Skookum

That's an impressive order. If it lives up to the picture you painted, perhaps, it could be a machine to end the need for multiple. Although, if it is to be, it might cost more than multiple. I find it intriguing that if the future of ZVT is so good that it has not been produced in cheaper versions to appeal to the masses. Could a delay mean it’s a little harder to improve upon than expected?

Very prescient, as it seems to be happening now. After having had both the GPZ and the 6000, it would be really hard to go back to any kind of heavier machine. The 7000 is cumbersome and unpleasant anywhere but in open spaces and the harness is a pain. What are chances that a replacement isn’t heavier than the 6000? Even if not, the price is assured to be astronomical and dissuasive for us novices. Sure would love to have a MF Gold Monster or to see what an updated SDC with a faster processor could do.

This is an interesting idea I’d like to try!

I wonder after the Manticore update how this would compare now? Perhaps it might be something that @phrunt has an opinion on as he was commenting on the update and its effect on small gold.

I, for one, had been patiently waiting all this time for the smallest. Now, I’m not sure what to do other than examine the other current offerings. But, I’ve really wanted something on the opposite end of the 6000’s spectrum.

Well said. A great quote.

Congratulations! Your hard work paid off. A beautiful lump. That will be a story you always remember.

I see less reason to move on from my Equinox 800 until the smallest coils materialize and are proven to be adequate for the Manticore. Many of us share the same thought. That is simply manufacturing smaller coils (preferably manufacturer brand) will lead to the larger purchase. It seems like someone at some level in the corporation is crazy-making about profit margins on coils and misunderstands the bigger picture of what triggers many detector sales—for a multi-use machine! 🤑>🏭>📦🧐>🫷🤪

While running my hands along a coil cable, I noticed a pin-sized thorn had pierced the cable, broken off, and embedded itself inside. Tweezers were of no use as the splinter was too deep and brittle. It got me a wondering if any one has any experience regarding the potential impact of such an injury to the coil cable and it’s insulation. Any thoughts?

Interesting. How do you find out such things? I agree, it doesn’t spin it any better that it was a simply a component supply issue.

That's interesting and good to hear. I'll need to take my 800 out prospecting, again, because it seems like I recall the 6" being more bump sensitive than the 11". That may also be related to the differences between relic and gold modes, but I'm not sure. Too bad there isn't a small coil for comparison on the Manticore, yet.

Has anyone noticed any difference in knock sensitivity between the Equinox series and the Manticore?

This thread speaks to some of the reasons I have not yet moved from the Equinox 800 to the Manticore. I recognize it’s partly emotional because I don't typically use the 800 for prospecting. One reason is because it's more knock sensitive than the Gold Monster. Even with more settings on the Equinox, the GM gets more prospecting VLF use because it handles scrubbing around much better. Aside from that, there are other things that pose hurdles to a new machine. It's hard to let go of all the time spent in familiarizing oneself with the older machine. Then there are investments: accessories, coils, and stems for each coil. Because these particular machines have positioned themselves as do-it-all detectors, unless there is an improvement for prospecting, as well as relic-ing, or feedback showing the new machine is at least on par in the goldfield (including quality coil options), it's an uncomfortable purchase. It will be interesting to see what coils Minelab can fruitfully provide and see what users' experience reveals. It's sure felt like a slow roll out.

I have to agree. When seeing the new version, my thought was: “That’s a bit insulting to us target customers.” It’s almost as if they were targeting the Radio Shack do-it-yourself crowd from 40 years ago. “Gee whiz—its got an LCD!” An unfortunate, out of touch upgrade for the world of iPhone users. Slim, functional, and powerful are expected in order to justify the replacement.

I loved the Geiger counter noises.