Gold Catcher

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

10 hours ago, Norvic said:

GC I`ll send my E1500 over coz

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

50 minutes ago, Gerry in Idaho said:

Now I do like the idea of an SDC-2300 packed inside a Manticore housing and shaft for $1700.  Boy would that hurt E-1500 steam train.

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....

4 hours ago, dig4gold said:

if he actually improves his gold count/pellet ratio.

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

8 minutes ago, Norvic said:

my original 'defective' 6K eats the SDC

My SDC eats my perfect 6K in two scenarios: (1) ground is laden with basaltic tuff (2) small washes with super hot ground. Proof me wrong and all espressos for life will be on me. Sorry, off topic again but could not help the comment. Will shut up now. 😀

8 minutes ago, Jeff McClendon said:

because the SDC's tracking ground balance system was incapable of keeping up with the high mineralization at the sites I was often detecting

I never rely on the auto track for longer periods of time and do a quick GB fairly often (sometimes every 5min) if the ground is very inhomogeneous. Never had a problem with it.

8 hours ago, Doc said:

Hard to find anything that beats the SDC2300 as far as being immune to hot ground.

Spot on Doc. I do want to remind all that the SDC was made for a very specific purpose, namely to outperform VLFs in highly mineralized soil with shallow fast gold. The MPF timings were made exactly for this purpose, and the 8 inch round is the ideal combination partner. I don't know about the AlgoForce timings, but the SDC MPF gives this machine a distinct advantage over others in my fleet, specifically for these situations. It was never meant to be a versatile detector, hence no coil options (unless aftermarket). I still love my SDC. Yes, clunky, perhaps outdated, ergonomically a 0 out of 100, but what a beast! Also, extremely robust and can tolerate beatings without problems. Still made with the old fashion ML high(er) quality/reliable construction (wish it would come back...). The battery issue never bothered me as it was a simple fix. Overall, the best option for me for small washes with shallow gold in the Sierra Nevada and the Mojave desert. Haven't seen any detector like it, and it appears (from what I have read thus far) that the AlgoForce can't compete with the SDC overall package. But again, it would be an unfair comparison anyhow. Not even the GPZ can compete with the SDC IMO in these very specific conditions, where MPF timings shine. Just my 2c.

GC 

41 minutes ago, Aureous said:

Same, my only gripe is their pricing. But their products have made me some serious money over the years so my gripe is somewhat muted lol. I just wanna know is the E1500 an actual worthy purchase to make some more $$ from my locally thrashed patches....

ML will remain the tech leader for now, and it might not be fair to compare a $1500 detector with their flagship gold machines. Rather, the AlgoForce will be a great low-cost entry PI with reasonable performance, but with huge added benefit of "coil freedom". So, a standalone detector on its own rights. More interesting will be what is coming next. However, it will be a tall order to meet/beat the performance of the 6k and 7k, but they could be up for it eventually. But for now, Bruce Candy is still winning when it comes to cutting edge performance (from all that is reported thus far), albeit it comes at its price.  🙂

GC

2 hours ago, jasong said:

They seem genuinely interested in providing a good product and a good customer service experience.

Perhaps this is a beginning of a bigger story. The Algoforce might just be the entry point. If they are creating a top notch engineering platform, and it seems like that from the apparent talent that is on board, then this could lead into something much more substantial in the years to come. I sure hope so, and this might perhaps also significantly impact how ML, and others, will approach the market in the future. Competition is always a good thing! But so much will depend on the quality of the team that they will build, including BD, commercial, etc .Lets wish them luck.

GC