And now to say some terribly bad things about Tesoro.

[Monte]

They didn't make enough Bandido, Bandido II, Bandido II µMAX, Eldorado [size=small](µMAX package)[/size], Silver Sabre II and Silver Sabre µMAX models to keep everyone supplied with these simple, affordable, and versatile detectors in their price range. How terrible is that! They seldom come available for those looking for them because folks who have them and learn their abilities don't want to let them, go.

I've had a few come and go from time-to-time, usually while still in the search for others in that group and I have been fortunate this past 6 weeks to have rounded up all of them, except the Eldorado [size=small](which I am working on)[/size] to complement my 'original' Bandido and complete my Tesoro detector arsenal. They all will stay and not be parted with as I am very comfortable with them.

And there's some wonderfully good news to say about Tesoro as well. Once I added a couple of newer models I was able to free up my 'original' Bandido to go off to Tesoro for some needed service. My 'original' unit, like the Silver Sabre II and Bandido II and similar models, is powered by 2-9V batteries, but long ago, about '90/'91 when my batteries died in a ghost town and I only had one available, I found they worked well with one battery. A shorter run-time, but workable. My 'original' has had a broken battery clip for some time and now with other models to support it, I could send it off for repair.

I was heading off on a vacation to see some kids and grandkids and also work in a little ghost town detecting and wanted to have my Bandido serviced and returned to my youngest son's address so I could get it while away. So, I mailed it off to Tesoro' service department from my home in Arlington, Oregon on Friday, June 26th Priority Mail to get they quickly with the Bandido housing and the original 8" coil and a 7" Concentric to check out as well.

I hoped it would be delivered to my son's address in Utah where I would be for some of my visit last week some time or by the first of this week. To my amazement, the package was delivered to Farmington, Utah on Thursday, July 2nd! Less that one week turn-around time and it beat me there by a day. Both battery clips were replaced, a snap-lock button on the battery door was replaced, and they found a crack on my original yellowed [size=small](formerly white)[/size] 8" coil and replaced it with a new 8" [size=small](brown)[/size] coil.

It's my opinion that Tesoro has produced some very good detectors in the past that I really wish were still in production. They are the ones noted in my Signature below, and I am quite satisfied with their performance in the types of trashy conditions sites I prefer to hunt, which are usually older sites with an ample supply of small, annoying iron junk. It's also my opinion that they have provided exceptional service, both in doing the repair and getting it out all in a short period of time, that I would expect from any reputable manufacturer.

Solid performance and solid service, with very durable detectors as well. I guess that's why I have almost always owned at least one, and usually more than one, of my favorite Tesoro models for the past 32 years as of this month. I have one, and will likely acquire one more, regular-carry Target ID detector for use in certain hunting applications, but with one more model I will have a ready-carry outfit of my all-time favorite six Tesoro models. All of them very capable of handling a dense iron nail environment, work well for virtually any type of detecting need, and still be light weight and easy-to-use. I like 'simple', I like 'functional' and I like 'performance,' and the five models I currently own and use provide that for me and friends or family I let borrow a detector to join in the fun.

I wish the best to Tesoro and to everyone out there who puts one of their detectors to work afield. Happy Hunting to all, and a 'Thank You' to Tesoro.

Monte

 

[amberjack]

shame they couldn't fix my coil and a 2 month turn around that cost me 90 $ for the experience and to learn people outside the US don't have any warranty no more unless bought in the US, so yes they might be a good US company for US buyers outside of that they do not care, and good for them but not so flash for us and well when they blow up around here they are spare parts.

if I didn't like them I wouldn't use them for that reason.

good to see you back from the dark side Monte

AJ

 

[Mega]

Thats great news that you received your detector and coils back in double quick time,but like amberjack has mentioned when you get 2 identical machines say like the Lobo ST or Compadre as examples and if you are still the original owner after say 10 or more years you are in theory still covered by the US Warranty,that is of course subject to the machine not being abused or anything like that,but in the UK the machines that i have mentioned above as examples only get a 12 month Warranty which in my mind is total 'pants'.

The Laser brand that is made by Tesoro for the UK market which is also made in the US in the same factory once again only gets a 12 month Warranty,this i feel is the possible reason why sales are not as stellar in the UK as across the pond.

Monte,well done on grwoing your Tesoro collection,i do own some of the models that you have mentioned and hold.

 

[metalfun]

I have to agree with Monte.I sent in an original stingray that I purchased used about a year ago.Sent it in with a broken side clamp.I sent the normal $50 check up fee which also includes return shipping.I also got it back in 13 days with the clamp replaced New headphones,reclabrated,The inside of the unit looked brand new.Only one problem I hav'nt had a chance to use it yet But I have nothing but praise for Rusty and his sevice dept.

