Gerry in Idaho

Some areas the tailing do get pushed around and can be detected again. The same thing happens in NV and AZ in areas without tailing, as they are clearing away the layer of ground already detected and then hunting the new layer, then push..detect, then push detect. Yes I have found plenty of gold with an X-Terra 70 and the newer model 705 (be sure to use the 18.75 kHz coils). If I forgot my NOX-800 and someone said what is the next best detector for the same tailing piles. I'd use the Gold Monster 1000 (newer version), X-705, White's 24K, White's MXT, Garrett AT Gold, and lastly the Gold Bug-2. The Vanquish has no Prospecting Mode, No adjustable Ground Balance. Heck I might even use an Equinox 600 before I used a Vanquish. Not beating on the Vanquish, but I have other detectors I know can do the task. Can any detector find a big nugget? Most certainly and we have found them with Coin Machines just to prove a point and win a steak dinner. But, it would not be a detector I would sell or recommend to those that want to chase gold..

I've known Minelab/Codan was a strong player in the metal detecting industry and I thought about purchasing some shares after I went to the last Worldwide Conference held in Italy. It was at $3.20 AUD and today it is at $15AUD. Guess I missed the boat again. Early on when I was selling Minelab detectors the shares were less than $1 AUD. Guess I should take some of my profits and roll it into their stock. I think with the GPX-6000 just coming out, there is still room to make a few bucks. Does anyone here on DP have any CDA stock and does it pay dividends? Thanks for sharing Steve.

Heck I was all excited until I got to their page. Spent the better part of an hour to get through the 1st paragraph and still confused. Their spelling sucks...😆 Guess I'll stick with the finished product when it arrives. Interesting to see someone would take one apart already. Maybe I could trade some good Vodka for their unit?😉 Either way, it is nice to know some on here DP are worth listening to.

Norvic, I posted a new thread, as I felt there was education for others who may have missed this. If it did not answer your question let me know.

Very well said JP and I like that you mentioned "in my ground" as the soils across the world differ and many of the older detectors and technologies were better suited for 1 or the other. It now seems a select few newer detectors will be able to do a pretty good job in most areas, soils and conditions. Thanks for taking the time to chime in and give us more food for thought. - knowledge I'm so excited for the GPX-6000 because of this you said: "The 6000 would definitely be part of my arsenal of equipment just based on the material that has been officially released, but then double down on that because of what I know.💲🥰😇"

