Leaning towards Tesoro

[Philvis]

I am getting back into metal detecting and had planned on getting a Garrett GTI 1500. I had found a place that sold the Garrett's 16% cheaper than everywhere else so I was about to hop on that, but after browsing through the Tesoro forum, I am really inclined to giving Tesoro a try. My budget is around the DeLeon price point, but would be tempted to get a Cortes if I can find it cheaper than the $679 price tag I see everywhere. I have delayed buying because my wife will kill me if I spend $500 for a detector and decide I chose the wrong one. I guess my biggest question is would the DeLeon fullfill my basic needs. I reside in the Richmond area of Virginia, and that will be where I do the vast majority of my detecting. I would like to take the detector to the beach if I ever make it there, so I would like one that can handle the salt water beaches as well. My house actually backs up to a Civil War battlefield, so I will be detecting it once I get a new one. I currently have an early 90s model of the Garrett Grand Master Hunter and pulled a Gardner minie ball out of the ground recently. That detector is bulky and it is on the fritz, so I don't want to invest too much to repair it. I was spoiled by the semi-target ID on the GMH, so I am fearful of getting a detector without TID?

One last question, Is there price fixing with metal detectors? Everywhere I see they are the exact same price. One dealer may throw in a goodie bag, but that is about it. Thanks for your input!

 

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[Sandman]

There is no price fixing on metal detectors!!!

However the dealers are told what price to sell them and if they sell much below the "suggested Price," they could lose the ability to sell that brand. That is why most of them are exactly the same. Kellyco can't sell Tesoro's anymore and won't say why.............

The GTI 1500 is a fair detector, but the Tesoro's are a better value IMO. My 1500 hasn't been the same since I sent in in for repairs.

 

[SHERMANVILLE ILLINOIS]

Philvis,

like both of your choices.



have a good un.......
SHERMANVILLE

 

[RON (PA)]

I have two Tesoro machines (Compadre & Tiger Shark) and I love them. When you call the company, you can talk to Rusty (lead technician) or James (the owner). Not too many companies offer that today. You cannot beat their customer service. Great in my opinion. As long as they keep making them, I will keep buying their products. I would go with Tesoro.

 

[Shortstack]

Welcome to the forum, Philvis. The prices you see for Tesoros is the 80% of retail that all dealers can use. Especially dealers on the web. Now, for the models you are looking over. The DeLeon has the same circuitry as the Cortes except it has preset ground balance in both Disc and All Met. The DeLeon's TID has slightly fewer notches in its window than the Cortes, but those of us who have the big D don't mind that. For different types of ground, you might prefer Trejon or Vaquero with their manual ground balance. Whichever detector you choose, you will be getting a most excellent machine in a Tesoro.

 

[relikhunter]

The deleon or the cortes,would be great choices.I love my cortes,and wouldn't part with it.....You can find them cheaper,if you look around......HH rh

 

[Philvis]

Thank you everyone for your input. I have been looking for over a month now for a new detector and it's a big decision to make when dropping $500 or more. Thanks Joe for the message, I really appreciate everyone's here advice as you all have a good chunk of experience. I think I will be choosing the DeLeon because of the pricepoint and to introduce myself to Tesoro better. Thanks again for the great input everyone.

 

[johnnycat]

It's hard to make a decision. I purchased a new V as a backup unit. I like it so much that now I'm trying to sell my primary unit to buy a Deleon.

 

[Philvis]

After much consideration, I decided on the Tejon. This will be my first Tesoro and first detector I have used without TID, so I am excited and nervous at the same time. I just ordered one from Joe, so hopefully I will be receiving that very soon. I wanted to take the time to thank Joe for all the help he has provided and patience with my many questions. He is definitely a knowledgable and stand up guy and I was happy to provide him with business after all the help he gave. Unfortunately, I have only used a TID detector, so I will probably be asking a million questions on here in the near future, so I look forward to everyone's input! Thanks!

 

[bill gent]

I was told they couldn't sell them any more because it would have effectually shut down some of the small to middle size dealers (because kellco can give away extras)
They aslo wanted a much lower price from the factory because they bought in bulk and this caused an uproar in the established distributer end.
While I have nothing against Kellyco I think its a good decision on Tesoro's part not to ignore the little guy.

special prices :
Dealers that sell a mumber of metal Detectors can get the lowest prices set by the distributors medium to lowest is set accordingly in discount prices (the more u sell the higher the discount)

sounds like the dilemma I'm in getting the right detector for the money yet have one to grow into. I chose the tiger shark it has ground balance adjustments can handle salt to fresh water to 200 ft and detect also on land. anddddd that lifetime warranty is a huge bonus mine should arrive sometime next week I cant wait I traded my Xlt for it

 

[Philvis]

Just thought I would give a quick update on my thoughts so far about the Tejon. I really am loving this machine! I REALLY had reservations going from a TID to a beep and dig one, but I have found out I like the beep and dig better. It really is forcing me to truly learn the detector, whereas before all I did was push the auto ground balance button and swing away until I got a reading I liked. I guarantee that I missed so much, because in my backyard alone I have gone over the area I swept with the old one and have pulled up a bunch. I really love how lightweight it is as well. love the dual discrimination and really am starting to learn it. I couldn't be more pleased with the Tejon. Take a look at my first finds...2 nights work in my backyard for about just over an hours worth of work.

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,153188.0.html

 

[John (Ma)]

Tejon sounds like a winner and looking forward to hearing more.