Buying decision: Tesoro Cortes

[Youngster1972]

I have an opportunity to buy a Cortes for $400. I am new to metal detectors but have read several times that I should purchase a higher end MD. I would use it mainly for beach, park and maybe a little relic hunting. If not the Cortes, then some suggestions for a different MD would be great. Thanks!

 

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[rainyday101]

Do you know if the ground is very mineralized in your area? The Cortes will only ground balance in All Metal Mode and not Disc. Mode. If the ground in your area is mineralized you might consider a Vaquero that has a ground balance in both modes. If you call one of the forum sponsors you can get a Vaq for maybe a tick over what you are going to pay for the Cortes. However, $400 is a steal on a Cortes and it is a great performing detector from what I have read and been told.

 

[Terry Soloman]

I would not do it. While the Cortes is a good machine it is a complicated machine, and not a good starter. It has problems in highly mineralized soils and tends to get "chatty" or give lots of mixed signals in extremely trashy areas. My opinion is you would be better served buying a new Vaquero, or an Outlaw as your first Tesoro. Whatever you decide, Tesoro will be there with customer service and tech support.

Good Luck - Terry

 

[rws51]

I tried the Cortes and did not like that it didn't have manual ground balance in the disc mode.
The SUM feature was a waste of time and effort in my opinion... unloaded the detector as soon as I could and got a Vaquero.

 

[Youngster1972]

Thank you for all of your help. I am anxious to buy a Tesoro.

 

[luvsdux]

I have one and like it. Don't find it too complicated at all and it does well in the parks and fair grounds etc. where I use it. (mild ground) I agree with the concerns about ground balancing as I believe anyone that is going to have just one detector should choose one that has either manual ground balance or true auto ground tracking as these features are a must in more minerlized ground.
luvsdux