Gerry in Idaho

MXT Sniper, You probably know but I wanted to make sure. Yes a smaller coil will hit small gold better. You are correct, the new EVO and ELITE coils even have more sensitivity and depth. BUT and this is a big BUT... certain types of gold are missed with the Pulse Induction technologies. I have found specimens with over an ounce of gold in them and my PI will hardly see it at 3" and my VLF picks it up at 10". Most of the top hunters have a PI and VLF for a reason. I am suspecting that is why you are looking into a new VLF to compliment the 4500 you are swinging.

Sometimes the gold is not in the rocks. Nice pics my friend.

Jimmy, Good to see someone using a detector for something different than what it was designed for. The SDC-2300 is so fun to use and boy will it punch for small gold and other little targets. Try it in a swimming hole some time and see what turns up, you just might like it. This video was shot the day of actual release to the general public. We had a blast in the water with the SDC-2300 and had Hats Off discoveries.

Chuck, The reason I can go back with new detectors and still find gold my others missed? I learned to share photos real well and keep it that way. I have no troubles "not telling". It did take me a few years and lessons of hard knocks to realize "gold fever" in some folks is serious.

He's alive Chuck. At least a week ago he was.

I'll grab a 24K over a GMT almost every time. I'll also have one to a customer before a GMT too. Plus the 24K has a better price point and is more user friendly.

Realize I am not an Engineer. if I were, I'd be making my own detectors. No.. I am a user of them. I don't know how much more depth I am getting as I have not really been hunting solid ground. I've chased and found pieces in tailing piles and ore dump piles. Maybe one of the other testers will chime in for the ground they have been testing. Yes my threshold runs smoother which allows my ears to hear faint signals better. Your last sentence makes me think you have used one or at least heard one up close? Sorry my answer may not be exactly what you are looking for. I am finding more than my share of gold though.

Our flies are huge as they buzz the piles of political crap we have everywhere. Yes the 24K is better than the GMT in many ways...but I would expect it too. If not, then White's missed the boat. If not, I would not be sharing as much Success. Yes there are a couple things I don't care for, but show me a detector I am totally in love with for every situation? Not going to find one. The majority of folks who get the 24K will be happier than if they were to get some of the others out there. Realize you can't please everybody.

Folks have been wanting to see the 24K find small gold. Heck I really don’t care to chase fly shit specs, but I did decide to hunt some ore dump piles for tiny crystal nuggets. No they may not be as small, but before you bark…please know your gold. Crystalline gold does not hit as well as solid pieces and my limited trials with test pieces of small solid pickers does in fact respond louder and farther away than these bits. Yes I am happy with the results of these finds as I had already hunted the exact same pile before, but to be honest it was before I had a manual and now the manual has taught me even more. Contact me if you are interested in the new 24K.

Today I was teaching one of the White's Reps how to find gold and we found some too. He even recovered his 1st piece alone and was quite thrilled. Hopefully he shares the video.

Folks, My conditions could be totally different and probably are. The sites I have been detecting are not typical mineralized soils, but more of old worked tailings and ore dump piles. The 1st pic piece was only 3 to 4" and it was a screamer as expected for that size. The 3rd pic, which is the 2nd nugget was maybe 3" at most. The last pic was actually the deepest and it was 5 to 6". Guess I messed up on the photos as I do not have a pic of the 4 posted...sorry. I'm not an Engineer so I could not say for certain if the new XGB alone adds more depth, but I am a believer of the smoother a detector can operate, the easier my ear can hear distinguish a faint signal. I do feel in the sites I have tested, it does run much smoother and less EMI as well. Also, I am able to operate literally 5 feet away from another 24K. This is from White's - Detection of the 24K is better in certain situations up 40%. Yes, even an ugly nugget can look good if you know how to take a picture with right lighting and background. My 4 biggest LIKES of the 24K so far. 1st is User Friendly Operation. 2nd is the Smoother/Fast Ground Balance. 3rd is price. 4th is...I'm finding some nice gold...and having fun doing it.

