Gerry in Idaho

14 hours ago, geof_junk said:

I wonder how many large nuggets will be found before Easter.

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.

11 minutes ago, Hobo said:

Do you think ML is going to sell a detector that is better and lighter than the GPZ for less money.

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.

4 hours ago, Chase Goldman said:

I guess the only reason would be swing accessibility.  You can swing the 11" in more constrained spots.  Would be nice to have a smallish DD elliptical (for noise canceling or salt work) or even mono, that gives good swing coverage but lighter weight and tight spot accessibility when depth is not an overriding concern.

I actually haven't seen anything that indicates the African package is priced the same.   Did I miss that?  

 I shudder to think what ML is going to charge for that second battery.

 

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.

15 hours ago, Joe D. said:

 Now that is a rock star!!

   I'll take that, over a grill, anyday!! Just a little tougher to keep in your mouth though!!👍👍

22 hours ago, Joe D. said:

   Gerry,

   The only thing your missing in that pic is a gold and diamond studded grill, you rock star you!!🤣👍👍

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?

1 minute ago, cobill said:

Gerry, your GPX pic "Says it all"!

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.

11 hours ago, araratgold said:

You say I am being negative, I say I am being a realist JP.

I have a nice selection of very expensive coils for our current GPX that just won't fit the new 6K, and a selection of X Coils for the ZED. I don't want to be locked into Minelab's limited coil offerings again.

$8K plus is just taking the Mickey as far as I am concerned ! Mine the miners !

I can see the appeal of this detector to new chums, who don't already have a heap of equipment.

PS : Apologies to Goldcatcher who first put the chart on.

Rick

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.

On 2/12/2021 at 9:45 PM, Gold Catcher said:

Could be invisible with smoothing on. With smoothing off in HY/N I have picked up stuff so small that you can barely see it with your eye. So, I remain curious how much better the 14dd ultimately will be on tiny gold. So much depends on the settings on how you run the GPZ and conditions. Also, not many people pay attention to the really tiny gold with a GPZ. I do.

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.

57 minutes ago, Dances With Doves said:

Hi  Jerry.Are the ears  on the  Coiltech   coils  better then the Minelab ones.A 15 inch coil will be nose heavy and you want stronger ears.

I won't know until they come in.  I've never broke an X-Terra coil ear or an Equinox coil ear and I probably have more hours on those two machines than most folks.  Now that is funny, I did break a ear on a 17" coil that goes to my CTX 3030 one winter.  I was hunting a swimming hole in the winter that gets drained and so it was very Idaho cold that day n the 30's.  Not sure exactly how I did it, but next thing you know the coil is kind of flopping.

I have seen seen broken ears on X-Terra coils and heard of a couple on the Equinox coils, just like I have with Garretts, Whites and Fisher.  The more popular a detector, the more that are out in the field, so the more we hear about it, but the % vs sold is actually pretty good.

As I said, I have never broke an EQ or X-Terra ear, but did hear of a product that snaps in place and is supposed to beef it up.  I think they run about $10.  For $10 to those who feel they might run into issues, I think that's cheap insurance.

So now I wonder?  Do we want lighter coils as some folks have complained, or beefier ones?

Either way, CoilTek coils come with a 2 year warranty.

I do quite a bit of water hunting each time I get to MX, Bahamas and HI.  I have used larger coils and do get better depth for the heavy gold or platinum rings.  But the weight of the coil in water is not an issue.  We can all move heavier objects in water than on land and I can move a heavy coil in water easier than on land just as well.  One thing to mention most don't realize, unless they do it.  The heavier coil does not get tossed around in the moving surf as easy as a lighter coil and the heavier coil seems to snug the bottom better, allowing for best depth.

These pics were of me using the 14x9" coil for the CTX 3030 on a MX hunt a few years back.  

On a side note, I agree with Trevor.  If you want best depth. then go the lighter 15" round coil.

Just so those who don't know, I have all 3 versions on order and waiting for them to arrive.

Heck Lunk,  Your post with the testing is almost good enough to be it's own post, but maybe Steve feels it's best here.

Either way, with performance like that in CANCEL Mode of all things and a DD coil is most impression.  So they are not joking when they say it will find smaller gold than a GPZ-7000. 

Also looks like the box is different coloring than what we seen from Africa. 

Thanks for taking the time for the informal testing, pictures, questions and posting for us here on Detector Prospector.  Just another reason why I enjoy having you on my team.

2 minutes ago, jasong said:

They need to let field testers talk about performance, or give it to some field testers in Australia and the US to go do independent testing if they want to generate more excitement. The leaks and the ads are ho hum at this point IMO.

You know me well and know my Field Staff and I used to get to test Minelab detectors before they came out.  That seems to be Minelab of past and all I can do is scratch my head?

