Re: Why is it Tesoro machines don't seem to get the respect they deserves??
I just completed my first month with my new Tesoro Vaquero. After a long term investigation of which machine make and model I wanted for my first dirt diver I ordered it , C.O.D., over the internet and never saw one on person before it arrived. When the courier arrived with the box, I held it for a split second, I demanded I be allowed to open the box to see if there was anything inside before I paid, as it was so light , I couldn't believe it.
After opening the box, again I had a shock, the electronic box was so small, I was sure they sent me the wrong machine. Nope. It says "Vaquero". Oh, maybe it will gain some weight when I install the battery. Nope. The battery was already in it. Maybe when I put the coil on it will gain some impressive weight. Nope. that didn't do it either. So, I read the manual with some buyer's remorse sitting on my shoulder, took it out to the yard, and instantly bing, ding, dong, beep...There were targets everywhere. I've been over this ground three times with a heavy Garrett a friend loaned me a few months ago for a week. (Found a lot of rusty unidentifiable iron, and one penny on the surface.)
Cut to the chase;..I have just changed the first battery out on the Vaquero with around 15/17 hours in the field). I have found a circa 1500 silver coin, and an 18k gold ring (my avatar), all in places the more expensive Garrett had looked at numerous times. I also have a bucket of bronze, brass and iron hardware, as well, and around 6 1800 coins.
Today, I re-learned super tuning, as before I just wanted to clear out the yard in regular mode, learn the machine, and not dig the lawn up to bad before wifey saw some results. I found a 2" thin nail and a hot rock, at 12 inches down (measured), plus the inch above the ground for the swing, around an hour ago. In super tune, I couldn't disc it out even in max, but maybe that was the hot rock. I'll experiment with that this afternoon.
Conclusion. I think I made the best buy possible. Light as a feather, doesn't stop finding things. The disc is not as good as I'd hope with heavy iron, but I'm not complaining, and I think that is the norm for even the most expensive machines. I do have to check the knobs once in awhile to make sure they are where I want them set as I still move them when I set it down to dig. But I wouldn't change a thing, as I love the ability to "thumb" the nobs, leaving my other hand free to carry the digger/pinpointer. I still need a few more moments to learn the pinpointing, but I'm right-on more than 50% of the time, and max. off by a 2 inches , always towards the 2 o'clock position of the hole for some reason..
Now to answer this thread's question..The reason you don't see many around in the USA much, is because when you first pick up a Tesoro, you can't believe it's worth its weight. It really does, on first impression, feel and look like a toy.This is Tesoro's fault.. They should use the incredible weightlessness in their lead advertising sales pitch. I have yet to feel a single painful pinge in my arm, like I did almost within a half hour with the Garrett. I think that is as important as the lifetime guarantee, depth, and ease of use the Tesoro's offer, that a new buyer would want to know.
very well put N.Ga.Digger 
