Ok before I start let me say:
1: I am no expert and these are my opinions and mine only
2: I have owned a GPZ (for 18 months) so any comparisons I make between the 4500 and 7000 come from my own experience
3: Anything I say may be subject to change as my experience with the 4500 grows.
My setup: GPX4500 with Coiltek 17x11 Elite
I have to say I was quite impressed. I had prepared myself to be a little disappointed after having used the 7000 but I was in for a surprise. I managed to get it to run very quiet although the ground balance was no way near as good. I had to ground balance quite often compared to the Z. I am sure this will quickly just become habit. Also it didnt balance out clay pockets as easily although I did find that by flicking it over to 'deep' it would balance out clay ground noise quickly.
As for sensitivity - using a chunky little 1/2gm test nugget I got as good an air test as the 7000 - maybe even a fraction better (only slightly) but on small prickly speccies it was no where near as good. Now I didnt try to adjust for better signal on the smaller stuff because I wanted to cover the ground for deeper big targets but I am sure I could tweak it to get better performance on the small stuff. My only issue is I am sure the depth will suffer if I do. I do have a NF 14x9 Evolution coil on its way so that will help with the smaller stuff.
The harness that comes with the GPX is no where near as good as the Pro Swing harness with the Z. I found that the bungee cord pulled down on my shoulder whereas the J struts on the pro swing distributed the weight better. I think a hipstick would definitely help. Also my arm is a little sore (I know you are all calling me a soft cock now but I will get some concrete during the week lol) from twisting the detector to run the soil over the edges of mullock heaps and slopes. I am thinking I may fit a guide arm like on the 7000 for when I have the bigger coil on.
Anyway we didnt find any gold on this trip as Alex and I were investigating a new area but it did give me a chance to try the new machine out. I managed to pick up tiny shards of rusted metal (same as 7000) and rubbish (ie .22 shell casing) down almost 2ft. This has given me hope that while the 4500 will never be a 7000, by using a combination of coils, lots more ground balancing and playing with settings, I will find gold with it!
1: I am no expert and these are my opinions and mine only
2: I have owned a GPZ (for 18 months) so any comparisons I make between the 4500 and 7000 come from my own experience
3: Anything I say may be subject to change as my experience with the 4500 grows.
My setup: GPX4500 with Coiltek 17x11 Elite
I have to say I was quite impressed. I had prepared myself to be a little disappointed after having used the 7000 but I was in for a surprise. I managed to get it to run very quiet although the ground balance was no way near as good. I had to ground balance quite often compared to the Z. I am sure this will quickly just become habit. Also it didnt balance out clay pockets as easily although I did find that by flicking it over to 'deep' it would balance out clay ground noise quickly.
As for sensitivity - using a chunky little 1/2gm test nugget I got as good an air test as the 7000 - maybe even a fraction better (only slightly) but on small prickly speccies it was no where near as good. Now I didnt try to adjust for better signal on the smaller stuff because I wanted to cover the ground for deeper big targets but I am sure I could tweak it to get better performance on the small stuff. My only issue is I am sure the depth will suffer if I do. I do have a NF 14x9 Evolution coil on its way so that will help with the smaller stuff.
The harness that comes with the GPX is no where near as good as the Pro Swing harness with the Z. I found that the bungee cord pulled down on my shoulder whereas the J struts on the pro swing distributed the weight better. I think a hipstick would definitely help. Also my arm is a little sore (I know you are all calling me a soft cock now but I will get some concrete during the week lol) from twisting the detector to run the soil over the edges of mullock heaps and slopes. I am thinking I may fit a guide arm like on the 7000 for when I have the bigger coil on.
Anyway we didnt find any gold on this trip as Alex and I were investigating a new area but it did give me a chance to try the new machine out. I managed to pick up tiny shards of rusted metal (same as 7000) and rubbish (ie .22 shell casing) down almost 2ft. This has given me hope that while the 4500 will never be a 7000, by using a combination of coils, lots more ground balancing and playing with settings, I will find gold with it!
