Gerry in Idaho

McCulloch & McMullen...sounds like a Lawyer Firm. I can't wait to see some photos of your other digs I missed out on. Yes I can sometimes take my detecting serious, so my Marine March never misses a beat. Thanks again Jim for taking the time to visit us Idaho Diggers again.

I personally thought it was the best find of the hunt by anyone. What was so much more impressive is the Lady Digger found it without a detector. I've only dug 2 Chauffeur badges in my 40+ years and both are Idaho too...Glad you liked it as well.

Spud Digger invited me to a Private Property hunt last weekend with about 25 other diggers. The site goes back to the 1860's. Now I wish all the finds were dated then, but the cabins were used and lived in in the 1900's Depression era too. Yes we find the occasional wheat cent from the 30's, but that is ok. We also get hunt the mining piles for gold nuggets, which makes this exact place a fun hunt for those who enjoy a variety. Anyway, my oldest US coin on this hunt was an 1890 Indian Head cent, as well as a couple Chinese Cache coins, a lead soldier on a horse, a coin size sterling flower piece, a cute little shoe bottom (either a child or a Chinamen?). Also recovered the normal suspender clasps, buckles and a few eye candy glass buttons. Even a non metal knife sharpener was spotted in one of my digs. One of my favorite finds besides the "Idaho City, Idaho" token (I love local history saves), was the tire pressure gauge. But the best find of the trip by anyone (at least in my opinion) was the 1918 State of Idaho Chauffeur #1159 Badge. Part of what made this find so unique is the lady digger who found it, was sifting for bottles and not even using a detector. If anyone can share some light on the badge, please let us know.

So good to see you and Craig again. I know it was a long ways for you to drive from Southern CA., but we try to share the wealth and this time you two went home with some good Idaho gold. You must have found the coins after I pulled out? Well that just goes to show I was willing to let you go home with a couple. Were they under the two brightly painted rocks that said "look here"? Here is a photo of some of your gold finds Jim. Hopefully Spud Digger has another hunt later this year when the weather is a little more cooperative. Again, It was good to see you two again and thanks for helping on the class for Gold Hunting. They really enjoyed us, I was told many times.

Bogie, I've put thousands of hours on an E-Trac and done very well. I can say the same with a CTX 3030 as well. I have hundreds of hours on an Equinox only because it has not been out that long. I feel in most of my hunts, the NOX will find a variety of targets better than the E-Trac. Nox is lighter and faster recovery in trash. Nox is 100% WP and much better at gold nugget hunting and or meteorites. E-Trac hits deeper silver and large cents better in my soils, as Steve mentioned. E-Trac has a better variety of coils as options. E-Trac has more accurate ID for those who like looking at the screen. I very seldom pay attention to screen ID...use your ears. E-Trac long tones is much easier for the ear to hear vs the NOX quick chirps..as Bryan mentioned. I sold my CTX 3030, but still own my E-Trac. Part of the reason for owning the E-Trac is I have it set up with a 15" WOT and X-1 probe. If I could only get one of the 2 machines and I was only after Coins/Relics...I'd probably get the NOX, especially if I was hunting old trashy sites with a lot of iron nails. If you can afford both, then go for it. Each detector is a tool and there are Pros/Cons to both.

Now that is a find...the site I say. Great eye to realize the potential and take advantage with your NOX. Thanks for sharing and taking good photos too.

Very nice gold ring find. I hope you and the family will enjoy more time together with detector in hand. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing.

