After the 2300, what next?

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I reckon the 2300 is great. Having a ball detecting the triangle area and consistently now finding (small) gold on and around surfaced areas. But i feel like i'm restricted to working the known shallow edges and i'd like to start looking in slightly deeper ground. Don't have the funds yet (or approval from the finance minister) but thinking about a second detector to search a bit deeper. I couldn't justify buying a 7000 and don't really want to be digging 2 foot plus deep holes. So its a 4500 or 5000 i guess? Any thoughts about best value for money v depth v ease of use out of those two would be greatly appreciated.
 
I realise its a Minelab section but i probably should have said the 4500, 5000 or another model or other brand. Sorry.
 
No other model or other brand if you want something between the 2300 and the 7000. Can get the next closest thing in an ATX but you wont have the versatility in coil range which in our region can be a game changer. 4500 or 5000...had both and to be honest they are both equal in 99% of the cases. Can't go wrong with either, and which ever comes up as the best deal dollar and condition wise is what i would go for.

Some good deals going with several extra coils thrown in....buyers market at the present.

Wal.
 
Same depth same sensitivity. If I knew at the time that a couple of extra timings was going to make an insignificant difference I'd have stayed with the 4500. In "my personal view" you're not upgrading when going from a 4500 to a 5000. Some may differ in opinion, but generally they're those who haven't given both machines a serious go. Different story if you're upgrading from a 4000 or pre that era.

Wal.
 
Appreciate that straightforward answer Wal. There's a fair difference in cost between the two and i'm thinking about a detector to be used in conjunction with the 2300 rather than replace it. So if i can get basically the 'same' performance from a lower cost unit that's better in my opinion and easier to sell the idea to the boss.
 
Thing is Tathradj, i've got the bug big time and i keep seeing areas that i reckon a bit deeper depth detector would be more practical on. I'm just asking at the moment to get some facts and counter arguments together for when i bring the subject up with my wife. That's a good price for that spread of gear.
 
Your Welcome, :)
I would dearly love to get something like a 4500 but time and funds impact me badly.
.
Good Luck in your quest and convincing SHMBO.
 
i have been detecting since 1976,the 2300 is a very good machine,for small gold,it will not punch through leaf matter. it will go a lot deeper on solid ground,mulloch heaps.my friend has a 5000 with a 15x12 commander coil, it will pick up, small gold .02 of a grm at 3 inches,it will also go deep on bigger gold, i think we all went for different coils,am now convinced we did ourselves a diservice using different coils,minelab has not put out a dud machine or coils, i have had 12 machines over the years,guess i have been around the block a few times,my cousin found the hand of faith,all the best....regards bob hillier
 
Hi Bob, definitely found you comments about leaf litter accurate, and with clear ground the 2300 can reach pretty deep and locate very small targets. I've found 1.5 mm diameter pieces down around 7 inches deep on clear ground. I'm thinking at the moment a 4500 might be the way to go for me as a second machine to spread my search out to slightly deeper ground. that's dependent on me getting the nod from the boss of course.
 
bob hillier said:
i have been detecting since 1976,the 2300 is a very good machine,for small gold,it will not punch through leaf matter. it will go a lot deeper on solid ground,mulloch heaps.my friend has a 5000 with a 15x12 commander coil, it will pick up, small gold .02 of a grm at 3 inches,it will also go deep on bigger gold, i think we all went for different coils,am now convinced we did ourselves a diservice using different coils,minelab has not put out a dud machine or coils, i have had 12 machines over the years,guess i have been around the block a few times,my cousin found the hand of faith,all the best....regards bob hillier

Welcome the forum Bob. Kevin's find was certainly a talking point, and an inspiration to prospectors both then and still now. Technology has come a long way since those VLF days, and I still look back on the days when the Garrett Groundhogs were a great pioneer in the hobby. Hope you find the forum a great read and look forward to sharing some stories of days gone bye.

Wal.
 
Welcome Bob, I still have my Garrett Groundhog and give it a run now and again. Was a trend setter in its day.
 
yeah, that seems to be the way to go golddig. I'm rapt in the sdc but wouldn't mind feeling confident that i could search some deeper ground.
 
bob hillier said:
i have been detecting since 1976,the 2300 is a very good machine,for small gold,it will not punch through leaf matter. it will go a lot deeper on solid ground,mulloch heaps.my friend has a 5000 with a 15x12 commander coil, it will pick up, small gold .02 of a grm at 3 inches,it will also go deep on bigger gold, i think we all went for different coils,am now convinced we did ourselves a diservice using different coils,minelab has not put out a dud machine or coils, i have had 12 machines over the years,guess i have been around the block a few times,my cousin found the hand of faith,all the best....regards bob hillier

Welcome Bob.

I have a mate on another forum who was one of the three that were there That Day, I have no Idea what they thought when they saw that Monster Nugget,

But I am Trying to find Out,

Good Luck,,, John
 
So who are these three Guys then

It wont let me do it via PM so I had to post it here.

1431675451_handoffaith_small.jpg
 
re hand of faith,found by kevin hillier at kingower victoria.there were a group of prospectors camped in the bush near inglewood,word got around that a large nugget had been found,jeff yench, his wife marie,leo english,all from albury,remembered that kevin came back a few days before with a large lump under his jumper,it was40 +deg. HELLO they went to kevins van and asked to see the nugget,he said WHO told you.this nugget was sold to the GOLDEN NUGGET CASINO las vegas for one million dollars,if you require any more info.,if im not playing lawn bowl, or detecting i will happily talk to you,IF busy leave a message and i will return your call.....regards bob hillier.

EDIT: Phone number removed as per forum rules.
 

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