Gold Catcher

I got two more this morning, both in between 2-4 inch depth. One is really tiny. I am usually a dig-it-all guy. However, there are times where I use my ears to deceide if I dig or not. This works in particular well when you know the area, the type of gold and depth, and the nature of the trash. For instance, the area where I have been has tons of BBs and very little iron trash. The gold is generally small and at greater than 2-3 inch depth. Most shallow BBs give a loud sharp zip type signal, whereas the gold gives a more rounded smooth signal. And if it is deeper, only a faint warble. Based on that information and the knowledge what to expect, you can totally use your ears to deceide if you dig or not. If it is a sharp loud zip signal dont't bother. If it is a somewhat mellower signal, then scrape about 2 inch off (love my Hermit pick). If the signal is gone, it was likely a buried BB. If the signal persists then dig and recover. Assuming you know your area well, this works exceedingly well and I can highly recomend it. In comparison, VLF IDs at depth > 3 inch for small nuggets are not working at all (at least not in my experience), and hence with a VLF you are in the dark, if it would even detect the small nugget at all. So, assuming you know the area, the PI target ID exists and can work well and is totally free. You are born with it 😉. GC

If I had just one to keep it would be the GPZ. If I had just one to buy it would for sure be the Axiom. 🤠 GC

I went for a little weekend trip back to the Mojave desert, and spend this afternoon at one of my favorite places. The landscape is just breath taking, and makes me forget the busy life that I am usually having. Prospecting to me is much more than just finding gold (or not...). It is like being in a meditative retreat, where I can just enjoy the beauty of nature and disconnect from the day to day routine. I went back to one of my favorite places, and after several lead pieces and bird shots I heard an extremely faint warbly signal which caught my interest. The signal could have easily been overheard had I not swung really slow. My settings were treshold on, manual max, difficult (in the video I say 13 but I think max is more like 10 clicks). I started to dig and to my surprise the target turned out to be rather deep, next to a buried hot rock. It was a small flat 0.15 grammer at about 13 inch depth. I was stunned to find such a small piece at this depth, and with a rather small coil. This once more shows the excellent performance of the 6000 for small gold, even at depth.

Which coils do you recommend for the Algo that you liked the best thus far?

Thanks Gerry and yes, I know. When the MF5 came out I hoped for a next gen SDC, but that did not happen... GC

Fair point Steve, and I certainly did not want to insult anyone. So, apologies for that. I just sense that many folks hate ML so much that whatever they do or not do is bad. I have noticed that across many threads over the years, and also in other forums. Now, everyone is entitled to their opinion and that is of course totally fine. You have been involved with ML way longer than I have and on a much deeper level, so I am sure there are many reasons why this company is so much disliked, and I heard of some of them. I can just say that I enjoy their detectors and like their innovative thinking. I am not sure why they had a monopoly for so long, but I suspect it is not because they aggressively prevented others from emerging, or because of some unfair business practices, but rather because there were not many companies who would spend a similar R&D budget to come up with all these innovations (which also comes from their military work). Anyway, I am glad we now have true alternatives (Axiom, Algo, etc) and this will be good for everyone. GC

I think we should stay away from making direct performance comparisons, and rather point out the advantages of each detector. We all have our reasons why we like a certain detector over the other, and in what particular situation. The price point, the coil availability, target ID/GB meter, all that makes the Algo unique and interesting, and I will get one for sure. I don't have any preconceived ideas, other than to say that I like the sturdy design of the SDC, which makes it equally unique for this reason, something I have not seen for any other detector. Generally, I won't throw away any of my detectors, unless they are completely redundant. And maybe not even then for sentimental reasons.:) However, If I had to keep just one it would the GPZ without a doubt. With all the criticism for many good reasons, ML got us all here where we are now. And as much as I hope that Algo will be the next big player with an exciting emerging product line, as much I wish that ML will solve its current challenges and continue to deliver fantastic new detectors, as it has done so over the past decades. GC

It's just that I like the robust and foldable design, combined with the MPF timings. The SDC is a tank compared to the rather flimsy 6k, and at times I need something for the rough 🙂 No doubt the Algo is a great machine, and I will get my hands on one for sure. But will it replace the SDC entirely, I doubt it. The 6/7k did neither. Is the Algo as tough as the SDC, that you can throw down the canyon when you need both hands to hike down? Doesn't look like it, but I don't own one yet so I could be wrong. As Gerry said, the right tool for the task. GC

