Tesoro Forum

Either Monte is ignoring me or he's dead or he's on vacation or something.
Maybe I'm just living up to my reputation of being a hornet's nest-banger here, but I find it unusual -- not to mention a disservice to those who may be lurking with the same concerns as Bob -- that he not suggest evidence that bear out his statements regarding the performance of one or several detectors against another. If'n you're going to go saying what you're saying, at least have the common decency in the first place to say who and why.
Sigh.
Scott

First, let me point out that I have been busy with work, busy with hunting season, and busy detecting and not getting to all the forums I usually frequent.
Next, after reading all of the posts below Bob's initial inquiry, I will start here:
"Personally, I like non-TID turn on and go machines, but that's just me. But I still realize TID and/or manual-GB machines have their time and place to give you that extra info you just can't get with a machine not set up for that.".... Exactly! Some makes and models are going to offer certain advantages over other makes and models and it is important to know what "time and place" a person might need to use a detector in order to tailor their detector and/or coil selection.
"But I think you hit on the most important point: Use the machine you like best for whatever environment you're using it in and enjoy the living daylights out of this hobby because really, that's what it's all about.".... Yes, indeed. Use the detector for the environment and application, and that just happend to be one of the points I brought out in my initial question/response to Bob. I asked what type(s) of hunting he does in order to know how to better respond regarding a detector selection.
Have I replied any more yet? No, but I am now. Perhaps I was waiting to know more about what "environment" Bob is going to be using his new Tesoro selection in. That way, I will know "what model might have advantages over the other" for his intended uses. Just what "time and place" need or want was Bob looking to fill?Monte

you never qualified the use or application for a new model.
"GOSH!!! I didn't intend to turn the pot upside down.".... No pot turned here.
"I am however, thankful for the unbiest and honest answers. Scot brings up a good point about not going backwards. Yes,I do like the metered machine."... But if we (responders) are supposed to explain 'why' (as Scott suggests), then perhaps it would be fair to seek the 'why' from you in order for us to respond. Just 'WHY' do you like a metered machine?
What have you used before with or without a meter?
What applications do you have for the Target ID information?
"I guess I lean toward the DeLeon ...".... Why?
"... and am wondering if all thats said about it, by Tesoro, is also what the actual users of the machine have to say about it."... What, specifically is said about the DeLeón by Tesoro that you are wondering about?
"I've read the field test, but thats not always what the real story is.".... Quite true. There are many different applications for a metal detector. There is a wide variety of makes and models that have different sweep speed requirements, differences in the way the ground cancelling is achieved, differences in the way they process and display both audio and visual target information, and there still remains no one, single, "perfect" or "best" detector model.
A hobbyist has to match the detector's controls and design functions with their own skills/knowledge/patience/persistence in order to gain the most out of it for the different types of applications.
By asking about $699 and $599 models (the lesser priced being the one with visual Target ID even) and how they compare to each other as well as how they compare against a top-end model at twice (or more) their suggested retail price hints to me that you must be acknowledging that there is someting lacking about your Explorer's performance, or you have some applications where you are wondering if one of these two Tesoro models might provide you with a little performance 'edge' over the Explorer.
So, I ask you, what it is about your Explorer that you do not like so much that you think a Tejón or DeLeón might excell at?
What application/applications do you have where you think a Tejón or DeLeón might be a better pick than the much more expensive, and adjustment featured, Explorer is able to perform?
With some of those answers, I am certain that many other readers would be interested in responding, or at least reading those from others who do.Monte
PS: I understand the Explorer's and know that there are some times when another detector might make a very good 'companion model' to them. But I also know that making that selection is going to be dependant upon what the operator wants in the way of features or controls, and the type of use they have for it.

There used to be more obvious differences between the Fast Motion (4-filter type) and Slow Motion (2-filter type) motion discriminators.
In technical consideration it is a difference in what they refer to as "ring time."
The earliest motion discriminators, designed by Bounty Hunter, were the Red Barons and they used an almost 'rocket speed' sweep requirement. Eventually, White's models, licensed by Bounty Hunter to use their patented motion discrimination (4128803), were developed that set the standard by which most 4-filter & 2-filter designs were compared. These were the 5000 and 6000 series units. In time, they evolved into models that used White's own technology and not the BH patent, and the refined versions we have today in the XL Pro and XLT, for example, while still 4-filter designs, are really considered more of a slower-to-moderate sweep speed design.
While other makes and models have been produced using a 2-filter, slow-motion circuitry, perhaps all of them have to be compared to the Tesoro line of detectors. I feel Tesoro really set the standard by which all other 2-filter designs are compared. The Tesoro design can be considered slow-motion, and in some cases even ultra-slow capable.
As such, the Tesoro motion discriminators are "Slow-Sweep" designs. They do not require the ultra-slow sweep of the Explorer and are a little more forgiving if you use a faster (moderate) sweep speed.
In more mineralized ground, however, the 4-filter designs can be swept a little faster and sometimes need it for improved performance. On the other hand, the slow-motion 2-filter discriminators require a slower-motion in the more mineralized environments. A too fast sweep can greatly impact the detector's performance ... negatively.
Now, while the Tejón and DeLeón are slow-motion models, by their very nature they have a fast recovery and are capable of responding to closely-spaced multiple targets.
Monte

