Looking for input regarding Tesoros

[sbmsp]

Hi,

Wondering if I could pick some of your brains here........ I've been using Whites detectors for a couple years after returning to MD'ing. I've been intrigued by Tesoros (depth, weight, collapsability for transport to more remote sites, warranty) and think I might give one a try this year so I'm in the market for a decent used one. I've been using a MXT and after getting a M6 as a backup it became my primary (usually for coinshooting in not too old areas). Had some great luck and plan on keeping them, however I think something else could round out the arsenal so to speak. I was wondering what Tesoro models would be on par with or offer someting a bit better in terms of depth as I hit a few historical areas that have been hit hard by others. I'm not concerned about TDI readings and multi tones, as the MXT gave a good education on tone recognition (though I will have to get used to not looking at the machine after it sounds off!!!) . After doing some reading the Cibola, Vaquero, Tejon look good but am not opposed ot older models. Any input would be appreciated.

BTW - how do you pinpoint? Are Tesoros that predictable with coils that simply "X" ing once or twice reliably shows you where to dig?
Thanks,
Steve in MA

 

[Nauti]

Hi Steve,the detectors you own are really good machines in their own right....up there with some of the best.Performance wise i don't think buying a tesoro is going to give you any major improvements compared to what you've already got.However, performance will not be any less either and you will have the benefit of a lighter machine and a lifetime warranty.Pinpointing is as easy as it comes with a detector....in the center of the cross every time.They are really enjoyable machines to use...really simple yet really effective with excellent discrim and good performance in trashy areas.In fact,while writing this i'm talking myself into trying the tejon....one of the best detectors made today.I think reading your post has just cost me a lot of money.

 

[slingshot]

I don't really know how to explain that Tesoro will really surprise you and I can't vouch that it will match your White's. There's something about them that makes them special. The pinpointing is so simple that I use a method some call "magic eye" pinpointing. It works like the "X"ing method except I only use one axis-the back and forth sweep. When I get the strongest sweep signal, I simply slow the coil down on the next sweep and automatically "freeze" my gaze on the spot on the ground where the signal first alerted me-using the center of the coil as a reference. I usually drop my screwdriver on the target and usually on the second sweep,

 

[Charles Hutson (E.Tn.)]

n/t

 

[tab-nabit]

Questions like these are a tough call because everyone has their opinions. With that said and from what I read on your post, without going into it in depth, and from what you mentioned, the Cibola is preset GB, the Vaquero is manual, and the Tejon offers dual discrim.
A tough call, but (and just my opinion) -
1st - Vaquero
2nd - Tejon
3rd - Cibola

It's actually tough though between 1st & 2nd. In 2 minutes I might say Tejon 1st.

 

[BarberBill]

sbmsp - I added the MXT plus extra coils to my arsenal of a bunch of Tesoros several years ago. While I am very impressed with the capabilities and the bells and whistles of the MXT, I find it quite heavy and less fun to swing than my Tesoros. If i were in your situation, depending on the different areas you hunt I'd probably recommend one of the manual ground balance machines for the most performance. Older models - Eldorado umax or Bandid II umax or the newer Vaquero or Tejon. If ground mineralization isn't an issue the older Silver Sabre umax or Cutlass II umax or Conquistador umax (the one with the frequency switch on the face plate)are all similar, quick to turn on and go, preset ground balance machines. Newer models the Silver umax or the Cibola are good choices. One concern is the older umax machines and the currrent Silver umax all use a different coil selection than the Cibola, Vaquero and Tejon series. For "beep and dig" detectors the response, discrimination and light weight of the Tesoro models makes them a ball to use and they are capable of finding lots of goodies. Hope this is helpful.
HH
BB

 

[Monkeywrangler22]

Yes, some like the Cibola are beep-n-dig boxes, but ya know what? I like that, even though I can often tell when I am most likely hearing trash. I dig it anyway--consider it my civic duty or whatever--maybe just making sure that next time I hit that park or tot lot, there is less beeping trash than the last time I was there, which means more beeps are goodies!

I've had the Cibola for a couple months now. Today, in an hour at a smallish tot lot, I snagged 2 quarters, 3 pennies and a .925 silver heart pendant.

 

[Dirt Poor]

Once you get used to a Tesoro, you can tell alot about the target by the sound of the beep. Depth being one, and iron being another. When you hear that soft, sweet "bing", you just know when you got a good one. When you get a shallow target, it will be a very "bright" sounding beep(if that makes any sense). Weight was a major factor in my decision to go Tesoro. Then I discovered all the other good reasons to have one.

 

[rodbuster]

I have to agree with everything said in the other posts. This past year I sold my MXT and bought a Vaquero for several reasons, the first being simplicity. Myself, like so many other people at times rely on the meter to much to decide whether or not to dig. When I first started to detect, there was not a meter to tell the depth and what the target was. Not to say this is a bad thing, but you have to remember this is just a guide to help you decide, and they are not accurate on deep targets. The next thing to consider is battery power, I find it easy to drop in one 9V as opposed to rechargeables that my not last as long as you would like or battery packs that hold twelve or more AA and add extra weight. Tesoro's life time warranty and great service is hard to beat. Whites does make a good product and stands behind them with good service, in thirty plus years of detecting I have used many differant makes and models, but one thing I know for sure is the proof is in the finds not in the bells and whistles.

 

[sqwaby]

I use a vaquero to hunt about anything including relics. I would stick with the HOT technology detectors you mentioned if you want an edge on depth within the Tesoro lineup, although there are some who say the silver umax with the big coil gets great depth.

 

[sbmsp]

Thank you all for the input. I think I'll take the plunge and give one a try. I had a few good, long days with the M6 and was dreaming of a few less ounces after a few hours.
HH'ing and hope the ground unfreezes soon for all,
Steve

 

[Richard@BackwoodsDetectors]

Tesoros are excellent detectors... The Tejon is an excellent relic machine because of its depth and good at coins too because of the dual discrimination... The Vaquero and the Cibola are similiar with a slight edge going to the Vaquero because of the manual ground balance. If your soil is "mild" and you have very few hot rocks, you might want to consider the Cibola... With the Vaquero and the Cibola, a few inches of depth can be added by "super tuning" the thresold. Dig and beep machines are a lot of fun and because as a general rule, you dig more, you find more.. best to you, RIchard

 

[SeniorSeeker]

Richard will probably agree with me, in that the Tejon is a Vaguero on steroids! In the past thirty plus years, I've owned and hunted with just about everything. I now use a Minelab X-Terra 70 and recently
purchased a Tesoro Tejon and looking forward to getting my 'New Toy' out into the field. My only beef with the White's machines is that they're heavy compared to the Tesoro's. Of the White's, my favorite
is the M6 with beach mode; great machine for the money.

 

[john2009]

TESORO CIBOLA ALL THE WAY CIBOLA IS THE
BEST DETECTOR FOR DEPTH

 

[Hombre]

n/t

 

[rodbuster]

Well here's my op ion, this past year I switch to Tosoro from using a Whites Mxt and I haven't looked back. Don't get me wrong, I think White's make a very good detector and in over 30years of detecting I have used many differant brands, mostly Whites, but with the performance I received in the field , I made a good choice. The depth is great, it's fun to use and you can't beat the warranty. White's makes a terrific detector, but so does other company's. I was set in my ways and loyal to one brand for a long time, but I found a detector that fit's my needs and it's DEEP!! VAQUERO