Norvic asked why I was so proud of a VLF when I own and have posted much success with the other higher end detectors. It was my post on rating the higher end Minelabs....so here goes. There are many factors to my craze and style of detecting, but my finds are the facts and not many people can compare, unless they too use the tools (detector) and hunt the style I do. I consider myself a gold hawg or gold pig. I chase it all in terrains flat or tall. Terrain - I live in the Northwestern state of Idaho and much of my detecting in the surround state of ID., is Oregon, Nevada and occasional Montana. For the most part, OR, MT and ID are pretty much the same with steep terrain mountainous rough country. A day of electronic prosecting and hiking in such states, is much harder on the body for a guy my age, heck it’s harder for anyone. Going to Arizona, Rye Patch and other Northern Nevada high desert areas is a treat for my body in more ways than one. Maybe that is why so many people detect there? It’s easy to drive and get to without walking…boy are most of us lazy? YES, including me at times, but not in my home state (backyard where I play). The ID, OR, MT mountains have steep ravines/canyons and the water is at the lowest point. Here is the many miles of hand placer workings, dredge tailing and hardrock mining ore dump piles. The gold I am chasing is the stuff the old timers missed. Pic below - This huge ore dump pile produced a few thousand dollars in Specimens. This is the not so steep side and we had to tie off with ropes on the other side. Half the targets would roll down the hill and need to be found during a break when we were at the bottom. The PI's can't see this time of gold. Trash - Trash is my treasure in a way.. as I know the site has not been hunted as hard. Trash is what most detectorists hate, and I too get that way on occasion, but I know if I'm patient, I'll eventually be rewarded. A big factor I run into is 100 to 150 yr old man made trash from the early prospectors. They left much of it on the hill, in the placer digs and tailing piles. Many of the small mining camps were right on or near their diggings and they just tossed the old food cans, tobacco/coffee tins and worn out leather boots with hundreds of nails and broken, picks/ax heads shovels aside. Pic below- In old tailing piles a lighter, faster, better ID detector is best. He who digs the most non ferrous targets in a day, get to smile all the way home. Pic below- is the 1 pound specimen after cleanup. Tools – Know your detector, its limitations, strong and weak points. Bigger deeper detector is great in flat terrain and areas with limited trash. Raw depth and power is amazing to have, when the target you dig a foot or so deep is not a sardine can. How about a shovel head at 2 feet or more? Think about it and what you do when digging 5 or 6 of those an hour with your big deep penetrating detector. What does your body have left in the tank? My lighter VLF is easier to swing in rough terrain, has better Iron and Target ID, is not as deep or powerful in trashy sites. It saves me time from digging unknown iron targets, it saves me energy from digging deep holes, it saves me energy from having to pack around a bigger bulky detector. The proper detector for the site is a must and in many cases my lighter, faster, better target Identification, sub $1000 investment is the right tool. Pic below - This golden oreo was recovered in old hand placer workings with my VLF. Having what I consider the best identification VLF gold detector on the market saves me time. Pic below - It was recovered at 16" with Minelab EQ-15" coil. Yes I'll be going back over this area with the new CoilTek NOX 15" round as it is even deeper. Gold Knowledge- This is confusing to so many people as they think gold is gold. Yes I too used to think the same way. Luckily I hunt a variety of gold producing locations and sites I like to detect and learn from. My many years of comparing/testing detectors at such sites has given my staff and I an understanding of gold, its characters, density and how the elusive Au responds to the varying detector models from the different manufactures. Many of the nugget photos being shared on social media in years past were dense solid gold pieces and they are beauties. That’s what the detector could easily respond to. In more recent years, the sizes of the nuggets became smaller and we started reading about and seeing some nice specimens. The newer GPX detectors with their advanced tuning and soil timings (Fine Gold) would outperform their older brothers (SD/GP’s) on smaller and courser gold, so when get to make more of those finds and share them. Most recent years has us using SDC-2300 and GPZ-7000’s. Again, the gold gets smaller and the amount of crystalline gold, wire gold, salt/pepper specimens are being unearthed with these detectors supersedes that of their older brothers the GPX series. Pic below - This softball sized specimen was found with a VLF and has multi ounces of gold. VLF picks it up deeper than many bigger detectors. Pic below - This beautiful 3" long quartz and gold specimen came from a trashy ore dump pile with a VLF. Pic blow- These quartz cocoon wire gold specimens bring a premium and come out of hard rock ore dump piles. Pic Below - The PI's don't see these rare pieces, the 7000 barley does on a select few. Pic below - I have a feeling the extra sensitivity of the new GPX-6000 will do even better. Proof – The facts are in the vault at the bank. I own beautiful specimens pieces recovered with detectors and have tested many on a variety of detectors. I have gold finds that are multi ounce pieces and they contain 2 or 3 ounces of gold in them, but for some reason an SD or GP don’t see them, even less than an inch. I also have such pieces my GPX 5000 does not see, but my GPZ-7000 does. What is most amazing, is I have pieces of gold with multi ounces of metal and even the ZED has issues or can barely respond an inch or two away. If this is the case, then why do I have these find gold pieces of art? I’ve taken the time to test and learn my detector tools and have found a certain trusty VLF sees them all, can ID them all, is lighter in weight and so I get to hunt longer, saves me energy since I don’t dig as deep for unwanted targets. Pic below - This specimen came from dredge tailing and the speckled pieces like this get missed by most PI's. Pic below- Over $800 in gold in this 3 ounce specimen and my VLF does better than my GPX-5000 and my SDC-2300. The SDC goes deeper than the GPX. You better know your gold and your detectors capabilities or lack of. Pic below - This 3 ounce specimen was found in trashy hand workings. I actually had a GPZ-7000 here for a couple hours and gave up because of the amount of item trash. A GPX-5000 with DD coil run with DISC mode would be better than my GPZ, but then again my NOX does even better. Better target identification of my NOX, is most important at the site this 3+ oz'er came from. GPX-6000 – A new tool and one that has Gerry very very excited. Now we are about to get a revolution of Geo Sensing Technology with PI power and capabilities for a wider variety of gold textures, densities, characters and sizes. Minelab (and their track record) is even telling us some of such capabilities and so I and a few of the guys who do not like to miss gold, are getting ourselves prepared, getting our old sites, lined up and making sure we are going to take advantage of the stragglers. Remember when the SDC-2300 and GPZ-7000 came out and all the slow response from the majority. You folks missed the opportunity of a lot of gold. My guys and I were killing it in NV and AZ on those so called worked out sites. Was it a gamble to spend that kind of money? If that’s what you love/enjoy and if you have a good track record with Minelab, it’s bet I’ll take most every time. I don’t lose detector bets very often. Pic below- This stunning collectible specimen was found by my brother with his SDC-2300. It came from a place he had previous hunted and found gold with his GPX-5000. The 5000 does not even whisper on it. Minelab claims the GPX-6000 is more sensitive than the SDC-2300 & GPZ-7000. I can't wait to use the GPX-6000 at the site and many others. Hopefully this story and the pics I shared will help educate some of you on how the different detector technologies produce more gold. I realize it's hard to put down your old reliable detector as it has probably and hopefully served you well. If your sites are getting thin of targets and or gold, just maybe a new detector can put the smile back on your face? I'll go back to this simple statement I have said below in other posts and it is the absolute truth. You can't find what your detector don't see. PS - I’ll be honest though, for me it’s the lighter weight, better ergonomics, not being tethered in a harness and User Friendly that has me sold. The extra gold my new GPX-6000 is going to find, is a bonus. PPS – I’m just as eager to test the GPX-6000 with some of my gold and see how much better/worse it does than my GPX, SDC and GPZ. (I'm educating myself). PPPS – I still feel there will be a place for my VLF, as it’s lighter, and have better target ID. See you in the gold field, where the most knowledge is learned. Or speed it up with our 3 days Field Training at www.gerrysdetectors.com Happy Hunting. Gerry