Which is why some who are loyal to the White's brand favor the MXT over the DFX.
Easy to use, excellent performance, and 'fun!' verses some more featured models like the DFX that are more confusing to many, and challenging to use.
The DeLeón, like many other easy-to-use, turn-on-and-go TID models, certainly has its strong points.
Monte

In response to Bob's inquiry as to which tesoro model to get to compliment his Minelab Explorer, I posted: (note there are spelling and grammar corrections)
"If having TID is very important, then that narrows the decision down.".... IF having Target ID is a must, and IF Tesoro is the only brand he's considering, and IF he wants simplicity, then the decision between the DeLeón and Tejón is simple.
"However, since the Explorer can do what it does in the way of accurate Target ID, I would suggest the Tejón.".... While I do not care for the Explorer's 'wobble' or heavy weight or terrible balance, and am not too thrilled with the required touch pad adjustments and mode changes, I will give it credit for being able to provide the most accurate Target ID on coin-type targets at depth compared to any other make or model currently produced.
Therefore, since he has a Target ID model that can give more accurate TID's in some challenging ground compared to the DeLeón or other models, the Tejón is a model that will give him more operator control over his detecting set-up.
"I have pitted some Tejón's and Explorer's against each other in a variety of environments and tasks and have to tell you the Tejón did well.".... Naturtally not in the way of Target ID, but definitely in the categories of target detection and depth of detection. No, not in every instance, but overall the Tejón was impressive.
"Also, the handling was much better due to the improved weight and balance."".... Pretty easy to understand when you're hunting on some slopes, and in dense brush and having to maneuver with the detector in hand.
"That is, it did what it was intended to do.".... It was designed for relic & coin hunting.
" It did it reasonably well.".... No major complaints about control adjustment, discriminate performance, operating mode, etc.
"It did it better than many competitors, too.".... There were some situations when another brand and model seemed to have a slight 'edge' in performance, but this can only be expected because nothing is perfect.
I guess the best arguement to my statement is just what is a "competitor," and I suppose it could be described as a model in a similar price range, one with similar features, one with the same intended function, or a combination of these.
Working with others and using an assortment of makes and models, we found that those who were more experienced and undestood how to tune the Shadow X5 for peak performance would sometimes get slightly better results. Note that I said 'sometimes' and 'slightly.' The same applied to the Tejón, but in less trained/skilled hands they had better results with the Tejón than with the X5.
Usually, it (the Tejón) produced slightly better depth of detection than the Minelab Explorer, .. HOWEVER, the Explorer's Target ID made up the difference and gave it the 'edge' when hunting nice park lawns.
Simply comparing audio responses and in a wide variety of hunting environments I frequent, I had better performance, overall, from the Tejón than I did from any Garrett model, The White's XLT, and quite a few others. Many of them, but I can assure you, not all!
I like the Tejón. I think it is a very worthy introduction from Tesoro and it ought to do well. It has some areas I think could be addressed, but that is normal of any detector model.
I would put it in the top 6 of my all time favorite Tesoro's, along with the Bandido, Bandido II µMAX, Eldorado, Silver Sabre µMAX and Diablo µMAX.
In the end, however, any detector purchase decision has to be considered based upon the intended uses and desired features.
Monte

I'll try to answer your questionsas best I can.My main target is coin hunting at beach,grass parks and at old celler holes or remains there of.I'll pick up relics"rings,pins,old watches,etc.at where ever I come accross them.As far as old horse shoes and the like,I've dug enough of that JUNK when I was younger so I'm not interested in that.Of course,I will pickup an old cannon ball if I find one.I'm good for about 5 hrs. with the ex. then I would like to switch to something lighter with close to the same performance.I realize the deleon and the tejon won't give me everything or as much but I'm not expecting it.Some of the places I've been waiting for winter,so I can get into,are a long way off the trail.I hope this answers some of the questions.Sorry I didn't include this in my first post.Bob

Depending on what environment you are detecting in, will to a great extent, dictate how well you do! of course, this will depend on which machine you happen to be using at the time! My favourite story I like to relate is this one:
One time my buddy and I were detecting on a new Roman site that we had just found. I was using the Tesoro SS2 and he was using the Whites Eagle Spectrum. I found a total of 23 Roman coins, he found only 10, and was complaining about all the iron (which I had no problem with). The second time we went to this site, he had 'permed a programme' to deal with all the iron that he suffered with the first time round. I have to admit, he kicked my butt this time! but what I'm saying here is; on a lot of sites we visit, you only get one shot at them! if this had been one of these sites, I'd have kicked HIS BUTT!I go for ease of use, simplicity and ENJOYMENT every time!

But, as usual, your post opened more questions than it answered, and hence the reason for my initial needling. Sorry for being a pisher, but your follow-up answer here was IMO a more well-rounded answer and, really truth be told, more in keeping with your usual stellar advice.
All in all, I just figured you were having an off day or something the first time around.
Scott

If there's anything a lot of us know, some guy coming behind you and "hearing" what you just missed has more to do with negligence than "inferior" equipment more times than not.
Unless maybe you're using a Minelab in northern Virginia on a fine spring or fall weekend
Otherwise, and sorry for getting all philosophical on you here, but it all comes back to the basic age-old question of if a tree falls in the woods and nobody hears it, did the tree actually fall? And a similarly age-old detecting question would be how many times have so many of us talked ourselves into buying detectors others swore up and down *would* actually hear that tree falling, and it ended up that there was no tree in the first place?
This ends our Confucius programming day
Scott