I'm quite pleased I have my Tesoro's, and Guvner's name

[Monte]

I'd say he would get along with his Micromax more then the one you're selling.

Maybe, but his Bandido II [size=small]micro[/size]MAX does have the touchier 3¾-turn manual GB pot whereas the good old Bandido II has the easier-to-adjust 10-turn GB pot. The older model does have the little knob out the back of the control box to adjust the Threshold trimmer on the circuit board, but once it is set it is out-of-the-way and doesn't get bumper. The front panel Threshold control on the Bandido II µMAX and Silver Sabre µMAX can [size=small]and for some folks often do[/size] get bumped out of their setting.

Either way he just needs to put in a good full day or two with a good Tesoro w/6" Concentric coil to get to know them better.

I think he should just use it.

Yep, use any good Tesoro.

Mine looked brand new too when I bought it. And still does. I just clean it after use.

That's how I pamper my detectors, and have for 50+ years, even my spiffy looking Tesoro's I have and use now.

I don't think any detector should sit unless you have a duplicate you use for hunting lol.

I know some people like a 'duplicate' to have as a back-up in case the primary unit gets broken, lost, stolen, etc.

Then again, I don't think ANY detector ought to sit around and not used, with the exception of a water-proof, Beach Hunting model reserved for that purpose, or a Gold Nugget Hunting model used mainly for that application. All Coin & Jewelry Hunting and Relic Hunting detectors ought to be read-to-grab [size=small](in my opinion)[/size] and put to work at any time. All mine have a specific search coil assigned to them and mounted up, ready-to-go.

I think he would really like that one he has. Since he isn't used to the modern ones with the words instead of the numbers on the one he has, should be no problem learning it.

I don't care for the newer versions with words because the knobs can be off in their placement, or the internal design and calibration can have things register a bit differently. Instead, just use lines, dots or numbers and learn each detector and how they work.

Never though you could get so much info out of a one frequency tone. But when you learn it's language, you can put other detectorists to shame. But that's with any machine.

You can hear and interpret more with a single-tone analog detector than you can a single-tone digital type circuitry model. That's one of the reasons I have long enjoyed my favorite Tesoro models.

But people with newer machines look at tesoro like toys or retro. Fine with me. I'll gladly follow behind them and get all they misses or passed up thinking it was garbage lol

Fun, isn't it. They seek --- You find. Back in the '83 thru latter '90s that was something I purposefully did, as often as I could, partly to find stuff; partly to tease some friends and have fun; and partly to get people's attention and get them to give Tesoro's a second look. As a Tesoro Dealer it was also to my benefit.

Monte

 

[Stoof-tabsallday]

I'd say he would get along with his Micromax more then the one you're selling.

Maybe, but his Bandido II [size=small]micro[/size]MAX does have the touchier 3¾-turn manual GB pot whereas the good old Bandido II has the easier-to-adjust 10-turn GB pot. The older model does have the little knob out the back of the control box to adjust the Threshold trimmer on the circuit board, but once it is set it is out-of-the-way and doesn't get bumper. The front panel Threshold control on the Bandido II µMAX and Silver Sabre µMAX can [size=small]and for some folks often do[/size] get bumped out of their setting.

Either way he just needs to put in a good full day or two with a good Tesoro w/6" Concentric coil to get to know them better.

I think he should just use it.

Yep, use any good Tesoro.

Mine looked brand new too when I bought it. And still does. I just clean it after use.

That's how I pamper my detectors, and have for 50+ years, even my spiffy looking Tesoro's I have and use now.

I don't think any detector should sit unless you have a duplicate you use for hunting lol.

I know some people like a 'duplicate' to have as a back-up in case the primary unit gets broken, lost, stolen, etc.

Then again, I don't think ANY detector ought to sit around and not used, with the exception of a water-proof, Beach Hunting model reserved for that purpose, or a Gold Nugget Hunting model used mainly for that application. All Coin & Jewelry Hunting and Relic Hunting detectors ought to be read-to-grab [size=small](in my opinion)[/size] and put to work at any time. All mine have a specific search coil assigned to them and mounted up, ready-to-go.

I think he would really like that one he has. Since he isn't used to the modern ones with the words instead of the numbers on the one he has, should be no problem learning it.

I don't care for the newer versions with words because the knobs can be off in their placement, or the internal design and calibration can have things register a bit differently. Instead, just use lines, dots or numbers and learn each detector and how they work.

Never though you could get so much info out of a one frequency tone. But when you learn it's language, you can put other detectorists to shame. But that's with any machine.

You can hear and interpret more with a single-tone analog detector than you can a single-tone digital type circuitry model. That's one of the reasons I have long enjoyed my favorite Tesoro models.

But people with newer machines look at tesoro like toys or retro. Fine with me. I'll gladly follow behind them and get all they misses or passed up thinking it was garbage lol

Fun, isn't it. They seek --- You find. Back in the '83 thru latter '90s that was something I purposefully did, as often as I could, partly to find stuff; partly to tease some friends and have fun; and partly to get people's attention and get them to give Tesoro's a second look. As a Tesoro Dealer it was also to my benefit.