Yes and No and that is a true answer. A Garrett goof did a video of how close the ATX was to certain gold vs a $5800 Minelab GPX-5000 and he sold many ATX detectors. At the same time, a few of the ATX folks would eventually end up in my 3 day Field Training classes and it was there, they seen the real deal difference. To say the least, they felt like they had been lied to. Did Beardog lie to them? Not exactly, but he was either to blind (I'm being nice) to understand how to properly operate the GPX-5000 or he didn't care and wanted to make money. Now to also be fair, many people do not know the 5000 that well as it can easily scatter brain the average person, if you look at all the variables. The problem with the 5000 and even the other GPX series was to dang many options/settings/sub settings...hence the newer machines are getting easier (SDC-2300, GM-1000, GPZ-7000 and now GPX-6000). But here is to answer your question. A 25+ yr old SD-2100 will go deeper on large gold. It will run smoother in highly mineralized soils. It has more coil options. On most medium gold, I would still take the dinosaur SD-2100. But I know there is more smaller gold, I know there is more specimens and sponge type gold many bigger machines struggle with. The ATX has greater sensitivity to smaller gold and certain specimens/sponge gold. It's more compact and also 100% waterproof. The ATX is a way better gold ring detector in saltwater than any Minelab PI detector made to this date. So the answer to your question is still YES and NO. I'll put a spin on this for you and it will totally piss off many people and I'll have folks thinking I have gone off the deep end. In each of the last 3 years I have found more ounces of gold with a sub $1000 detector than my SDC-2300, my GPX-5000, and my GPZ-7000. In fact, I have found more gold with it, than all the gold I have found with the 3 mentioned COMBINED. That's a fact. Part of our 3 day Field Training talks about what I'll mention below. Knowing your detectors capabilities and strong points is a given...but just as important, is knowing its weak points and the kind of gold it's not good at. You can't dig what your detector don't see. Now, we are about to get a new GPX-6000 than can find many kinds of gold better, is lighter in weight and easier to use. Those who wait to long wondering what others have to say? Realize, Minelab has a reputation, a 25+ yr going strong reputation of putting more gold into your pockets than any other manufacture...No ifs, ands or butts..just facts. I don't need to wait for someone to tell me YES it's true...the history and facts are already there, they're GOLDEN.