Dave, Sorry to hear you are not as pleased with the NOX as some others. I'll accept your grade, but I also do not know what you had expected from the NOX? Your experience with it and your grading system is hard for some to accept as our results are different. BUT... I feel the term "Beach Hunter" is to broad and each of us has our favorite part of a beach/water to hunt. Your experience level of BBS and FBS technology speaks volumes, but sometimes old salty VETS are the toughest to crack with a new detector? As a fellow detectorist myself who was in love with the same BBS and FBS as you...for different reasons, I also wanted the Multi IQ technology to be just as good and or better. Guess what my experience in MX has shown me? Location and beach mineralization is key to a detectors smooth operation, as is a properly tuned unit. With your 20 yrs of experience, you know it took you many hours to get tuned with your detector and you also learned some beaches were different than others. I've seen the same results with the NOX and I learn to adapt and move on. We both know the BBS and FBS in non black sand beaches has fabulous depth and smooth operation. But a trade off is a heavier detector and one that misses finer gold jewelry. Now in black sand beaches, non of these detectors will get ideal depths and that is why we use PI's. As for chatter at the wave break and having to drop your GAIN? I accept it, as I know the NOX is a more sensitive detector. 1st off though, I can't seem to get much more than 19 on GAIN when in deep water and sometimes only 17, to run smooth. If I go to shallow wave break, I seem to be around 14/15 on GAIN. I feel you are trying too hard to get max depth and worrying about having to drop the GAIN a little for that 1 area of wave break. Is it really worth complaining, the 2 seconds it took to drop the SENS down a couple? Realize it's a new detector, new technology and you..a new user of the detector...also this Multi IQ technology has Strong/Weak points, just like any other detector on the market. Pinpoint Mode - Very seldom do I waist time in the PP mode, so I would not be the one to know on it. Here is what I LOVE about the NOX for Beach/Water Hunting. Price vs Performance is TOPS. The EQ-600 is by far the best value and my Military VETS can get one for $550. No other machine in this price range is even close. BBS Xcal-1000 is $1500 and FBS CTX 3030 is $2500. Not even close. Grade A Compact is TOPS. I cut my lower shaft 4" and the complete detector can fit in a Carry On luggage on the plane. Won't be able to do that with a CTX 3030. In fact the lower shaft on the CTX is so flipping long, I had to purchase a bigger than normal piece of luggage for Checked in, not carry on. Grade is a B, as I had to cut the shaft. No leaks in my NOX and it has been to MX on six 1 week trips with each day being fully submerged 6 to 8 hours a day. My BBS and FBS can't do that. Heck, just ask Minelab how many of the older style CTX 3030's I was sending back. At first they thought I was doing something wrong, so they were blaming me, a well known dealer. Glad they pulled their head out of their arse and realized the issues. Grade of the NOX an A when compared to BBS and FBS, but I do see a potential down the road. NOX gets an B for Greater Sensitivity to Micro jewelry and gold chains vs BBS and FBS. Now realize there is a trade off with greater Sensitivity. I think you are seeing it. Swinging the NOX in the water 8 hours a day is so so much easier than Xcal or CTX. CTX shaft is like a paddle, that stinking thing is so wide. Only good part of it is, after my hunt and when the pain finally goes away, I can usually beat those young bucks at an arm wresting contest. I give the NOX an A Charging the NOX vs Xcal and CTX is easily an A grade. All I take on the plane now is the cable. So what are my...What I don't likes about the $650 EQ-600 for Beach/Water Hunting when compared to the BBS Xcal-II or FBS CTX 3030. Yes the other machines are 3 to 4 times the price, so there has to be some bad right. I feel the BBS and FBS has an advantage in DEPTH on bigger gold rings in most of the salt beaches I have hunted. I grade the NOX a C average, but bump it up to a B, because I know it does better and goes deeper on Micro gold. Material used for shafts get a D grade. Aluminum 2 piece shaft is not good for long term use in salt water. CTX was carbon fiber and so I expect the same on a 100% waterproof detector. Stability at waters break grades a C, meaning average. But I know how to easily adjust the SENS in 2 seconds and I am fine. As you can see, I'm a fan of the NOX. Is it my go to detector for every hunt style and site? No and I don't expect that. I do know this. As a 40+ year detector user and Multi Line dealer who has access to 180+ different models and brands of detectors, there is nothing out there that can do what the EQ-600 and EQ-800 can. Sure I can find a machine that is better at a task or certain beach, but it too will have it's own drawbacks too. Don't give up on the NOX just yet. It is a very fine built detector with state of the art technologies. Just like your BBS/FBS machines, they are tools having their own strong and weak points. I realize this so when I take 2 NOX machines to a salt beach, I understand the tools I'm swinging, their strong points and so I put them to use in those situations so they can give me the best chance of Success. Thanks for taking the time to post your thoughts and experience. Me, as someone who have been training customers on their detectors for 20+ years, I have learned 1 thing that stands out. The more experienced detectorists are the toughest to keep happy with a new technology. As others have said. "Life is too short to be frustrated" with something you are not happy with. Call me up and we'll take it on trade towards something much more to your liking. Hopefully my info helps you some, but if not... may it help someone else.

