New to detecting, limited budget, need a detector with ground balancing.

[adhdreamer]

I recently bought a Tesoro Compadre from Kellyco, and while I loved it, it would go off on it's own and the discrimination between different metals was pretty much nonexistent. I assumed that the sensitivity was turned up too high so I contacted Kellyco and the tech told me it probably wasn't the detector, it was the fact that I live in an area with high mineral content in the soil (Pennsylvania) and that I needed a machine that had an automatic ground balancing feature.

Even though Kellyco will give me credit on the returned product towards a new one, most of the machines I've seen are way more expensive than a compadre. Working in the private school sector, where my annual salary is paid in drier lint and Tic-Tacs, my budget is pretty tight, so dropping more than three or four hundred is gonna really hurt.


What are some reliable models that TN recommends? They don't necessarily need to be Tesoro, just something that's a reliable piece of equipment and will suit my specific need.

 

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[Terry Soloman]

Tesoro Vaquero $450.00 I would call Rusty Henry at Tesoro 928-771-2646 at the factory in Prescott, before sending it back though. It sounds to me like Kellyco sent you a defective Compadre, as it is one of the best discriminating machines on the market, and may be trying to sell you something you really don't need. If it turns out your soil is really that mineralized, you WILL have to spend at least the $450.00 for a manual ground balancing machine. Let us know what Rusty tells you!

 

[Longhair]

Minelab Xterra 305. Under $400, manual GB, capable of running 7.5kHz or 18.75kHz with a coil change, 3yr transferable warranty, and has Noise Cancel channels to assist in dealing with pesky EMI.

 

[dirtfisher23]

The Garrett AT PRO is an excellent detector with manual
and push button auto ground balance. at 15kHz. The AT Gold is 18kHz and
about $100 more. It dances circles around the MXT

 

[Gene@Kellyco]

I recently bought a Tesoro Compadre from Kellyco, and while I loved it, it would go off on it's own and the discrimination between different metals was pretty much nonexistent. I assumed that the sensitivity was turned up too high so I contacted Kellyco and the tech told me it probably wasn't the detector, it was the fact that I live in an area with high mineral content in the soil (Pennsylvania) and that I needed a machine that had an automatic ground balancing feature.

Even though Kellyco will give me credit on the returned product towards a new one, most of the machines I've seen are way more expensive than a compadre. Working in the private school sector, where my annual salary is paid in drier lint and Tic-Tacs, my budget is pretty tight, so dropping more than three or four hundred is gonna really hurt.


What are some reliable models that TN recommends? They don't necessarily need to be Tesoro, just something that's a reliable piece of equipment and will suit my specific need.

Hey adhdreamer, Give me a shout directly at ext 106, I'm the sales manager and I will see what our options are. I look forward to hearing from you.

Gene Knight
Kellyco Metal Detectors.

 

[christo000]

I recently bought a Tesoro Compadre from Kellyco, and while I loved it, it would go off on it's own and the discrimination between different metals was pretty much nonexistent. I assumed that the sensitivity was turned up too high so I contacted Kellyco and the tech told me it probably wasn't the detector, it was the fact that I live in an area with high mineral content in the soil (Pennsylvania) and that I needed a machine that had an automatic ground balancing feature.

Even though Kellyco will give me credit on the returned product towards a new one, most of the machines I've seen are way more expensive than a compadre. Working in the private school sector, where my annual salary is paid in drier lint and Tic-Tacs, my budget is pretty tight, so dropping more than three or four hundred is gonna really hurt.

What are some reliable models that TN recommends? They don't necessarily need to be Tesoro, just something that's a reliable piece of equipment and will suit my specific need.