Very good questions. Here in the US repair department, Minelab does not repair SD or GP series detectors. I know they are repairing 4500's and 5000's, but not sure if the 4000? Realize most external parts on the SD/GP and GPX are all interchangeable within their series. The shafts, arm cuffs, rods and all coils are interchangeable SD/GP/GPX. I still get occasional SD in trade and a few more GP's, but I like to know the history and owner before I make a deal. Right now I have a used GP-Extreme coming in. Like all used detectors I take in trade, I like to run my testing to make sure the operation is good, the battery charges, the coils respond and the overall operation is fine. Yes it will cost you a little more money when purchasing a used detector from me vs Craigslist/eBay or other, but you are also getting a piece of mind by purchasing from a well known and reputable dealer. Shoot me a PM if you are interested in a certain machine, as I have a used SDC-2300 and GPZ 7000 on their way to me as well.

My wife has some of the nicer ones. Most the others are sitting in the safety deposit box at my bank. I have yet to sell any but eventually probably will, it is just a matter of dong it. I'd rather spend timing detecting or selling detectors than actually selling my finds. The EQ-800 is a fine detector for salt water and I have done will. It's now my Back Up go 2 water machine. What do I like using most, the Equinox 600. It gets same depth as my 800, parts are interchangeable if I have an issue and for some reason if it does leak (never had a problem yet) or gets lost/stolen/damaged on the flight, I am not out as much money. I have always felt the EQ-600 is a better bang for the buck detector for most of the people who purchase an EQ and are not in gold nugget country.

Interesting read and Sheppo. I like this page of images. It is just a matter of time and I feel we'll be able to use detection like these.

I'll make this easy on everyone and including myself. My first 20 yrs was detecting old coins, civil war relics, gold jewelry on the beaches, Roman/Celtic in England and general use detecting before I became a dealer. I ran White's, Garrett, Bounty Hunters (BH were good in the days), Compass, Teknetics, and Fisher brands with many models of White's, Fisher and Garrett back in the 70's, 80's and early 90's. In the mid 90's I started chasing gold nuggets and so this is where I'll start as it's easier to remember the last 25 yrs. I have owned and found gold nuggets with at least 40 different models of detectors in the last 25 yrs. I could probably dig up photos of most, but it would take some time. Interesting, we have more followers than I had expected that actually have been enjoying detectors for many years. Hats off to you for keeping the "gold fever", it's real.

