Not really sure what you want to know most. Lets cover both.
If you want a fresh/salt water detector that does both well - get an Excalibur or CZ-20. I don't use my Tiger Shark in the salt water, so I cant say too much from personal experience. But I know folks who do and the reports are not great. Perhaps its their fault as operators, or perhaps it has to do with conditions, but overall, most say it is only so-so in the wet salt.
Determine the percentage of use in salt water to make your decision. If you only go to the shore once a year on vacation, but hit the lakes and rivers every week like I do, then get the T-Shark. If you live at the shore and didnt know water can be had without salt in it, get one of those mentioned.
BUT, if you want what is likely the ultimate fresh water machine, get a Tiger Shark.
PROS
Reasonable weight.
The T-Shark is a tad heavy. But the housing can be mounted in whatever position suits you to help distribute the weight. I have used mine as a land detector, with the housing under the arm.
The Excalibur and the CZ-20, while good in fresh water, are clunks by comparison.
Rugged
The 'Shark is built like a tank, with years of experience built in. Simple and strong best describes the construction.
Adaptable
The 'Shark is modeled on the Bandido and Eldorado lines. These are proven, stable circuits. It offers Manual GB, adjustable SENS, THRESH and VOLUME and two all metal modes. It offers full range DISC, too, and it has a very fast response time.
It also allows you to install different coil sizes, something NONE of the other makers can do for you.
Like I said, adaptable.
Sensitive
This is its claim to fame. Along with its high frequency, its sensitive circuitry means you dont miss many targets - especially small low conductive ones like gold. I have no trouble picking up small split shot, foil bitsies and gold items.
I read a report some years back where the 'Sharks predecessor (called the Stingray) was compared with several prospecting detectors in black sand, and it came at the top as a NUGGET detector. The 'Shark is the BIG BROTHER of the Stingray. You do the math...
Good Service
No commentary on Tesoro products wold be complete without mention of their service. In a nutshell, Tesoro is NOT bound to repair your detector for the life of the thing, as is often reported - - but they, do. I have sent 3 Tesoro detectors for repair, all were used when I got them... and none were refused. To hear of that happening is so rare, in fact, that it is almost unbelievable.
CONS
Weight
When compared to a DetectorPro's, for example, the 'Shark become the clunk. But it is solid, where the other is sorta flimsy. Call the 'Shark middle of the road, then.
Sensitive
This may seem odd as a 'con', but it is easy to get "adjustment happy" and overdrive the detector. Then it will drive you crazy with chattering and honking at every coil bump. Make any changes to the operating settings carefully, one step at a time.
Headphones permanently affixed
This is common to nearly all water detectors, as it's the surest way to get a watertight connection. But the coiled cord is always tangling on something. It drives me batty.
Critical adjustments inside
The SENS, THRESHOLD and VOLUME controls are all internal. You have to open the housing to make adjustments to them and it is "fiddly" to get things set up. That's the downside.
Once this is done, however, they wont get knocked out of whack or tempt you to monkey with them - leaving more time for hunting. Fortunately, you dont have to do it very much. Thats the upside.
