idig,
My input is this. I use a Silver Umax, which I love. I just ordered a Tejon after much consideration. I have been researching this very same issue until I was sick. Someone told me that the C gets the same depth as the Silver. Then someone told me the C gets the same depth as the V. Yet another told me that the C goes as deep as the T. Well - they can't all be right b/c that would mean the Silver Umax is as deep as the Tejon and I can't accept that this is true and I have never read that this could be true.
As for depth - The reason I picked the Tejon is b/c I realized that I will certainly get no less depth than the Cibola or Vaquero (even if it happens to be the same)but I will most likely(if you beleive most posts) get more depth with the Tejon. Also, I will be looking to find that sweet ground balance spot that people claim is in line with the preset ground balance on the Cibola, just in case I have problems.
Another consideration is the used detector market. I see way more used Tejons for sale than Vaqueros. Seems like people hang on to their Vaqueros but get rid of their Tejons - or could it be that the Tejon is older and there are more units out there going around. I don't know for sure. But you can get a well used Tejon for about $350(cheaper than a new v and the same price as a new c!). I would suggest you buy one. Then, if you don't like the GB try to set it at a place and leave it. Then, if all else fails - you will have no problem trading it for a used C or V straight up.
Then again, with used, you have to worry about warranty issues too.
But then again - I don't have my Tejon yet and my answer may be different after I use it for a bit . . .
Ian