Manticore Plus Goldmaster 24k

[Jeff McClendon]

8 hours ago, Gold Catcher said:

For nuggets under 0.5 grams at depths of 1 to 3 inches, the red line is largely unreliable—you risk missing a significant amount of gold by trusting it (sens 22-24). Instead, ID stability in the 5-20 range becomes far more crucial for detecting small nuggets

For sure, any type of certainty when it comes to sub 0.5 gram low conductor target identification using the tools provided on any detector is "iffy" at best and totally depends on the levels of mineralization even for these two detectors.

Since the OP asked for information on the Manticore and 24K, my post was just comparing a 5 gram US nickel which I used as a "control" target in an extreme ground situation. For me, the US nickel "test" gives me a good idea about ground mineralization levels especially for detectors with no Fe3O4 meter. If a nickel can still be read as a non ferrous targets at 3" or so that is a big bonus. If it reads as iron at 3" it's going to be an interesting day. I made no claims about any other targets or sizes.

He asked for thoughts on them. Here is some more data. It's just one high magnetite level sample size but it's also information that may help the OP. Your results may vary.

The 3" deep by 12" square dirt test sample I am using comes from ground near Leadville Colorado. Both the Manticore and 24K will ground balance on this magnetite rich dirt. Manticore gets unstable (coil bump noise begins) at sensitivity 19 of 35 using the M8 coil. The 24K using the Garrett 6" round concentric coil starts to overload at sensitivity 3 of 8 when the coil touches the surface of this dirt. XP ORX and Deus 2 Fe3O4 mineralization meters are instantly completely full bar pegged on this dirt.

I used a 0.25 gram solid nugget from the same location as the dirt source (found with the XP ORX BTW).

24K air tested, the .25 gram nugget iron/no iron probability number was 65-68. Surface of the test dirt its iron probability numbers were 01-03. 2" deep there was only a good audio response, no numbers. 3" deep, no response.

Manticore air tested the .25 gram nugget at target ID black  05. Surface numbers were alternating black 05 to red 05. 2" deep red 05 to red 07. 3" deep no target IDs but there was a faint "dig me" response.

Like I said, I would not trust those .25 gram target responses to any degree other than that is what happened today. However, I will use any information available especially at sites that are full of miner's trash where there are more things of value besides gold nuggets, including older coins and relics. Undoubtedly, the Manticore has the advantage in situations like that with all of its other detecting features, especially its Multi IQ+ technology.

I am still struggling with finding a balance with hot rocks and pea size and larger chunks of magnetite with the Manticore and my other gold prospecting detectors too.

[Jeff McClendon]

Instead of data, this is just me and my love of metal detectors.

I always really liked the Whites MXT and its later variants. I was a big fan of the MX5 and MX7 so when Whites came out with the 24K in the MX7 housing/form factor I was all over it. I got one that was used soon after the release but later sold it. I got a Garrett version when they were released but I needed some money and sold it too. Recently Metal Detecting Shop obtained about 30 old stock Whites 24Ks that Garrett received when they bought out Whites. I got lucky and managed to get one of those for $300. Then I got the Garrett 6" concentric coil when they were having a sale for around $100. I am going to keep this setup. I just love the audio on this 24K and the way it looks. Stupid but hey, I'm addicted.

[mntnflyr4fun]

This discussion has certainly given me lots to think about, many of you bring such valuable perspectives from your extensive experience, I have lots to think about, not only about acquiring a 24k, but also in how to get more funtionality out of my manticore...I sure appreciate all the valuable insights.

[phrunt]

The differing opinions are usually related to different ground types people have, and different hot rocks they're dealing with and with VLF's in particular troubled by more ground types and hot rocks than PI's the problems tend to stand out a fair bit more.

The 24k is simple to use, virtually turn on and go, the Manticore is more powerful and versatile and with that comes some settings challenges in different terrain.  

I didn't realize you've already got the Manticore, in that case stick with it and fiddle more fine tuning it to the areas you're in, that's the advice I'm giving myself too, I need to fiddle more and see if I can sort out my bump sensitivity issues as lowering the sensitivity doesn't resolve it much.  It's hot and sparky but with that comes good sensitivity and depth 🙂

[dig4gold]

Hey Phrunt, Do you have the fibreglass shafts? If not, that could make a difference as stated by Steve H.

D4G

[phrunt]

1 minute ago, dig4gold said:

Hey Phrunt, Do you have the fibreglass shafts? If not, that could make a difference as stated by Steve H.

Yep, I certainly do, I got one as soon as they were released, made a good difference too, was even worse prior to that.

[RONS DETECTORS MINELAB]

22 hours ago, RONS DETECTORS MINELAB said:

 

I have learned to turn down the sensitivity to where it settles down the erratic numbers

 

Here a video with some visual examples of how much negative effects the higher sensitivity can have on the Manticore.

This detector is doing a lot of processing and running higher sensitivity can create ground effects that can really make it very difficult to hear a nugget through all the information that is received.

[dig4gold]

On 5/6/2025 at 8:11 AM, phrunt said:

Yep, I certainly do, I got one as soon as they were released, made a good difference too, was even worse prior to that.

Oh, ok. Can you try another coil to see if the other one might be faulty?

D4G

[phrunt]

8 hours ago, dig4gold said:

Oh, ok. Can you try another coil to see if the other one might be faulty?

D4G

yea, I'll give the 11" a shot and report back. Raining today by the looks of it.