What is it that makes Tesoro so great?

[robert roy]

I hear SOOOooooo much about Tesoro. The only other one that seems to rank as hagh seems to be MineLab. What is it about Tesoro that seems to attract so many people to that machine Vs. other machines out there?

Whenever I see post from people asking for help deciding what machine to buy, its either Garret or Tesoro. More times than not, Tesoro is the most often mentioned.

Regards
Robert R

 

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[bavarianminister]

I own a Tesoro and many other brands of detectors. Have been at this game for over 20 years. Tesoros are great machines - however - other manufacturers machines are great also. I often read biased posts about how some other machine is vastly better than another. What I can tell you is - if you buy a quality machine that you think will meet your needs - and truly learn the machine - then you will be happier. If you let someone else persuade you into a machine that you are not quite sure about - then you may be un-happy with your purchase. Everyone has opinions - and I respect those opinions - lots of good info on this forum. That is the reason for my purchase of a Tesoro. Is it the great 'WONDER MACHINE"? Absolutely not! It is still a great machine. Until they make a machine that can physically see into the ground and show you what is there - and I am talking about 100 % positive I.D. - I wont label any detector a "WONDER MACHINE"! I learned the ropes with Garretts, Fishers, and Whites back in the late 80's. If the last three brands that I mentioned were so inferior - they would be out of business. Now Fisher has been bought by Bounty Hunter - not sure what happened there - but they made some great machines.

The bottom line here, is to purchase one and learn it. I prefer light weight. Too many years swinging framing hammers around. My right shoulder is shot! The little tesoros have the edge on weight - thus - I can swing them longer. That of course results in many more finds - still dig a lot of trash though. Having just purchased a new "Wonder Machine" - Whites DFX - hoping that the massive discrimination capabilities will help in this arena. I have never been disappointed with a machine purchase yet. They all seem to be capable of some great finds. Find some good hunting grounds and hunt with a 200 dollar machine and you will be successful.

To the manufacturer out there - I am waiting for a detector with a 1080P resolution T.V. screen that with a DVD player and surround sound built in - HA!


Bavarianminister

 

[robert roy]

Now that WOULD be great! A machine that will actually SHOW you what your target is, not tell you on a VDI!

Robert R

 

[RON (PA)]

The things that I can think of are:
1). Great customer service. When you call you speak directly to the company and most of the
time, it is the owner who is more than happy to answer your questions.
2). Lifetime warranty - They do stand behind their products.
3). Great products - When you buy a Tesoro, you know that you have a quality product.
4). Great price -When I bought my Tesoro Compadre, it was the cheapest of all the entry level
detectors.

These are just the things that pop into my mind. Hope it helps.

 

[Michigan Badger]

I hear SOOOooooo much about Tesoro. The only other one that seems to rank as hagh seems to be MineLab. What is it about Tesoro that seems to attract so many people to that machine Vs. other machines out there?

Whenever I see post from people asking for help deciding what machine to buy, its either Garret or Tesoro. More times than not, Tesoro is the most often mentioned.

Regards
Robert R

First off Tesoro addressed a great need in this hobby, the need for light weight well balanced detectors. Back when they came out with their machines most other companies were still making those heavy unbalanced lunch box style rigs. Some still are doing this!

Second, Tesoro opted for good depth with easy simple settings. They know that most finds are less than 6 inches deep so they built their machines around that average. Tesoros have always been some of the easiest to learn machines made. They're mostly no-nonsense basic machines.

Warranty is a giant reason for their success. People have learned that Tesoro doesn't forget the customer after the sale. They keep all parts for their machines new and old and are capable of fixing most anything and often for free.

Smoothness is also very important. The signal from a Tesoro is stable and mellow. People tend to dislike snap crackle pop noises. While it is true that the very deep machines are all a bit noisy (Tejon), they've tended to avoid the extreme depth and go with reasonable depth and mellow sounds. This has paid off for them big time.

Tesoros have an almost unbelievably excellent pinpointing ability. There is no need at all for an all-metal pinpoint button on a Tesoro. They all pinpoint easily in discriminate mode.

Endurance is a big factor too. Tesoros are tuff machines. Some other major brands die very easily.

Resale value is very good on all Tesoros if one doesn't get in too much of a hurry to sell. I love people who buy a Tesoro, don't learn it, get frustrated, and sell dirt cheap. This makes for awesome deals.

There are more but these are some reasons why people like them so much.

 

[Shortstack]

Michigan Badger is absolutely CORRECT. The Tesoro folks have worked very hard to build reliable, tough, accurate, and simple machines. Then put LIFETIME warranties on them. I've said it before---I WILL NOT pay several hundred dollars for a machine if its manufacturer does not have enough faith in its quality to put more than a 3 year warranty on it.