 

[Hombre]

I'm in agreement with Monte, I like the old ones myself. Although I don't put mine in the signature line, I have about 10 or 11 of them from my oldest (Inca) to my newest Outlaw. I still think that for Tesoro to be in 'black'...they need to sell the new ones and I'm sure they do. I have done my part by buying a Deleon for my wife and the Outlaw for myself

 

[Furious T]

Great post Monte, and I agree with you regarding some of the detectors you mentioned....some of the ones you mentioned I have not owned, but I will take your word on them. I also agree with amberjack regarding his feeling like a second rate citizen or a poor cousin when it comes to service when you live outside the US. It costs us a small fortune in postage and phone calls if something goes wrong. I love my Tesoros, and just hompe and pray that they will outlast me....most of the one's I've bought are still going strong.

 

[argyle1]

It's always been easy for Monte.....being an ex dealer he got to choose which 'hot' good units to keep and sell to friends.

The rest of us were in for a lucky dip every time we bought/buy one.

At one time, many years ago, Tesoro looked after their Distributors worldwide. Now that is shot to bits. We cannot even buy a Tesoro in Aus anymore ...due to Tesoro pulling the rug out from under their official distributor and letting a con man stock them instead.

Tesoro has collapsed. Time is running out.

 

[Rick N. MI]

Great post Monte.

 

[kaolinwasher]

I have to agree some of the older ones have more to offer . its kinda like years ago for a nickel you got a big candy barr and now for 75cents you get half of that with fewer peanuts and thinner chocolate, to many machines going with the ED 120 or no GB

 

[V3i/MXT Pro]

Another great post Monte. You know your Tesoro's and have helped many people on this forum, including me. Thank You!

 

[oneguy]

its kinda like years ago for a nickel you got a big candy barr and now for 75cents you get half of that with fewer peanuts and thinner chocolate, to many machines going with the ED 120 or no GB

I don't know about that? 23yrs (24?) ago I paid $429 for my Golden Sabre II, and $429 then was a lot of dough? Just thought I'd mention that but it really has been a battle tested machine and dug me a bazillion coins over much of that 23 years. Recently sent it in about 1.5yrs ago for a checkup and it came back with a couple new parts, a clean bill of health, and while they had it they rebuilt the coil (which I didn't know it needed?). Cost me 0 except for shipping. Too bad for you guys overseas unfortunately. I've retired the GSII but that old warhorse worked it's hiney off for 21-22yrs without even a hiccup so even tho I've moved on I can only give praise to the company and the machine........

 

[John in Nawth Carolina]

They didn't make enough Bandido, Bandido II, Bandido II µMAX, Eldorado [size=small](µMAX package)[/size], Silver Sabre II and Silver Sabre µMAX models to keep everyone supplied with these simple, affordable, and versatile detectors in their price range. How terrible is that! They seldom come available for those looking for them because folks who have them and learn their abilities don't want to let them, go.

I've had a few come and go from time-to-time, usually while still in the search for others in that group and I have been fortunate this past 6 weeks to have rounded up all of them, except the Eldorado [size=small](which I am working on)[/size] to complement my 'original' Bandido and complete my Tesoro detector arsenal. They all will stay and not be parted with as I am very comfortable with them.

And there's some wonderfully good news to say about Tesoro as well. Once I added a couple of newer models I was able to free up my 'original' Bandido to go off to Tesoro for some needed service. My 'original' unit, like the Silver Sabre II and Bandido II and similar models, is powered by 2-9V batteries, but long ago, about '90/'91 when my batteries died in a ghost town and I only had one available, I found they worked well with one battery. A shorter run-time, but workable. My 'original' has had a broken battery clip for some time and now with other models to support it, I could send it off for repair.

I was heading off on a vacation to see some kids and grandkids and also work in a little ghost town detecting and wanted to have my Bandido serviced and returned to my youngest son's address so I could get it while away. So, I mailed it off to Tesoro' service department from my home in Arlington, Oregon on Friday, June 26th Priority Mail to get they quickly with the Bandido housing and the original 8" coil and a 7" Concentric to check out as well.

I hoped it would be delivered to my son's address in Utah where I would be for some of my visit last week some time or by the first of this week. To my amazement, the package was delivered to Farmington, Utah on Thursday, July 2nd! Less that one week turn-around time and it beat me there by a day. Both battery clips were replaced, a snap-lock button on the battery door was replaced, and they found a crack on my original yellowed [size=small](formerly white)[/size] 8" coil and replaced it with a new 8" [size=small](brown)[/size] coil.

It's my opinion that Tesoro has produced some very good detectors in the past that I really wish were still in production. They are the ones noted in my Signature below, and I am quite satisfied with their performance in the types of trashy conditions sites I prefer to hunt, which are usually older sites with an ample supply of small, annoying iron junk. It's also my opinion that they have provided exceptional service, both in doing the repair and getting it out all in a short period of time, that I would expect from any reputable manufacturer.

