time to upgrade???????

[oneguy]

Had another member suggest I might think about upgrading to a newer machine because tech has improved so much over the last 20 yrs? I run an old Golden Sabre II that I think I bought in the 80's....????? I've been idle for quite awhile but decided to get back into MD because I'm retired now and have the extra time. In the beginning I started coin shooting the parks, schools, etc. and went after the new stuff. The goal at that time was to pay for the machine. I did that in 5 months and approx. 7300 coins and a couple of rings I sold. Once I had the machine paid for I only went after old coins and that will not change. I have a pretty damned good collection of silver and old stuff.

I'd like to ask you guys for opinions and suggestions if you think I should "retire" the old GSII and/or upgrade? If an upgrade, what TESORO (see no reason to switch?) would you recommend for a coin shooter that's after old silver and deals with the trash that goes with chasing the older stuff.....????? Hopefully some of you will explain "why" the newer machines are better? Does all the display screen stuff on the newer stuff really help identify targets and how how accurate are they, etc. IE: is it worth the big bucks....???? Seen some machines going for $1500 (out of my range...lol). Any input would be appreciated...!!!!!

Thanks........

 

[KVM2]

If it works, keep it. Back in 89 through 91, I used to hunt with Lee Franzen in North Dakota.. He used a Silver, I used a Fisher 1265..Both machines will still run with the pack....In fact I like d the 1265 better than a 1266 xb... And, if Lee were still around he would be yelling at me to get rid of that Fisher, and get a good machine.

 

[fowlercharles]

Hi oneguy, ain't no way I would suggest you ever "retire" the GS II. An upgrade I would think only proper though so as to get you some true extra depth over your GS II. Tesoro machines, past and present have been proven very successful and plenty competitive with anything and everything else on the market, new tech or old.Many older Tesoros are at a premium, when you can find them (plenty folks looking too), and the newer Tesoro machines also, in many cases smoke plenty of Big Time Hi $$ "new tech" Butt!! Many Tesoro Compadre users well know this to be true, but of course little of it is heard from those having paid the big $ for the new tech and getting the butt smokin. I would suggest you check out the Tesoro 'Hot" series for some sure nuff depth hog machines, and since you like the old stuff, maybe even broaden your interest with some Relic hunting. Plenty of really old coins and buttons to be gathered yet," if " you get good with your research. Lots of folks love their "Golden" now and with your experience with the GSII , the improved depth would really have you smoking butt! Hey, and you won't believe how light they are over your GS II , and that is s big consideration for us old retires. Just my thoughts oneguy, and whatever you do, hang onto the GS II for those times you will want to revisit old times and places down memory lane. Ain't an oldTesoro hand that owns a Tesoro 'Oldie" that don't crave that trip now and then! HH, Charlie

 

[cedarswamp]

The tejon would be a good upgrade the combination of good depth and iron seperation check out vidios regarding,,,,,,,,,,,,,,CEDAR

 

[Idxpro]

I really tuink you should never part with it. You will regret letting it go, trust me. As for a change of pace, try a machine with more bells and whistles while still keeping the budget reasonable. For me that was a fisher f2. For $200 with a two coil package, vdi, notch, batt indicator, depth indicator, nice big display, & 3 tones, nothing in it's price range can beat it. Google digger27 over at the "other" forum and read through the 1000 posts about this wonderful machine. I own the Outlaw but no idea what more it offers than your current tesoro...HH

 

[slingshot]

I still have my Royal Sabre. Keep it. Or send it to me. My mouth's watering~!

 

[razerback408]

try a new coil first i would get the 10x12 dd it will be a new md

 

[Nauti]

Hi oneguy,tech has improved so much over the years......not really.Gadgets and gimmicks may have improved a lot over the years but a lot of the old detectors are still relevant today.There may be detectors that run a bit deeper than yours,a little faster than yours etc but you still have a detector that will find you a lot of stuff.Screens are not that accurate.......you certainly can't decide whether to dig a target or not purely on what a screen says.....if you do you will miss good targets.Depth meters.....very innacurate on a lot of targets and why do you need one......you are going to dig the target whether it says 2" or 8" are'nt you....it's just a gimmick you pay extra for.Programs......many fiddle about with programs so much they end up spending less time actually detecting and many don't improve your chances of finding any more targets.Most of the adjustments found in these different programs can be made with your discrim and sensitivity knobs....coupled with what your ears tell you.....a lot of these different programs are total rubbish.Most of the machines i've owned over the years have not had screens or programs and I have kept up with those who own detectors that have.I would stick with what you have for the time being and see how you get on....you will find that you still find a lot of good stuff without having to spend out on a new machine.Good luck with whatever you use.

Regards,neil.

 

[kingingkunsan]

Nope. I agree with the rest. Unless you want to reduce weight there is no reason to upgrade. One way to reduce weight of your Sabre II is see if you can get a smaller coil. That will take a little weight off. Another option would remove the control housing (you have plenty of coil cord according to the pic and use a hip mount or get a carrier similar to a baby carrier and carry it around your chest. Just my opinion .Good luck and HH

 

[oneguy]

Thanks guys! You told me what I needed to hear. I will keep using what I have and work on "upgrading" my expertise. Since I've been idle for a few years and only been out 3 times recently, it's obvious to me that the coin is getting harder to find in the public places. I'll dig deeper targets and more of them and keep reading the forum for tricks and tips. The Golden Sabre II has been a GREAT machine and paid for itself MANY times over in silver and new. I'll work on improving my skills. I'm also gonna design and have built a digging tool that'll tackle the deeper stuff and HOLD UP (broke another digger the other day)....