Personal Story: Several years ago, while visiting a multi-line detector store, I witnessed how the folks at Tesoro treat their customers. An older gentleman brought in an older Tesoro he'd had for years. I think it was an original Silver Sabre. There was a problem with one of the controls and the dealer had shipped it to the factory for him. Jack Gifford (the Dad) called the dealer after the detector got to the factory and was checked out and asked the dealer to ask the gentleman if he'd take a new Silver Sabre in its place. At the time, the uMax had not been invented and the new Silver would be the newest design at the time.
Of course the man accepted and not only got the new machine, but could have had his old one returned if the old one had had any sentimental value. Now folks, THAT'S a warranty from good people who have full faith in their machines. In addition to the good points already listed, that was the one thing that absolutely SEALED the deal for me. If I ever buy another brand, it'll be because I get such a low price on a used one that I won't be able to say "no". That's the only reason I have a Detector Pro Headhunter Diver. I got it for a ridiculously low price that couldn't be ignored. ($243 including shipping)

 

[robert roy]

Very nicely said. I hope Tesoro is reading this. It speaks beautifully for Tesoro and what they stand for.
Thanks for your replies. Remarks like these gives greater confidence before spending the money on a machine I have not yet tried.

Best Regards
Robert R

 

[findit]

badger are you saying they are built not to go real deep?

qout:Second, Tesoro opted for good depth with easy simple settings. They know that most finds are less than 6 inches deep so they built their machines around that average

 

[Michigan Badger]

badger are you saying they are built not to go real deep?

qout:Second, Tesoro opted for good depth with easy simple settings. They know that most finds are less than 6 inches deep so they built their machines around that average

We could say Tesoros are deep enough. They're deep enough for 90% or more of all THing.

There are deeper machines but at a cost. The cost is not as much about money as learning curve. The very deepest detectors require much study and practice. Most people don't have the needed patience.

The Minelab Sovereign GT will beat any Tesoro. But, it does cost a considerable amount in regard to practice and learning not to mention extra weight. I like the GT a lot but some don't due to the added weight and DD coil. Some people just have made up their minds they hate Minelab. Others are dealers and well---nuff said there.

Actually, I think the GT is the world's best all-round coin/jewelry/relic machine. Next to it would be the Tejon. Of the two the Tejon is way more fun to use and will find almost everything the GT will find. But, the Tejon has a taste for iron (all Tesoros do) and the GT can work around iron with no problems.

If Minelab ever gets smart (unlikely) and makes their detectors light weight and tuff/simple like Tesoro, Tesoro would be in a world of hurt (all other brands too). For some reason Minelab only employs muscle men weight lifters to design their machines. They work out with their detectors every day instead of using barbells. I mean big time duh! Oh how China smiles and prays that Minelab will continue its consumer stupid strategy.

For extreme depth it's PI all the way. The Garrett Infinium holds the banner for great depth (in my opinion). But again, at a cost. It's heavy (unless belt mounted) and has a hefty learning curve. But in depth it will knock your socks off.

All round Tesoro's can't be beat. They're not the deepest dogs out there as long-time treasure hunters know. But in most cases they're deep enough.

Extra note: All those weightlifters who are too strong to work at Minelab are employed in the design department at Nautilus.

 

[dbsmokey]

My answer... NOTHING. They do have great customer service. But my first detector ever, an Eldorado, was dismal at best. I could not pinpoint, found nothing deeper than 2 inches and wasted a lot of time. I bought several coils, tried and tried, but as soon as I got an LST and then a Garett Ace, I started finding coins left and right. I admit there might be some newbie user error involved but I don't think I would buy another Tesoro save the LST ever again. A deal I have talked to says he doesn't carry them anymore either......wonder why

 

[Ray in CA]

dbsmonkey,

Could it be that your El Dorado was defective or malfunctioning? If you couldn't find anything deeper than 2", then I would definitely have to say something was wrong with that particular detector!

There are scores of Tesoro users, including myself, who swear by their detectors, have the goods to prove their worth, and who know from experience that they can be just as deep seeking as some of the more pricier models out there.

Ray

 

[Michigan Badger]

, found nothing deeper than 2 inches and wasted a lot of time.

I was going to say put batteries in it.

Seriously, your unit was very sick. That model you mentioned would eat an Ace for breakfast.

I like the Ace and all Garretts, but an Ace better than a ground balance Tesoro? NOT!

