Joe,
You made some very good points. On a final note, I would like to add a few more comments.
Why use a high banker in the first place?
The high banker was designed to replace the dredge, which is becoming illegal everywhere, to efficiently move more dirt, or because there is not an available water source. There is a common misconception that a high banker, because of its ability to move more dirt, will get you more gold. It will only get you more gold if there is gold in the dirt in the first place!
I have seen many, many times guys shovel dirt all day long to end up with very little to show for their efforts. If you watch youtube videos of guys that prospect on a regular basis, how many times do they use a high banker versus not? They will only use a high banker when they know they are on consistent pay. Sample, sample sample!
Another very important factor is not necessarily what type of mats you are running, but how far in you have to carry it. A few months back, CL Haddon posted his DIY mini backpack version. It was perfect for the terrain and the claim he was working, as it was too cumbersome to trek in a traditional high banker and pump.
Whatever system or method you use, whether it be a high banker or a pan and shovel, you can only get as much gold as there is gold in the dirt.
Keep On Diggin'_Suave
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