Tesoro Metal Detectors

[johncarter]

I have narrowed my choices down to these detectors. Can anyone
offer any pros and cons for these models, or should I look into other
manufactures.

[Sandman]

Welcome to Tnet. Your choices are fine except for the Sand Shark for a beginner. The Sand Shark is a Pulse unit and doesn't have much disc and is mainly a beach detector as in a park you'd wrap it around a tree because of all the beeps.

[sandtrout]

John Carter comes out in March and my son and I will be going.

Am considering the Sand Shark for the beaches out here...not that others may or may not be better but salt water can be rough on ANYTHING and the Sand Shark comes with a lifetime warranty! Nuff said!

Did the research and discounted both the Silver and the Cibola (even though they're considered GREAT detectors)...no ground balance! I don't need one so much out here in California but nice to have out-of-state. I travel with fishing gear and detectors. I would hate to run into and area where a "pre-set detector" couldn't handle the ground conditions so I upped the ante and got the Vaquero.

Discounted the Lobo...don't do that type of hunting but if I did...I'd own it.

Discounted the Cortes...hear lots of good things about it but a bit pricey and even though it's got a notching system and all....I've learned to compensate but learning the sounds on the Vaquero.

I don't know what your needs are. I'm retired and living on a limited income so all my detecting purchases are paid for by what me detectors find. No matter what you get...take the time (at LEAST 100+ hours) to really learn it. It will probably buy whatever else you need! Anyway, that's my 2 cents.

[ds6191]

Well, I can vouch for the silver Umax. Between my brother and I we have found over 30,000 coins and many many silver rings and silver pendents.Oh and his absolutely beautiful gold coin that would be on the banner if I found it.
But really the key is where you detect and learning the machine you buy. That is the key. I know it sounds crazy but with a one tone machine we can almost tell you what we are going to dig up before we dig. Just my 2 cents. Good luck, Dan

[Terry Soloman]

Hello John Carter, and welcome to the forum from White Plains, New York. Unfortunately, your question is a bit "shotgun," as you must look at each one of these machines as a tool with a specific purpose. Yes, you can use a sledgehammer to drive a nail, but a claw hammer works just as well, and isn't as heavy or hard to carry. Here is a slideshow of stuff I found with my two Tesoro machines this year.. The Sand Shark, and the Lobo Super Traq.

[Bobby S]

Im surprised you don't have the vaquero on your list...what made you turn away from it?

[Adrian SS]

I prefer the Lobo because it is as good or better than all of the others but without the LCD Readouts.
The vaquero would be my second choice as a do everything detector outside of underwater work.

[Mzjavert]

I've got a great Sidewinder that I bought used in the late 90's. I'm saving my pennies now for a Cibola.

[Detector Wars]

What kind of detecting do you do? Parks, beaches, relic...

[shanegalang]

I have had a Deleon and now own a Cortes. I have recently been hunting a civil war battle site and the Cortes is pulling three ringers out 6 to 8 inches deep. I feel it's a great all around detector for what ever you hunt. It has many features, some of which I seldom use.

[froggy38383]

Cibola is a good versatile detector which I have used for coin shooting and relic hunting. Simple, lightweight, well balanced, uses only one 9v battery. Low cost and great warranty as well. Great value for the money.

Con is preset ground balance which can be an issue in some places.

As was mentioned it depends on the type of detecting you are planning. Vaquero with the 10 x 12 coil seems to be very deep, great for relic hunting.

[MetalDetector27]

After much research and positive reviews and comments from fellow members. I am going with the Silver Umax. It seems like a great machine for the price. Thanks to all who "talked" me out of buying an Ace 250. It seems like I will be much happier with the Tesoro

[artzstuff1]

Hello John Carter, and welcome to the forum from White Plains, New York. Unfortunately, your question is a bit "shotgun," as you must look at each one of these machines as a tool with a specific purpose. Yes, you can use a sledgehammer to drive a nail, but a claw hammer works just as well, and isn't as heavy or hard to carry. Here is a slideshow of stuff I found with my two Tesoro machines this year.. The Sand Shark, and the Lobo Super Traq.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT4VLVG3nIU

Nice stuff terry,,always enjoy your insight on these forums,,,,

arthur

wayne co.
il.

[shanegalang]

The Cortes isn't getting many votes. Mine had no problem finding a 1840 Seated Dime O mint mark and a 1842 Seated Half dime O mintmark out of a sugar cane field Friday

[smcdmc]

I have the Cortes and love it.

[G.A.P.metal]

Hi all
I don`t use the new Tesoro`s I Bought a a bunch of Toltec II s back when i used to sell them in the 90s allway gettin to test the newest of detectors blew my mind.
The best finds were testing out the new machines each detector i would take to 1 new place and 2 places where people had MDd a lot,but allways got the best finds testing.
So i have allways hunted as if the detector is new to me and can`t tell what it is telling me, the trick is getting to new places... i can do it all the time here.
So i have had one of those Toltec II s for a very long time and they just have very hot elelic tronics in a small package i can hip mount the TT and hunt all day and do that all i can.
Allways got great relics from the foundations around here and many col. coins at an honest 12" on a large penny and conn.copper.. 8" on a dime.The Toltec is hot on gold anything.... deep as any i`v ever tested built very well and, has run like a top all these years. Run it in towns around here in between the sidewalk and the street and get coins rings very deep.
I can`t say enough good things about Tesoro`s and if my Toltec ever dies i will buy a new Tesoro couldnt sleep at nite without a Tesoro in my house.
Gary G.A.P.metal

[birdman]

The vaquero is a fantastic all around hunter.