I'd Like To Be A Tesoro User. Need Advice.

[Krazyglue]

Hi all you experienced Tesoro users,
I've been looking at several different brand forums for several weeks. I've just about narrowed my decision to a new Tesoro. I coin shoot old sites and am looking for depth!!!, stability,and good iron rejection. From what I've read, i'm undecided on a Vaquaro or Tejon. I do like the dual discrimination feature of the "T", but feel it may give to many iron signals,( am i right?). I also like the features the Golden "U" possesses, but may not be the deep machine I'm looking for, compared to the other two(correct?). 99% of the detectors that I have purchased has been based on forum research and great people willing to give opinions and advice. I appreciate any feedback, the more the better for me.
There is just one other machine i was considering, a new T2LE. An important point for me would be if the"T" or the "V" can match the depth of the T2. Has anyone done any comparisons of these detectors? Can't find anything on U-tube.
I've owned mostly middle to high end detectors of many different companies over the years and all have been TID, visual machines.The simplicity of Tesoro and letting the ears do the deciding has me thinking this may be the way to go, especially reading all the fantastic posts here and the great pictures.
Thank you all for reading and posting if one cares to.

 

[johnnywayne]

If money is no object get Tejon and you can set each dial seperate meaning set the Dial as your main at ((Foil or 5cent)) and the other dial at ((1cent)) and then if you want to check to see if target is possible a Dime or Quarter just switch to your second dial and see if it still beeps if so and its a small target you might have a coin unless you have your main dial set to iron your not going to have a iron issue, if you want to look for Iron just set your main dial to iron and you can set your secondary to 5cent or 1 cent to check coins, your choice really.

I'm just going to make a comment on your TID machines (regardless who makes it) and that is.......your looking for a beep dig machine are you not??? Enuff said!!!

Vaq. is nice but trust me you will wish you got the dual dials over time, not to knock the Vaq, just saying why not get something that will make coin shooting alot easier rather then thumb a dial non stop.

 

[Krazyglue]

I do like the dual disc,but from what i've been reading on the posts the "T" can be noisey in iron and trashy sites. I don't think i can handle much more chattering and popping in my ears, and then set the sens. lower and lose depth. The "V" i thought i had read is smoother and quieter, yet still gets comparable depth with the"T". I don't really know, that's why im greatful to all advice. Thanks johnnywayne.

 

[tabman]

I haven't seen a video comparing the depth between the T2LE and the Vaquero, but there is one between the Vaquero and the Minelab ETrac.

I do know that the Vaquero has no EMI issues and run very stable. The opposite is true of the T2LE from what I've read and heard. I don't like chatty detectors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa1sTRoJDKc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeby9MGZsHI&feature=related

tabman

 

[Krazyglue]

n/t

 

[johnnywayne]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJniGwrfAn8

Here's a comparison of F75LE vs Tejon.

I find this to be a bad comparision and gives reason to believe the Tejon is a noisy machine in AM. The reason I say this is watch the last part of the video and you will see the reason the Tejon performed badly.

1. He had the Tejon maxed out on Sensitivity in a known HOT area, of course its going to chatter buddy. (Stated by person filming)
2. He had Threshold almost all the way to the left...meaning he would not hear anything unless it was a high screach...which leads to the 3rd and most important thing
3. Groound Balance with Thresh Hold to a steady hum NOT with the Thresh Hold set all the way to the left like he had and he started off trying to GB with sensitivity at almost Max in a hot ground area (FAIL), do NOT do this because you will end up with a machine that is NOT ground balanced.
4. I might also state the guy was only raising his coil barely off the ground and stating it was running hot.....uuh no, fix your thresh hold and sensitivity knobs then raise coil up and down from about 6 inches and making adjustment to the ground adjust until you hear no change in sound on the way DOWN and then you will balance your machine correctly.!!!

Don't use that video as a basis to judge the Tejon. If it was nice enough outside I would compare the Compadre, Silver, El Dorado, Tejon vs Nephews F75LE but ground is wayyyyyyy to muddy to go sloshing around in it because of the melted snow and rain but one day this spring I will compare them all in same a video on a deep target. I might get friend to bring his F2 and F5 as well.

 

[Ism]

Vaquero sets the standard for stability. You won't be sorry you chose it, I wasn't.

