Which detector Fisher 1212-X or Tesoro Compadre for young boys?

[radarwill]

I have two boys, 7 and 8, that have a birthday coming very soon (two weeks apart). They really seem to enjoy going with me when I use my Minelab XS2. I have decided to get them each a detector.

I'm not sure if they will stick with it, so I don't want to spend a lot of money; I wanted to limit the total price,detector, belts, diggers, etc.., to under $200 each.
I looked at Radio Shack and Bounty Hunter and passed on their offerings.
I think if I get detectors without "Target Identification Features" I'll get better performance for less money and they will not be distracted with all the bells and whistles.
I can get either model for under $160 with all the standard accessories from my local dealer.

I'm leaning toward the Tesoro since the Fisher has a 10" coil as standard while the Tesoro has a 6" . I think that a 10" coil may be to tiring for them now. The Fisher runs a "no threshold" discrimination mode while the Tesoro has a threshold and will do a zero disc all-metal mode.
I like how the Tesors is built, looks pretty tough.

Anyone have experience with either or both of these models?
How well does the pinpointing work?
Any other models similar I have overlooked?

Many Thanks for any input in advance.

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Diving for Pleasure and Treasure - Grab it through Amazon!

[radarwill]

BTW:
We will be doing all inland hunting, some parks, cellar holes, in mostly low iron and trash areas looking mainly for old coins.

 

[Mac232]

I would suggest the F2 for them ........... two coils @ 199 dollars .





Mac

 

[RON (PA)]

Will,

I would go with the Compadre. I bought my Compadre because I was not sure if I would like metal detecting and did not want to spend good money on a Radio Shack detector. It has since become my primary land machine. It is very light (approx 2 lbs) and has an adjustable lower pole to accomadate different age groups, and it has the one knob simplicity. The Tesoro customer service cannot be beat. They fixed my Tiger Shark for free and I bought it used. I use mine entirely on land as well. I have had no problem pinpointing with mine. I am usually on my target with the pinpointing. From what I understand, the Tesoro's hold their value well if you do need to sell it.

Hope it helps.

 

[luvsdux]

I'd go with the Compadre. A lot of bang for the buck. The newer ones have the 5.75 coil which is a bit better in trashy areas and still gives reasonable depth. I've got 3 Tesoros and started with a Compadre and am sorry that I traded it up should have kept it and added to it.
HH
Bill

 

[Tectorman]

radarwill,I own a 1212x and my son uses it when he goes Md'n with me and I can honestly say for some reason he always outperforms me no matter which detector I use,They do work very well but,Tesoro has a lifetime warranty and they honor it,there units seem to perform very well and most of my friends who own one seem to really like them,also I think that resale is much better so overall I'd say TESORO would be the better value.

 

[Rob66]

Compadre the lightest and at 12kHz you can hunt nugget's too.
RD

 

[Old California]

II agree with Mac,

Go with the F-2, $200 bucks and two coils and they have a fast recovery speed. Best deal around!

Don't get a Garrett ACE 250, Very slow recovery speed.

Paul (Ca)