What are some of the "better" older fixed GB tesoros?

[NCtoad]

Looking for something with more depth than my compadre, but still something turn on and go and fairly inexpensive. Which of the older models should I look for that would fit the bill? I don't want to spend over $150 and realize it would most likely be a fixed GB which is fine with me. I also remember Monte talking about two of the older models that changed GB when changing the disc. For the life of me I can't remember which two models these were and I can't find the post where he mentioned that. I'd like to avoid those two.

 

[NCtoad]

n/t

 

[HaroldILL.]

Not much for that price. Maybe a used Silver if You can find a deal.

 

[UtahRich]

Hey NCToad,

You can send Monte a Personal Message and he will respond as he has time. He is likely to find this post in the next few days and respond to it as I think he keeps an eye on the beep and dig forum. You have a pretty tight budget, but prices on used detectors are pretty soft right now, so I am willing to bet that once you decide what particular detector you're looking for, you might find someone willing to part with one if you go to the Metal Detector Classified Forum and post a message like WTB (want to buy) a nice condition Tesoro XXXXXXXX. Knowing Monte, he'll probably give you a couple options of which of the Tesoro's he thinks would work best for your situation.

Best of luck finding that just right detector.

Rich (Utah)

 

[NCtoad]

Hey NCToad,

You can send Monte a Personal Message and he will respond as he has time. He is likely to find this post in the next few days and respond to it as I think he keeps an eye on the beep and dig forum. You have a pretty tight budget, but prices on used detectors are pretty soft right now, so I am willing to bet that once you decide what particular detector you're looking for, you might find someone willing to part with one if you go to the Metal Detector Classified Forum and post a message like WTB (want to buy) a nice condition Tesoro XXXXXXXX. Knowing Monte, he'll probably give you a couple options of which of the Tesoro's he thinks would work best for your situation.

Best of luck finding that just right detector.

Rich (Utah)

Thanks Rich! Although I have a fisher F70 and have been using a loaned Rutus Alter 71 for the past two months, I really like the simplicity of the tesoros...just would like to find something with a little more oomph than my compadre.

 

[NCtoad]

Well, it's not a fixed GB model, but I have a Bandido micromax coming. It looks to be in near mint condition and is sporting a like new 7" concentric coil. I'll probably post my thoughts about it once I receive it and have a little time on it.

 

[UtahRich]

Glad you found something.


Rich -

 

[Monte]

First, this is one of three Findmall Forums I generally frequent, but the day you first posted I was out of town as my Mom had a heart attack, then I was dealing with the police on a theft from my vehicle that included four of my excellent TID Nokta detectors, 95% of all my search coils, and one Tesoro ... my pristine Bandido II [size=small]micro[/size]MAX w/6" Concentric coil. I'm back home now and I've been busy with some family matters, checking in with the police, and trying to track down search coils I need to replace what was stolen. Detectors as well, but hoping they will somehow find what was stolen as all of them were 'customized' in some way.

Next, when I just read your initial post it left me wondering a few things, such as:

• Is the Compadre the only detector you have, or have had?

• Which search coil do you have on the Compadre?

• What type of detecting to you do, and what type of ground environment or amount of trash are at your typical sites?

• Do you usually search in higher mineralized areas or plan to in your detecting travels?

Looking for something with more depth than my compadre, but still something turn on and go and fairly inexpensive.

What kind of 'depth-of-detection' do you get now, and what would you anticipate getting from a budget-priced detector?

Are your average sites very littered, moderately trashy, or pretty much free of a lot of junk? Is much of the trash ferrous/iron-based?

Which of the older models should I look for that would fit the bill?

Hard to 'fit the bill' until we really know what it is you want and need, and the types of site environments you'll be dealing with.

I would suggest you not shop for anything that appears to be in well used/abused condition, missing any parts, or that doesn't work properly.

I would also suggest you have at least 2 search coils to be able to get the best performance out of a mix of hunt site challenges.

I don't want to spend over $150 and realize it would most likely be a fixed GB which is fine with me.

