Impressions on the Vaquero - I may need some help from the Tesoro hardcore....

[SilverFinger]

Things I love about this machine -

• Featherlight. Swinging my Classic ID now feels like I'm wielding a cinder block around.
• Silent. Stable.
• Stock coil design. I love the coverage of the 9x8.

I have been digging nearly every signal that passes the "B" test. If the signal is strong at the "B" in "Tab", I dig. I'm ok with that. I dig probably every 5th signal that breaks up at nickel - generally I find a new-style pull tab.

One thing I'm insecure about is it's depth. I've heard great things about it's depth but realistically, at what point does the signal become 'iffy' on say a quarter?

I've been finding a lot of things close to the surface - 2-3" tops and ignoring the iffy signals. I think that's fair because any decent instrument should perform well enough and reasonably give you the info you need.

I bought the Vaquero because of the raves I see about it's depth but I'm not that confident in it's depth. '53Silvers videos make it look 'confidently' deep - Dimes at 6-8" with a STRONG response.

I may or may not want to super tune it too. Should be able to get a confident depth without the use of super tuning.

Yes, I'm properly ground balanced. I promise. I've been MD'in a long time too and know when my machine is properly tuned. I also check my GB every 10-15 mins or so.

Realistically and honestly, what can I expect from this machine as far as a crisp signal on a coin? I'm talkin' a sure 2-way beep and not a signal I'll have to chase because it's questionable.

I can't tell you HOW much I want to like this machine. I'm not expecting mind-blowing, but impressive would be nice.

This was/is a brand new Vaquero.

 

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[DiggerinVA]

If you haven't read it, youu need to read the book:"Mastering the Vaquero and Tejon".....very good book!

 

[Terry Soloman]

The main mistake most new Vaquero users make is using too much Sensitivity (gain). Keep it around "6," in most soils for greater depth.

 

[SilverFinger]

Thanks for the tips. I will try everything suggested. I also heard that you can 'power balance' by setting GB slightly negative in AM before switching to disc mode. Any truth to that? I'm looking for a confident signal on deeper coins is all.

 

[DiggerinVA]

Power balancing and everything else is in the book.

 

[SilverFinger]

I coughed up the ten bucks for the book.... A good read so far....

 

[Elkfever]

So how much of the book would transfer to the Lobo.

 

[Hobojo]

So how much of the book would transfer to the Lobo.

None