# 💰 How does the V mat compare to the Gold Stop mat in the Careland sluice box?

*Published: 2024-05-29 | Updated: 2024-10-24 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/answers/how-does-the-v-mat-compare-to-the-gold-stop-mat-in-the-careland-sluice-box*

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## Product: Careland Mini Sluice Box with Pump
**Brand:** Careland

When you're comparing the V mat and the Gold Stop mat in the Careland Gold Mining Fine Gold Recovery Mini Sluice Box, there are some important differences to think about, particularly in terms of performance.

This sluice box is designed for recirculating systems, mainly used indoors and comes equipped with a 110V submersible pump, plus both the V mat and Gold Stop mat. According to the manufacturer's description, it's great for fine gold recovery, but the setup can really affect how well it works.

From what we've gathered, some folks say the default matting might not grab onto fine gold as well as they hoped. Quite a few have found better results by adding or swapping in a V mat. It seems like the V mat does a good job of holding even the tinier gold particles, which can help boost your recovery rates.

Don't forget, the water flow and the angle of the sluice are pretty important too. We've noticed that some people ran into trouble with gold washing away and had to tweak these settings to fix it. It might take some trial and error, but getting it right can make a big difference.

Size-wise, the sluice box is compact at 24" x 4 1/2", which is great for hobbyists working indoors. If you're dealing with more substantial amounts or very fine gold, you might want to explore other options like a [blue bowl](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dblue%2Bbowl%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20), which some folks find more effective for ultra-fine gold.

Overall, the Careland sluice box is a fun way to get into gold prospecting, especially if you're new to it. Playing around with the setup and connecting with others for tips can really help you improve. 

Adjustments and configurations are key to getting the best results, and this sluice box definitely offers a chance to learn and refine your technique over time.

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*Where this comes from: This answer is based on ShopSavvy's product database, real-time pricing from thousands of retailers, and analysis of user reviews to give you a well-rounded picture.*