what is wrong with the Cortes?

[garrybk]

I already own a compadre and an outlaw. I like both a lot. im going to have a small window of opportunity shortly to buy another detector in the $1000 range. I either buy a detector or my wife will spend the money. I've been looking at the cortes. But you don't here much about it.From the way Tesoro describes the cortes, you would think it is a great machine. But it doesnt get much press. Why?
Garry

 

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[Terry Soloman]

There's nothing wrong with the Cortes. The "problem" with it is that it is the most complicated machine they make, with the longest learning curve Tesoro Metal Detectors - Official company web site with metal detector models for treasure hunting land or water.

 

[lawbambam]

They are making one or two new detectors and will be released in the new year, just in case you werent aware of that.

 

[Scanman]

There's nothing wrong with the Cortes. The "problem" with it is that it is the most complicated machine they make, with the longest learning curve Tesoro Metal Detectors - Official company web site with metal detector models for treasure hunting land or water.

I just recently purchased a Cortes, have not put a lot of hours on it yet, but my initial thoughts were how simpler can it get for coin hunting?

 

[Dan B]

I had a Cortes a few years back. It is a fun machine to use, but be aware that the GB doesn't apply in disc mode. It only is effective in AM. That's it's one "Achilles heal". I found mine to be fairly deep, much more so than the Golden uMax I had at the time. The digital readout is fairly small and I found it sometimes difficult to see with sun glare. I didn't find the SUM mode to be very useful, but I've read about some people who really liked it. All and all, it was a very enjoyable machine to use. I shouldn't have sold it.

Would I buy another? Probably not, at least not new. Don't get me wrong, I love Tesoros. But when it comes to machines with a display, I believe that the Cortes is over-priced for what you get. For $729 there are a lot of choices in the category of TID machines. An F5 is a great machine and is a lot cheaper. The new MX5 can be had for $499!! Heck, you can get an F70 for less! I wouldn't suggest any of the Teknetics machines (other than the T2) because of what I believe to be inferior build quality. I had an Omega and it was so flimsy that I wouldn't expect it to last long under normal use. Maybe I'm just spoiled with Tesoro build quality??

I hope the new machine(s) coming out in 2014 are not screen machines. I hope it's more along the lines of the Outlaw, but maybe in a waterproof housing and with 2 tone (ferrous/non-ferrous).

 

[luvsdux]

I picked up a used Cortes a year or two back. As mentioned above the display is a bit small and the disc mode is a preset ground balance which is fine in most of the areas I hunt. I enjoy using it and have found it hits pretty deep and the ID is fairly accurate and the detector is light to swing. All in all I like it, but would agree the new retail price isn't competitive with much of the competition.
luvsdux

 

[Newfiehunter]

The screen is a little too small. You need to have the eyes of a hawk to see it! If Tesoro should come out with a new detector and it has visual id, they should improve upon it.