mn90403

Steve, I want someone to design a stand that will let you release the detector and it will be much higher than just laying it on the ground. If there were two legs that could be popped out of the stand (just like propping it up against a tree or bush) then it would take a lot of pressure off the shaft and coil ears when digging. It could be free-standing like a tripod. I know people who have broken the 7000 shaft because it was propped against their leg, belly or whatever as it began to slide and they were digging a target. I have broken coil ears on the 3030 coils for that reason. I lean it against me and try to dig wet beach sand at the same time. Snap ... You don't want to lay these detectors in the water or sometimes in the dust. Do you get what I mean? Mitchel

It will be better than the gold I'm going to find on a night beach hunt I'm going on soon!! They will clean up nice and rough. Mitchel

A dealer told me presales have sold out all of the first shipments that they expect to get by the end of May. That was their 'take' on the availability. They didn't know how long the wait will be for a new order unless you find a dealer with an allocation that was not presold.

Lunk, All of the reviews I have seen so far on the Monster have been about it going over 'worked out' patches or previously worked patches to test its sensitivity to small gold. (Going to where gold has been found before.) That is ok, I guess. When given the task of testing a new detector you can't just 'dial up' a new patch. I've held one of the Monsters. I would use it in places like where you went but also in more difficult to reach 'spots' just from a weight and ergonomic perspective. Some places where we don't look for gold is because it is too difficult taking a heavy and big detector with us. (I guess someone could have gone there with a GB2 or a Pro like Steve did on the Alaska tailing piles.) This is what I wonder. How does this detector react to a big piece of gold? Big is a relative term but let's say anything over 5 grams. Did you plant any test nuggets like that? Mitchel

Thanks Lunk. Now you make me wonder what it would do in a virgin patch! Do you 'clean up' with a 7000? haha Mitchel

Ok Fred. Are you finished with all the congratulations? Did you have a really good time? You took some nice pictures. NOW, the next time you get out there put more nuggets in your poke. (More weight too!) I know you can do it. Some of us need a kick in the ass once in a while. haha Mitchel

Good report from a reliable source. Thanks Steve. Mitchel

Well ... let me think about it this way ... what prospecting type of area would the 1000 be better at than the 7000 or 2300?

If I have a 7000 and 2300 and a Gold Bug Pro ... which one will take a seat if I get a 1000? The GB Pro sits most of the time already.

I'm 'out' on this one. It is not satisfying.

Jim, Thanks for your article link. Well done. It is an answer to my question well beyond my expectations. Mitchel

Fred, I have Leland's long handle pick now and it is perfect for the 7000. I carry it over my shoulder and that puts the metal a long way from the coil. It also lets me dig deep holes without getting on my knees. I have a collection of about 8-9 other picks I don't use much any more and normally have about 5 with me from big to small. Mitchel

Mark, Is that a weld you did? I'm hooked on the series Forged in Fire now. It is interesting to see 'something' made from 'nothing.' Good work. Mitchel

I thought Bunk stopped making those. I bought a short handle one and left it on his claim (never to be found) and I left the second one in a parking lot of a meteorite hunt (I had just found a specimen with 1.5oz of gold) and I had to let the 'finder' keep it. He's now a good meteorite hunting chum.

Some of you on this forum may never have seen any or all of the episodes of The Meteorite Men. I encourage you to go online and find the episodes and watch as many of them as you can find. This episode is about finding huge meteorites in Kansas. I remember watching it on TV the first time and a couple of times in repeat while they were still showing them a few years back. I remembered this episode because of a sled the boys built and drug across the ground to find some very valuable finds. I did not know them when they were putting together these shows but I have since met them in Tucson and been with many meteorite hunters (some of you are here)! I like this one because it shows some information about ALL meteorite strewn fields and some of the technology they used and still use to find meteorites. I'm sure they have some of the most recent Minelabs like I do which finds meteorites with ease if they are there. Mitchel

I might go to Wyoming but I'll have to make plans.

This post has reminded me of an episode of the Meteorite Men. I didn't know them at the time but I have since met them and other meteorite hunters and they have tools most of us gold hunters don't have. At the time of my first watching of this show I thought it was a bit 'too much' showmanship for me. It turns out they are very diligent hunters and very interested in their chosen Profession. I know some roll their eyes when their name is brought up but production is production in order to get maximum viewers. This episode shows you at the 14:30 minute mark some of the detectors they have used including one that is 18ft square. Another one was made by Orange County Choppers before that team blew up! I think I will repost this in meteorite forum also. Mitchel

Now, let me give the negative ... I just hate watching Wicked Tuna when they put together a 'scene' of fighting a fish or following an idea and you see some of the background is 'glassy' and other times it is 'rough' with wind waves. It drives me crazy! I do know they do that with the gold shows too but am I supposed to watch Prime Time? NEVER

I have met the guys from Bering Sea Gold up in Nome. They were also at the GPAA show in Vegas this year just as some of the Gold Rush 'Dakota Boys' were at some of the last couple of years shows. There is a certain amount of 'production' that goes into being one of the paid groups. They must shoot and re-shoot scenes at the expense of the crews. They lose production time and the crew-share drops because of this. Not all who want to be paid will get it from the producers. I know one of the backhoe guys who is a good friend of Shaun who has the first backhoe. He asked for money from the show. He was not given any as a production decision and he said 'get off my barge' and has made good gold without them being on board. That is why I watch the shows. It is just like watching Wicked Tuna. I like seeing the fish. I like seeing the GOLD. It just shows me it is there. Mitchel

Cooper created maps that were described as: The maps were created while Cooper was navigating the globe on his Mercury 9 Faith 7 flight. At the time, he was possibly on a mission to look for nuclear threats during the Cold War era, Miklos said. “They were utilizing some kind of long-range detection equipment to look for nuclear threats. With that, his acute vision [and] possible cameras, he started identifying things that looked like shipwreck material,” Miklos said. “Once he had written all the coordinates down, he went back to earth and put together this incredible treasure map from space on a sea chart.”

Did anyone take a photo or two? This is a story with quite a good ending. A great gesture was had (not necessarily rewarded) by all. Mitchel

Has anyone been watching the show Cooper's Treasure? http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/coopers-treasure/about-coopers-treasure/ What do you think about its technology?

This reminds me of a Discovery Show! I'll make it a separate thread.

Come on Steve, we know what your real baby is ... The Forum ... and it keeps you up ALL the time! I bet that nugget sounds REALLY good in your ring hand! I hope it is yours.

Thank you. I'm looking with interest! Mitchel