What does a Veteran Detectorist think of all the gold detectors? I’ve been hooked and chasing gold nuggets for 25 years with a metal detector. I really don’t care who makes it or where it’s from, as long as the detector can find me more gold. I’ve used most all of the popular gold detectors manufactured and or sold in the US in that same 25 yrs. I’ve watched metal detector manufactures grow, seen them make a few duds, helped a couple introduce some fine detectors to the industry and I hate to admit it, but have watched a couple big name manufactures close their doors. I think it might be fun to share my spin on the brand that seems to just keep getting bigger and stronger – Minelab. Yes there’s a few guys out there who have been using detectors longer than I and maybe they don’t agree with me. No worries, I’m not trying to outdo anyone or prove a point. I just want to share what I have experienced and if someone feels different and wants to take the time to do a write up, that’s even better. It adds to the discussion and conversation of what we here on DP love, detecting for gold. Chuck had asked if Minelab had made a gold detector that was essentially not much of an improvement. Jason gave his input and history of Minelab detector and how he ranked them. I got to thinking, as a Minelab dealer for 20+ yrs and one who was even using their technologies and products in the field with success, before I became a dealer, I feel some more light could be shed and even going back before Jason was on board. Minelab SD-2100. In 1996 I was blown away with the introduction of the SD-2100 and it's power (depth) over a VLF. Yes, it was a heavy detector but I was young and enjoyed digging deep holes. Definitely deserved a 5 star rating as this was the deepest detector I had ever got my hands on. Minelab SD-2200d. The year 1998 a new version, the SD-2200d come along and the depth was on par with the 2100, but the 2200 had some discrimination, which worked ok. This detector did not knock me off my feet, but I did use the DISC in some areas of Oregon to get good gold in trash. I'd rate it a 3 Star. Minelab GP-Extreme. 2000 was a good year and the introduction of the GP-Extreme with DVT (Dual Voltage Technology) allowed for greater improvements on smaller and finer gold than the SD's. Minelabs claim of nuggets 55% deeper than an SD-2200d (wonder why they did not say SD-2100?). I was pretty happy with their claim and my success…when I found an Extreme that ran properly as some of the early ones were noisy. I would give it a 4 star. Minelab GP-3000. The issues of the GP-Extreme were cleaned up and an improved GP-3000 came out in 2003. Again, no big jump in depth, but cleaning up the internal noises allowed for cleaner smoother operation, clearer signal response and a few more nuggets. In my opinion the GP-3000 earned a 3 star. Minelab GP-3500. Only 2 years later in 2005 and the GP-3500 was in my hands. Again, no big depth difference in any types of gold, but the Ground Tracking Button was added to the top of the hand grip. This change was nothing I wrote home about, but it was an improvement. I'd rate it a 3 star at the time. Realize from the SD2100 (I never owned an SD-2000), up through and including the GP-3500, the coils, shafts and power supply were the same, so in reality it's hard to get a big increase in depths. The GP series with the DVT was better at smaller/rougher gold but depth on big gold was all pretty close and I felt in some cases the SD's could get a little better depth on solid nuggets. Today, finding a good clean SD-2100, SD-2200, GP-3000 or GP-3500 and it runs properly, at a decent price, would be a wise move for someone on a budget wanting to step up to a PI. That’s why I am willing to take some of the older units in trade, but the price has to be right. Minelab GPX-4000. 2006 was the GPX-4000, yes a new series "GPX" and there was improved capabilities again on smaller gold, specimens and crystalline gold. New lighter battery, digital readout tuning and more timings. No claim of extra depth from Minelab but I felt the adding timings, and digital adjustments were in fact getting me a few more pieces of gold. I give the GPX-4000 a solid 4 rating of 5. Minelab GPX-4500. In 2008 we were offered the very popular (even to this day), GPX-4500. I personally did not see a big difference in depths and or did Minelab make any claims of such. But it did have SETA (if I recall, a smoothing filter?) and added Timings, improved battery with built in Amp and a better waist belt, for what that’s worth. Even though this machine was not a wow factor for me, it did prove the test of time and to this day is a fantastic PI detector. In fact it was fazed out in the US and then later brought back at a better price point. At the 2nd better price point, certainly a 4 star, maybe 5, but at 1st when came out in 08, I rate it a 3 out of 5. Minelab GPX-5000. Fall of 2010 we get the new improved GPX-5000 with 2 added Timings and some other fine tune adjustments. No big depth differences for most folks, but the 2 timings did have their merit and some folks to this day prefer a 5000 over a 4500. If I was looking at price differences today, I think the 4500 is a better deal at $2600 vs the $4000 price point we see for a GPX-5000 today. Realize the 5000 was priced $5800 and stayed there for a few years with great sales. I don’t recall Minelab stating any depth gains of the 5000 over