Go west young man and be sure to take a VLF gold detector. That was the dream I had...so I packed the rig and off I went. My research showed load gold and so I knew the potential for some VLF pickin was possible. The White's 24K performed as I had hoped. Photos of a few more specimen pieces. Yes I did get a manual and it makes a world of difference. I think I'll go back to another site I found a picker and with the new settings, I should be able to and some more to the poke. After all, mama needs more shoes. I'm expecting to have new in box detectors to sell end of next week. Contact me for details.

Go west young man and be sure to take a VLF gold detector. That was the dream I had...so I packed the rig and off I went. My research showed load gold and so I knew the potential for some VLF pickin was possible. The White's 24K performed as I had hoped. Photos of a few more specimen pieces. Yes I did get a manual and it makes a world of difference. I think I'll go back to another site I found a picker and with the new settings, I should be able to and some more to the poke. After all, mama needs more shoes. I'm expecting to have new in box detectors to sell and of next week. Contact me for details.

Andy, Both Phrunt and JW are correct. There are so many variables to consider for each of the different gold coins. Now with that said, I have witnessed and even successfully accomplished some fine tuning and Discrimination Setups for certain detectors to find desired targets. But I want you to know "it is not 100% guaranteed". When I was younger and eager to babysit a group of detectorists for a week or 2, I used to take groups to England around the Colchester area. We used to keep in contact with all the folks who hunted there and after some time there would be certain fields that gave up a specific type of gold coin. For example, gold Morini was pretty common on one field and some guys would only dig targets that fell in the Morini range. Yes you missed many other potential finds, but you upped your chances at finding the small elusive Morini (1/4 Stater). On another field, there were quite a few Celtic 1/2 Staters recovered from the different groups, so a few of the hard core hunters would set their DISC pattern to reject all targets that fall outside of that range. Realize depth and a few other factors call dictate and change the signature of that target. As for gold rings, I have found more than my share, but I play the odds. For example, I did a video on the Minelab X-terra 705 a few years back and took approx 50 gold rings swinging each across the coil to get the signature of them. I placed each ring in line with all the other rings that gave the same digital readout. What I found was certain #'s had a higher % change of being a gold ring. The lower % chance #'s and the #'s that I had no gold rings reading, I simply rejected. There were some many comments across the world from folks who became more successful at finding gold rings. You must realize there is always an exception to the rule. My use of the X-705 to find rings in schools/parks was for recently lost rings near the surface. With my Equinox, I have recovered 23 gold or platinum rings so far. As I get around 50, then I'll be able to see a pattern of the most #'s pertaining to a gold ring near the surface. Then I can play the odds and start rejecting the #'s that do not resemble. You being in UK, there are literally a 100+ different kinds of gold coins in the fields. If you know of such a field that a hoard of a certain type of gold coin was recovered, then you can dial that coin in with a disc pattern to help. My opinion only - As for the kHz Setting, I would not recommend the higher 40 kHz, as it is too high and you'll be hitting every tiny bit of metal and lead. 20 kHz would be much easier on the ears and ads a little more depth too. Many folks do this and they don't miss much. "Just Dig It All"...but I'll play the odds when trying to find a certain target or hunt a particular site I know the history behind. Good luck to you and be sure to share your 1st gold photo and story with us. Here is the video I did on the X-705 and my findings.

I would have bet money it was an early White's model because there are so many parts that are exactly the same. The short stem white plastic shaft. Coil attached it with a brass bolt that had black plastic knobs. The actual handle, external speaker and even the knobs are same size, shape and color. The white plastic cap that screws the coil cord into the coil is even the same. The battery goes in the back like the White's and it even has the black plastic battery buckle clips. I'm thinking it is an early to mid 70's model and maybe a knock off of White's? I know Sears sold White's detectors in the 70's or early 80's. Keep us informed.

Jim, Those are very strong and kind words...I'll accept them lightly as I know others on here have put more effort and time sharing their experiences. Yes I have been fortunate with many detectors, but at the same time, I try to put myself in the best situations when trying to make a machine perform. Then there is the skill of the operator behind the detector and I feel years in the field have earned some tidbits of knowledge. Hats off to you for doing something fun that I wish I understood...but in reality it is lack of time. I too am amazed at what a person can do with a rod/probe. I have a good friend in NV who an tell the difference from rusty cans, glass, and hard metal...from rock. He put himself through college digging privies. Last time I witnessed him in action, he pulled about $3K in rare bottles 4 to 6' down. He walks around a site sticking the rod in the ground feeling for the right ting and listen for the right ping. He found this Seven Troughs NEV bottle on that day and had it sold for $900 before he got back home that night.

