Gerry in Idaho

On 3/15/2023 at 6:45 AM, deathray said:

What you wrote up Gerry, is why I bought a 900. My Deus is on life support, so ready for new vlf. If the manti had a 6 inch coil, I would have bought one...had one with my name on it, passed on it. Now...if it would only stop raining/ snowing here in Cali...the winter from hell

I've been in discussion with Trevor at CoilTek and they will be working on a smaller coil for the Manticore.  It's going to be Ellip in shape as well.  Hopefully they can get it out later this year.  Let's keep our fingers crossed.

Yes the winter this season has been so annoying and long.  Here it is almost April and I have yet to break an ounce of nuggets, heck I've yet to find a nugget in 2023.  To be exact, I have yet to even dig a gold ring this year.  Now that's most certainly not my style.

On 3/11/2023 at 10:03 AM, GotAU? said:

Gerry- I sent ML service in AU my serial number and they responded very quickly about mine needing service. Send out your numbers to them or maybe they’ll send you a cutoff date?

Jeff - thanks for your reply. I have the same coil and it is a pleasure to use. Unfortunately I haven’t found gold with it yet but it is good at finding lead fragments.  I used the 11-inch last time I was out and did find good responses to small stuff fairly deep with it.  I should try a comparison sometime on the same targets.

Just curious why you had to reach out to Australia?  Did they provide you details USA could not?

So if they could tell the serial number of your detector was one of the faulty ones, did they provide the range of serial #'s so everyone can know?

Glad they could get you taken care of.

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. 

1 hour ago, GB_Amateur said:

The ship(ment) has arrived.  Thanks, Gerry!

 

🤩

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.

3 hours ago, mn90403 said:

Gerry, Gerry, Gerry,

Tell it like it is.

Sell the new detector and people will get lucky believing that there is still gold in a hammered location.  To hell with technique and understanding.

You're a dealer, get with the program!

haha

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.

On 3/2/2023 at 11:25 AM, phrunt said:

Minelab are so smart, having so much confusion around which is best for what and putting that little edge on one model over another mostly by coil options and then releasing multiple new models at once so now people want them all 🙂

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.

18 hours ago, Tony said:

I was planning on saluting Gerry when I meet him 🤣

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

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.

17 hours ago, MSC said:

Too many rings to put in your teeth Gerry. Nice finds. 

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.

On 2/28/2023 at 10:17 AM, Hard Prospector said:

Never got a chance but have heard the beach swinging is quite good with little pressure down there.  I know of a guy who vacations to Cancun beach resorts every year and  really cleans up on the gold jewelry. He takes down older less expensive detectors "just in case"  but has told me he really hasn't had any issues with authorities.  Says he feels safe at the resort beaches that he stays at and gives any Mexican coins away to hotel staff as tips.   

Perhaps someone else on this board has experience doing this and could comment more........

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.

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.