Uncle Buck,
One of the most important things to me is total weight with batteries. Even though we get a short break now and then to dig a target and the option to switch hands, wear & tear on arms & shoulders still becomes more noticeable as we age. I was using my Garrett Ace250 at 2.7 pounds for three days in a row recently, sessions being between 2-1/2 to 4 hours each and had pain and soreness during the hunt on the third day and it continued throughout the forth, but was gone by the fifth day.
Being a medium stature, light-boned, 175 Lb. male, age 68, that 4 pound Toltec 100 would be a killer for me, even for one hour ! The Compadre at 2.2 Lbs. I could swing 3-4 hours without any arm & shoulder soreness at all. I know that because I also have a Tesoro Bandido 11 uMax at 2.2 pounds to compare with the Ace250.
On the other hand, if a person is built for the task, the Toltec 100 has a lot more features. Assuming both machines are in good working order, I would say you have the better machine and should consider asking for some extra cash on the deal. The light weight of the Compadre will be a pleasure to swing and you can see for yourself on Treasure Hunter Forum what "Tabdog" can do with his two Compadre's, Mr. and Miss Speedy. He is unbelievable ! If my memory serves, he made over $3000.00 last year from jewelry finds alone.
I pasted the specifications on both machines below for comparison.
Tesoro Compadre :
Operating Frequency 12 kHz
Searchcoil Type Round concentric, hardwired
Searchcoil Size 5.75"
Cable Length Approx. 3'
Audio Frequency Approx. 630 Hz
Audio Output 1 ½" speaker and headphone jack
Headphone Compatibility ¼" stereo plug
Weight (may vary slightly) 2.2 lbs
Battery Requirement One 9 Volt DC (alkaline)
Battery Life (typical) 10 to 20 hours
Optimum Temp. Range 30° to 100° F
Optimum Humidity 0 to 75% R.H.
Operating Modes Silent Search Discriminate
Tesoro Toltec 100 :
Operating Frequency 12 kHz
Searchcoil Type Concentric
Searchcoil Size 8 1/2" Diameter
Cable Length Approx. 3’
Audio Frequency Approx. 375 Hz
Audio Output 2 1/4" speaker
Headphone Compatibility 1/4" stereo earphone jack
Weight (may vary slightly) 4 lbs
Battery Requirement 9 volt DC (for ID meter light)
1 ea. 9V alkaline
Battery Life (typical) 15 to 30 hours
Optimum Temperature Range 30° to 100° F
Optimum Humidity 0 to 75% R.H.
Operating Modes ALL METAL
DISCRIMINATION
NOTCH DISCRIMINATE
Hope this gives you some help.
ToddB64
