Gerry in Idaho

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..

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.

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).

I would have to agree with Steve's comments. You really won't know until you do a side by side comparison with someone who has the others. I do know this as I used to own a 4500. The Axiom is a love to swing as for the weight and ergonomics. It's like going from GPZ-7000 to GPX-6000 difference. But the Axiom is even better ergonomics/weight than a GPX-6000. I also know the Axiom will respond better to smaller nuggets and many varieties of gold bearing ore, specimens and spongy type gold way better than a 4500 and 5000. That part I can absolutely CONFIRM. Axiom does not require you to be tethered to a harness either and is a much more User Friendly PI gold detector. Let me know if you want on my list.

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.

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.

Well it’s finally about to happen. Minelab has updated US dealers with a confirmed Price $1599 and Part #. YIPPIE!!!! This must mean that things are starting to come along and hopefully we see/hear updates more frequently as the production moves along. I’m looking forward to this new model and finding out how good it really is. My Staff members and I will be doing our part using it in a variety of states, terrains, hunting styles and situations so we can come up with our own conclusions of how it stacks up to the competition. We also provide this hard earned and sometime long hours of use.. info to our customers to help them make the right choice for their next detector investment. Here's a bone for you all who already own the EQUINOX and waterproof headphones. YES they will work on the Manticore as well. Not many dealers are as well rounded in a variety of metal detecting hunts of different treasures as my Field Experts. We’re also the same guys who’s been offering “Metal Detector Basics” for the new and “Advanced Gold Detector Training” for the Nugget Hunters for the last 25 yrs. I’m pleased to announce we’ll be doing the same with the Manticore and those customers who purchase from us. Be sure to view my website Calendar of Events right after the New Year to see what options we provide for you in 2023. And again, Gerry’s Detectors will be offering the 15% Military Discount to all active and prior US Military. As a Veteran myself, I feel privileged to honor and help those who have served, to get the next detector in your hands. You earned it and so might as well take part in the additional savings. Here’s some of what we have learned so far. Overview MANTICORE with Multi-IQ+ is the most powerful, fastest, and precise metal detector in Minelab’s history. Interestingly, they did not say it’s equal to the Equinox, E-Trac or even CTX-3030. Boy that’s a pretty bold statement, but as always Minelab has been able to back it up, so I expect nothing less. The heart of MANTICORE is its super-charged Simultaneous Multi-Frequency (MULTI-IQ+) engine. This feat of innovation generates an incredible 50% power increase over the best-selling detector series of all time: EQUINOX. I wonder how much depth increase (if any) that will equate to? When combined with advanced 2D Target Identification (ID) and rich audio options, the detectorist has every bit of vital information arriving at their eyes and ears. I’m thinking more to the ID system of the very popular E-Trac and CTX 3030, which I missed on the Equinox. MANTICORE is an unrivalled detecting experience that pushes the boundaries of detecting to deliver more power, more depth, and more finds. Yet to be confirmed, but with Minelab Engineering track record, I’m sure it’s just a matter of time, maybe even days/or weeks? More info MULTI IQ+: Minelab’s revolutionary technology has 50% more power than traditional models and is the highest-powered simultaneous multi-frequency machine on the market. FAST RESPONSE: Identify your targets quickly and confidently to efficiently sort between trash and treasure with exceptional target separation performance. POWERFUL 2D ID MAP: Identify your targets with greater visual and audible target insights. ENHANCED DISCRIMINATION: Exceptionally accurate target ID allows you to accept or reject finds quickly and confidently. WIRELESS AUDIO: Clearly detect with audio controls set specifically for you in order to identify targets confidently, reduce noise and identify trash. ULTIMATE SEARCH MODES: Over 10+ preset search modes allow you to set the stage for success, with the ability to customize up to 10 unique modes tailored to your specific needs. UNRIVALLED CONSTRUCTION & WATERPROOF: Powerful yet lightweight, Manticore weighs only 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs.) and includes a three-piece, compact Carbon-Fiber shaft system. Waterproof up to 16 ft (5 m). INTUITIVE CONTROL: The large LCD panel allows for easy viewing and clear navigation control. BOOSTED EMI IMMUNITY: In challenging environments, improved EMI rejection uses higher sensitivity to isolate targets. CHOICE OF COILS: Comes with the M11 (11″ Round Double-D coil) and choose from M8 (8 x 5.5″ Elliptical Double-D) and M15 (15 x 12″ Elliptical Double-D) coils. LIGHTING & VIBRATION: Detect even when the sun goes down with features such as Control Box Flashlight, Display Backlight with Auto Adjust, Backlit Keypad and Handgrip Vibration. CLEAR AUDIO: Built in external speaker allows for crystal-clear audio and comes with Low Latency Wireless Headphones. BUILT TO LAST: A three-year warranty with software upgrade capability allows detection far into the future. I’ve been warned that the detector release could be similar to that of the Equinox series. Those units came into the US in small allotments and then were divided amongst the dealers and how many we ordered. I assure you and just like with the Equinox rollout, I should be able to get more units to my customers faster than many others. Getting on my Pre Order List should be your priority so be sure to email me at gerrys1det@gmail.com No money down needed at this time. So it looks as if Minelab has taken some features from 3 of their top selling/performing VLF type detectors (E-Trac, CTX 3030, Equinox) and combined them with new technologies and improvements for the ultimate do it all detector. From someone who has had fantastic results and success with all 3 of those models and most recently the Equinox, I’m extremely excited. Just take a quick peak of Equinox treasures I shared in the few pics, just to give you folks an idea of what I’m expecting and then some. Some of my eye/ear catching from above info we've been provided so far.... - VIBRATION Mode built into the handle. I actually look forward to this feature and know of a few folks who will be very happy. They have taken this from the pinpointers and I feel it’s a nice bonus to have. Hopefully the rest of you enjoy it as much. - 2.9 pounds is the advertised weight. Heck that’s fantastic as it’s now even lighter than my Equinox. I’m a big fan of carbon fiber as well and glad to see they went this way for the Manticore. No more issues for us guys in the salt water for hours at a time. - Coil size selection. I’m a big fan of the small 6” round for the EQ and CTX and even bigger fan of the small 6” Ellip found on my VLF type gold detectors. Minelab says a new 8 x 5.5” semi ellip. Pretty excited for this one as many of us like the ellip and the heel/toe pin pointing and into rocks/brush and other tight areas. I’d hope CoilTek is working on a smaller coil as well as a 15” round for ultimate depth. Did I mention that we just don't sell detectors, we live with them? Looking forward to earning your business and helping you become successful. Thanks, Gerry 208-345-8898 Gerry's Detectors www.gerrysdetectors.com Gold Nugget Detector Field Training