the others, but I could be wrong? I did find more gold though as the Fine Gold Timing was good for certain kinds of gold. I would rate the GPX-5000 a 3 star. Minelab GPX-4800. Came out about the same time as the GPX-5000 while they tried to faze out the GPX-4500. The 4800 in all fairness a relabeled 4500 in my opinion and it did not sell well, or last long. Still a good reliable detector though and event today finding a used one at the right price is a good move from a VLF. This was in my opinion, Minelabs 1st flop of a gold detector introduction. I rate it at a 1, but performance at a 3. All 4 models of GPX detectors use the same power cords, battery (although the 4500,4800 and 5000 battery have built in amp), same headphones and shafts. Heck even the coils, shafts, headphones are all interchangeable with the SD and GP series as well, nice bonus for us all these years. An interesting spin on the GPX gold detectors, is they are now the most desired detector of the serious Relic Hunters back East. Those East Coast dealers are finally getting to make some money selling a multi thousand dollar unit that performs above all others at depth. SDC-2300. Introduced in 2014, I felt this was a good breakthrough for Minelab and the gold nugget hunting community. Easily the coolest looking most compact gold detector Minelab has made to date, but heavy and awkward. Well we learned to deal with it, as it’s simplicity and performance for the majority of gold (small gold) was a big win. The 100% waterproof had a liking as well and I enjoyed a few nice water hunts with it on some black iron sand beaches with gold & diamond success. No it’s not a deep PI on big gold and Minelab never claimed it was, but boy did and still do, many people have fun and gold finds. I rate the simplicity/performance of the SDC-2300 a solid 5 star. GPZ-7000. Early 2015, a Field Staff Expert and I took a prototype GPZ-7000 to Nevada to test the 40% more depth claims Minelab was touting. Another easy to see benefit of the GPZ was the simplicity when compared to a GPX and we liked it as we also realized most customers felt the GPX detectors were not easy to understand with the 250K variables of timings/sub timings/options/settings. The easier to set up and run 7000 was going to be easier to train and in fact we were worried it might be too easy and nobody would take the training. That eventually went away, as we realized most people still did not have an understanding of proper coil control, a good beep form a bad one and difference from ground noise and a real target. Did we find the 40% depth increase claim to be true? Well no measuring sticks were used, but I know for a fact the 7000 sees a variety of gold deeper than any other previous bigger PI detector I or any of my Field Staff have ever used. Our biggest complaint about the detector was the actual weight. In fact my 1st prototype did not even have the swing arm, which is almost a must for most folks. I rate the GPZ-7000 a solid 5 of 5 stars. I will say this though. Early on, I would have rated it a 4 as I had not spent enough time testing the settings and getting it dialed in like the settings I currently use. Today, I feel the performance of the GPZ-7000 is easily a 5 star. GPX-6000. Introducing in late Spring or early Summer 2021 the most impressive of all GPX-6000. The claims of XXX depth over a variety of gold is impressive to say the least. The ergonomics and feel from my Staff that played with it seems to be a 5 star. The User Friendly cleaned up turn on and go (somewhat like a GM-1000) operation rates a 5 star. Now we just need to get it in our hands and in the field for some actual real prospecting. Then we can rate the stars on Performance vs what Minelab claims. Again, I know some folks will have differing opinions than what I have mentioned. I also know their soils and detecting ground or overall detector knowledge will be different. I realize a few people have higher expectations than some of us and or not as fast to sell their old to try the new, technologies. But when I look back at my 25 yrs of using Minelab detectors, I find very little faults in their claims of depth increases. I’ve also found each new gold detector actually was an improvement over the other (minus the 4800) in some way or another. Do I justify each of us running out and purchasing the next new model? Heck no, I don’t know your income level or how high on the fun scale you rate detecting and digging up gold. But for me, I have found enough gold to pay for all my different Minelabs and I consider detecting to be my #1 passion. In my eyes, Minelab has been the most consistent metal sensing detector manufacture in the last 25 yrs and will probably continue to do so. Each new unit they have come out with has produced more gold for my staff and I. We all expect this new GPX-6000 to do just what we want. That’s to find more gold, with a better ergonomically designed and user friendly detector. Will we find a particular nugget that one of our other detectors may hit at stronger, or a little deeper, or in a certain EMI or soil condition? Could happen, but I don’t worry about the rare anomaly occasion, I look at the overall variety of gold I pursue and chase. I’ll go out on a limb and rate the GPX-6000 a ---- shooting star. Would love to hear your responses. The video is some of my guys and I putting a spin on one of Minelabs 5 Star rated gold detectors.

