Metal detector Golden Mask LP ZERO II - new version 2022

Like everything, the popular Zero undergoes a series of changes and improvements over time. In the new version 2022 you will see quite a lot of design improvements, and because there are a lot of them we will discuss them all in the article below.

New Fighter S 28,5*33 cm (11*13″)

Although it might seem that the change will be only in the size and shape of the winding inside, there are many more improvements, especially in the mechanical properties of the probe.

Improved probe behavior in higher mineralization

The shape of the probe is slightly atypically wider than longer, due to the shape of the winding the probe's behaviour in soils with higher mineralisation is improved. It is worth noting that the effect of a similarly shaped probe has been used e.g. by Nexus or in a slightly milder form by one of the most popular NEL TORNADO additional probes (33*30cm).

Change in the technology of production of the plastic shell of the probe

GM's older probe shells are made by vacuum forming technology, which is simply a process where air is sucked out from under a plastic plate heated to ductile temperature, allowing the plate to be shaped to the hoof (pattern) underneath. Which is a simpler technology better suited for small batch production that does not require precision.

The disadvantage is that you are still working with the same thickness of the plate and you cannot, for example, reinforce strategic places or reduce the thickness of the material where it is not needed and you cannot make significantly articulated shapes with this technology.

Note: The probe housing for this coil is made with the same technology and thicker material, so it will be less susceptible to wear.

In contrast, the new probe is made by injection moulding technology into a precision mould, the resulting product then achieves higher precision, it is possible to reinforce ourThe probe can be thickened in places where it is not needed, thus saving weight and material and also "begging" the inside of the probe. By using this technology, it is possible to produce a shell with better mechanical properties that is lighter.

Note: The Fighter S probe housing is also made with this technology and is made of thicker material than older probes.

Probe weight

Thanks to the technology used, the weight of the probe including the cap has been reduced from 572g (30cm spider) to 497g (Fighter S) which is about 13% and the weight difference is already noticeable in the hand.

Cable routed at an angle

Quite an interesting improvement, which is the first I have seen with this probe. The cable is routed from the probe at an angle and not at a perpendicular angle like the other probes.

The angle of the cable roughly matches the angle of the probe to the detector rod, so the cable runs parallel to the detector rod and there is no bending and straining of the cable at the critical point right at the probe.

An article from testing and comparison of this and the classic 30cm spiden probe can be found here: Testing Fighter coils

Comparison of old and new coil types

Comparison of old and new coil caps

New GM telescopic shaft

Although it doesn't look like it at first glance the whole shaft has been completely changed.

Therods are now made of a higher quality carbon with a more distinctive pattern.
New locks: The newer rods use a completely different kind of locks that are noticeably more solid and a tightening insert that is more perforated and will better encircle the weaker rod inside. This makes the joint noticeably stronger.
New locking inserts at the ends of the bar: The new type of bar end liners are now made in one piece and are longer and more precise, thusThis eliminates play when the rod is pulled to its maximum position, and the new defining insert is also inserted in the last rod. Overall, the rod is noticeably stronger.

Note: Unfortunately the new locks are not compatible with the threads on the older rods. However, the diameters of the new and older rods are identical, so in theory the threads on the old rods can be removed and then replaced with the newm type and use the new type of lock (the threads are glued into the bar and must be mechanically removed - preferably cut and then unthreaded and removed). The new type of rod has been supplied on Zero detectors for several weeks.

The end delineators also cannot be used on the older type of rod without modification - the holes at the end of the rod must be slightly enlarged to the desired shape (with a fine file).

On the left, the old type of lock. On the right the new type.

Above new type of guide rod, below older type

Finally

We have had pre-production probes and rods for testing some time ago, so it is safe to say that all the changes in terms of probe design and mechanical performance are definitely for the better. And there are more than would be apparent at first glance.

Jaccob

P.S: The electronics of the detector remain unchanged.

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