First MD, Whites Prizm or Tesoro Silver uMax ?????

[lessthanzero]

New to the hobby and looking for my first MD. After doing lots of research, I have found that I like either the Tesoro Silver uMax because of the quality of the product, as well as, the lifetime warranty. I like the Whites Prizm II, or III because of the TID, as well as, they seem to be a quality product too. Love the fact that they are both made in the good ole USA. Anybody have any words of wisdom? I live in Arizona and want to hunt meteorites, as well as, anything else interesting. I'm retired, so cost is important.

 

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[John (Ma)]

I have a Prizm 2 and it's a great machine and very dependable. In your area and what you want to hunt for, I would have to say the Tesoro would be better. The umax has made great finds, to include nice relics at decent depths. I like the Tesoro brand for more of the relic's and they are still good for coins, etc. The Prizm won't tell you it's a metiorite anyway, so the key is to learn your detector. Just my 2 cents, I would choose the Silver umax.

 

[lessthanzero]

Thanks Lost, I am going to the local Tucson dealer tomorrow, he is a dealer for Whites and Tesoro so he should be able to give me some good info, plus I will be able to actually get some "hands-on".

 

[John (Ma)]

Sounds good, thats the best way to do it. Let us know what you get.

 

[lessthanzero]

Just ordered the Fisher 1236 X2, which was recommended by a good friend of the Sandman, one of many very knowledgeable folks on here. I am looking forward to having some good hunts. So much for the Tesoro/Whites question, just goes to show you.......

 

[Michigan Badger]

Never used the Prizm series but I'm very familiar with Whites machines in general (very good). I've had a lot of experience with most Tesoro models (also very good).

I own two Silvers at this time (both older models).

The Silver series has always been Tesoros most popular series.

The strong points in Tesoro's favor are as follows:

1) Great warrentee - no hassles if you have a problem - super fast service

2) Light weight and well balanced

3) A great range of exceptional coils (Tesoros uMax coils are supreme and vastly underrated in my opinion)

4) Very good depth (most quality machines get good depth today)

5) Very easy to learn - The Silver rules here!

6) Excellent target separation - A Tesoro strong point for sure

7) Excellent resale value - Unless you're in a hurry to sell

SEE:

http://www.staffsmetaldetectors.co.uk/depth_test.htm

When this chart first appeared, I criticized it but later had to write the author and apologise. After testing some of the detectors he has listed I found his depth claims very accurate. I think I was biased because for a long time I had an issue with Minelabs. See what he says about the Silver uMax with web coil (9x8).


Badger

 

[lessthanzero]

Badger: That is some very good information. Thanks.