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

Australia gets all the glory and headlines for big gold and well earned. But what about our fine "Silver State" (yes Nevada is called the silver state), do we have big gold? My personal best solid nugget is 3/4 ozt so nothing compared to others I've seen. Now you want to talk about some of my friends and or customers finds and they go up into the multi ounces. 6 oz in the middle. Nevada is also known for some really good specimen gold. My PB is this about a 1 pounder (a mouthful). I've seen some whoppers much better and better though. Below is a boulder of 80 pound. And they were deep too. Found using either a 20" or a 25" coil, I can't remember. There has also been a few really nice patches found by my guys and I was lucky enough to get a few pics. Would enjoy seeing others pics and or stories.

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.

When finding a Bling Ring, many are fake. This one I tested and blew me away. Did the couple get in a big argument and she tossed it into the lake? It's happened. The lake level is low right now, maybe she was swimming earlier this year and it fell off? How long has this beautiful ring been sitting at the bottom of the lake while nobody could see how much it wanted to sparkle and shine. Maybe it can be returned to the original person and if not, then hopefully a new owner will be happy to share and show it's diamond glow. Is this one of those Finders Keepers things? What would you do if you stumbled across this ring? I don't think there is a right or wrong answer here. If you found it and it means so much to you or you plan on giving it to your lady of love, then joy will once again shine on this ring and across a woman's face full of smiles. Love is a crazy and funny thing that many of us go through. This ring could just as easily been tossed into the lake for reason of someone breaking another persons heart. Either way outcome of this ring, I want it to shine and make someone happy, it deserves a 2nd chance. https://youtu.be/tM2OWltxC6Q

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.

There are quite a few of us who've recovered gold teeth, caps, crowns in years past and many/most have been recovered in or around water as that is a gathering magnet for people. I expect many of them who lost their teeth from being drunk and getting into fights. On a side note, one of my favorite token finds is a Downieville, St Charles Hotel piece of history. I imagine there are some fabulous pieces of history all around that town and area. Water holes are great places to hunt. Keep it up and thanks for sharing.

Simon, When getting that many targets in the area, you/I and everyone else knows there's still more gold to be had. Yes a less sensitive coil will help but realize gold of the same size will be missed. I suggest listening for the single tone weaker signals, which usually means deeper on the GPZ-7000, but not always. Yes I tend to adjust my detecting style for certain areas and prefer playing the odds and % mathematics to help in my recovery success. Pellets near the surface give the double tone (which you mentioned) so I pass on those and leave them for Simon. Softer single tone signals is my focus for those such sites. Thanks for sharing m friend.

I'm expecting to get an update later this week, but since I'll be at my USMC Reunion, I'll not be back until Tuesday to update everyone.

Years ago at this same spot we had used the 5000's to collect a few of the more solid specimens. We then found even more with the VLF's. Then I came back with the Garrett Axiom, as I knew the site had many Hot Rocks. The VLF's missed this specimen as it was right under a big hot rock. Power of the Pulse Induction Axiom to be able to ignore the hot rock and get the specimen. Some PI's can ignore Hot Rocks and find gold nuggets because the nuggets are solid. Most PI's can't do the same under a large Hot Rock and still find some of the gold specimens. Chalk one more up for the Axiom Metal Detector's technology.

Not my biggest but one I'm very proud of. Found with a Fisher Gold Strike.

Boy that sure will fire up some prospectors. Those nuggets are certainly getting better and bigger. Glad to see you out there scooping up more gold Steve. We need to get back up to Moore Creek with these Axioms as you know it has more Hot Rocks than any other place I have ever detected for gold. Funny, how I am about to post a nugget that was found under a large Hot Rock and my VLF's missed it as well as other PI's. Well done my friend.