Monte

Haha perfect post Monte.
I have to admit I've never tried any of the lunchbox tesoros but I've heard great things but notably that they are heavy.
With you there Monte, ground balancing won't be hard. The biggest mistake that I've made so far is thinking I was balancing over clear ground when it wasn't.
But again with you there as a tutor I'm sure the Micromax Bandido will be a snap to ground balance.

Again, I lovwy relic and getting to live the racer for its power and depth and separation with the right coil, ease of ground balancing, etc. But there is something about my tesoros lol.
Funny too because slot of people say they rebrand or have models that are so close with just a few differences. As a consumer it sucks but not in a bad way. For them it's in a good way. The closest models I have from my list are the outlaw/Bandido II Micromax and the vaquero/modded cibola. But besides that they were all different enough to warrant me buying them all.
Sure, besides the compadres all mine were used so tesoro didn't make a profit, but I challenge you to find a company where people will still buy 20+ old machines with the knowledge of what they're buying and doing it purposefully.
There's a certain something about my tesoros that I can't yet put my finger on, but it's there. They just fit. I'm comfortable with them. When I first got my compadre, after a couple targets I felt comfortable.
Again I live my new fangled machines but that "fit" doesn't happen as quick. Many many great features that when understood will most likely, in some ways, be more alluring than the beep and dig but there will always be a place in my heart for Tesoro. Just something about it.
When I'm done with an area with it I an more confidently say I got all I wanted out of the area (but will still go back... Just in case)

 

[Stoof-tabsallday]

I'm not sure if they are the set that the unit came with but it's a Bandido II umax and was originally sold in 94 according to tesoro (I call and run the numbers with them on all my used detectors.

Well, somebody in AZ has their paperwork out-of-order to give you that date. I have, hear at my desk, a two-page printout of the Tesoro Models, Years Built and Price [size=small](MSRP at the time)[/size] that came from Tesoro back when Jack was still around and running things.

Here are the Bandido series models, production dates and MSRP's:

Bandido ................ 3/'90 - 6/'93 ..... $359
Bandido II ............. 1/'93 - 9/'97 ..... $389
µBandido .............. 3/'96 - 3/'98 ..... $439
Bandido II µMAX . 10/'97 - 1/'01 .... $469

I can tell you there have been some issues with models and serial numbers with some Tesoro models. They used stickers that were sometimes easy to peel off. Matter of fact, some were loose due to an oily surface on the plastics and they came loose and even fell off. I found one that fell off of a unit I was using in one of my ghost town hunts back in the mid-to-late '90s when I was circling around an area to hunt and re-hunt around the brush and debris. Oregon Gregg's brand new, in-the-box Bandido II µMAX had the original serial number sticker all curled up from both ends and only stuck on the housing in the middle.

I have also seen how some people switch decals from one Tesoro model to another just to have a decal on one they were going to sell or trade because it had lost the original decal. So either your number was switched from another unit, or somebody's finger didn't follow across the line on the dates down at Tesoro because there was no Bandido II µMAX made in '94.

It is a 3 piece I believe but the lower rod is 1/3 metal and 2/3 plastic. I'll have to post a pic today when I get home.
But the upper s rod has the nut and the middle rod is threaded. When fully tightened it's still wobbly

Does the upper rod have the brown plastic lock-nut as seen on the more current Tesoro models?

If the middle rod is threaded and uses the metal nut and split washer, then it might need to have the split washer replaced in order to snug up tightly. They used those on the middle and upper rod pieces before going to the plastic rod locks on the early Sidewinder, µMAX Bandido and µMAX Diablo, but later switched to the plastic rod-lock designs.

Monte

It might be my mistake. I have many and many checks done. .the Bandido might have been 01 but I remember them saying it could have been older and just didn't have the card turned in.

And as far as the poles, yes it has the older ones. Makes sense if there was some kind of washer in there.
In the end it doesn't matter because they are safe and sound and my unit is in a brand new set of poles

 

[Monte]

Haha perfect post Monte.
I have to admit I've never tried any of the lunchbox tesoros but I've heard great things but notably that they are heavy.

The term "lunch-box" detectors was a reference to many of the earlier units that had a metal control housing, and also most were under-sling models such as Compass, D-Tex, Fisher, Garrett and many others that looked similar to the Ground-Hog style. Tesoro's versions of those 'U-shaped' upper rods were the Deep Search and original Cortés models. The last two metal control housing models from Tesoro, that were on an 'S' rod, were the Toltec 80 [size=small](5/'88 to 2/'92)[/size] and Toltec 100 [size=small](12/'87 to 12/'93)[/size].

Some do consider the longer-size ABS plastic housing models that used the two 4-AA battery packs as being a little heavier, partly because they mounted a little farther forward than the first two Bandido models, the Silver Sabre II, and others that were shorter and used 2-9V batteries. Those units, like the Lobo and Lobo SuperTRAQ, Pantera and Golden Sabre II, Toltec II, etc., can have a little nose heavier feel to them, but that can be improved by using a smaller and lighter-weight search coil like the thin 6" Concentric or 7" Concentric rather than the 8" or larger-sized coils.

