Best Detector for the $ for Relic Hunting

[homebre]

I have been using the Vaquero for 3 years and really like its weight and ease of use, but I have been disappointed in its depth for relic hunting, especially in iron-laden soil. Wondering what other detectors people would recommend for relic hunting in NC iron laden soils and fields. I cannot rationalize paying over $2000 for any detector because I will not sell what I find. Would like to hear peoples opinions on other detectors. Ones I considered so far are ETRAC, TEJON, F75 but am open to any suggestions I am looking for light weight, ease of use, durability, and especially bang for the buck. Thanks,
Homebre from Hillsborough

 

[foreign object]

I can't speak from experience as I am a coin hunter for the most part but if lightweight and ease of use I would vote for the Tejon unless you are hunting areas that contain alot of modern trash.

 

[bigchuckinva]

HANDS DOWN BLISSTOOL V-5 OR NAUTILUS DMC2B

 

[Digger70pa]

Fisher F19 or Teknetics G2 both use the same coils. Put a Nel 15" attack or a 13" ultimate coil on & be prepared to dig deep. HH

 

[88junior]

Garrett AT-Gold or AT-Pro

 

[Mega]

I mainly use a T2 in a situation of gaining extra depth on say a pasture or ploughed and rolled site,even using the stock coil its pretty deep but if i want to get down to below the plough line then i also carry a SEF15x12 coil with me,this all ready setup on a spare bottom and middle rod and can be changed over in just a few minutes.

The depth increase using the larger coil is much much better and the weight of the SEF coil is much lighter than the T2 15'' factory coil,of course what setup works for one detectorist may not work for another and also ground conditions can also dictate what setup works.

I also carry a Pulse machine with me but of course that will give you depth but no discrimination,so using these types of machines its a swings and roundabout situation,you can the extra depth but loose out if the ground is trashy.

 

[wayne_etc]

If you can find a good condition Minelab Musketeer Advantage you might give it a try. A little heavy though.



w

 

[homebre]

Thanks. I have an old Musketeer XS which I don't use much because of its weight, but I see how that compares to the Vaq. Thx,
Andy from Hillsborough

 

[Mega]

Must admit the old Musky is a dark horse for depth,i have a early one but it still performs very well,have a 15'' Coiltek coil laying about in my garage,use that many years ago for deep pasture work,it was a heavy old outfit but you can take the control box off the rod and hip mount it if required so although they are heavy can be reduced weight wise by using it hip mounted.

 

[MarkCZ]

I have been using the Vaquero for 3 years and really like its weight and ease of use, but I have been disappointed in its depth for relic hunting, especially in iron-laden soil. Wondering what other detectors people would recommend for relic hunting in NC iron laden soils and fields. I cannot rationalize paying over $2000 for any detector because I will not sell what I find. Would like to hear peoples opinions on other detectors. Ones I considered so far are ETRAC, TEJON, F75 but am open to any suggestions I am looking for light weight, ease of use, durability, and especially bang for the buck. Thanks,
Homebre from Hillsborough

Light weight and easy to use! that kills the Etrac.
For raw power and max depth, light weight, the F75 would probably beat out the Tejon.

Mark

 

[TnShooter]

For the money an MXT is hard to beat.
They are great machines. One of longest records in the relics detectors.
Next would be a Tejon. They can run deep but are a bit sensitive when turned up.
Finally would be the Fisher F75. But you're getting up there in price. If you can afford it, get it.

I love my MXT. The Fisher F75 ltd might have it beat by a little.
But by enough to spend the money on an F75 LTD.

 

[doc holiday]

n/t

 

[metaldetectingoregon]

ATP did good for me on relics. Plus waterproof.