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Gerry in Idaho

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Everything posted by Gerry in Idaho

  1. Back in the day when Minelab USA used to communicate and work with their more popular dealers who were in the field (those days of Minelab are gone), they sent me a prototype GPZ-7000 to test. My Field Staff guy and I spent 5 days in Northern Nevada testing it and were pretty impressed with the detectors depths. We didn't get a manual or did we know what we were really doing, but we did see/find/hear/feel things we had never done before. Yes deeper gold, yest smaller gold, yes different sounds, and most certainly yes, a sore and worn out back. He's (Ron) is standing up at the begging of the day, dug some deep gold throughout the day (just bungee, no swing arm) and was sitting down and worn out at the end of the day. The next version we tested actually did have a Swing Arm and that's the same one I recommend to many customer who hunt for longer periods of time or swing larger coils.
  2. Xcal's BBS technology was a game changer in the saltwater, glad to see you still using one. I do wish they would keep the same technology, but redesign the complete shaft/body. I've done well in years past with the NOX, but it takes time to learn, just like it did with the Xcal. Tell him to not give up. I used Tony Eisenhower WP headphones for this trip. I actually purchased and used them on my NOX last year and they did fine until my full body was totally under, then I still had the weak target issues. The Minelab headphones are just as bad under water, but worse above water. No, wireless headphones for the NOX and the Manticore will not work when submerged, but the technology is getting close.
  3. Not sure if I paid for the complete trip as the resorts I stay at average $400 a night. Airfare for the wife and I, approx $1000, cabs/transportation for the trip is another $200, tips given out is another $150 to $200 = Average trip cost if purchased with credit card is $5K. Some trips I use reward miles and points to save 25% to 50%. This trip I saved $1000 by using rewards for the airfare, so out of pocket cost of this trip $4000. Now me being a dealer, I get to write off the trip "business expense", so that's one of the main reasons I'm still a dealer, the benefits are there if you know how to use them. As for the shaft drag in the water. I never used the NOX on this trip, but the Manticore felt about the same. Mathematically though, the thinner shaft will cut easier through the water and use less effort. Good point you mentioned.
  4. Glad to see you down there in AZ putting some time on the Axiom and getting results better than many and most had expected. To read that each detector responded on the same exact targets and just as importantly, neither detector found a target the other missed or could not, says volumes of how far Garrett has come along. Now this part is even more exciting for me and should be for others as well. I'll use example of the GPZ-700 and the GPX-6000 as I ran both from day 1. The way I was using those detectors and even to the point of training customers, has evolved. My operation and settings of those machines today is different than at 1st and who knows, maybe down the road, I find other ways to get more out of the detectors. The Axiom is so new, many folks are just now getting them and already making finds. Well 6 months from now, we'll have a better understanding of the detector and even possibly a few tweaks to our Settings. A year from now, we might even get a bonus software upgrade and down the road, the results will be even better than today. In the end, we all learn each time we get out and if we pay attention and always try to make our machine and skill better,, then our results will show. I'm happy to read your knowledge and the time you put it to test both machines at the same day, same site with approx same size coils. Not many folks have the luxury of owning both detectors. Well done again Lunk.
