1266X or 1236X2 ???

[dirtfisher]

I need several opinions from you guys about these two detectors. I have a chance to get a NEW 1236X2 or a USED 1266X. I mainly hunt parks, ballfields, etc.
What has been your experience with these? I hear a lot of praise about the 1266 but havent heard much about the 1236.

 

[Eric]

The 1266 is deeeeeep but it loves iron! I had two but since I live in the Netherlands I could only use it on cleaner farmlands. With the amount of old tiny iron pieces in the ground, it would drive me nuts. I think the 1236 would be a much better option. I think a guy in the UK did a very good fieldtest on it. Better look for that one.

HH, Eric.

 

[Dan-Pa.]

Personally if your looking for medium depth clad 1236 might be the way to go. Myself if you want superior depth and dual discrimination
1266 although noisy is the way to go but expect a learning period telling the good hits from the trash. Many relic hunters find it their #1 gun....

 

[Jackpine Savage]

There is a huge difference in iron handling ability. For relic guys that want to dig certain types of iron the 1266 is the choice but, for general use the 1236 is a better pick IMO. Also you may want to consider the 1270, it handles nails better than the 1266 but still loves the big iron. A 1270 equipped with the 5" coil will pick low and mid conductive items out of iron with the best of them. Somewhere on the forums there is a dealer with a used 1270 for $325.00, thats a good deal!

Tom

 

[Jackpine Savage]

Read the field test on the UK site Eric mentioned and Ben Meyers field test on the Fisher website for my information. Both are excellent factual reviews of the 1236.

Tom

 

[Jackpine Savage]

read Ben Meyers field test on the Fisher website for my information

Should read: "for more information not "my" Sorry
Tom

 

[Keith Southern]

The 1236 is as close to perfect a metal detector you can get deadly in iron trash or any trash for that matter.Loves round objects like buttons and coins.Great relic hunter for hunting old house sites littered with 150 year old iron. Ive to this day yet to dig a piece of iron unless i want to with this detector.an its still able to pick the lowest of conductors out of the same iron other machines miss.it pretty much has the same depth on targets across the conductivity range something most machines cant accomplish.its as deep on a brass button as its is on say a quarter .Learn to run it with the silencer off to get the masked targets and also get a little extra depth.dont rely on airtest for depth or disc patterns onced the objects are in the ground it changes everything with this detector.Ive seen som detectors do great air testing and in the say lay 3 nails on top of a nickel and be able to hear it theres detectors that can do it in the air but not in the ground the 1236 dosent seem to acheive it in the air but i have dug buttons out of holes with square nails littering the dig hole.Just one of the best period and ive ran them all to some extent its the first detector i always recommend to anyone especially a newcomer .

Now the 1266 is older technology and they were good in there day digging relics which was what they were designed for and what they did and still do well but a 1266 and trash do not mix unless you have come proficient with the machine especially iron trash it loves to dig iron.Seemed to me the 1266 discrimination only worked for about 6-7 inches after that it reported on everything which earned it the deep seeker name.and if you're hunting in open fields and wooded areas like battlefields they are in there element.I ran them for a few years in the early 90's and did good with them but for the last 10-12 years my search areas have switched to more trashy environs and the 1266 will wear you out quickly in an old house site.

Any how just my views on them some one else will have another view especially the 1266 loyal users but remember the people who love the 1266 has swung them for quite some time to become accustomed to them the 1236 will take just a fraction of that to become confident with it.Also the 1266 has been retired so no one can accuse me of hurting sales. the 1236 has stayed with fisher through the changes so I'm sure they know its a money maker I hope the replacement is as good whenever it comes around.

Hope this helps

 

[steve in so la]

I'm one of the long time users of a 1266 but would like a similar machine that doesnt weigh so much. What does the 1236 weigh in at ? My 1266 has brought me 11,000 coins and 28 solid gold items this year so far but my age (arm/shoulder) is beginning to dislike the weight. And I always scrub the ground. Thanks for any info, steve in so az

 

[Wirechief]

I have a NIB 1236X2 and maybe I should keep it since it is pre First Texas.

John Tomlinson,CET
John's Detectors