On one of my posts, GM_Amateur asked about the newer version Fisher Gold Bug and Gold Bug-Pro. He wanted to know if they are Gold Detectors or Multi Purpose. I classify the Gold Bug and Gold Bug-Pro as true Multi Purpose detectors. I put the MXT series and F75 in the same category too. To me, it's a detector with medium kHz operating in the teens and having an adjustable Discriminator capable of rejecting ferrous and nonferrous targets if desired. When I tested the 1st prototypes of the Gold Bug I was very impressed with its sensitivity to small pickers (see photo). Then when the GB-Pro came out and I was able to get my hands on the larger coil, I was very happy with the performance. The GB & GB Pro were priced right at the time (less than many others), but performed well. I could take 1 detector on a trip in the mountains and use it for both gold and coin/relics. Your thoughts and input please?

Nice bit of info and read. Thanks for sharing.

GB_Amateur, I classify the newer version Gold Bug and the Gold Bug-Pro as true Multi Purpose detectors. I put the MXT series and F75 in the same category too. To me, it is a detector with medium kHz on the teens and having an adjustable Discriminator capable of rejecting ferrous and nonferrous targets. When I tested the 1st prototypes of the Gold Bug I was very impressed with its sensitivity to small pickers (see photo). Then when the GB-Pro came out and I was able to get my hands on the larger coil, I was very happy with the performance. The GB & GB Pro were priced right at the time (less than many others), but performed well. I could take 1 detector on a trip in the mountains and use it for both gold and coin/relics.

While on a recent gold hunt at a new site with the up and coming 24K I was not having much luck at finding gold. After 4 hours and no heavy yellow metal, I changed gears and decided to see how I liked the digital readout ID system on the machine. Well I can tell you this. Yes the numbers might move around some, but when it locks on to the right with a high number, you better dig. The site must have had a building, as there was iron, glass and even broken brick scattered about. I used the small 6" coil to get between iron trash and try to sniff out the high conductors and it worked. It actually did better than I expected and I should have saved the other bullets and buttons, but they were nothing special or neat about them. Pocket Watch is certainly a keeper. No it is not gold or even silver for that matter, but at least it was a timely find. The pistol bullet is an oldie for sure. The ceramic tube was odd, as I could not figure out why the detector kept hitting on it? Then I realized there was a copper wire going through it. Still not 100% certain what this find is, but I think it had to do with electrical wiring and or insulator of some kind? If you know, chime in. The coolest discovery to me was a really nice ornate bottle top. It's a screw on type made of lead and looks to be a crown. But it has white glass on the inside of the cap. There again, if you have an idea, please share you knowledge. So if I can be at an old mining camp and pick these treasures among iron, I feel a Relic Hunter could do the same thing. What about Urban Detecting for micro jewelry in a tot lot or volley ball court? I think you could pull a few ear rings, belly studs and toe wraps from those sites as most folks who hunt them find the larger coins and rings. Heck, their machines might even miss a dainty ankle bracelet too. Moral of the story. A gold detector is best at finding gold, but realize it also has other capabilities that can allow for more fun/finds. What are some of your favorite non gold nugget finds with a gold detector, I'd love to see them.