  5. I have owned both and had great success with each detector. I've been able to do things with the SDC-2300, many other PI's could not, including using it fully submerged in water and find amazing treasures. Warning, it's Waterproof capabilities are not as good as I had hoped. As mentioned, the SDC-2300 is Turn on and go with not many adjustments needed. It's Processing and Timing are designed for smaller gold.. and or certain specimens the older PI's can't see. Yes it can find big gold, just ask a few of my customers. The SDC-2300 is a great detector for certain tasks and I have many customers who enjoy it's compactness and capability. It's extremely awkward to swing and most who hunt for a period of time should be using a swing arm (the same one off of a GPZ-7000 is perfect). The Axiom (new kid on the block) is still unknown by most. I assure you, it's gold hunting capabilities are above the SDC-2300 for a variety of tasks. It has more coil selection, better tuning options, Iron Identification when needed, is much lighter and easier to swing. The coils are hot on the edge as is the SDC for pinpointing small nuggets near surface. It can find a variety of gold at greater depths vs the SDC-2300, but that's because of the added Timings and coil options. At today's price comparison, you can purchase a new (10 yr old detector) in box SDC-2300 for $3400 and it comes with 1 coil, 3 yr warranty and crappy headphones that most of my customers seem to break. It's a very compact detector but heavy, turn on and go, finds small gold with ease. The new kid on the block Axiom is $3999, American made with 2 yr warranty. comes with 2 coils, better headphones, is compact, light weight, and has more capabilities for more kinds of gold prospecting. A nice padded Carry Case/BackPack comes with each purchase as well. Another thing many folks miss, is the ability for Software Upgrades vs the SDC-2300. As a Bonus (just a matter of time), you'll see a good following of Relic Hunters using the Axiom because of it's added features and coil offerings. Something many folks don't look or think about. RESALE - SDC-2300 is pretty much a gold prospecting tool and has a smaller audience. The Axiom will be more desired for Prospectors, Beach Hunters and Relic Hunters, so your resale audience is bigger, broader and easier to move which is an added value and more $$. For my style of detecting, it's an easy answer, Axiom. Either way you go, they are both fantastic detectors and the SDC-2300 is proven for it's limited uses. The new kid on the block Axiom just needs a little time to shine. Heck I remember when the SDC-2300 came out and how so many folks were not happy at 1st. After time it was realized yes, it is a great detector for smaller nuggets. Hopefully this info helps you and many others down the road. Below gold found by Steve Herschbach with the Axiom. Bottom line, these detectors are tools and those who use them most get best rewards. Gerry's Detectors www.gerrysdetectors.com
  6. I'm hoping you actually did find $21 in gold coins, but think a spelling error and it was $21 in old coins? Either way, those off the beaten path sites, can be honey holes. Nice quiet beaches in the pics as well.
  7. I beg to differ on your factual statement above. Now if you are talking bigger solid gold, then yes. What so many people don't understand is different kinds of gold and the characteristics of how their are in select specimens. Some expensive gold can be missed with the older technology of the GPZ vs the newer GPX-6000 or Axiom. That, I know for a fact. Gerry's Detectors
  8. Now that's one of the easiest ways to know the area has not been pounded clean, a sunbaker. I know you didn't mention the detector as most any would have heard it, but are swinging VLF or bigger? How did your brother do? If I get back to WY, this year, I'll look you up and we'll see what the new Axiom can do out there. I realize it's not a GPZ-7000, but it has features and things it can do for a price that you might want to add it to the arsenal.
  9. That's a very impressive haul of Au nuggets and your time in the field was rewarded. So you may be off a little in weight, but you gained in more pieces. Was your body more thankful swinging the lighter and easier 6000 vs the 4500? Plus, getting the extra pieces more often keeps a smile on the face. Thanks for sharing.
  10. Mark, That's most certainly a GOLDEN way to start the new year and break in the capabilities of the new Garrett Axiom. I think the smaller 11" Ellip coil was a great selection for that site. Those nuggets are just a beginning of what to expect as you get more time on the detector and feel for how much you can push it's limits. Garrett did us all Prospectors a huge favor with the option on the Axiom at a price point so many of us can afford. As for lead shot, If it's from a shotgun, the standard Dove Load of past used to be #9 shot. There's smaller snake shot that I have used in pistols though but don't know the actual # size. Thanks for sharing your success and since you purchased it from me, may I share the pics/story with other potential customers who want Bang for the Buck? Well earned and Happy New Year, it's starting out Golden.
  11. Back in the mid 90's one of my buddies went to Australia to hunt gold nuggets. He had a few days to site see and decided to swing the local beaches in Perth. He was amazed at the amount of silver coins, including 3 pence. No he didn't get any at 2 feet depths, but he did quite well. It seemed back then everyone was more interested in the gold nuggets and not many people had caught onto the silver and gold at the beaches. Now, it's a pretty well known thing though. Yes I do agree a good cut into the sand and old swimming holes will produce. I think timing is most important as I have done pretty well in Cancun after a storm and or even Lake Tahoe. Not trying to steal the post, but the pics.. my buddy/I hunt at Lake Tahoe after some serious water movement. The best coin, we didn't even know at the time was an 1870's US 2 cent piece that my buddy thought was a crusty quarter. Besides that, a V-nickel, a few Buffaloes, some silvers and a few gold rings. I always said if I go back to Australia again, I'll take my water detector and try to get some of the gold jewelry and old coins. I still feel the majority of people there are not as focused on the beaches as the gold fiends. Living in Idaho, I've learned to study old maps and finding the occasional lost or forgotten swimming holes, can be quite productive. Thanks for the interesting share of the article Erik.