 

[Topo]

I've heard the tejon may become unstable on mineralized ground, I never used a tejon but a vaq, the vaq is a very stable machine, only chatters a bit in areas with those red nasty rocks

 

[fowlercharles]

Hi Krazyglue, Either the T or the V is a great choice but I would suggest you continue your homework on both so as to make the best choice.I have been using the T for several years and have myself had a craving for a V from time to time.Lots of debating went on at first over which was this and which was that. I would suggest you find out best you can what kind of soil you will be hunting., whether or not it is mineralized or not. The V being more stable will matter, though the dual disc. on the T is great, there are likely some issues with the T in mineralized dirt. The V, not being so highly "tweaked " ( they say) as the T, allows a more steady threshold/stability and the lower Freq. of the V may help some in the mineralization and the deep iron.I know very little about the T2LE, but I do know from watching my buddy digging with his V that it goes very deep. I watched him dig the deepest coin, "a small thin engraved love token dime," that I have ever seen dug with his V.Just hang with your homework, and when you get to the Lifetime Warranty and Service of Tesoro, you will discover even more reasons to go Tesoro.Tesoro Warranty and Service IS and ALWAYS HAS BEEN, far ahead and above ALL other detector Mfgs, and that's no BS. All the old Tesoro diggers know that from experienbce and owe it to our Noobie friends to tell them.. HH Charlie

 

[Krazyglue]

Thanks Fowler
It generally takes me a good amount of time to make a decision to switch detectors. I'm in a position where I can basically have only one machine, instead of multiple ones for each different situation. The jump from TID detectors to non metered ones is scary. My bones get awful sore from digging targets anymore and this factor in itself is important to me. If I'm gonna dig, I want to at least have a good shot at the item being good vs junk. That's where I think a TID machine has somewhat of an edge, also realizing at the same time I may pass up some good finds because of jumpy signals that i won't dig (because of soreness). Tesoro promotes their top notch discrimination abilities along with great depth and this is one reason I am interested in this brand. I am leaning towards the "V" so far because of the feedback from you guys, but the jury is still out.
I do have a question. It seems that without being super-tuned, the machines basically get depth comparable to most mid and some high end machines.Does everyone have to run these detectors hot to pick out the deep ones, and if so, why not just have it factory set that way? Unless running it super-tuned is way to noisey, and that would be a detractor for me, since I'm looking for quiet, stable run time. My point being, TID machines being noisey and numbers jumping all around would seem to me, to be the same as a non metered detector driving ya nuts, without the aid of visual clues. If that makes any sense( I don't know). Also, any thoughts on which large coil is best for the "V". I see Tesoro brands, and after-market ones. Since only having one machine I normally get the small coil and large coil to compliment the stock coil. I will definetly get the 5.75 coil first though.
Thanks

 

[Krazyglue]

I saw that too Johnnywayne. I don't think that guy knew how to set up that "T". Poor comparison and unfortuneatly misleading. The other video with the minelab e-trac was very good and helpfull.

 

[digginLa]

I don't own any of the detectors you've mentioned but I'd still like to throw in some comments. I have owned a Tesoro DeLeon and own a Cibola, I traded the DeLeon for an Omega 8000 because I prefer a VID machine for most of my coin hunting and the Omega had some features that I wanted that are unavailable on a Tesoro machine (just wanting to state my reason for trading really liked the DeLeon). When using the DeLeon around powerlines it also had EMI issues, however as far as I can tell the Omega is even worse, its a rare day I can set the sensitivity above 55 if I'm hunting anywhere in town so I have a feeling the T2LE is going to have the same problems. I know ppl on the Technetics page say they're machine goes deeper than brand X when its set at 50 or so and the other is maxed out but I can't say because I can always run my Cibola almost maxed out (and supertuned) but so far since owning both machines (had both around a yr or so) I've never found a target that was particularly deep so I can't say one goes any deeper than the other. On the supertuning no you don't have to run it that way its just supposed to be a way to get a bit more depth out of your Tesoro again I've never tested one of mine out to see if it made a difference just read that it did and have always set them up that way and neither one of them have been that chattey the worse was the DeLeon and that was when I was around some powersouce. I haven't seen you say where you live or what type of detecting your planning on doing so that could make a difference in the detector you choose. Where I live having a machine with gb isn't necessary so both the Cibola and DeLeon work well for me (found dimes and penny's 6 and 7 inches with the DeLeon) and like you I prefer not to dig every target I come across and yes I know I can turn the disc to check but its much easier to just look down at the screen so far I've found that with both the DeLeon and the Omega that if the numbers match a previous target thats what I'm going to find but if it says tab and I have a strange TID number then its usually something else, using the Omega I've found 4 rings that showed up as a screwtop but read differently (plus targets weren't in a screwtop location) and found one other than came up as zinc but didnt read like a penny. So unless you need a machine with gb but prefer a screen I'd recommend the DeLeon you may give up a little depth to the Tejon and Vaquero but it does go deep and unless your really close to a powerline EMI issues arent that bad, for a non metered machine w/o gb the Cibola is supossed to give you almost as much depth as a Vaquero (same machine only difference is the gb) and with the 5.75 coil is does an excellent job of finding coins in trashy areas, close to fences and around playground equipment. On both of my Tesoro's the disc has worked really well I have found coins in the same hole as nails and next to larger pieces of iron. Last but definantly not least I believe Tesoro's warranty and tech service are the best in the industry. Hope this helps some and good luck with whatever machine you decide on. Jimmie