Better, I come over and bring the SDC. Then we discuss this matter over espresso 🙂

Would be interesting to compare indeed. I might come across as overly enthusiastic about the SDC, but in certain situations it is just performing exceedingly well, better than any other detector I own. But as I said, it is a specialized detector with rather narrow scope. GC

Well said Phrunt! And I sure hope they will establish themselves as a big player one day. GC

That would indeed be the killer, Gerry. But with the same robust shaft that the SDC is currently having, and collapsible/light weight please. And keep those MPF timings, and perhaps add a few options (i.e. manual/sa GB). Would gladly pay the original MRP and some extra. 🙂 Oh, and I would buy a second first gen. one too, just in case 🙂 RIP in my backpack, SDC. But get ready, you won't be dead in my book. Not for a long time. My 6k and 7k would hate to loose a good (and extremely valuable) friend.🤠 GC

I think Doc has something cooking, David 🙂 GC

I still would like to see the target ID performance on small gold nuggets in mineralized ground, say at 3-5 inch depth, compared to the Nox or Manticore. Choose any coil you like. If the Algo's ID would outperform both others it would be a buy for me (once it becomes available). This is where I personally have the biggest need. GC

Would be smart if Coiltek would buy them 🙂 But more seriously, I hope this will at some point lead to price reductions for the Axiom, SDC and 6k (after they just raised it). This would already be a great outcome on its own. Competition always works, assuming the competitor is being taken seriously instead of just being viewed as a local Au shop. GC

Let's also wait how many units they will actually be able to produce. The GPX coil ecosystem is vast and spread across the world, but I doubt the AlgoForce will be a mass producing to meet the demands. Afterall, they are tiny compared to Garrett and Minelab which have established and far reaching networks. They might not even be threatening their market share, at least not anytime soon. Would make more sense if some larger player would just buy them, or their product. Would certainly speed up the larger distribution. GC

You would think that the modern VLF detectors should have already excited the young crowd and got them into gold prospecting at a low entry price. Not sure if a cheap PI would capture more of this age group, but we shall see (and I sure hope so). Exploration prospecting for gold has the least chance for success IMO, and you are usually better off finding gold where gold was found before, even on old patches. This is especially true for the novice. Me, I love explorations, but 95% of time I get skunked (or maybe more like 98%...). But I don't mind, love hiking and spending the day outdoors anyhow. But it is also different for me because I have already found quite a bit of gold over the years, like most here on DP, so no pressure to prove anything. And if I want to, I can go to my favorite spots and still find gold fairly consistently if I work hard. But a young guy who is looking to find (any) gold I would send to old patches like RP any day. GC

This is one reason why I often run the GPZ in manual, altough its semi auto is rather good. 6k is guessing game and this is why I GB very often proactively. I have no idea how fast it drifts. Would be nice to have a drift display like the fourfold less expensive Algo. GC

Somebody actually bought it..... 🤣. Awww, no manual. That sucks....

I doubt you will ever be able to distinguish lead from gold. At least not in my life time. I would gladly pay >> $10k if any detector reliably would. What I am more interested in is to know if the AlgoForce with its PI-TID would beat a modern VLF, like the Manticore or Nox, in distinguishing small gold from iron trash at depth > 2 inch in hot ground (not mild ground which is a whole lot easier). Or rusted small tin flakes from gold, which show up on the Manticore with pretty much the same ID as gold (which sucks big time). This would be the real game changer for me and reason to buy it. But probably the only reason, considering what I already have. GC

That explains it, thanks

Thanks, Phrunt. You did it, you are the first one to record a video with it! Congrats. Good first impression! I noticed a slight latency in signal response when you went over the little nuggets. Am I just hearing that because of the video? GC

Was just on their website. Pretty confusing. Are both CO contact cleaner and QD electronic cleaner the same product? In the US the CO contact cleaner is at much higher price everywhere I look. So, something must be different. But if QD cleaner works the same then it won't matter

also super expensive, 1 can $72.....WTF Amazon.com: CRC CO Contact Cleaner 1X14OZ : Automotive

Thanks! But don't see version with jet nozzle on their US website. Only the spray. GC