Metal Detector Suggestion : Requirements

[grumpy]

Morning friends. I have been detecting for several years, started with a garrett then minelab and now I have a question or two on choosing a new brand and model to go with. Seems we developed some very specific thoughts on what we want and would like to put them all in one brand and model if possible.
We would like
Rechargeable batteries. This is very convient and cost effictive.
Good depth but not looking to use a backhoe.
Eliptical coils avaliable in a variety of sizes. (really like useing these type coils)
Reasonable speed of swing possible (not in to races but would like to be able to cover some ground)
MOST important;
Good customer service (repair and tech people that take care of you and your problems)
Thanks to all for your time and any suggestions appreciated.
Grumpy

 

[Sysgrade]

WHITE'S.........................MXT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[wag-jr]

for customer service garret is the best in my book.also makes great detectors

 

[grumpy]

I have no arguments about Garrett; I used a 2500 GTI for a long time. I only have a problem with their battery system. The holders keep brakeing and the co has to my knowledge not made an improvement or rechargeable one for it. or any of their machines.
The company and Mary and now Sue are the top of the line in tech and repair support.
Grumpy

 

[tabdog]

If it wasn't for the batteries, I would think you were describing a Tesoro.

Good selection of coils including elliptical.

2.2 pounds or less with the fabulous little 5.75" thin concentric coil.

Most people never take the 5.75 off, once they put it on.

Good life time warranty. Best in the business.

With headphones, the one drop in 9v battery last so long, I can't

ever remember when I put it in. It's a long time though, and no fuss.

It's cost effective also. Can't beat the weight..........

Tesoro'es are not depth monsters, except for the Tejon, but they are

sweet.

My Compadre cost me $70. Less than the cost of the coil. I use it for

tot lots and heavy trash. It's my money maker.(gold)

The Euro Sabre can find tiny gold jewelry that's nestled in iron junk.

This tiny 14k ear ring weighs 0.40 of a grain. That's GRAIN NOT GRAM.

That ear ring was right over the nut in this photo and I got a weak foil

signal. I could tell it was tiny.

I broke the post cleaning it.


And then I found this tiny piece of 10k gold in a tot lot close to iron

playground equipment.

This tiny piece only weighs 0.10 of a grain. Could not believe it. It had

a much stronger signal than the other one, and 1/4the the weight.

I just love them for relic/artifact hunting.

The Silver Sabre uMax will cherry pick coins with speed and enjoyment.

I have four metal detectors. Each one is a Tesoro.

Maybe they should call me TesoroDog????

Happy Hunting,

Tabdog

 

[zeekeys]

Grumpy how about light, easy and fun to use, tough, versatile, compact, well balanced, good battery life, one AAA battery, pleasant tones, meter readable in all conditions, cable inside rods....Z

 

[grumpy]

Well I dont have a problem with the weight of any metal detector, at least not so far. Garrett 2500 GTI with a big coil was a bit but not to bad. Fun to use : all I have seen were fun to use. I like using them all Im just getting tired of some being great in certain areas and terrible in others while others are the opsite. We would like to find one just right. Would nt every one? Reliable, dependable and durable are real issues. That is one of our major problems we have a machine in the shop way to often. Two went in this month. Good tones. I wear the loudest hearing aids the dr can give me so tones dont do what they should for me but good sounds are nice. Readable numbers would be nice , our machines are notable for not being able to read til you twist and turn and get the sun just right, not fun but that used to be one of the rare problems. Cable inside the rods. Mine are always out because of using the Probes. Sunray. And battery life : that is why we want a machine that has rechargeable batteries. I probally would still run a 2500 if they would get a rechargeable in the thing.
Seems everyone on here is looking for their perfect machine also. We arent trying to be hard to get along with. Just want a good reliable machine, economical (rechargeable) to operate and reliable and knowledgable tech and service. Notice I didnt even mention the price most would be flexible there if it was everything they wanted and needed.
Good luck to us all and thanks for the input.
May the elections be over SOON and we still be a free country when it is.
Thanks Grumpy

Plays with metal detectors for fun:
Plays with guns for a livin:

 

[Beale]

Have you thought about the new E-Trac? I am not sure about the weight but it has you cobvered on the rest. I would have said X-Terra 70 but it used standard batteries. I guess you could use rechargable AA though. I would at least look at the E-Trac. I know it is pricey, Beale.

 

[Wayne/TX]

Grumpy, I'll suggest the Fisher F5. Two nine volt batteries will give 40 hours.
Rechargeables? Just buy a 9 volt recharger from R.S. or Kellyco. You don't
need an onboard recharger for individual batteries, just a wall plug charger
and the charging type nicad or nimh batteries.
..W

 

[BarberBill]

I'd suggest White's MXT or M6 with the rechargable battery pak. Good coil selection, sweep speed, etc.
BB

 

[XT18000]

GO to the SOV GT page and read what use res say about it. TOPS!!! Has all you ask for and then some!
Only wart I can come up with is at this time ( short term WE HOPE ) is Minelab service is having long
turn around time at the present. This is one heck of a machine and will hold it's own against any .

 

[littletwig]

M6 or MXT. Very powerful, short learning curve, many coils, and variable sweep speeds.

 

[grumpy]

That is where this all actually started from; We have minelabs We have Gt and Se both but we also have been contemplating a change because of the facts of life. Minelab sold. Minelab downsized the tech and repair dept . Minelab probally will lose more that us as customers if things are not back the way they should be ASAP . You cant just move into a company that was built on good tech and service behind a great product and tell the customers it is just not there anymore but keep bringing your money???: A problem FIX IT.
Sorry to sound disgrunteled but we have lots of money in our toys and we hate to see the facts the way they are.
Thanks for the replys
Grumpy

 

[chuck ky]

you have 2 great machines. the fact that the company was sold will not affect the way you machines detect coins.

 

[grumpy]

You are very correct Chuck, BUT the problem is both have had to be repaired within the past few weeks and ???? With Sandy and the entire crew it seems gone they are no one to Tech and the last report I hear is 8 to 10 weeks repair time. ::veryangry: That is close to the total amount of detecting time we have in the cold country.
Im sorry to be thinking change they are a great machine and have been a great support but now with the new people it seems they are only out to develope and SELL new machines and the people that got them there are SOL bad attitude.
All we as consumers can do is Hope the people that be WAKE UP and things get back to normal and if not Move on.
Grumpy

 

[Canewrap]

I'm afraid this may be a sign of future things to come. This has already happened to Fisher.