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Date Posted: 09:01:14 03/26/02 Tue
Author: Jim McCulloch
Subject: Re: Sierra Gold Max vs Sierra Hot Shot?
In reply to: Steve Herschbach 's message, "Sierra Gold Max vs Sierra Hot Shot?" on 18:14:32 03/25/02 Mon

Steve, I have not yet been able to test the Hot Shot and the Sierra Gold Max side by side, inasmuch as I sold my SGM to buy my Hot Shot. I speculate, however, that the Hot Shot would have cetain advantages over the SGM, which heretofore WAS my favorite coil. To wit: When using the SGM on my GM3 or GM4, I found that it got 20% more depth than the stock concentric coil. That, of course, was a marked advantage. I found that when using the SGM I sometimes had to reduce power somewhat (compared to the power I could use with the standard concentric) where the soil conditions were really hot. NOW... the Hot Shot is a concentric coil, "tweaked" to have more stability than a regular concentric of the same size. Using it with my GMT I found that the Hot Shot could be run at full gain (i.e. gain of 8), the same as with the stock DD on the GMT. This is significant. When comparing DD coils to concentric coils, it should be realized that due to their better stability, DD coils can be operated at higher gain settings than similiar-sized concentric coils. However, at any given gain setting DD coils don't go quite as deep as a similar-sized concentric coils. BUT, being able to use more power with a DD makes up for the lesser depth potential. For instance, when using a GM4, a stock concentric could be run at a maximum gain setting of 4 (here in the Mojave Desert), whereas that the same machine, under the same circumstances, could be operated at a gain of 10 with the DD coil. Thus, you get back the lost depth, and perhaps get more depth, with a "pushed" DD. When testing the Hot Shot to the stock DD on my GMT, I found that the Hot Shot could find sub-grain nuggets with no problem, and got nuggets the size of #8 birdhsot some 30% deeper than the stock DD, and for 1dwt pieces the Hot Shot got 37% more depth than the DD. Mind you, these are carefully measured, in-ground tests, done without any bias or prejudice, it being my intention to see if I really wanted to start using the Hot Shot. (I mean, a guy with a Scottish last name ain't gonna shell out money he doesn't have to!) Although I haven't proved it, I specualte that the Hot Shot SHOULD get more depth than the SGM, but how much will be dependant on the user's particular detecting circumstances. Persons using earlier Goldmasters with stock concentric coils should see major depth increases. Another MAJOR advantage of the Hot Shot is it's weight: it is feather light compared to the SGM. Really. So, should a person opt for the $199.95 Hot Shot over the $129.95 Sierra Gold Max? I have! The weight issue alone is enough for me; and I do think the Hot Shot gets SOME more depth. Just my humble opinion, of course; alternate views always welcome. HH Jim

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