some tools are just not the right fit for certain tasks.
Electronic Prospecting came into vogue back in the latter 1979's and early 1980's when we realized the benefits of manually Ground Balanced detectors, then learning that higher operating frequencies [size=small](close to 15 kHz back then)[/size] seemed to work better or be more sensitive to the lower-conductive targets. The Silver µMAX isn't really working at the better operating frequency for 'Nugget Hunting.'
Up to today we know that MOST serious 'Nugget Hunting' is done using a Threshold-based All Metal mode .... and the Silver µMAX doesn't have a true All Metal mode, isn't Threshold-based, and lacks operator-controlled Ground Balance or a fast-acting automated Ground Balance.
The majority of the time, gold nuggets are smaller in size, although we do occasionally find larger specimens, but most nugget hunting sites are plagued with black sand and/or other varying types of highly mineralized ground where ground control [size=small](aka Ground Balance)[/size] is vastly important. And nuggets are not in a nice and proper size or position relative to the search coils, and often in a mix with rocks and other uneven ground conditions. And when we think of 'rocks,' we need to think of 'hot rocks' and 'cold rocks' and that calls for being able to control the GB. The Silver µMAX just doesn't cut it in these cases.
There are times I have hunted nuggets in some really nasty ground mineral conditions and have had a little better success, and more pleasurable hearing, by searching in a motion Discriminate mode. My nugget hunting detector works at a high gain, allows a 'proper' slight audio Threshold adjustment, and has a true, Zero Disc./All Metal Accept Discriminate mode setting. In some noisy and changing ground conditions I have used the Zero Disc. mode to hunt more comfortably, and with success. The Silver µMAX? No ability to deal with ground, No Threshold adjustment, and No Zero Disc./All Metal Accept setting.
I own and use an assortment of metal detectors, and I have always strongly encouraged anyone to own at lest TWO detectors that can complement each other. This is true for just the dedicated Coin Hunter. To be a more avid and serious Relic Hunter, it is really good to have at least two, and possibly more detectors and accessory search coils because if you really get into it, there can be a wide range of site challenges to handle.
Then there are the 'specialty' fields of metal detecting such as Beach Hunting, where you need to be able to handle wet conditions, possibly having a submersible detector as well as being able to deal with wet salts, or wet salts AND high iron mineralization, ... as well as 'Gold Nugget Hunting' such as I described. The Tesoro Silver µMAX, like it's original cousin the Silver Sabre and all other low-end, fixed GB, limited control models, is simply a tool. Tools have their tasks, some easy tasks and some more difficult. Some tools more 'talented' than others.
Match the tool to the task for best success. I have my emergency gear including four totes. Each has an electronic lighter and a waterproof container with strikeable matches. One tote has a propane lantern, a propane stove, and another tote has a box of emergency fire-starter material. A light or a match is a vital, but simple tool to own. Each tote has at least one small flashlight ready-to-use, and one tote has a plastic box with all my supply of batteries, as well as at least three brand new and different, flash lights.
I also keep a small and functional flashlight in a pocket of my gun vest, one in the pocket of my jacket, and one in a zippered bag I carry from vehicle to vehicle that has some other emergency items I need, such as meds and a glucometer. There are also two different flashlights in my van, and one in my Suzuki 4x4. Tools, that's what matches and flashlights are, and I just grab the right tool for the task at hand.
Like the lighters and stick matches I have, the flashlights produce light. Want to light a fire, a lantern, a stove, or 62 candles on my sister's birthday cake next month .... I'll grab some matches [size=small](several for her cake)[/size]. Dark of night fall upon me and I need to follow a vague trail to find my way out of the woods to camp a mile away? I'll grab a flashlight instead of trusting a book of matches.
Going out nugget hunting I want to use the best tool. My White's MXT All-Pro is my favorite pick, or I could use my Tesoro Bandido II µMAX, even though it's far less suited for peak performance it does provide manual GB and a Threshold-based All Metal mode. I could possibly add a Lobo SuperTRAQ. All three of these for Gold Nugget Hunting would be like selecting the best flashlight for the conditions and needs.
Picking a Silver µMAX for nugget hunting is like grabbing a match on a dark night in the forest in windy conditions. Wrong tool for the task.
If you want to get serious about hunting for tough-to-find gold nuggets, well .... you need to get serious.
Just my experienced opinions,
Monte