I agree 100% Gold Catcher. When I hear someone say a detector is junk, but only used for a month? I think the owner did not give it due justice. Typically, it is the operator who has issues, but I don't think so in his case. He likes the extra fine tune features the GB-2 and 24K possess, so he knows those detectors. Or maybe the unit was bad to begin with. I too was not a big fan of the Monster at 1st, but it grew on me the more I used it and I starting seeing its finer points in some situations. My issue at first coming from VLF detectors than needed adjusted all the time. Now I realize, like most folks, the Gold Monster 1000 is a fine tool for most applications. And as others have mentioned, it is truly one of the best detectors to hand to a friend, family or buddy who does not hunt as often, since it's so User Friendly. GM-1000 is the #1 selling VLF gold detector in the US, so I'm certain "junk" does not get mentioned often when compared to the amount of Success it provides the majority. Heck, I'm a NOX fan myself when it comes to VLF gold detectors, but will admit, the biggest piece of gold I found in 2020 was with a customers Gold Monster 1000. Boy it's a hard pill to swallow when you hand over a 10+ ozt specimen with over $5000+ you just dug with someone else's detector. But I got to find it, so that's what counts most.

But my friend...you have at least 1 gold and diamond grill, maybe 2? I have yet to to wear one.

One of my customers in AZ forwarded this pic to me. Looks to be the end of the box from a GPX-6000. Interesting to read what Geo Sensing Technology is. I realize this does not go into detail, but it's a start. I'm quite impressed with the about statements - detect in different environments once thought undetectable. - suppresses unwanted signals via 3 overlapping feedback systems. - super fast detecting of all gold pieces. - GPX-6000 is in tune with you and the earth Best for last- ALL GOLD, ALL SOILS, ALL THE TIME. Your thoughts please? PS. Thanks Ray for sharing the pic. If you are thinking about the GPX-6000, www.gerrysdetectors.com has been been around selling/using Minelabs for 20+ yrs.

I know something is out there, it's just not for recreational use yet. I fly quite a bit with metal detectors and they always pull my bags aside since they can see the coil windings and or a bunch of dirty coins. Heck a few years ago one of my Field Staff and I were coming back from Cancun. I made certain to have my detectors and cheap jewelry in the checked luggage as I did not want them to pull my Carry On. It held over 3.5 oz of gold and platinum rings. Anyway, as my Carry On Backpack is being scanned, they pulled it aside. Some young lady pulls out my container and opens it. She dumps the rings out and looks at my buddy and I, asking why I have some many rings? Being as quick-witted Marine I am, I reach back, put my arms around my buddy, gave her a wink and said, "we're gay...is there a problem with that"? She stuffed them back into the container and off we went. About 10 feet later I get a serious jab in the back of my ribs and a few choice words from my buddy. Anyway, the moral of the story is they can see shapes, sizes and density. I imagine it will be here for regular detecting use in the near future, but at what cost? Pics are from 1 trip, 2 guys hunting 12 hr days. We found over 70 rings with half of them gold and or platinum and just those were over 7 ounces. The nicest one was a ladies diamond ring. I have never done that good before in Cancun and can only attribute it to a recent storm that cut the beaches away, us hunting 12 hr days and practically destroying our bodies. It took me 5 days to recuperate after the MD'ing vacation. His 5 rings with diamonds. My best one of the trip. CTX 3030's killed it for us. My 19 gold or platinum rings on the left and his 16 on the right. This is the 1st time I've shared these pictures. Now you know why the airport Security Screener pulled my bags. We were so lucky that time and I have never kept my stash of gold all together since.

