Mind you, these are simply
my opinions, but are based on using the G2 since it's introduction in side-by-side work against the likes of the Teknetics T2, Omega, and Gamma, and a White's MXT Pro, M6, and modified IDX Pro and a Garrett AT Pro.
dirt lizard said:
My g2 i go at disc 50 sens 100 with my five inch still gets the gold ...
I set the Sensitivity at 100 most of the time.
Usually, I don't encounter much EMI problems with the G2, but that isn't always true. There are several inner-urban locations in the Portland, Oregon area that give the G2 fits. At a few I can even run my Omega with less sensitivity reduction and the Omega operates smoother and still gets better performance.
I seldom run the Discrimination higher than '40' because I like to hear everything present, allowing the bass-like lower tone to help qualify most potential iron junk. One thing I wish the G2 provided, as well as the Omega and gamma, is a true full metal acceptance in the Discriminate mode. I am referring to a lower Discriminate setting that would just ignore ground mineral challenges and pass a target signal.
Both an Indian Head cent and a sample iron nail I use, with my 'Homestead Rock,' a Dirt Clod or with two smaller rocks with a coin in view between them, are not able to respond because the G2 and 'Greek series' models do not adjust low enough to be all metal accept settings in the Discriminate mode. Others, such as the M6, MXT, IDX Pro and Teknetics T2, DO adjust lower in Discrimination.
Because I hunt a lot of sites that are rather high in ferrous type mineralization, as well as being plagued with nasty black sand, pea gravel and other rocks, or plowed fields and disturbed ground with ample dirt clods, I like to have the option of hearing ALL targets.
The 5" DD coil is what I prefer to leave mounted to the G2 because I use it in the ugliest of trashy sites, and yes, it does hit reasonably well on most of the smaller gold jewelry I find.
dirt lizard said:
... as well as deep coins ...
I can't agree with you on this one, however, because I have NEVER found my G2 to get the depth on coins and similar-sized targets that I do with other models I use or have compared it with. This is especially true on the higher-conductive cents and dimes, but quarters also. Oh, yes it works and will get many coins, but it isn't a deep-seeking coin unit, to be sure.
dirt lizard said:
... just pay attention to your vdi numbers and memorize them as far as what they bring up out of the ground.
I use the VDI numbers or any models Target ID, but I rely on it more selectively because I work too many sites where the ground mineral challenges shift the target response higher or lower quite often, plus nearby masking trash can also influence the VDI numeric read-out..
It's good to hear the audio and see the response, but TID & VDI shouldn't be relied upon.when conditions can influence their accuracy.
Monte