 

[Shortstack]

My answer... NOTHING. They do have great customer service. But my first detector ever, an Eldorado, was dismal at best. I could not pinpoint, found nothing deeper than 2 inches and wasted a lot of time. I bought several coils, tried and tried, but as soon as I got an LST and then a Garett Ace, I started finding coins left and right. I admit there might be some newbie user error involved but I don't think I would buy another Tesoro save the LST ever again. A deal I have talked to says he doesn't carry them anymore either......wonder why

I've GOT to ask dbsmokey; did you call the Tesoro tech people about your problem? After all, a person can get a bad product right off the shelf. That happens ever so often with Tesoro, but they will jump at the chance to make things "right" as soon as they can. Did you give them that chance?

 

[StogieJim]

Hi,

I started last spring with a Compadre and added a Tejon last fall and I love them. Their design suits my taste, nuff said. Seems to me the most important thing is LEARN YOUR MACHINE. Whatever kind; work at it. Do your research, find good sites, and work hard.

There is no Royal road to treasure,

Jim

 

[johnnycat]

I have used White's for years but, have recently decided to make a Tesoro my next detector, (Deleon). I called Tesoro yesterday to ask a few questions the brochure didn't address. Guess what? One of the owners answered the phone!! I must admit I didn't know what to say at first. Anyway, the man was so courteous and answered all my questions at length as if I was the only person he was going to talk with that day. I appreciate little stuff like that. I'll be ordering my Tesoro in a couple of weeks.

 

[Ray in CA]

I started last spring with a Compadre and added a Tejon last fall and I love them.

That little Compadre is a sweet starter machine. I bought one for my son several years ago and first time out we found a silver Washington quarter with it at an old abandoned school. Too bad he didn't care too much for digging everything otherwise he would have stuck with metal detecting, and unfortunately I sold the machine since I had my B2uMax to use back then.

If my wife ever decides to get back into metal detecting with me, the Compadre will be the machine I'll buy her since it only has one knob to worry about.

Ray

 

[findit]

Re: dbsmokey, WHAT!

WHAT!!!!

 

[dbsmokey]

DUDE, do you guys all work on Tesoro's payrole or what? I am SERIOUS. MY MACHINE WAS CRAP!!! Besides what I have already said, the Eldorado was further unusable on Washington's high black sand beaches, wet or dry. It chattered like a squirrel in a tree and or ground balancing was impossible. And to the individual who mockingly said "put some batteries in it"...what the heck? Don't be so condescending.

Yes, perhaps I got a faulty machine. Perhaps I was one of the few in a thousand. However, I am CERTAINLY entitled to a negative opinion after doling out >$400 for a machine that was faulty from the getgo. Who would not? Is Tesoro like Microsoft, letting, at a regular basis, products release to the consumer as flawed? Is there no QC there?

I am telling you I have found MORE coins in a week with an Ace 250 that EVER with that Eldorado and would NEVER consider buying another Tesoro save the LST without PERSONAL proof from somebody that those machines are worth a lick. Many of you think I am foolish or a noob.....too bad. My experience with that 'hunk of junk' has branded my opinion until proven otherwise. Thanks!!

 

[robert roy]

DBS Money:

Glad to hear from you. Was there a depth issue as well?
Your right, you may be one in a thousand. I would be surprised if there wasn't someone out there
that didn't like their Tesoro. Some people hate the ACe 250 and some don't much care for Whites.
It might have just been the model of machine you bought. You might NOT have had an issue with a different model and be praising the dang thing till kingdom come?
But the fact remains, Tesoro does seem to command a lot of respect.
Thanks for your comments.

Regards
Robert R

 

[Sandman]

Dbsmonkey,

DUDE, do you guys all work on Tesoro's parole or what? I am SERIOUS. MY MACHINE WAS CRAP!!! Besides what I have already said, the Eldorado's was further unusable on Washington's high black sand beaches, wet or dry. It chattered like a squirrel in a tree and or ground balancing was impossible.

Since you couldn't ground balance it, it definitely had a problem with the GB circuit which repair could have fixed and Tesoro would have done it for free. The Eldorado is a lot deeper than the lil Ace and has a faster response time between targets.

We are not on Tesoro's payroll. You can not mock a fine detector like a Tesoro and compare them to the Ace which is a newbie detector. Your Eldorado could have been bought used or just had a problem with the batteries. You didn't mention that you took it back to the dealer. Most VLF detectors can't operate well on any black sand beach, Aces included. You didn't contact the company to get it fixed so you can't blame the detector brand. The dealer that sold you that "crap" didn't carry Tesoro's anymore probably because Tesoro dropped him from the authorized dealer network for some reason. Kellyco can't sell Tesoro's either as they aren't up to their standards.

I own many detectors and have been at this hobby for many years, land, wading and diving. Tesoro's are one of the best out there with Superior customer service. When you get some more years under your coil you can have real opinions that we'll listen too.