Fisher 1280x aquanaut advise and thoughts please :)

[drink]

A 1280x came up on the local classifieds in like new condition for $400. Its the older version with a white coil and fiberglass shaft.

My quaestons are this:
1. What would an older model in great shape be worth?
2. Have the later models been improved or changed?
3. What are your thoughts on this particular detector?

Cheers,

B~

 

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[lonewolfe]

Nothing has really changed on those machines since being built (as far as improvements in the operating aspect).

$400 for a "like new" is a little high for one of those machines. If you can get it for $325 or so you'd be doing good.

The bad thing with those specific models is - they only have *1* tone (it's basically a beep & dig water machine) that beeps in 1 tone no matter which type of metal/target you pass over (and therefore) you have no way to tell if the target is iron or aluminum or gold or nickel or copper or silver, brass, etc. etc. unless you disc. out certain metals but then you lose depth AND miss certain targets that may fall within the range of metal you have disc'ed out.

I can't believe they still sell those machines new and haven't phased them out in all these yrs! The CZ20 was (and the CZ21 is) a WAY better machine that I know they have sold far more of than those machines. Honestly - I don't see them being around much longer. No one likes a *1* tone machine anymore unless you're truly "old school" and know what you're doing/like that type of machine.

I wouldn't recommend it for "beginners" as most of them would want to wrap it around a tree after the 1st time out with it!

Just my .02

HH

 

[drink]

Thanks for your thoughts lonewolfe, interesting points. Does anyone else have any input or advise??

Cheers

B~

 

[rrybak]

Thanks for your thoughts lonewolfe, interesting points. Does anyone else have any input or advise??

Cheers

B~

I checked one out last year. I called Fisher and found out it was not water proof like the new ones

 

[rainyday101]

Look at a Tesoro Tiger Shark. The 1280 does not have ground balance. $400 is too high. You can do better on Ebay. Be leary of buying used underwater detectors. Call Tom at Miller MDZ, he is one of our sponsors, for not much more he can set you up with something new with a warranty. Both the Tiger Shark and 1280 are only good for freshwater.

 

[minnesota outdoors north]

I checked one out last year. I called Fisher and found out it was not water proof like the new ones

you have been mis informed...I have had mine down to 125' bought it in 1983...

Gary

 

[Fletch88]

Just the statement "older version" and the fact that it is a water machine would be enough to steer clear of buying. I bought a like new condition older version Tiger Shark with interchangeable coil once. The coil failed the first time I submerged it to 10' underwater. I spent another $250 to replace coil.
I agree with RainyDay on the Tiger shark unless you are going to hunt saltwater.

 

[minnesota outdoors north]

I own one and would sell it for 275.00....excellent condition with case...

Gary

 

[scotter1]

they are waterproof to 200 ft. not many are at that depth.you can have them upgraded from the factory.it will perform better with the new coils.yes its a one tone detector that only shows you a target.if digging is to much work you shouldnt be in this hobby.digging in sand is not hard compared to parks.and digging most targets will get you far more of the good stuff than not digging because you dont think its worth digging.if you can get it at no more than 350 max,its worth it.