He is a friend and customer of mine. He travels the US with detectors making top finds. This guy is one of the few hunters who I will admit, spends more time testing, comparing and dialing in a machine, than I. He is very good and it would not surprise me if he finds another.

I sold a used one recently and the customer who got it, felt I was trying to pull a fast one on him. I had emailed him the exact photos of the LCD screen before he purchased. When he got it, he thought I had sold him a China Fake as it was different than the photos on the box and all over the internet. What was most amazing, was the long phone message I was left as he ranted on forever. I was so upset for him thinking I would sell a China Fake, I told him to send it back and I would refund his money (minus my shipping). He eventually realized what I was trying to explain about the screen protectors and how they cover the keys. Glad you did not call Minelab trying to figure out why you received a different machine. A simple way to fix it is to actually cut the bottom of the screen protector, so it does not cover the function keys.

Sorry for not being on DP much and giving love to you posters, but my travels have been many. Early last week I tried a new park and was able to get the usually handful of common clad coins. Also was a fair amount of cheaper jewelry (I need to test the diamond ear ring) recovered. With the amount of coins and jewelry I have a feeling there has to be a couple pieces of gold in the park. It will take time, but I know I'll succeed at getting the Au. Photos of the cheap stuff...which means I am getting closer to the good. BTW, this was a 2 1/2 hr hunt.

Very good info Andy. I too think the confusion was from dealers telling new customers "it is not needed", so folks think it is a simple "turn on and go" detector. I still feel it is, if you want to hunt what I call "urban modern hunts" looking for recently lost coins/jewelry at parks/schools. Most higher end detectors have Ground Balance capabilities and now we are seeing them in medium range priced units. Folks need to realize (and I am glad you shared this post) a proper GB will get you greater depth and a more accurate target identification. Good to see you on here sharing your detector knowledge. Tell the wife Idaho said hello and next time you are in my neck of the woods, stop in and we'll hunt Eastern Idaho.

Sorry you didn't get to join them in the windy wet and wild cold desert. I've heard of the Memorial Weekend Sift out there at Tonopah and always wanted to do it. I think it would be neat if we could get a small group of us DP followers on here and do a weekend gathering. I would enjoy learning the tips and techniques of proper sifting and shaking. It would also be a good time to put the MAX Recovery Speed of the Nox and a small coil to use. I heard there is quite a bit of iron nails and bits in the dumps.

Steve, My chutzpah (this Marine had to look that one up) is all in fun when dealing with everyday people, and on occasion it is directed at certain manufactures. When such folks ask for my opinion, I give the good and bad. So many people have a hard time with the bad news. I've pisses a many Detector Engineers off with a select few comments about their new baby (detector) because I gave the good and bad feedback. In the long run, it is not me trying to be a dick (usually not anyway), but more importantly, be honest and striving for something "even better". I won't use the term "perfect", as I have yet to find the perfect detector. I will admit, the Equinox 800, is damn close though but not quite there yet. People need laugh more and enjoy the life we live. Today's society is so "I need it now, demanding", but at the same time, "walk lightly so you do not disturb". It is hard to be both for me and yes I think 1 time (probably summer 1996), I offended someone, but it was just that 1 time (on that day). Like you, I have enjoyed most of my life with a detector in hand and I really wouldn't want it any other way. Most who have spent time with me, will tell you though, I am pretty much a straight shooter when talking detectors. I've been fortunate to have made my share of outstanding finds and I also enjoy the challenge of a new detector and seeing what I can do with it. Hopefully a few folks will enjoy my style, but I realized I won't please everyone. Glad I am able to put a "shitty grin" on your face once in a while and most appreciative of you allowing me to post on this fine forum. Lets go swinging...and we'll use a detector next time.

LowTide & Nugget Hunter nz, That info has not come out yet, or even the release date. As soon as I get info to share (like this video), I'll certainly help to let everyone know. Being able to see the targets jump out of the ground, that feature alone is priceless.