  12. Alan, Glad Santa was able to get both your packages to you in time for Christmas and sorry I did not get to this post sooner. As a VET myself, I enjoy offering other VET's the 15% US Military discount you earned. I wish all the metal detector manufactures would do the same. Please keep us posted on your experiences and findings. Sooner or later, I'll open a box myself and see what I think. We're wintered in for the season though so it could be a while? We need some warm weather or rain to thaw the freeze. May the NOX-900 bring you bright and shiny into 2023.
  13. Great on you Norvic and fun way to end the year. I'm sorry my 2x the weight overshoot was so far off. I always give my friends the benefit of the doubt. On a side note, if you see that cute blonde at the local waterhole wearing the pasties, tell her Generous Gerry said "Hello".
  14. Forgot my nugget holder on a day trip and I had about a dozen of that size in my mouth one day. When I got back to the truck, I spit them out for pics and 2 were missing. Found 1 while flossing the teeth that night. The weight of your nugget, I guess 1.67 grams. PS. If I win, please donate it to one of those college girls working the local pub (trying to pay tuition) who wears those pasties. Fun times when I was visiting Australia and hunting gold. If I ever make it back, we need to try and swing a few. Thanks for the fun.
  15. That my friends is just beautiful, look at that golden grin. 😁 At his age, he could become a serious hunter and contributor of DP or who knows, running his own MD'ing business down the road. It doesn't pay like it did 25 yrs ago when I became a dealer, but if done right, the travel, adventure, detector purchases and many other outdoor gear for the testing is all a business expense and tax write off. Heck, even if a young man that good looking could start a "Lost Ring Recovery" side hustle, he would get tax write offs and slowly work his way up. Either way, he's a winner Brett and you/the wife have done well. Applause all the way around to your family and thanks for thinking of me. 👏
  16. The Sovereign series, even though old, is still a top performer. The BBS technology was a serious game changer. Very nice saves.
  17. That inscription date is beautiful in so many ways. Amazing discovery and thanks for sharing.
  18. Matt, That's a beautiful jewelry save your son made and he should be proud. What's most amazing to me is your ability to spend time with your son/family while doing the hobby you love. So many of today's youth are all into computer games and cell phones. They have lost the desire to go outdoors get exercise and enjoy adventure. You are a good man Matt and should be proud of his upbringing and being able to spend time detecting with your son. He's just as rare for wanting to do this hobby so many others laugh at. Many laugh at me as well but 45+ yrs of swinging and I'm used to it. On a side note, I still think the Equinox 600 is best value for a saltwater detector and sell many. Again, a beautiful find...in more ways than one.
  19. Glad you enjoyed the long read Chuck. I'm not quite sure what you're asking for 1st question as I was in Saltwater. I start out doing a Noise Cancel, then Ground Balance, adjust the SENS to smooth operation and turn Tracking ON. As for my GAIN Settings, this is pretty interesting as I was at the same sites last year and I recall running SENS 17 to 19 on the NOX. I've never been able to push the limits of SENS on any detector I've used on my CANCUN hunts and attribute it to the fully submerged detectors being in SALTWATER, which is a mineral. Yes I have noticed I can use same detectors fully submerged in FRESHWATER and can get more SENS., but if there is black sand, then higher SENS is not good. My conclusion is very simple to depth is pretty simple. I hunt the same locations in saltwater at the same depths. I used same 11" coils as those are the factory shipped coils for the detectors. I've yet to dig any extremely deep rings with the Manticore as I have with the Xcal and CTX at those same sites. As for the depths and comparisons of the NOX and Manticore, it was pretty close. What I was trying to get at. If someone feels 50% more power is going to get them masses of depth vs their NOX, I feel not going to be happy. Depth is only part of the equation and that's what some people seem to miss. Hope this helps.
