Have an Minelab XII and want a recommendtion for a 2nd maching

[HanoverHoleDigger]

I love the minelab, but would like a simplier one for the occasional time my 14 year-old likes to go. Also could loan to a few freinds that may want to go on a hunt or two.

I was thinking of an MXT from Whites. Any thoughts and thanks.

 

[tab-nabit]

I mainly use the explorer-II with the stock or sunray X-5 stealth coil, and have the sunray probe installed too. My back up machines seem to switch in time, and for the last half year has been the Garrett ACE 250 with stock coil and the 4.5 sniper coil. The 250 is inexpensive, lightweight, very easy to learn and gets nice reviews. I bought the 250 for the wife but she never tried it. So then it became a loaner machine. Well one day I tried it, found it nice to use especially for a quick start and go machine for a quick short hunt, or when the arms and back have had enough of the explorer for the day. No menu for the 250, it's all on the panel for 5 program settings and factory preset ground balance. Now it seems to go along with me and the minelab ex-II, but wait, there's more. Yesterday I bought the Tesoro Cibola. I have only backyard tested it and will be taking it out with me on a hunt in a couple hours. It is only 2.2 lbs and is audio only (no screen). It's also a turn on and go. I have heard and read great things about the Cibola. From my short test, It has a fine cut for discriminate mode, goes deep and the pinpoint is just spot on perfect. I already can tell that I'm going to like the Cibola. Oh, did I say it goes deep, read posts and reviews about it's supertune feature and this little machine may require a digger longer than the standard hand trowel. It's audio only which I have been there during my years of detecting, so I don't mind.
So now it looks like my main machine will be the Explorer, or ACE 250, or the Cibola. And my back up will be the Explorer, or ACE 250, or the Cibola.

 

[AgJake]

I run an X2 and have a Tesoro Silver Umax as a back up!! Light weight, as well.

 

[AgJake]

Nice choice on the newest back-up (or main machine), which ever it may be on any given day!! I love my Tesoro and my x2. Great choice on the Cibola... a lot to choose from out there these days. Let me know how it faired in the field.... you will be suprised!!

 

[chuck ky]

never used the mxt but i would believe there would be a learning curve to it. sovereign or musky would be easy to use. the garrett 250 would be inexpensive and simple.

 

[Dick from NC]

I agree with DirtRob. I have a Explorer XS and a Tesoro Vaquero and the Cibola is the same as the Vaquero except the Cibola has auto ground balance. The Vaquero has manual ground balance for the guys that like to push the limits. Both are ideal for the back up or for the little metal detective. It seems like to me the Cibola was about $360.00 and the Vaquero is about $460.00. You may be able to find a good deal on the forums that folks may want to sell. My main detector is the Teknetics T2. My Explorer is the back up now. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[tab-nabit]

Well since my reply, things have changed. I now bought the Tesoro Tejon a few days ago with stock 9x8 and 575 coil. So now:
Primary: Explorer-II, Tejon, Cibola, ACE250.
Backup: Explorer-II, Tejon, Cibola, ACE250.
Note: The list are not in any order of preference. I couldn't make up my mind so I went by high to low cost.
Looks like I'll need to take 3 to 4 detectors with me now. So now it looks like I have a primary and a backup. I don't know which is which anymore. I guess I'll have to think about cutting loose the other 7 detectors that I seem not to use much anymore. And a few of them will be difficult to let go. I'm stuck in a Minelab Tesoro Garret loop at the moment and thats just fine for me.

 

[Low-Boy/LCPM]

I would not get the MXT for your son may the ace 250 or a lower end whites