Is the Tejon right for me?

[Still Lookin']

I’m new to detectors and have been watching forums, reading articles and ads for a few months. Through all my confusion, one constant is that Tesoro owners love their detectors. I also like a company that stands behind their product, evidenced by Tesoro’s lifetime warranty. I live in central California where gold has been found since the 49er’s and would like to use a detector to check my property. I would like the ability to detect around old buildings and homes and use it in shallow (wading depth) fresh and salt water. I have been looking at the Tejon, but have read different reports about using the Tejon in water. Does anyone have experience using their Tejon in fresh or salt water? I don’t need to be further confused, but I’m open to other models also that might work for me. Thank you all for helping me find the one for me. Or for adding to my confusion. It's all appreciated.

 

[slingshot]

ONLY the search coil can be submerged. Also, leave plenty of room between water and box in case of splashes- and a rope or similar object from shoulders or neck in case of accidental drops. I would LOVE to have a Tejon. Almost forgot. A plastic bag around the box is a good idea.

 

[amberjack]

Tejon would do well at all those things except the salt water, need different tech for salt water.

AJ

 

[Dancer]

I would guess that over 90% of non water proof machines taken in for a a wade end up in a disaster. You got to ask yourself, " Do you fill lucky?

I would get the Tejon, save your Treasure, then get the Sand Shark for the water.
Course watta I know ?

 

[jld66]

I agree with Dancer. I do not use my vaquero near water. One little oops, and it is an expensive day of detecting. With all the hype over the at-pro also, it does not do well in salt water and anyone who has used one for awhile will confirm that. Have read a number of truth tellers that say it don't and even their waterproofing to 10 feet has come into question. I know someone who had to send his new at-pro in 3 times because of water leaking into it. I chose a vaquero for my first machine a few years ago and am very pleased with it. Got the 8 x 11 coil for it a few weeks ago. Will also suggest get a land unit and a water one also. Need a machine made for salt water to detect in it effectively. The Tiger shark has a "salt" mode on it. But all that really does is lower it's sensitivity. Pulse units are the best for the beach. That's almost a whole another style of hunting.

 

[pinenut]

When I was looking for my first new detector, I was considering both Tejon and Vaquero... I ended up buying a Tejon and really enjoy using it... However, the Vaquero is what was recommended to me. I've now picked up one of them, as well. In comparing the two, it looks as if the Vaquero is just about as capable as the Tejon. It costs and weighs less, goes just about as deep, and very importantly for Californians (and I understand, everyone West of the Rockies), it also has a manual ground balance. While many Tesoros look a little "toy like", those with the MicroMax housing (like Vaquero, Cibola) look even more so... Don't let that put you off. The Vaquero is quite a capable toy. ^_^

Anyway, if you can live with the smaller and lighter "toy" detector, I'd now recommend the Vaquero for all around use (except not at the beach). If you want mostly larger relics down deeper, the Tejon may be best. It's still relatively light, and very well ballanced. Either will find coins. Neither is for salt water. If you want a gold-specific Tesoro, then do some research on the Lobo. *_^

 

[Rob in (Ca)]

Any single frequency detector will not do very good in the salt water