With you there Monte, ground balancing won't be hard. The biggest mistake that I've made so far is thinking I was balancing over clear ground when it wasn't.
But again with you there as a tutor I'm sure the Micromax Bandido will be a snap to ground balance.

It won't be a problem as long as Gregg [size=small](or any Tesoro user)[/size] realizes that it can be difficult to get a 'perfect,' spot-on GB, especially with the touchier 3¾-turn GB pot, but you can get a detector balanced close enough w/o being too far positive or negative. I am referring to hunting in a more mineralized environment. The Bandido II and Bandido II µMAX do have the advantage of the Auto-retune option that helps when hunting in All Metal.

Again, I lovwy relic and getting to live the racer for its power and depth and separation with the right coil, ease of ground balancing, etc. But there is something about my tesoros lol.

You must be using a not too smart phone that can't spell well or the little keys traded places.

I believe you said: "I love my Relic and getting to love the Racer ..." To that I agree completely as I really enjoy using and appreciate the performance I get from my FORS CoRe, FORS Gold +, and all my Racer 2's, Gold Racer's and FORS Relic's. They are generally unmatchable for their all-around performance. That said, I also have to agree that there is something 'special' about having a good, general-purpose Tesoro and working it with the right coil in some really challenging conditions.

Funny too because slot of people say they rebrand or have models that are so close with just a few differences. As a consumer it sucks but not in a bad way. For them it's in a good way. The closest models I have from my list are the outlaw/Bandido II Micromax and the vaquero/modded cibola. But besides that they were all different enough to warrant me buying them all.

My Bandido II, Bandido II µMAX and Silver Sabre [size=small]micro[/size]MAX are all very similar, but ....

They each serve their purpose well, and I don't mind having multiples of any detector that works well. I just keep a coil on them that I like and that works for where I need them. I do only have my original CoRe and Gold +, but they do what I want where and when I want, The Relic, with more features that I enjoy and with three search coils that I also like to use for different conditions, are 'special' enough that I now have 3 Relic's, each with their own different search coil mounted. The same goes for the 2 Racer 2's and 2 Gold Racers, all equipped for "ready-to-go" action.

Sure, besides the compadres all mine were used so tesoro didn't make a profit, but I challenge you to find a company where people will still buy 20+ old machines with the knowledge of what they're buying and doing it purposefully.

Heck, I have been buying and using used Tesoro's since late '83. I started dealing in Tesoro in July of '83 when the Inca came out, and by later that year I was snapp9ong up good deals from folks who tried a Tesoro, then got caught up in the whiz-bang, flashy TID and Tone ID craze that started at that time. I have made some super buys on used Tesoro's in brand new [size=small](in-the-box)[/size] to very gently used condition through the years, and I continue to do so. And I haven't had to send a Tesoro in for service due to failure afield yet in 33 years. A third-of-a-century with reliable performance from my favorite models speaks well of their good analog designs they used.

There's a certain something about my tesoros that I can't yet put my finger on, but it's there. They just fit. I'm comfortable with them. When I first got my compadre, after a couple targets I felt comfortable.

I am 'comfortable' with all of my favorite Tesoro models, and I do avoid those that had some design glitches, or those that were prone to over-tinkering by not-too-savy prior owners. The specific model that has had that problem is the Compadre. Many times I have acquired a used unit, or met with people who had a Compadre they acquired that didn't work well or didn't work right, or just kind-of didn't work. Why? Tinkerers at work messing with the few internal trimmers trying to make a Compadre perform like a more expensive model or get a little improved depth or ??? For that reason I do not pick up ANY Compadre's any more as they have been a hassle too many times. They can work, but only if they haven't been messed with.

Again I live my new fangled machines but that "fit" doesn't happen as quick. Many many great features that when understood will most likely, in some ways, be more alluring than the beep and dig but there will always be a place in my heart for Tesoro. Just something about it.
When I'm done with an area with it I an more confidently say I got all I wanted out of the area (but will still go back... Just in case)

I keep my Tesoro's because I trust my Tesoro's, and I think that kind of sums up why I have some favorites on-hand.

Monte

 

[Stoof-tabsallday]

I agree about the compadre. That's why it's the one (or 2 in my case) unit that I purchased new.
Having the 20 turn pot I modded on my cibola is nice, but I don't have an issue with my 3 3/4 turn models either. But then again I could be ground balancing wrong lol. But u get an even threshold tone when ground balancing.
My vaquero and cibola both require me to be at 80% range (from counterclockwise) to balance. At first I thought it was that I messed up the mod on the cibola, but when my vaquero came in I used that coils on the cibola and both in the vaquero and no change so I don't think it's a coil issue unless they're both messed up haha.
But my Bandido II is about the same.
Ironically the outlaw is just about in the middle when balanced. I don't know why, but Allen said as long as they balance then it's fine and there's nothing else that could be wrong besides a blown component on the board but he said it most likely wouldn't work at all if that happened.
My relic and racer balance between 65 anf 75 depending so that seems about right.
The outlaw seems to be the odd one out in this case with it balancing in the middle range.
Who knows. What do you think?