Maybe if enough folks complained to Minelab USA, someone there might actually get a "light bulb" moment?

I can confirm the US version with have 11" round mono and 14" round DD.  I'm most certain the US is only getting 1 battery.  As I get more info that I am allowed to share, I'll keep you/DP updated.

Heck Steve,  Your getting me all hot/bothered.  Keep it up and I'll even shave/shower for you.

Of all the high end gold detectors my Field Staff and I have used/sold, this has me foaming the most.  I'm getting all buggy eyed.

My Pre Order list is not what I would have expected, but I guess most are waiting to see what others have to say. Contact www.gerrysdetectors.com and YES as a VET myself I offer the 15% discount to Military.

I used to do quite a bit of day trips out of a backpack and on occasion a 3 day trips.  These were a few yrs ago when my back was good.

Here are some of the items I enjoyed taking along and in no particular order.

Breakfast was instant hot oatmeal and my JetBoil compact cooker had water boiling in 60 seconds.  It was also nice to enjoy a hot Ramen Noodle in the evening.  If I was not up for a quick cooking, just slam a Protein Drink and go.

Day munchies included individual cheese (will last a week without refrigeration), Slim Jims/Jerky, Trailmix and figs.

Dinner was individual Beef Stew packets, or Tuna/Chicken packets and half a bagel with peanut butter.

In fact to this day I carry most everything in the pics in my truck 24/7 except the cheese.

As other have mentioned, a water purification straw is nice as well.

If available, I like to take stream water and use powdered Gatorade for hydration.

Today I usually have my truck within reach and like to keep a bag of apples or oranges.

The fruit/vegetable that holds the most water is a cucumber 96%, and they actually last a few days in the field.  But some folks are not into their flavor.

The next best thing most people enjoy is a watermelon and it is 92% water and very good for you.  Only problem is that size and weight of watermelon, so I keep it at the truck.

Field Knowledge - FIGS..  One of the best fruits for you, very high in natural sugars.  They prevent cramps and optimize hydration.  Figs are a true superfood, containing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals like Potassium and Magnesium. Potassium also helps balance out sodium concentration in your blood to lower blood pressure.

Water - and plenty of it.  Hard to take gallons with you on a pack, but if you are in desolate areas, I'd make sure water is with you at all times.

Now when I detect with good friends.  I make sure Chef Rusty comes along.  As long as his trailer can get there, we'll have eggs/bacon/hash browns toast or waffles in the morning.  His famous burgers with fresh sautéed mushrooms, or cheese stuffed bacon wrapped jalapenos, or chicken cacciatore, or prime rib and twice baked potatoes.  He has the best baked beans you'll ever get your lips on and don't dare even think of asking for the recipe.  He finishes the evening with a plate of warm berry pie and old fashion vanilla ice cream.  At Chef Rusty's camp, all I'll bring is a roll of toilet paper and a bottle of antacids. Oh...and my electric blankie, favorite snuggy pillow.

At my age, I'm leaning more towards the Chef Rusty style of camping.

I've sold thousands of GPX detectors and have yet to hear/see this problem.  I would have thought the switch was bad, but you said it was sent in to Minelab, so that would have been checked.

In the meantime, I recommend disconnecting the power supply when in travel ( to/from ) the detecting site.

On 2/8/2021 at 9:07 AM, Steve Herschbach said:

When this topic comes up I usually toss in this test I did with the White's DFX and some gold nuggets. It shows how the size of the nugget has less effect than the purity and shape/porosity of the gold. The numbers are all over the place, but in general, the purer and more solid the gold, the higher the number.

Some Gold Nugget Target ID Numbers

In general, Alaska gold is lower purity than California and Australian gold, resulting in lower target id numbers. Note that a very large gold nugget will give similar readings as a 12 oz aluminum can!

Some old nugget target id numbers

Love this chart Steve and it brings back great memories from a customer of mine.  Gene was on one of my trips to Ganes Creek, AK.  This was mid way of their trips yrs and the MXT was top machine at the time.  Were hunting a fresh push and everyone was swinging up/down the rows as fast as they can.  After it slowed and a few went on, I get in there and methodically hunt my style and a couple others stayed with me.  Anyway, Gene gets a WHAM of a signal and yells.  "It says Buckle" on the screen.  Back then the MXT when run up at Ganes, we smart guys preferred the RELIC MODE over the PROSPECT MODE, as it had better ID and smoother operation.  Well Dr T (from Reno on his 1st trip) says, "that means it's a beer or soda can and too high of a # for a gold nugget".  Gene looks at me and shrugs his shoulder as to say "well Gerry, would you dig"?  I told him, T was probably right, but since the cobbles we were in was also the same ones the Heart of Gold that Steve B found, that it will only take a few minutes to find out.  Well the buckle turned into grown men jumping around acting like teens who seen their 1st Playboy.  It was a 6 ounce Buckle of a nugget.

