the way I see it, the only reason I wouldnt buy a GPX-5000 is the GPZ-7000.....and because of the GPZ being a tempting piece of equipment, I will hold off from buying anything else. I think it can be equated to buying a I-phone 5 today. Now a better option might be a GPX 4500 as I think the cost/ technology may be a better bargain. As for the GB2 and small gold....there is a right tool ....for the right job

I have a 5000, I have found several .04 gram nuggets with it, it will find the small gold. I would like to get the 7000 just because of all the talk about it, but I tried one and it is heavy and a two handed machine. Not sure if it would out preform my 5000. I was considering selling my 5000 to upgrade to a 7000 but now I am not sure, the 5000 is a very good machine.

I started with a minelab Xterra 705. I bought a GPX 5000 a few months ago.

The XTerra never leaves the house. I can think if no way the 705 performs better except it is lighter. I only hold on to the 705 in case I get a second person to go with me that does not have a detector.

 

 

 

Only a very, very small percentage of metal detectors ever recover what they're worth.  As long as you don't think this is how you'd earn a living, go for it.