A Tesoro or an E-trac?

[USArmyParatrooper]

Hello all,

I'm brand new to the forum and I'm soon to be new to the hobby. I'm going to be a metal detector in three weeks. I need help in deciding what to buy.

At first I was sold on picking up a Minelab E-trac, as many detectionists have absolutely raved about them and I don't mind paying for the best. But I read another (online) rave about Tesoro detectors saying the better ones go just as deep (or deeper) than the E-track, and that you essentially get 90% of the overall performance for a third of the cost. To me this says a lot as long as I'm not compromising too much.

Here's what I'm looking to do and my criteria...

- My primary focus is coins, with a secondary focus on finding relics and jewelry.

- I live in Fayetteville, NC (near Fort Bragg). I'm going to be hunting in a variety of different terrains so versatility is important.

- I would like my detector to be able to indicate the type of metal (conductivity) with good accuracy as compared to competing models.

- I would like my detector to be able to sort through junk relatively well

- I would like my detector to be able to pick up small coins (like dimes) at deep levels.

Do any of you have experience with a Tesoro detector, and if so how would you compare the two? Thank you for any input.

- Sean

 

[Jesse W. McComas]

Well, that is sort of a off the wall question. After reading this I will say, Invest the Money and go with the E-Trac. This will give you the depth and target separation you need for coin hunting. Also, it works good for Relic hunting as well. I have used min at both Blue & Gray Hunts and DIV XIV in November. You can not go wrong with this machine. I would suggest that you Get an X-1 Probe to hook up for fast article recovery as this is a grate Probe. HH...Jesse. Disabled Veteran, U.S.Army, 1972-1979.

 

[Jack Flynn]

Go for the E Trac if you "dare"Just kidding.... I personally would think that to start detecting, a beginner like I was a little over 2 years ago will be a learning curve you haven't attempted before. It can and will be very frustrating, and that's from my personal experience. I started with an X 70 and did the beep and dig. Went to the X 705 when it debuted. Got a Tesoro for a short while. Had a whites just long enough to sell it. Then got the E Trac. I made short forays into the multi tone with the 70 and 705 then back to discriminated beep and dig. It is much easier, beep and dig that is. Once I had the E Trac in my hands it was multi tone from there on out until just recently under certain conditions. It took me the better part of a year to get to where I understood the E Trac language "somewhat" I'll say. I hunt 3-5 or so times a week. I'm still learning every trip. I'd have to say maybe 70-75% of where I want to be. Now the E Trac set up in 2 tone conductivity or ferrous would be a good way to start if you are dead set on an E Trac. My hunting buddies slay em with 70 and 705's. I'm more of a slow hunter and feel out the dirt while they run the marathon with there's. I'd say which is what you ask to get an X Terra 305 or something like that used and enjoy for a while. It will find the stuff you want very good. It will most certainly retain it's used value and when you are ready for the leap just sell it or keep it, you will get attached to it. Let's see, 325.00 used 305. 85.00 used pro pointer. Lesche trowel 45.00 and go at it. On the other hand, for sure a new in the box E Trac, you want the warranty! 1500.00, Sunray probe with rod, 225.00, Lesche trowel, 45.00. 1800.00 vs 450.00 or thereabout's. Have a great time most of all. Let us know what you get........

 

[RandyNorthridgeca]

OK This is just my opinion and I've been wrong before

I'd definitely go with the E-Trac between those two. If you get the E-Trac keep in mind getting the X-1 probe is almost a must. Adding the X-1 probe, plus an extra coil with extra lower rod you're looking at two grand. Throw in a good pair of headphones and you've invested a ton and you're just starting out.

Instead of the Tesoro I would also give some thought about looking at the Teknetic Omega 8000.

They have a package deal on this machine that gives you three coils (5", 10" and 11") for $799.00. Add a Garrett pro pinpointer ($127.00), and set of good headphones (Sunrays $129.00) and you've spent about half of what you would have spent on the E-Trac with accesssories and you have a great machine that you will really enjoy with extra coils and great pair of headphones. This machine is no joke. You'll love it and it goes plenty deep plus it's fast.

My E-Trac is my main machine and I just bought the Omega 8000.

If you are going to be hitting the wet sand on salt water beaches or the soil in your area is highly mineralized I would go with the E-trac. Do your home work before you buy.

Either way you go you'll have some fun.

 

[OhioCoinHunter]

If you lived near me, I'd say, "Get the Tesoro." But since you don't, I highly recommend the Minelab E-trac. It will do everything you listed that you want in a detector. The best thing to do is go to a dealer and try out both detectors.

 

[John (Ma)]

Personally, I started with a high end detector and got frustrated. Even reading up on it I could not get the hang of it as I am not a tech guy anyway. I sold that detector and ended up buying Tesoro. I have to say, I learned alot and the joy of this hobby is now there for long term. I am just now after a few years looking into the etrac and try high tech again. However, I was not going to do this, but I have a couple people willing to help me hands on and that is the only reason I am considering the detector. I will continue to own Tesoro due to their light weight, durability, performance and service. I also own a Whites MXT that is a very nice detector that is very capable and simple to learn. If you are just starting out, I have a hard time thinking a $1500 detector is the way to see if you even like the hobby.