If you are looking for a reliable 'turn-on-and-go' Tesoro [size=small](meaning one with a preset Ground Balance)[/size], I would suggest the following models, in the order listed:

[size=x-small]►[/size] Silver Sabre µMAX [size=small](Note: This is the Silver Sabre microMAX, not the recent Silver microMAX.)[/size]

[size=x-small]►[/size] Conquistador µMAX [size=small](Only the revised microMAX version and not the original Conquistador, although some late production original units did use the better µMAX circuit board.)[/size]

[size=x-small]►[/size] Silver Sabre II

[size=x-small]►[/size] Cibola

[size=x-small]►[/size] Golden Sabre II

[size=x-small]►[/size] Mojave

[size=x-small]►[/size] Any of these: Royal Sabre, Golden Sabre Plus, Golden Sabre, original Silver Sabre.

I also remember Monte talking about two of the older models that changed GB when changing the disc. For the life of me I can't remember which two models these were and I can't find the post where he mentioned that. I'd like to avoid those two.

There were a few that had that circuitry design flaw, but two to watch out for are the Sidewinder µMAX and original Conquistador.

I have purchased used detectors from some people who have listed them on my AHRPS Forums or on Findmall Forums and maybe one or two other sites, but it has often been from people I have traded/purchased from on multiple times and I know or expect the quality of the product I am acquiring. I like to see photos of the product before buying anything from a distance, and I vastly prefer to purchase a detector hands-on, directly from a seller. That allows me to check for the fit-and-finish and also do some quick testing for proper operation.

Well, it's not a fixed GB model, but I have a Bandido micromax coming. It looks to be in near mint condition and is sporting a like new 7" concentric coil. I'll probably post my thoughts about it once I receive it and have a little time on it.

Is it the original Bandido microMAX or the revised and improved Bandido II µMAX?

The original Bandido introduced the ED-120 Discriminate circuitry in the Tesoro model line-up, thus all four Bandido series models have that broader Discrimination range which is good. But of the four Bandido models they offered, the third version, the Bandido µMAX, lacked an external Threshold control, and also didn't feature the Low-Noise/High-Gain circuitry of the Bandido II µMAX that gave it some enhanced detection depth and the loudness or audio response on-mid-depth and deeper targets was usually better than the with more saturated audio. The first µMAX offering was more modulated and the audio trailed off more quickly on mid-depth targets.

With any Bandido series unit, as well as the majority of the Tesoro models, you'll want to make sure the Ground Balance setting isn't too positive as that can cause a loss of target or diminished depth from higher conductive coins such as US silver dollars, all half-dollars and sometimes even a silver or clad quarter. If you are going to search in the Threshold-based All Metal mode, then it is best to adjust the GB to be close to 'spot-on.' If searches are going to be done in the silent-search Discriminate mode, you can actually enhance the performance if the All Metal mode GB is set slightly negative. With a manually GB'ed model that can usually be achieved by 'Power Balancing' while in the silent Disc. mode.

Question: Is the "like new 7" Concentric coil" one of the original, thicker-bodied white colored coils? A thin-profile, black-colored Super 7 Inch from a Shadow X2? Or is it the newer black-colored 'Precision' 7" coil that comes standard on the Mojave? Curious, but I will say I used to use the thicker 7" Concentric coil at least 95% of the time on almost any Tesoro model I favored because they balanced fine and got almost the depth of the standard 8" and had a little 'edge' in the very trashy townsites, homesteads and other places I hunt.

I do like the new 'Precision' 7" Concentric on my Mojave, and had favorable performance when I swapped it to a few of my other favored Tesoro's. However, I left it on the Mojave and all other Tesoro units have the thin-profile white-colored 6" Concentric mounted, except for my Vaquero which uses the black 6" Concentric. I'm sure you will enjoy a little better all-around performance with most Tesoro models than what the Compadre provides. As for depth-of-detection, my stolen Bandido II µMAX and the Silver Sabre µMAX that remains in my detector battery produced just about equal depth, but my deeper-seeking Tesoro is my high-tone Vaquero.

If you have any particular questions about the Bandido you purchased, feel welcome to shoot me an e-mail directly and I'll be glad to help. Also glad to hear you have at least one Tesoro on-hand.

Monte

 

[NCtoad]

First, this is one of three Findmall Forums I generally frequent, but the day you first posted I was out of town as my Mom had a heart attack, then I was dealing with the police on a theft from my vehicle that included four of my excellent TID Nokta detectors, 95% of all my search coils, and one Tesoro ... my pristine Bandido II [size=small]micro[/size]MAX w/6" Concentric coil. I'm back home now and I've been busy with some family matters, checking in with the police, and trying to track down search coils I need to replace what was stolen. Detectors as well, but hoping they will somehow find what was stolen as all of them were 'customized' in some way.