Heck you are really stretching it. I'm just hoping to have new GPX-6000's in my customers hands by Easter. My first 3 Day Field Training class is in April and it would be nice to have my staff and I showing them off.

They do, the Gold Monster 1000. It's lighter and better at tiny gold than a GPZ. Minelab makes a variety of detectors to do a variety of tasks. Just like Ford has a multiple sizes of trucks and then even the same size truck has different packages based off of your driving style.

I agree with a smaller 10" ellip as desired coil down the road but am not to worried at this moment. There has never been a detector in the last 15 yrs that did not have coil options sooner or later from someone. Yes it might be a few yrs though. Africa price and difference? Who cares, it's what it is and we can't change it. Most countries price products to sell to their customers. If it's to high then the product will not sell. Yes we all dream of the perfect detector, coils, battery, pricing and performance, but the reality is we get what they ship us. USA is not the bread and butter making Minelab big money like it used to be years ago. We are an afterthought. No big deal, times change and yrs ago I can remember when USA was the main money maker for Minelab, even over Australia. We can all dream, discuss and wish though...that's why we live in America and have a great DP forum to share. Battery, I don't expect a $400 battery as Minelab had with their older GPX series. The GPZ battery is only $200 and last a day. Folks actually buy them but I can't sell the $400 GPX-5000 battery to save my life and I don't blame folks.

You know Joe, I have found practically everything imaginable with a detector that is metal, but the gold and diamond grill has eluded me. I have dug gold filled teeth, gold crowns, retainers, tongue studs and even found false teeth, but not the grill. Now what is funny, is a few of my own customers have and even one of them here on DP has found 2. Guess I still with big gold grins.

Here's the 1st video Minelab USA did for TV. You might know the English sounding dude from FL. What's interesting is we were able to see Minelab Mine Detector as it turned into a gold detector. The comments towards the end about seeing what's in the ground before you dig it, I'm still waiting. Do you feel, we'll see a detector that can actually see the item or at least the shape of it with any accuracy and if so how long out?

You know, I actually carried around about 8 different coils for a while. One of my own staff came on a trip with me a few years back and showed up with 11 different coils and rods. Heck it took have the room in my truck backseat. I'll stick with simplicity, lighter, newer technology and get more gold. I like the taste.

Rick, You are too good of a gold prospector to not want one. You and I both know Minelab is really the only brand left that continues to get us more gold. Sure there are a couple flash in the pants manufactures of a certain model that is good at a task or two, but the reality is most of us who are serious realize it's Minelab. You own a GPX and GPZ, but if we go off of what you said about available coil selection for a GPX, then you could have just as easily did that with a 20+ yrs old SD-2100. Your justification does have some merit. When you mentioning coils and coil selection, but I think you are missing a big part of the GPX-6000. Ergonomics, lighter weight, not being tethered to a detector, no headphone cord - Bluetooth wireless and to many people - User friendly. Just these benefits alone are worth the investment to many people. Any extra gold we find is a bonus. I don't know any more than you about the SDC-2300 being discontinued soon, but I would certainly doubt it as their price point $3300 US, compact and waterproof are desired features the other machines do not offer. I'll think it will be around for a few more years, or they would not have spent the money they recently did on the upgrades to it. You'll own a GPX-6000 eventually as you have done the same upgrades to the other GPX and GPZ. No worries though, as us prospectors get it in our blood and it's to tempting. Yes some will hold out longer, but in the end..you'll bite...It just tastes to damn good not too. Or, you hold out just to make a point and be carrying around 15 different coils and shafts for your GPX. As most folks get older, we try to make live easier and less clutter. Why you want to be different? Bottom line....you'll bite...It just tastes to damn good not too.

Your Settings on the 7 are pretty close to mine. Smoothing OFF was my 1st year getting used to it and with some knowledge from my staff (who get in the field more often that I), Now I keep it off for most hunts. This is not a do it all, everywhere suggestion, but for Rye Patch and a few of my other areas, it doesn't miss much.