  20. Luis, I took a vacation to enjoy my hobby of detecting and wanted to come home with gold. No, I did not compare signals to a NOX so it's hard to say. But here's an answer for you. Yes I think the NOX could have recovered most of them. My posted write up goes a little more into details. Just because detector A can hear the same target as detector B, it does not make them totally equal. If detector A sees the same target as the more expensive detector B, they are still not equal in all situations. Detector B has more features than detector A and so I can dig less of the crappy targets detector A sees but detector B has a better identification to save me time. A Datsun B210 can drive me to Arizona on a 1000 mile trip just as well as a Chevy Corvette. No AC if it gets hot. No cooled seats if it gets hot, no heated windshield if it snows, no ALL Wheel Drive in the Datsun if it snows. The best part. In the Datsun, no girls wanting a ride. In the Corvette, most the girls want a ride. Bottom line, both cars can drive down the road, but one of them does it with ease and the other has things that make it not as enjoyable and wastes time. I'm sure the NOX would hear most of the gold, but I was able to get better and more accurate target knowledge to save me time and dig more of the desired targets.
  21. Approx. 40 to 50 hrs. of actual detecting in the water. My body broke down 2 days before we left and I just quit, had enough. When you're in pain to the point your mind is not there, it's time to call the detecting over. I spent the last full day relaxing in the sun with the wife. I'll say this, it's tough for me to quit when I know there is more out there. I probably push it harder than the average detectorist as is, I'm pretty sure of that. I noticed about 3 yrs. ago; I can't do 10 hr. hunts every day nonstop for 10 days. I need to take breaks more often in between hunts and only do 4 to 5 hrs. for 3 days and then take a full day and then back to 4 to 5 hours for another 3 days. M My wife says I show up and want to run a marathon but did not practice at all. I think as I get older and wiser, I see the importance of lighter and better ergonomics of detectors. Sure, I might get extra depth with the CTX-3030, but if anyone has swung one in water all day, you know exactly what I'm talking about. It's not my preferred detector at my age. Kind of like my thinking of the GPZ-7000 vs Axiom/6000. Sure the 7 has the extra depth, but your body pays a price. The last aspect and part of why I can shine with so many detectors, is twofold. 1st., my USMC upbringing (never quit, just do it) and then 2nd., being a well-known detector dealer. I feel many people including the manufactures are looking up to me to get it done and make the finds. Anyone who's detected with me, Know's I'm very competitive and I just don't do it half-ass. That's probably one of my faults, but I put it on myself. I'm meagerly realizing to slow down, smell the roses and quit worrying about having to come in 1st place, when 2nd is still pretty good. Sorry for rambling on (40 to 50 hrs).
  22. As mentioned SENS at 17 was most of my hunting unless over rocks then down to 15. I actually emailed ENGINEERING as I was hoping to get MORE, but it's what it is. In white sand, I was able to get 17 and even 19 on occasion, but I prefer a pretty smooth machine so I don't start ignoring earrings and small blips. I did try 20 and 21 SENS and probably could have gotten away with it in a few areas if I was just looking for strong solid mid ring tones. Each spot varies a little as so many variables. EMI was not an issue but I had never had much issue with the CTX or the NOX there previous either. You said "So much is in that water!" YES YES YES and I agree 100%. I actually have a couple beaches in MX and BAHAMAS when I can safely get in water, I do quite well. My wife despises me hunting in them as she has seen the fury of the ocean on a normal day and it's very risky. I've saved tourists on 2 occasions on a beach in Bahamas. It's the same beach one of my Field Staff was with me when a wave crushed him and blew out his knee. Luckily it was near the end of the trip, but he ended up having surgery. Water hunting is fun and can just as easily be dangerous. Another thing most folks don't realize is the critters in the water. At the end of my trip, both arms and legs are covered in bites, bruises, jellyfish stings and even an infected toe. Always try to stay within your comfort zone.
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