The Monster 2000”. Heck maybe that’s why I’m feeling shorted with the Manticore? Again EQ-800 is proven and golden. Proven: Lets back up a few years just before Equinox being released to General Public. Jan. 2018 Dealers were invited to an Equinox Introduction. Minelab had a big meeting in AZ to educate dealers (at least the ones who took the time to show up), how the Equinox series (EQ-600/800) was going to be the flag ship sub $1000 detector. Minelab was on their A game and even brought the big guns from Australia in to share this exciting new technology. Thanks to all of Minelab who helped put that event together. I know most everyone I spoke with was extremely excited for the future. A few of folks were even lucky enough to stay an extra day and go out into the desert and feel, swing, test the NOX to see for ourselves, very impressed. My Staff was all over it and learned a lot. Afterwards the big brass from Minelab USA came to Boise and visited me just to make sure I was totally on board and ready to sell the $hit out of them, which I did. Sadly, we didn’t get such dog/pony show for the Manticore, well not us in the US anyway as of yet? Did any other countries get a red carpet treatment on it and how well it will do for Gold Prospecting? We still have time though, but you’d expect a detector that was shown way back in August of 2022 and now it’s March of 2023, well it’s never to late and I’ll give them a pass as they are releasing a detectors left and right, (EQ-700, EQ-900, Manticore, X-Terra Pro) so their time is limited. Here is why I am a little skeptical. Now folks, I’m no genius and no I’m no more special than anyone else, but I’ve reached out more than once to (I won’t say their names) and have yet to hear back. Realize, I’m just 1 guy and they probably get asked by many. Plus all those other new detectors coming out…back to me being a little skeptic. A simple quick view of the Manticore and what I see missing? EQ-800 and EQ-900 both have 2 Gold Prospecting Modes and the Manticore Only has 1. EQ800/900 both have option of the small 6” sniper coil. Heck the EQ-900 comes with 2 coils including the 6” sniper coil in the box for only $1100 in the US. Manticore does not even give us the option for that small coil. We get a bigger 8” coil option instead for some unknown price yet to be seen? Heck, anyone who knows anything about VLF class gold detectors realizes the importance of the smallest coil possible and there are 10+ proven gold detectors out there proving the small 5 and 6” coils are KILLER on small gold. But not even an option for the Manticore? When I view all the upgrades of the EQ-900 and see the additional $180 sniper 6” coil comes with it in the box, I see value. In fact since the EQ-900 has the same 2 Gold Modes as the EQ-800, I lean again to the “Proven” as well. Not so with the Manticore, or at least yet. Maybe I’m just very cautious of the last 6 months (half a year) of hearing all the great about the Manticore? Maybe in 6 months (or next year) all this will be proven? Or maybe the Manticore is mainly geared toward the masses? I did see and wondered???? The Manti is missing the 4 kHz Setting the EQ-800 and EQ-900 have. Not sure why it’s not on the Manticore? We know the masses are General Purpose Coin/Relic hunters and then Beach/Water swingers. Prospectors, we’re less than 10%, maybe even less than 5% of the general public who detects. Here’s a quick overview I observed without going into each individual feature. Yes all 3 units come with wireless headphones, cables, chargers and screen protectors. Equinox 800 is $900, comes with an 11” DD coil (price dropped a few months ago) and it’s a proven gold detector. After becoming the #1 seller for me and many others under $1000, many folks encounters a few flaws (arm cuffs, shaft wobble, ear cracks, leaks, wireless headphones). The good thing is Minelab provides a 3 year transferable warranty and they take care of their customers. I honestly feel if you take any product and it becomes so popular, most everyone’s uses it, then there will be more people complaining as well, it’s simple math. Minelab has done a pretty good job trying to keep most of us happy with our EQ-600/800s, including me. Equinox 900 is $1100, comes with an 11” DD coil and a 6” DD Sniper coil. Has the upgraded collapsible carbon fiber shaft (like the Manti), has a new improved arm cuff (so does the Manti), better quality Waterproofing to 16” (so does the Manti), better improved wireless headphones (so does the Manti), Vibrating Arm Grip (just like Manti), Night Hunting light (yes the Manti does), twice the Digital ID #’s (yes to the Manti), Iron Bias 0 to 9, like the Manti, Recovery Speed 1 to 8, just like Manti, more segments of DISC = 119, Manti only has 0 to 99. Lighter than the Manti…all this for $500 less. Manticore is $1600 and comes with a single 11” DD coil. Again, no option for the small 6” Sniper coil. One less Gold Mode than EQ-800/900? But we do get the colored LCD screen with 2D readout. Yes there are a couple other small things and one big thing, MORE POWER. Yes, I’m most certain the Manti will get a little extra depth vs the EQ-800/900 and for those who are Coin/Relic/Beach hunters, the Manticore just might be that perfect $1600 detector. For us Prospector Hunters, maybe we might look at the new improved Equinox-900 as our go to VLF class? I don’t know on the Manticore yet, but I do know how well the EQ-800 has done for my guys and many customers for the last 4 yrs. Again, I’m not saying the Manticore is no good, quite the opposite actually as I did find all the gold jewelry in Cancun with it on my vacation in Dec. (update to the bigger diamond ring, appraisal came back at $5400). I've also witnessed there is at least 1 inch more in depth for coin hunting with the Manticore. I seen this myself on a side by side comparison with a staff member who has the EQ-900 (which he loves). I just wonder if the Manticore is geared more towards the masses and us Prospectors need to stay Equinox for the near future? I’m all ears to hear anyone's thoughts and comments and especially from those who have used the Manticore for gold nugget hunting. Maybe us Prospectors should be sticking with the proven Equinox 800 or upgrading to the improved Equinox 900?

Yes it seems to be true, Minelab (at least for USA) is offering the most popular GPX-6000 at 25% off. We've been told this Limited Sale is good through the month of March or until supplies run out? Well what happens if Minelab sells a bunch of them? Will they see the writing on the walls and realize, just maybe the price points could be better off for us here in the US? Prime example is the very popular Minelab Equinox 800 prices under $1000. That strategic price point move was brilliant and all other manufactures dream of having such sales. Hopefully this move proves to be GOLDEN for Minelab and you/I the consumers. Or maybe there is a GPX-8000 around the corner?

I've tried many knee pads in the last few yrs. If nugget hunting with a PI or bigger detector be sure they don't have much metal on them. I now use utility pants with sewn in removable knee pads. Many options so give everyone a few days to answer.

Same withdrawals right now and so far all winter here in Southern Idaho. Heck I can't even head South 5 or 6 hrs and get out of it. It's an extremely rough time of year for me and lower winter than normal. I did get a new detecting partner. A little slow on the sweep but certainly keeps the coil low.

You're writing skills are much better than your detecting..😆 Happy Birthday and great way to get an excuse to eat a couple dog biscuits. Hopefully the jeep found you/dog home safely. Well it had to of...or we wouldn't of been able to read it. Keep it and just maybe one of those nails will turn golden.