Hi Rebel1, It is difficult when you're starting out...I dont know the features you have on the Discovery 2200. In Australia we dont get all the models that are available in the US. I started out with a machine that had visual target ID and tone ID as well. It was a good machine and I did OK with it (considering I was just starting). About 6 months after I bought my first machine I started looking at advertisements for other machines (Tesoros included) in our national treasure hunting magazine. Then I rang the Australian distributor for Tesoro and he gave me some information and also sent me a list of second-hand machines he had in stock. I bought a second-hand superceded model, which was single tone, no visual ID and preset ground balance. It was like starting again. The two machines I had were totally different, but I took to the Tesoro like a duck to water, dug lots of rubbish and junk, but also dug heaps more coins and other good stuff than I had with my first machine....I realised as time went on that I was really listening to the machine, rather than expecting it to do all the work. I wont bore you too much with my life's story...the point I'm making is that it is often a good idea to start off simply, learning the basics of the "trade". I think you are on the right track with the detectors you have nominated. You may have progressed past the stage where the Compadre will satisfy your needs in the near future. If you are contacting retailers, dont be afraid to ask about second-hand machines, and what warranty comes with them. You can buy all sorts of things on E Bay, but probably wont get a warranty with the goods (in this case, detector). You might pay a bit more from a reputable dealer, but if you get a warranty, then the extra paid might be worth it. When you make your enquiries, start a list, because some of the older models might be unknown to you. If you get details about the detectors, (e.g. when it was produced), it will make it easier when you are making enquiries about them or doing your research. Do not be afraid to telephone the companies themselves. I know the people at Tesoro used to be only too happy to talk to or correspond with customers and prospective customers. I'm sure the other companies would be only to happy to get your business as well. Try to acquaint yourself with the different terminology used in detecting and about detectors, so that if a sales rep. or someone else starts rabbiting on about this feature or that feature, you have some idea what they are talking about, and More importantly, you have some idea if they know what they are talking about. Dont forget to check these forums, all the forums. You may see older machines mentioned, and what some people thought of them...you'll have no trouble finding posts about current machines. Dont be put off by negative posts or feedback...do your own research and then make up your mind..remember that we all make mistakes, but if the mistake is ours, then we can learn from it. The longer you're involved in the hobby, the more confident you'll become, and it wont be long before you are helping out other newcomers to this great hobby.