Solid performance and solid service, with very durable detectors as well. I guess that's why I have almost always owned at least one, and usually more than one, of my favorite Tesoro models for the past 32 years as of this month. I have one, and will likely acquire one more, regular-carry Target ID detector for use in certain hunting applications, but with one more model I will have a ready-carry outfit of my all-time favorite six Tesoro models. All of them very capable of handling a dense iron nail environment, work well for virtually any type of detecting need, and still be light weight and easy-to-use. I like 'simple', I like 'functional' and I like 'performance,' and the five models I currently own and use provide that for me and friends or family I let borrow a detector to join in the fun.

I wish the best to Tesoro and to everyone out there who puts one of their detectors to work afield. Happy Hunting to all, and a 'Thank You' to Tesoro.

Monte

A few months ago I read where Monte had given up his beloved arsenal of Tesoros in order to use just the Nokta and the Racer. The Nokta and Racer were so good he didn't need a Tesoro...so he said.

Now today I read that Monte has been buying up some desireable Tesoro units.

My Take on this? Monte did this in order to have as many people sell their Tesoros so he could then pick up a number of choice units for a song and a dance. Furthermore, I think he is hoarding them in order to corner the market.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[Davethejunky]

HA HA HA HA HA. Love it.

 

[Monte]

Technically, I gave up on currently produced Tesoro's, still liked my 'original' Bandido, but wanted to complement it with some of my All Time Favorite Detectors, which just happened to be Tesoro detectors. I still have one more to add, hopefully by next weekend, and that is an Eldorado [size=small](µMAX size)[/size], and there are other reasons.

One is my health, or should I say lack of good health, which has been limiting my time afield and ability to move into some difficult terrain and hike into some back-country like I used to. I have been working to trim down my personal detector arsenal to those models that have proven their abilities to handle the types of sites I prefer to search, most of which are very littered with a lot of iron, and also shift to lighter-weight detectors.

Yes, the Makro Racer was added to the arsenal because it is light and handy, and provides excellent performance in very densely littered ghost towns and similar sites ... much like my Tesoro favorites, but with added audio and visual features that work well. But ... like I have reminded people for decades ... you do not always need or want visual Target ID, etc.

My two µMAX models have 6" Concentric coils mounted, my Bandido & Bandido II have 7" coils, and my Silver Sabre II sports a stock brown 8" coil. When the Eldorado arrives on my back seat it will keep its 8X9 coil affixed because it will mainly be used to work more open, sparse-target sites such as plowed fields. I have a few other coils to sell or trade to get more 6" Concentric coils in my arsenal [size=small](that's the 5.75 Concentric by Tesoro label)[/size], and unless Tesoro happens to engineer up a new model with current technology that incorporates a good working circuitry with Iron Volume, I only plan to add one more non-Tesoro model to my personal arsenal to handle some types of sites I like to hunt.

I happened to come across a Silver Sabre µMAX in pristine condition for $150. I've been looking for a clean unit for 2-3 years now. The fellow, about 80 years old, had a friend, 92 who passed away and obviously hadn't been detecting very much since he decided to get into the bobby, and he was helping to sell his friend's detectors. While admiring the Silver Sabre µMAX at his home on a trip I made through the area, he mentioned he had a Bandido II that didn't sell at his yard sale for $250 and he thought about keeping it. He got it to show me and when he returned with an equally pristine Bandido II µMAX, I had $400 sitting on his table. They were both in much nicer condition than I would have imagined.

With these two in my arsenal I sent my 'original' Bandido off for a little repair of the battery clips as one wasn't working for quite some time so I had to run it with one 9V battery. While off to the detector medic at Tesoro, I managed to pick us a very clean Silver Sabre II and Bandido II. They are in at least 95+% condition. I just happened to get lucky.

I certainly wouldn't want to hoard a lot of my favorite Tesoro models, but I am going to buy some of they come up at a reasonable price because I have a list of a few people who want me to do so to help find them some of these great performing detectors.

A Tesoro Fan [size=small](certain models)[/size] for 32 years ...

Monte

 

[Sven]

Well you know you have to buy 10 of one model and search thru them to find the hottest one to keep. Then sell off the rest of the so-so ones at inflated prices when the detectors reach cult status.
You never know how many of the same so-so detectors cycle back thru Monte in hopes of finding the holy grail. Hope Monte kept a diary of serial numbers of ones he bought with performance notes, so
he doesn't buy them back again to find the top performer................

I need to change my name to Monte to get some steals and deals.

By the way, I changed out my arsenal of machines as well to a bunch of non-Tesoros. Only own one Tesoro now. But, I do have a number of Tesoro favorites myself that I would like to obtain once again.

 

[amberjack]

I was lucky got a hot vaquero

cibola I have had for years paid for its self 20 or 30 times and made my crappy Tesoro service experience just a bit less painful, and still I give them free ads I must have a screw lose I think few banana's short of a bunch

they have all found gold except for the silver which doesn't get out so much

but have been using the V the most got a 12 x 13 NEL one of the 1st ones mad numbers in a air test wont even put them up no one would believe it , that coil paid for itself also, bit heavy though.

so buying and selling here is not a good venture some use them but very few I think only the die hards I think.

AJ