Next, when I just read your initial post it left me wondering a few things, such as:

• Is the Compadre the only detector you have, or have had?

• Which search coil do you have on the Compadre?

• What type of detecting to you do, and what type of ground environment or amount of trash are at your typical sites?

• Do you usually search in higher mineralized areas or plan to in your detecting travels?

Looking for something with more depth than my compadre, but still something turn on and go and fairly inexpensive.

What kind of 'depth-of-detection' do you get now, and what would you anticipate getting from a budget-priced detector?

Are your average sites very littered, moderately trashy, or pretty much free of a lot of junk? Is much of the trash ferrous/iron-based?

Which of the older models should I look for that would fit the bill?

Hard to 'fit the bill' until we really know what it is you want and need, and the types of site environments you'll be dealing with.

I would suggest you not shop for anything that appears to be in well used/abused condition, missing any parts, or that doesn't work properly.

I would also suggest you have at least 2 search coils to be able to get the best performance out of a mix of hunt site challenges.

I don't want to spend over $150 and realize it would most likely be a fixed GB which is fine with me.

If you are looking for a reliable 'turn-on-and-go' Tesoro [size=small](meaning one with a preset Ground Balance)[/size], I would suggest the following models, in the order listed:

[size=x-small]►[/size] Silver Sabre µMAX [size=small](Note: This is the Silver Sabre microMAX, not the recent Silver microMAX.)[/size]

[size=x-small]►[/size] Conquistador µMAX [size=small](Only the revised microMAX version and not the original Conquistador, although some late production original units did use the better µMAX circuit board.)[/size]

[size=x-small]►[/size] Silver Sabre II

[size=x-small]►[/size] Cibola

[size=x-small]►[/size] Golden Sabre II

[size=x-small]►[/size] Mojave

[size=x-small]►[/size] Any of these: Royal Sabre, Golden Sabre Plus, Golden Sabre, original Silver Sabre.

I also remember Monte talking about two of the older models that changed GB when changing the disc. For the life of me I can't remember which two models these were and I can't find the post where he mentioned that. I'd like to avoid those two.

There were a few that had that circuitry design flaw, but two to watch out for are the Sidewinder µMAX and original Conquistador.

I have purchased used detectors from some people who have listed them on my AHRPS Forums or on Findmall Forums and maybe one or two other sites, but it has often been from people I have traded/purchased from on multiple times and I know or expect the quality of the product I am acquiring. I like to see photos of the product before buying anything from a distance, and I vastly prefer to purchase a detector hands-on, directly from a seller. That allows me to check for the fit-and-finish and also do some quick testing for proper operation.

Well, it's not a fixed GB model, but I have a Bandido micromax coming. It looks to be in near mint condition and is sporting a like new 7" concentric coil. I'll probably post my thoughts about it once I receive it and have a little time on it.

Is it the original Bandido microMAX or the revised and improved Bandido II µMAX?

The original Bandido introduced the ED-120 Discriminate circuitry in the Tesoro model line-up, thus all four Bandido series models have that broader Discrimination range which is good. But of the four Bandido models they offered, the third version, the Bandido µMAX, lacked an external Threshold control, and also didn't feature the Low-Noise/High-Gain circuitry of the Bandido II µMAX that gave it some enhanced detection depth and the loudness or audio response on-mid-depth and deeper targets was usually better than the with more saturated audio. The first µMAX offering was more modulated and the audio trailed off more quickly on mid-depth targets.

With any Bandido series unit, as well as the majority of the Tesoro models, you'll want to make sure the Ground Balance setting isn't too positive as that can cause a loss of target or diminished depth from higher conductive coins such as US silver dollars, all half-dollars and sometimes even a silver or clad quarter. If you are going to search in the Threshold-based All Metal mode, then it is best to adjust the GB to be close to 'spot-on.' If searches are going to be done in the silent-search Discriminate mode, you can actually enhance the performance if the All Metal mode GB is set slightly negative. With a manually GB'ed model that can usually be achieved by 'Power Balancing' while in the silent Disc. mode.

Question: Is the "like new 7" Concentric coil" one of the original, thicker-bodied white colored coils? A thin-profile, black-colored Super 7 Inch from a Shadow X2? Or is it the newer black-colored 'Precision' 7" coil that comes standard on the Mojave? Curious, but I will say I used to use the thicker 7" Concentric coil at least 95% of the time on almost any Tesoro model I favored because they balanced fine and got almost the depth of the standard 8" and had a little 'edge' in the very trashy townsites, homesteads and other places I hunt.

