Which of these best for coins, relics, backup?

[aerograd]

I have three entry level detectors: The Ace 250, Fisher F2, and a Tesoro Silver uMax.

My question to the experts is which of these machines is best for coinshooting in old parks, homesites, etc.? Which would be best for hunting CW type relics (I live in North AL so would be hunting around here but perhaps as far as TN, GA, and MS)? Which would you keep as a backup to your detector of choice?

I understand that a lot of it goes back to how well you know your detector(s). I've had my Ace 250 since May 2007, but took I break from detecting due to some family issues so I probably have about a year experience with it. The other two I've only recently acquired (June/July 2010), so I'm still trying to learn them. I like the numeric target display of the F2, but I don't feel it's getting much depth. The Tesoro seems to go deeper, but since I started out with the Ace the learning curve of deciphering what's buried based on the nuances of the sounds alone is challenging... to me at least. Maybe I should just dig everything with the Tesoro for awhile to figure it out.

I have the 4.5" sniper coil and the 6.5"x9" stock coil for the Ace 250. I have the 4", 8" and 10" coils for the F2. I only have the 8" stock for the Silver uMax.

I also understand that there are some obvious upgrades to all of these machines. I'm on an upgrade path trying to narrow down my favorites. List includes the Omega, Tejon, DeLeon, Vaquero, E-Trac, Sovereign GT. E-Trac is likely out of my budget for the near term, but it depends on the deal and how much other stuff I have to sell to fund a purchase. Until then though, I'll be using these three detectors. I'll probably keep one or more of them as a backup even when I upgrade too. I'm leaning towards the Silver uMax as a backup unless I upgrade to another Tesoro. Thoughts?

Appreciate any suggestions you can provide. Thanks!

Donny

 

[oldcoon]

I can only help you as far as the Tesoro Silver uMax is concerned. I have one, it is my backup detector. I do use it mainly for coin shooting in and around playgrounds and parks. It is a solid, dependable machine. I like the sound it makes when it hits silver or other high conductivity target. I can't really describe it on a single tone machine, but it is there, you just have to learn to listen.

My main machine is a Vaquero which I mainly use for relic work and hunting fields. Its a very deep hitter, deeper than most. It always amazes me how small of targets Senor Vaquero picks up. Little musket balls, spent .22 cartridges, cuff buttons all get sniffed out. Of course many will say I am prejudiced, and maybe I am a little, but I do honestly think it is the best relic machine currently being produced bar none.

 

[BarberBill]

I'd stick with the Silver and learn to thumb the disc. knob. With a bit of practice, you can get to where you're nearly as accurate as a TID machine.
BB

 

[joe dirt_1]

Since I'm not a fan of the Garrett's or First Texas products, I would sell the ace 250 and the F2 and keep the Silver

 

[Monte]

I'll say this because you're asking a LOT of folks in the sport of metal detecting, from newcomers to some with a little limited experience with only one to a few model detectors, to those who have progressed well beyond the "Hobbyist" level to the point that they are avid "Detectorists" with ample experience in a variety of hunting applications, and most likely have experienced many makes and models.

I have three entry level detectors: The Ace 250, Fisher F2, and a Tesoro Silver uMax.

Example 'A' is this. YOU have three "entry level" detectors, and name them, then ask some tough questions.

My question to the experts is which of these machines is best for coinshooting in old parks, homesites, etc.? Which would be best for hunting CW type relics (I live in North AL so would be hunting around here but perhaps as far as TN, GA, and MS)? Which would you keep as a backup to your detector of choice?

Here you're asking "experts" opinions, and I can assure you than many have become "expert" at their mission through the years and haven't experienced some of the modern low-end models. Then, too, you ask about which of these is "best" for coin shooting in old parks, home sites, etc. Why "OLD" sites? If it's because you want the best performance when searching for older-dated coins and such, I'd suggest models other than these three because factory preset ground balance isn't always the way to go when you want versatility. can a turn-on-and-go model work? Sure, and I'd add one to this mix by suggesting the Teknetics Delta 4000. It has a pre-set GB, but it's set better than most of the competition which have provided me with a lot of challenges when hunting in bad ground. Two of them that have given my fits are in your list ... the Ace 250 and Silver

 

[aerograd]

Thanks for the replies so far! A special thanks to Monte for the in-depth response. The advice on the upgrades is noted and appreciated.

I guess my rationale for the original post was that I really only get to hunt on Sunday mornings for 2...3 hours tops due to work and family duties. Right now, I'm hitting older schools and parks looking mainly for coins. But a fellow local detectorist who I've hunted with before has talked of going relic hunting in the Fall. So, given my limited time I wanted to be able to focus on the detector that I should, theoretically, get the most out of for coin hunting. Same goes for the best one to use when/if I head out relic hunting in the Fall. If it's one and the same machine, then great. If not, then maybe I keep two and sell the 3rd unit.

I originally picked up the F2 in the hopes of loaning... and eventually selling... it to a co-worker who is also interested in getting into detecting. He bought a low end BH unit about the same time as I got my Ace 250, but has expressed interest in upgrading. I figured any of these would be a first step up and may get him interested enough to become a reliable hunting buddy. I am still hoping to sell one to him maybe next month, perhaps sell one of the other two on the forums, throw in some more cash, and get an upgrade for myself while still keeping one backup machine that I can loan out, let my kids use, etc.

Anyways, thanks again for the replies. Keep the suggestions coming please.

Donny