Hi Doug
I 'm using Spectra V3 detector for a little bit,but I'm always in process of learning the talk of machine.It has a probably hundred of combination of mode set up and program which I was not able to put in practice yet fully , whites  have a upgraded version V3i, but the old version can be send to whites for upgrade,but I'm happy with the original version.Goes  deep  ( did find a 1951 half penny in 28 cm in park) ,and discrimination is excellent,with the display if you learn a bit with the manual and from internet it can find gold in field in prospecting mode.Not to mention it is a fun on beach and parks.But it takes a time to learn all the trick.It could be a detector  turn and go ,but it could be a detector with endless possibilities.All is depends how much time one is prepared to spend with it .I can only say it for may self ,the money are well spend on detector which is probably the most versatile detector on the market.I do not know how it will hold on real hot ground in prospecting mode ,but Hill End or any part of NSW ,old gold mines digging ,did not have any problems ,some times it is unstable on some spot,but automatic  ground balance set up and it is usually gone, but probably there is not to much hot ground in here as in WA.
My work commitments  is not allowing me to go there ,but one day I make  a trip and will see for my self if is any gold left in there.
Fenix