Thanks for the words....it really helped!!!!!!

 

[oldcoon]

Does all the display screen stuff on the newer stuff really help identify targets and how how accurate are they, etc. IE: is it worth the big bucks....????

That all depends who answers the question.
It can and does, sometimes, help in identifying targets.
Of course I have never seen one yet where the numbers and/or graphics on the screen didn't jump around like a jumping bean on a hot tin plate. Numbers and icons flashing from one to another. Hard to get a steady, reliable reading. I've seen this on all makes and models, from the $1500 dollar jobs to the $200 models.
Of course, maybe that doesn't bother you.
Sure does me.
Worth the bucks? Well, it's your money. Not mine. Take your pick.

The cold reality is today's new machines aren't engineered to help you find better targets. They are geared in helping you not dig bad targets. Too many bottle caps and pop tops turn most treasure hunters off and makes it so they don't want to hunt anymore. If a person gives up the hobby the manufacturers can't sell them newer detectors and detecting accessories. The fewer trash targets dug, the happier the treasure hunter. Far too many hunters look for reasons to not dig a target rather than recover a questionable signal. I guess some of us are lazy.

If you practice the sweep, beep, dig, recover system of hunting you do not need to up grade.

 

[SpiritRelic]

I heard that was a good detector.Think about some coils.A good choice of coils can really help.The new tone Golden will not be back in to production for awhile.

 

[Rainyday101]

I would keep what you have and invest in a Vaquero. You are already used to hunting by sound alone and I think the Vaquero would serve you well. It is still simple to operate and has ground balance in case you have some mineralization. If your ground is mild you can go with a Cibola. It is basically the same as the Vaquero without ground balance. Either of these two will keep it simple and fun and have the extra depth you want. If you buy one, be sure to call one of the Forum sponsors to get a better deal.

 

[Jerry Ga.]

I totally agree with Rainyday, could not have said it any better.

And razerback is right about the 10x12 DD coil but the Sabre will also accept the 10x12 concentric coil for even more depth.

 

[reddirtfisher]

It's always tempting to "upgrade" thinking the newest and latest thing is better. I don't think you should. The Golden Saber II is highly sought after due to it's moveable notch feature. Some of the newer ones don't have that. Just my opinion.

 

[SpiritRelic]

I have used the new Tesoro 12x10 DD that comes with the outlaw and it is great.Very light for a 12x10 .It is a fantastic coil on the Golden.That new 12x10 widescan coil is a must have for any umax detector in my opinion.

 

[still.diggin]

Hi,

I have been detecting on and off for the last 3-4 years and still feel like a newbie. I really don't post much because I feel like, I am still learning and honestly not that much time to spare always to be posting. But I just had to ring in on this one even though it is getting to be a bit of an old post. I like to run a Pantera that I picked up about, a year and half ago. It is basically the Big Brother of the Golden Sabre II, the only difference real difference is that the Pantera have Manual GB. I am just now really getting to get out with her, but fell in love with her from the first time I took her out hunting. I have tried all of the Notch units that Tesoro has made, except the Golden Sabre II. And I really feel Like they got it right on this one, the tones are separated just right and it is so descriptive. I have no problems keeping up with others in my local club hunts (when I can attend), and have even gotten tired of diggin deep hole with this thing and is using the 8" round polo coil. I didn't really notice any difference between the 9x8 coil and the 8" round polo, except I seem to be able to pinpoint better with the round coil. As long as I can keep the Pantera running, I will never feel out gunned by the other newer machines or look to replace it. And from what I have seen from what you have posted finding, you have done well with it.

I really think you will regret it later, if you sell it to buy something newer. I have had the MXT, V3i(which I really liked), and the CTX. All great newer machines, but I have come to love the quick turn on and go as well a much lighter machine. Not to mention the much lower price tag And I must admitt I really did not give the Golden

 

[Tajue17]

If your machine is still producing there's no need to upgrade,,,, if your buddy is going behind you and he's easily picking up stuff your sabre missed its time to upgrade,,, sorry but I do not have enough experience to recommend a machine and these guys here who helped me out know for sure,,,,,,,53silver's Tesoro videos on YT pretty much frosted the cake--> my wife hates him ya know.. anyway, what I can say is my vaquero is really hard to beat and my compadre is really hard to not have a really good time swinging it.....

 

[daddyflea]

I have a Cortes and it is a good Detector. I also have an old GS II. I went hunting today using the GS II, and went over the same ground that I hunted before with my Cortes. I dug so many Pennies I got tired and had to come home. The GS II is a great detector that excells in Trashy areas. You will regrett selling it, if you do. I think you have an old Brown Donut coil too. Don't let anybody fool you, that Brown Donut is a great coil. The only upgrade might be to invest in some good Low Loss Rechargeable Enyloop Batteries. These batteries do seem to operate real smooth and stable. My Detectors seem to like them better that Alkilines.

 

[daddyflea]

By the way if you don't have a Garrett Propointer you seriously need this upgrade.