One thing to keep in mind is, there are people out there that cannot ever hear the subtle variations in an analog-tone machine. Reason is the same as why some people can't see different colors. When going through in-processing for the USAF (yes, they really DID have planes back then!
), they showed us these cards that had lots of colored dots, and within these dots were numbers made up of dots. I could clearly see the different dots, yet even after having a number pointed out to me, still could not make out the outline. Needless to say, they didn't let me anywhere near a jet!
The digital machines start out creating an analog signal, just like the oldest detectors out there. Where the newer machines are different is that they use digital electronics to try to help people understand what it (the detector) is sensing in the ground. The more bells and whistles, the more $$. Two of the best and most powerful detectors out there are the Tesoro Tejon and Vaquero, both of which have been in production for a very long time. They can get as deep as virtually any other detector out there...at least up to a point. Once you learn the language of a tone(s)-only detector, providing your hearing can distinguish, you can competitively match up against most other detectors costing much more. But like anything else, in the end it all boils down to the user. A hurried user with a $5,000 detector will find MUCH less than the careful, well-trained ear using a less-expensive Tesoro or other. Likewise, switch that around and you'll see why there are so many great finds with the newer digital detectors. Every detector out there will detect, but in the end, it ALL boils down to the user.
The last thing I'd like to point out is, what kind of person are you? Are you someone who likes flash and bling and high-tech wonders? Or are you a less-flashy person who prefers low-tech? If you can afford a $5k detector, go for it. A machine like that will make things much easier. If you're on a budget or if you're unsure if you will keep up with this hobby into the future, then look at a very popular detector, as they will be easier to sell if you choose to. And lastly, consider the weight of the detectors you look at. A difference of a pound over an 8-hour period could mean moving more than an extra TON of weight in just a single day.
1 ton = 2,000 lbs. If you swing a detector continuously 1 time per second, that's 60 swings per minute, or 3,600 swings per hour. A machine weighing 1 lb. more will cause you to swing over 1.5 tons more every hour! (assuming you're swinging and not digging!)
