Tesoro Sand Shark

[Beachbum74]

Does anyone here use the Tesoro Sand Shark in the saltwater and how do they do? I have a Whites Surf II and it is not working out for me. I want something else and found a good deal in a Sand Shark locally. Would like some input on how it does in saltwater and sand before I purchase. I am planning on an Excalibur 1000 next summer but I need something else until then. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[Sandman]

I don't have my Sand Shark anymore and now use Excals and Tiger Sharks. The Sand Shark like most PI types is very deep which is what is needed in the sifting sands at the coasts. It is well made and seems to last forever on a set of batteries. I never had no trouble with it in the wet sand or along the shore where some have had the detectors become unstable due to a combination of saltwater and black sand. I gave it up because of the lack of good discrimination and I was digging deep holes for small pieces of iron. Normally this is OK, but My back was not as good as it used to be and all that digging of junk slowed down the sweeps for the better finds.

You'll find the Excal almost as deep and with the Iron Mask you won't be bothered by bobby pins, nails, other iron. One great advantage of the Excal over all other detectors is it's ability to report on a gold ring or coin UNDER a piece of iron. Other detectors null out on the iron and this null over powers the signal from the ring.

 

[G.I.B.]

The sand shark is all I use right now. The machine is simply great due to it's ease of use. Turn it on, start digging.

You will find yourself digging deep holes for little things. One hole, at least 10" deep in the surf was driving me nuts. I could tell that whatever was causing the tone was easily slipping thru the scoop holes. I usually get bobby pins that do that. I finally scooped it up and dug thru the wad of sand by hand. It was the little gold back of an earring, that little thing that slides on the post.

That convinced me that if my detector goes over the top of anything metal, I'll find it, and I have. Yes, I too get tired of digging iron, sometimes. I've dug up some old spike/nails and have found hunks of worm eaten wood nearby in 18 feet of water. That is what gets my blood pumping a little.

When the Sand Shark barks at me in the surf I dig about 4 good scoops. If I've not dug it up by then I pretty much leave it. It's usually a hunk of rusty crab trap parts. This, of course, depends on where I'm at and what I'm digging for. When hunting modern beach fodder, 4 scoops is about all I'll dig on a target.

Do I do a bit of extra digging? You bet. Will I get an excal one day? Probably. I just really like my Sand Shark tho. The price is very affordable for what your getting, even on a new machine. There is a place I have to walk about a mile on the beach to get to from the parking area. With the coil out front I balance the detector on my shoulder. It's balanced so well that I can walk the mile without touching the detector.

It's a joy in the water. The white coil helps you see where to dig in cloudy water. I can swing this thing all day, with ease. The Shark requires no modifications. Use it as is. You don't have to buy anything extra to make it comfortable.

It's a simple honest very well built machine. I say 'go for it' until you get your Excal.

HH

 

[rons1947]

I have had a Sand Shark since March.It works very well in salt water.Like every one else with this detector,I dig a lot of trash,but It goes deep and pinpoints very well.I have had some nice finds with it.I have belt mounted the control box,which makes it much easier to swing all day long.I'm really happy with the Sand Shark.I believe that it would be a good choice to hunt with,while you wait to get your Excaliber.

 

[Beachbum74]

Well the Sand Shark came in the mail today. I am going to give it a shot on the beach this weekend and see what happens. Maybe I will get lucky with it and it. I appreciate all the feedback I recieved from you guys.

 

[G.I.B.]

Simply move the coil back and forth over the pile of Spanish Cobs, the occasional gold and diamond ring, and you will do just fine.

Good luck with the hunt and let us know how you did.