-U can really narrow it down by a simple check list
-What u wanna detect for coins,relics,everything,etc
-Land or water or both
-What ur budget is
-What u think u want the machine to have ground balance,screen no screen
-Do u have or need the tools: decent digger,treasure pouch,pinpointer,
- used u mayb able to get a higher end machine sometimes still with a warrenty
-id definetly stick with brand name machines & all the vendors here are very good & will stand behind what they sell. These r just some things I throw around when im about to upgrade I wanna get the most machine for the money, but be carefull this hobby can get expensive to lol good luck

 

[Sand Pirate]

I'm fairly new to the hobby as well...I did A LOT of research, here and online etc, and I chose the Garrett AT Pro for my first serious detector for several reasons. Manual/auto ground balance, versatility, waterproof (to 10 feet), can be used on the beach (where I do about all my detecting right now), and good ratings for the price. So far the AT Pro has been wonderful. Working the surf (wet sand) can be tricky, but there is a learning curve and Ive about figured it out. I always find clad whether it be dry sand or waist deep water. Haven't found much bling other than an old silver ring and some costume jewelry. Works VERY well in fresh water and on land. I'm not saying run out and get an AT Pro, i'm just offering an honest experience with the machine. Granted I will probably use this machine for a while and look into getting a machine geared more for hunting salt water....

 

[christo000]

I'm fairly new to the hobby as well...I did A LOT of research, here and online etc, and I chose the Garrett AT Pro for my first serious detector for several reasons. Manual/auto ground balance, versatility, waterproof (to 10 feet), can be used on the beach (where I do about all my detecting right now), and good ratings for the price. So far the AT Pro has been wonderful. Working the surf (wet sand) can be tricky, but there is a learning curve and Ive about figured it out. I always find clad whether it be dry sand or waist deep water. Haven't found much bling other than an old silver ring and some costume jewelry. Works VERY well in fresh water and on land. I'm not saying run out and get an AT Pro, i'm just offering an honest experience with the machine. Granted I will probably use this machine for a while and look into getting a machine geared more for hunting salt water....

Either way nice review on it

 

[johnnyboy25]

LOOK FOR A MINELAB SOV OR QUATTRO

 

[Longhair]

LOOK FOR A MINELAB SOV OR QUATTRO

Why? They've both been discontinued.

 

[marjam]

With 3-400 dollars, you could buy a lot of detector if you buy used. Look on this forum, and other sites to see if there is a used model that is to your liking.

 

[MickeyMaguire]

With a limited budget, see if you can find a LandStar. It's one of BH's best machines and has an excellent ground balance. MY Tesoro Bandito II did very poorly in Mid Ohio clay, but, it was great in the Poconos. I started using the LandStar in Ohio clay and it was stable as can be. Another option is the Fisher F4 at $399 I believe.

 

[christo000]

I still think u could find a good deal on a,used lightly mid to high end machine there are people constantly buying high end machines & think they just produce those finds the gold & silver & when they dont they. Get put up forsale cheap just gotta look hh

 

[Fixitdave]

I would say check the bountyhunter platinum ive had good luck with it happy huntin

 

[christo000]

Ya know i never used a platinum but ah id like to know a little more em they look pretty nice in my book with not many complaints either

 

[airscapes]

Don't see much anyone recommending the coinmaster GT but I live in Philadelphia and just bought one as my first MD. $399 auto ground balancing with lots of higher end features. Sorry only been in the back yard an hour or so and it is full of trash.. I keep digging it to see what it is but I know it is trash before I dig it. I would bet I could have gotten a used unit with more tricks but I am no expert and new seemed the way to go.

 

[christo000]

Don't see much anyone recommending the coinmaster GT but I live in Philadelphia and just bought one as my first MD. $399 auto ground balancing with lots of higher end features. Sorry only been in the back yard an hour or so and it is full of trash.. I keep digging it to see what it is but I know it is trash before I dig it. I would bet I could have gotten a used unit with more tricks but I am no expert and new seemed the way to go.
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Hahaha funny i totaly forgot about that machine great machine goes deep has a great recovery to there was an old Man that used to be at a park down the street from me every weekend & he'd always have a story to tell on what he found with it. My thoughts its very underestimated @ only 400 Ud think with the options it has & performance it has easily 700 machine