Looking for a good detector or two

[Justin E]

My name's Justin. I live in Jefferson County in East Tennessee. I've been trying metal detecting and prospecting for a few years now trying to see if I'd be interested in spending the money on a detector or two. I'm thinking of getting a good relic detector and a good prospecting detector. I'm just wondering what people would recommend in a heavily mineralized area with red clay. I started out torn between the Garrett GTI2500 and the Garrett Gold Stinger. Some people in other forums have suggested just getting a Garrett AT PRO, Teknetics T2 or a White's V3i, I believe it was. With so many options out there, it's kinda easy to get confused, and I don't want to spend $1000 and get something that isn't going to perform the way I need and want it to.

 

[oldcoon]

Maybe I'm just prejudiced but the Tesoro Vaquero immediately comes to mind. It has manual ground balance to combat that mineralized soil, works great for relics and has a good eye for gold, especially small gold. The price will not break you either.

But it's your choice. I am not a dealer and I have nothing to sell you.

 

[Justin E]

Thanks! I'll check it out!

 

[Elton]

Sir..you will get as many opinions as there are detector makes, and models, on the market.

See if there is a club near you, and or a dealer. Get local opinions on what works in the areas you want to detect. Ask club members about their choices and why. Above all remember this. The one you like best, will work best for you.


Do not expect miracle finds with any detector you buy. Experience will get the finds and experience will take time.

 

[fowlercharles]

Hey Justin, I am like oldcoon and prefer Tesoro, but my dirt is mild and you had surely best start with Elton's suggestion and find out from whatever locals you can contact what works,and doesn't work in your particular dirt. Could be something all together different from what you are already thinking on, could be a Tesoro too, but check with them first. You will be glad you did. Welcome to the best hobby in the world! And Happy Hunting!! Charlie

 

[jackintexas]

Very good advice Elton....Jack

 

[Justin E]

Ok. I'll try to find someone close by. Thank you!

 

[Justin E]

I've had a few people tell me to stay away from the Garrett GTI2500, saying it is pretty much outdated. Does anyone agree?

 

[Jerry-Wi]

It really depends on what your expectations are. I have a Garrett Grand Master Hunter which was built in 1986 and it still a works as good if not better than a lot of newer detectors. Have not used the 2500 but I know several people who have them and they are not planning on changing any time soon.

Something that you might consider is starting out with one of the older machines which was top or near top of the line for it's day and go from there. These older detectors will surprise you.

Good Luck

Jerry

 

[Justin E]

True. Never thought of it like that. Makes sense. My step-dad has a White's Eagle Spectrum that I was able to beat by an old blue metal Bounty Hunter from the 80's. Plus, I guess I could find comfort in using proven technology instead of having the latest thing.