While on a recent gold hunt at a new site with the up and coming 24K I was not having much luck at finding gold. After 4 hours and no heavy yellow metal, I changed gears and decided to see how I liked the digital readout ID system on the machine. Well I can tell you this. Yes the numbers might move around some, but when it locks on to the right with a high number, you better dig. The site must have had a building, as there was iron, glass and even broken brick scattered about. I used the small 6" coil to get between iron trash and try to sniff out the high conductors and it worked. It actually did better than I expected and I should have saved the other bullets and buttons, but they were nothing special or neat about them. Pocket Watch is certainly a keeper. No it is not gold or even silver for that matter, but at least it was a timely find. The pistol bullet is an oldie for sure. The ceramic tube was odd, as I could not figure out why the detector kept hitting on it? Then I realized there was a copper wire going through it. Still not 100% certain what this find is, but I think it had to do with electrical wiring and or insulator of some kind? If you know, chime in. The coolest discovery to me was a really nice ornate bottle top. It's a screw on type made of lead and looks to be a crown. But it has white glass on the inside of the cap. There again, if you have an idea, please share you knowledge. So if I can be at an old mining camp and pick these treasures among iron, I feel a Relic Hunter could do the same thing. What about Urban Detecting for micro jewelry in a tot lot or volley ball court? I think you could pull a few ear rings, belly studs and toe wraps from those sites as most folks who hunt them find the larger coins and rings. Heck, their machines might even miss a dainty ankle bracelet too. Moral of the story. A gold detector is best at finding gold, but realize it also has other capabilities that can allow for more fun/finds.

As many of you know I’ve been selling detectors for 20+ years and using them 2X the time. The majority of US manufactures and a few out of country brands have allowed me to test some of their machines. In years past I was quite happy and willing to do so, to help promote the hobby I love. With the age of internet and email things started to change. Then came forums and social media so everyone gets info with the click of a key the day someone makes a post. That is good for many folks wanting to see the latest finds and which detectors are producing them. I’m still all about sharing discovers and saves (when time permits). But there are drawbacks as well to forums/chat groups and I try not to get caught up in the brand or model comparisons. There’s a fine line as a tester to walk and one that I now do… with not as much desire. It has nothing to do with wanting to test a detector, but actually dealing with and trying to keep people happy with my answers. I’ve learned it is not possible and even the manufactures usually agree. The folks who know me, realize my posts and comments about a product are usually in good taste as I respect each manufacture and their teams trying to come up with something better. Competition among brands is what keeps each of them on edge and always trying to 1 up and it is not always about depth. There are way more factors involved in determining performance of a detector and depth capabilities. Have you ever read a statement from a manufacture that claims “guaranteed X amount of depth on a dime with this model, etc”? No they won’t, as there are too many variables across the lands. I’m here telling you the same thing. I won’t make such bold statements as I too have learned each site and or nugget is different and unique. My comments are what I think and feel comfortable saying with the skill and knowledge I have acquired in the field. Your abilities with the same machine could be better and or worse, but I won’t question it, as I can’t duplicate you, the site you are at or the exact target/depth etc. In a few weeks or months there will be plenty of folks jumping on the internet sharing their good/bad experiences and making statements of what this new detector can or can’t do, see or hear. Realize, some of the people saying such things may not be as good of a detectorist as someone else. Their settings could be different and even is the same, their coil control might be off? Either way, if everything they did was the same, their mindset could be different. If you go into doing a test with negative thoughts, then you’ll surely find plenty of things to pick apart of any detector. My posts on the forums and chats will mainly be of sharing detector finds. I might on occasion mention a feature I like of a detector and once in a while even drop a note about not liking something or wishing the next model/version be slightly different. I feel the majority of people want to see finds made with a detector and when they do that they realize it does perform. The more we see finds of a certain model, the more it is accepted as a good unit, but ultimately only time will tell. What I will not be posting is what size of gold at a certain depth the detector can stretch. No I won’t be doing any GB-2 vs GMT vs GM-1000 vs 24K either. After all, I am just 1 person and my time is also limited. After all I have a business to run too…and mama always wants a bigger diamond ring. Thanks for your understanding and I hope my comments/photos are inspiring.

Just to prove those who know how.. can find gold nugget pickers with the the Multi Purpose White's V3i.

Thought I'd share my 1st gold specimen found in tailing piles with the new White's GoldMaster 24K. It's starting to perform and I'm getting better with the detector. I heard a manual was on the way to me. Not bad for a 4 hour hunt. The discovery weighs in at 21.4 gram and has approx 5 to 7 grams of gold. I'll do a specific gravity test this winter when things slow down. Update - I now have read the manual and actually did another hunt at an ore dump site. Photos/story to come. My initial order is getting shorter, so if you are wanting one please call and we'll put a $100 deposit. Gerry

Well written wise words & wisdom.... Just the name "Condor" say's a lot about your style. Glad you are still with us my friend. Great story.