I do like the new 'Precision' 7" Concentric on my Mojave, and had favorable performance when I swapped it to a few of my other favored Tesoro's. However, I left it on the Mojave and all other Tesoro units have the thin-profile white-colored 6" Concentric mounted, except for my Vaquero which uses the black 6" Concentric. I'm sure you will enjoy a little better all-around performance with most Tesoro models than what the Compadre provides. As for depth-of-detection, my stolen Bandido II µMAX and the Silver Sabre µMAX that remains in my detector battery produced just about equal depth, but my deeper-seeking Tesoro is my high-tone Vaquero.

If you have any particular questions about the Bandido you purchased, feel welcome to shoot me an e-mail directly and I'll be glad to help. Also glad to hear you have at least one Tesoro on-hand.

Monte

Hi Monte, first I'm sorry to hear about your mother and the stolen detectors. I had read that right after it happened and you had posted about it.

As far as my compadre, it's the 8" model and it will just hit a freshly buried 6" quarter in my front yard which is dark humus and the area where I used to have a garden. It wouldn't do that in my back yard which is hard packed red clay laced with mica. So the ground can vary where I live.

I mostly hunt in trashy ball fields and parks. I also have a fisher F70 which gets used the majority of the time, but lately I've been using the compadre. I'm also on the list for the new minelab equinox 800...mostly because I'd like to try water hunting.

I guess the bandido I bought is the third generation. I think it's listed as the micromax bandido on the tesoro website page that has the old manuals. It looks just like the bandido micromax II, but without the threshold knob. The guy that I bought it from said when he got it,it had the 8" brown donut coil, but that it didn't work correctly so he put the white, thicker 7" concentric on it from one of this other tesoros. I also comes with the original owners manual which he said is hard to find. From the pics he sent and from talking with him the machine is nearly flawless. I should be getting it later this week and will post about it as I have time using it.
thanks!

 

[Monte]

For whatever reason, I can still find a LOT of really beautiful-condition Tesoro models, to include models going back to 1983-'85 production. As for the Bandido [size=small]micro[/size]MAX you are expecting, the original size 7" Concentric coil would be the one I would have been using on it from the time it came out in 21½ years ago. I only had a few Tesoro models that kept an 8" 'donut' shaped Concentric coil mounted, and those were the original open 8" coils that were white-colored, a little thinner, and lighter-weight compared with the brown 8" that would have been standard on that Bandido unit.

I look forward to your comments after you have had it for about a week of detecting and can get comfortable with it in your typical sites. I think you'll like it a lot more than the Compadre. I know I do.

Monte

 

[NCtoad]

I ended up selling the bandido micromax. With it's 7" coil it didn't goes as deep as my compadre with the 8". Funny thing is I sold it for what I paid for it (including shipping), and then the guy I sold it to ended up trading it and a vaquero to RT6 detectors for a deus. Then I just noticed RT6 had it listed on the classifieds and it just sold again!

Anyways, I ended up trading an old air rifle I had for a brandnew in the box mojave from a dealer. I really like this mojave. Deeper than my compadre and it feels lighter and better balanced too. First time out I found a nice 10K ring with it. This mojave is just what I was looking for.

 

[Monte]

Anyways, I ended up trading an old air rifle I had for a brandnew in the box mojave from a dealer. I really like this mojave. Deeper than my compadre and it feels lighter and better balanced too. First time out I found a nice 10K ring with it. This mojave is just what I was looking for.

I vastly prefer the Mojave over the Compadre and Silver µMAX, as well as getting better in-the-field performance than many of the older Tesoro models. That includes most of the Bandido µMAX models, even with the older thick 7" Concentric coil mounted.

The Bandido II µMAX had the much improved Low-Noise/High-Gain circuitry that really gave the [size=small]micro[/size]MAX series a boost in performance afield. Better depth and the audio response was enhanced on mid-depth to deeper targets over the former model you had. And in earlier days, there were a lot of hot-and-cold specimens in the model lines. Ten detectors and one or two might be a bit 'hotter' while one or two might be a bit 'wimpy' in performance compared with the other same models.

The Mojave is a unit I almost always have at-hand even in inclement seasonal weather just in case I happen upon a 'hit-it-now' site or renovation work or ??? A really nice detector.

Monte