To me, the Tesoro Vaquero or Whites MXT would be a great capable way to start without being over welming. Just my opinion.

 

[space_weaseal]

I have had most the Tesoro's that are out and still have a Tejon that i absolutely love, but the E-trac can not be beat. I am on my second e-trac and the etrac is the best all-a-round detector i have used, and i have had alot of different detectors.
I agree with the other guys about getting the probe and a good set of headphones with any detector you decide on.

 

[Southwind]

I personally don't think the E-Trac and any Tesoro, made yet, are in the same class. A very experience Tesoro use can get amazing depth, but the E-Trac gets the better depth from a beginner, and only gets deeper from there.

 

[Todtrec]

If you lived near me, I'd say, "Get the Tesoro." But since you don't, I highly recommend the Minelab E-trac. It will do everything you listed that you want in a detector. The best thing to do is go to a dealer and try out both detectors.

LOL

 

[Southwind]

Oops my post should have said the E-Trac and Tesoro AREN'T in the same class.

 

[Bell-Two]

This is a tough question to answer I am not sure a "high end" machine of any brand would be the best way to start. I started with an Ace 250 which can be bought for around $225 and while it is not as "sophisticated" as the machines you mentioned is very capable of finding silver and artifacts of desirable types. There is a learning curve involved even with the "easiest" machines to use, and the Ace in my opinion is one of the easiest to use and understand. If you never used a detector before you do have going for you that you won't have to "unlearn" some things to use your more advanced machine at first. Learning to use any machine involves desire, persistance and a love for the hobby. If you start with a machine like the Ace and use if for at least 6 months and decide yes this is a hobby I want to do you would have no trouble in getting a significant amount of your original purchase price back on it, or more likely like me and many others you would keep it so you could let others you take out use it so they too will have an opportunity to "love" the hobby. If you have the resources and the desire and really want a top end machine to start with I would choose the e-trac that is what I did mainly because the testimony of friends and related experiences of those I trust (Ohio Coin Hunter, Goesforever etc) I went that way. I have been very happy with it but I must say I am glad I waited and got some experience with the Ace before I bought it. I hope this helps

 

[dfarr54]

For what it's worth here is my 2 cents. I'm brand new to the hobby and I wanted a detector I wouldn't have to trade up in 1 year. I did my homework about detectors, read the blogs and a couple of manuals. I did this because spending $1,500 on another new hobby isn't cheap. After my questions were answered on this site and others I decided on the E-Trac. I've been out twice so far in the first week about 4 hours each time and in the preset coin mode dug 12 Lincoln's, 6 clad quarters, 3 clad dimes, 2 wheat's, 1 Indian head, 2 lockets 1 silver and 1 gold a few 22 cal. casings bottler tops and pull tabs. I'm not afraid of technology but I'm not a geek. Read the manual at least twice while you are waiting on delivery and don't be afraid you can reset the machine with the push of a button. If the $1,500 doesn't scare you and you can operate a cell phone including putting in the addresses go for the E-Trac.
Dan

 

[bugg]

I just picked up a used Minelab Safari.1/2 price of an Etrac. It uses the FBS technology as does the E trac, it accurately discriminates, has great depth, and is easy to set up. Weighs a lb less. Its a nice machine.
Any accessories you buy can be used on an etrac at a later date when you move up. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Barry NY]

My two cents on the subject is:
Buy the best machine you can afford.
Analyze the decision based on expected resale value in case you:
a. don't like the hobby;
b. don't like the machine;
c. could potentially need to convert that machine to cash for unforeseen reasons

The base E-Trac is available for $1200 new (if shopped right) and is worth about $950-1000 resale if kept in good clean condition. Net cost $200-250.
A $400 machine is worth about $150-200 resale. Net cost $200-250.

So the E-Trac actually will cost you the same as a $400 unit (if you need to let it go sometime in the future).

 

[Neil]

I just picked up a used Minelab Safari.1/2 price of an Etrac. It uses the FBS technology as does the E trac, it accurately discriminates, has great depth, and is easy to set up. Weighs a lb less. Its a nice machine.
Any accessories you buy can be used on an etrac at a later date when you move up. Just my 2 cents.

I have the Etrac but not the Safari. The minelab website lists the Safari as heavier of the two. Where did you get your information?

 

[CONDUCTOR7E]

Aah,another US Army Paratrooper!!! I was stationed at Bragg from 93-96 and 98-99,82nd Airborne,1/325 Airborne Infantry and 2/504 Parachute Infantry.Go with the E-Trac Airborne and keep your feet and knees together!!!!!!!! You won't regret it.