Here is the updated info that just came out. One guys asked, How much is it? Another guys says.... Who cares, it's a Minelab. October 2019 Edit - the Minelab Vanquish has been officially introduced. See this thread for the latest news and information.

Any gold from Rye Patch is well earned. Nice to see some Spring Flowers out there. Your write up was informative and well done. Wishing you even more luck on your next trip. Thanks for sharing.

Fantastic report and videos. The 24K has so much more capabilities and features over my Monster 1000. Yes I prefer the White's 24K as my VLF Gold Only detector and my 1000 has taken a back seat. I've bee trying to tell folks that since I started testing it last summer, but when you are a dealer, many people feel you are "just trying to sell". Well those who know me and purchased one have been quite pleased. Being a Minelab guy is fine and I too like most of their technologies, but I also realize I need to see what the other brands and models are doing too. Especially if I am going to sell them and offer Field Training. Sorry your pooch does not get as excited about it as you do. Thanks for sharing.

That would most certainly excite us if so. I have no clue and expected it to be part of a buckle. Hopefully I am wrong and your good eyes can put some Sun Light on this find.

Seated Silvers are always a heck of a hunt. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for sharing Steve. I and many others enjoy these kind of stories/videos.

I've been selling Minelab detectors for 20+ years and most of the major brands as well. One of my biggest gripes was their Customer Service and how crappy it actually was. I do not expect miracles, but when other manufactures can have a detector fixed and returned within 2 weeks, why did Minelab need a month and sometimes 2 or even 3 months? At the last Minelab Conference I was promised things would change and the new man in charge would get things going in the right direction. Phil Beck was the name given to take over. I can honestly say that this promise has been met with all smiles. I sent a clients GPZ-7000 in for repair and was notified by my shipping supplier the day it arrived. That afternoon I received an email from the Service Center in PA. Later that afternoon I got a call from John (the service tech) who informed me of the fix and that he wanted to speak with me to double check if there were any other issues before he sent it back. I was quite shocked at their speed, desire to make it right and professionalism. The next business day my detector was headed back to me with an email showing Tracking info and a few days later I had it in my hands. Folks this was Same Day Customer Service from a REPAIR FACILITY..... Heck, if this is what I have to get accustomed to, then it is now up to the other manufactures to get even better. Actually I realize it is not possible to get much better than what they do and I am ok with 1 or 2 weeks. But for Minelab to go from shitty ass last (and they were for many years) to fighter jet FIRST FAST and even take the time to call me? I'm speechless (me... never), and very impressed and happy. Thanks Peter for selecting Phil Beck to be the one to tackle such a huge thorn. Thanks John at the Service Center in PA for being a Professional.

Very nice save my friend and there are more reasons than most of us realize why certain targets do not read as we would expect. When you don't know because you never dug it? You can't learn what you don't find.

Very nice ring return Skate. The only time I get sterling to read that low, at least on the ones I have found, is if the band has a crack. Same will happen on gold rings. Many gold rings have a solder joint and when they get in salt water for very long, that weak spot will crack. I found one once and was showing my buddy when he dropped it. When it hit a rock, it bounced a couple feet away. I swung back over it and the detector would not hear it. We both looked at each other quite shocked and could not believe the CTX 3030 would not hear the ring. I went to all metal and bang, it was there, but not the original tone or numbers it had read before. when I got back to Boise and to the club meeting I took the ring into the meeting and shared the story and showed everyone. If I gently squeezed the ring together, it beeped as expected, but ones I let off the pressure and the crack opened up, the ring would not respond in the regular Beach mode I used. My wife also has a 1930's platinum with antique diamond ring that was passed down to her mother. When she passed, it went to my wife. The ring reads 12-03 to 12-07 (CTX 3030) depending on the way the ring is laying on the ground. When it comes to jewelry, it can literally read anywhere and I do not get surprised much anymore. Thanks for sharing.

Good to see you sharing your success and info Walter. This fine forum will help you learn and build more confidence with your NOX. Finding a wheat back cent used to be the norm in years past, but I honestly can say it is tough in certain towns today. Interesting rifle cartridge and its location. Those strange finds always makes you wonder how? Thanks for sharing and we look forward to more success stories.