Moral of the story.  You don't know what you don't dig.

Dang good work and write up Chuck.  Your math is quite above standard as well as your collection...provided the math is correct.  But I'm not hear to put doubt on that.

I could easily see the thicker band of gilding earning a response from the NOX, especially in Gold 1 Mode, ALL METAL, Tracking OFF.  Your testing in all lower frequencies and getting a response was interesting, but I do like the #1 and #2 readings as I find many nuggets at the #1.

I don't think you have enough there on your 2000 pieces to make it worth scaping at this time.  I also wonder (as your post asked) if certain ceramic does have some metals or lean in the glasses of the shine.  Here is why I say this.

Valens Legacy (Caleb) emailed me and asked if marbles had metal in them because he dug up some with this Equinox.  I thought it was random luck, as I too have found a few marbles in the same hole as I dig a metal target.  Well he did some testing and sure enough, the marbles do respond.  So he educated me and we both think there must be some lead in the glass.

Anyway, I hope someone else gets to take the Holiday dishes out of the China Cabinet and see if their NOX can detect them. 

Interesting read either way.

Entertaining story and pics to go with it.  Those little chunky nuggets are what keeps us going.  The trash missed by others just goes to separate the men from the boys and you my friend are doing it right.  Those of us who know, realize your time, energy and persistence is part of  what allows you Success.  Keep it up and thanks for sharing with some of us Frozen Northern Dreamers.

Love this story and your pics to show the VA gold.  I try to get back East every other year to do some Civil War Relic hunting and meeting a few of my old Marine Corps buddies (NC, SC, GA)  I've been able to convert a few of them to detecting, but they don't have the fever like I.

My last trip to VA was at the 1765 Montpelier Estate, home of the 4th President of the United States, President James Madison.  I was one of a dozen dealers across the US to be honored and selected to represent a metal detector to Archeologists.  We showed them the benefits of modern technology by using a detector.  The 2 machines I specialized in were the GPX and ETrac.  In return, they showed us the importance of proper recovery of all objects and much more.  It was a win win for both young and old.  I remember at the closing ceremonies, I gave a short speech (yea right, me short), and said this. 

"I grew up from a young age 7 yr old boy with detector in hand and this is my tool to recover history.  I enjoy and cherish each of my treasures, some more than others...just like you.  I'm proud of my accomplishments with a detector and take pride of what I do. You learned Archeology with a brush in hand and how to use it for success.  You take pride in your discoveries and the history you save.  You too are proud of your work and what you do. So the reality.. we are not much different, but use varying tools/technology to achieve said success, in a way we are the same"  

To this day, of all my 40+ yrs of detecting accomplishments, that stands up there with pride.

If I get back to VA area sometime and you'd like to see how a GPZ-7000 or GPX-6000, heck it might even be GPZ-8000 by then... let me know.  I'll even let you or the land owner keep the gold, but I would enjoy having 1 nugget to add to my collection and be my 1st VA gold.

On 2/7/2021 at 7:48 PM, paradiceau said:

As you highly experienced operators know, the hearing capabilities of different detector operators can vary greatly, I only detected a slight woo weee sound and had to listen several times.......

It seems like there should have been much stronger target responses considering the size and depth of the targets.  😉

Cheers,

Jeff

It would have been nice to have a teaser signal (the sound of the actual detector over a nugget), but I guess we'll have to wait for the next tease.

Thanks for posting the video Swegin.  Hopefully my website guy has it on my site tomorrow.  Of all 3 coils, I too.. feel the 10" ellip is going to be the best seller for most of my people.  Heck I even sent a 2nd order...all 10" Ellips., as I already have the other 2 on my original order to Coiltek.  The 10" Ellip is ideal for Prospecting nuggets on a VLF and I also like it for semi trashy sites when detecting old Coins/Relics.

Hopefully I'll have some of these coils soon as I'm getting prepared for our Field Training coming up in Nevada.  Boy would it be nice to be swinging, testing, selling the new GPX-6000's and the NOX coils.  If I have some to take, I might even head down a few days early just to put some time on them.

22 hours ago, Walker said:

I would love to talk with Pieter. We have a dear friend in common. He is the root of the reason I hit the gold fields. If anyone can get me in touch with him I would be so appreciative. My friends name was Warren Weatherly. He died in a construction accident.

You might reach out to Hobo, who posted above.  He is Pieter's detecting buddy.

4 minutes ago, PG-Prospecting said:

With a detector only in Virginia which is unique for detecting gold.  Don’t hear much about east coast nugget shooting.  

We'd love to see some of the VA gold when you get a chance.  You have the state almost to yourself as I've only sold a few gold detectors to VA.  Thanks for giving us the East Coast treat and well earned as I know it's not easy.