Arky

Check out the Southwest Prospecting and Mining Association in San Diego. They have some decent claims in SoCal and monthly outings. Good place to meet like minded folks.

Gaia is my go to. Also paid version and am okay with screen on Samsung phone.

My experience with the Axiom is similar to Andy's. I've been alternating between Sally's 6000 with a 10x5 Goldhawk coil and the Axiom and tend to default to the 6000 when she isn't using it. But the more I use the Axiom, the more I like it. Mostly use the 11" mono, mostly due to the size of the DD it came with, but reading your post, am seriously considering a smaller DD coil. As far as gold finds, I'd say the two are close to equal.

Always enjoy running into Lucky at Rye Patch. Friendly, funny, and informative. Rick look for the bright yellow Ranger come April. Mike

All of the above, plus forgetting about the titanium in my shoulder when trying to pinpoint while kneeling. How many of you waste time trying to find your detector when you walk back to the truck for a break or wander over to check out what your partner is digging?

Very nice results Gerry! And I'm glad the 7k is still with us.

Well done my friend. You always manage to find a new angle in hunting!

Sorry to hear about Robin, but we'll done on the hunt.

It's rare, but a few 7000s have some sort of a glitch that keeps one from getting quiet settings. I struggled with mine, had a couple pros work with it, and eventually sent it back to Minelab. The replacement is a world quieter. Before the fix I did find gold, but it was really hard to hear. That said, wet mineralized ground is tough and the above advice on settings should help. Mike

Hey, just saw this post. Sally still has the prize nugget but I've continued to have success on smaller guys. Had to put a pause on the detecting for a shoulder replacement but come February we will be back at it in the SW deserts. More to the point, Gerry, Lunk, Spencer, Mark. Eli, et al. are a great team and you won't regret attending. Mike

I've had a great experience with John at Killer Bee. Used mine for several years and had them refurbished this year. Like new.

Guess I'm lucky because it's not an either-or choice for me. My detecting partner is my wife and we run both. If I had to choose one, it would be the 6000, but it is definitely close and I don't feel disadvantaged when Sally is running the 6000 and I'm on the Axiom. I like the A in hot ground and love the ergonomics. Have found small gold in beat-up club claims at Quartzsite with both and prefer the Axiom in hot rock settings. If I was on a tight budget I'd go Axiom because I think it's more versatile out of the box. I agree that running in 3 or 4 on the A is best for learning the machine. Like many of you, I had to get the fix on the 6000 and also prefer the CoilTek 10 x5 on the 6000 over the stock 11, but it is really a case of getting to know your tools and using the right one for the situation. Lots of good advice on this thread. Having been in the field with Gerry and Lunk, I trust their advise. Would still be looking for the first nugget without their advice and training. Mike

That's Rye Patch! Your experience is similar to my last couple trips. First trip with 6000 was really good. Next two were tough going, not skunked, but fewer nuggets and lots of 0 days. Way to be persistent.

I will dig for treats!

My friend Brad texted this pic from Rye Patch this a.m. Forecast is better in the coming days though.