 

[fowlercharles]

Krazyglue, you are very wise to be giving plenty of time and thought in choosing your next detector.Especially since you may be making that big change in types of detectors. You bring up some good/difficult questions, for yourself as well as for others to think about. Having never owned a TID machine myself, I "in turn" would have a problem going" Metered" ., Lot's of Pro and Con, and plenty to learn.Even then, we are always reminded , it boils down to Personal preference, and it most likely hinges on what type of detector a person First started digging with.Folks mostly always in one form or other stay in that same groove, and like an old man (or lady) become "set in their ways". I should know! When you don't have the $ to experiment with it is hard to think about changing your groove. " Compfort zone" comes to mind . I have noticed too some strong opinions of some,being very happy with having gone non-metered.Hear from them and you will probably feel more easy about the switch. .So,,, as with all the jawing about "Super Tunning" you will learn there are some definite Advantages and some definite Disadvantages. I use it only sometimes, but never max it out like some folks do. Same situation with the Big Coil/more depth mania that possesses us all sometimes. A 5.75 will most always get any job done for us and an 8"or 9 X 8 will surely be enough.Coin depth's are usually not so deep as we imagine, and the real challenge is not so much getting the depth, but trying to determine whether or not you want to dig those signals you do hear. So we are back to where we started and still thinking on it. Do just that and you will be more apt to be satisfied with whatever choice you make.Lets all enjoy detecting with whatever rmethod we are comfortable with and help oneanother every chance we get. HH, Charlie

 

[Krazyglue]

Started detecting in the good old days, early seventies, when silver and gold was all over the place. Heck, back then if one didn't find a piece of silver in the first 30 minutes, on you went to a different site. That's how good it was.........you oldies remember that, right? I used a Whites Coinmaster 5000 then, and always had a flashlight when the sun went down, cause I didn't want to leave. Swung it for about 3 yrs. and then something amazing and wonderfull happened that put my detecting days on hold. My three boys and one girl made their stage entrance over a period of 7 yrs. Honestly, I don't know how that happened since ole blue was at my side constantly, lol . Anyway, I gave it up to do all the things we should do as a family men. And no, I never thought about taking the kids along to detect, which is a great way to spend family time. I think it would have been a little taxing on me with two or more little rugrats to keep an eye on, so I sold my detector and never looked back.
Kids are grown now so started up about 7 yrs ago with a spanking new Whites DFX. Just could'nt get the hang of this one and traded it after a year for an MXT . Great detector! After about 11/2 yrs thought i'd like to try the XLT. Not happy with it....back to the MXT etc,etc..... Owned 3 MXT's, Quattro, CZ5, Coinstrike, and currently for the last 1 1/2 yrs a X-Terra 70. Yes, I know, I'm fickled, but aren't most of us? I can only do it one at a time, and I do give all the detectors a good 3 to 6mo if not longer trial period. I'd be swingin the MXT today if it wasn't so heavy and could get alittle more depth from it. I do like the X70, but same story, I feel there is more depth to be had with something else. Alas, the power of the Tesoro, that is according to what I've read and seen in videos. Yes, it looks like i'm a TID man, but feel i might be able to make the switch to non metered. I did have an opportunity to use the Deleon but wasn't content with it.
Live in NW In. soil can vary alot here depending on ones hunt site, for sure moderate to heavy mineralization. Lookin for the old stuff, so gotta go to the old places, hardly public, cause them places been hit hard. Coins are the priorty , but take whatever comes along. Sorry about being a windbag, but there it is, a little bio about me.

 

[fowlercharles]

You have plenty of "fickle" company out here Krazyglue! Most of us don't of course like to admit it but, it is true.Now that you mentioned the type of dirt you have to dig in I thought I might mention something maybe not discussed enough , or at all yet. With Tesoros Great Warranty and Service there is a definite trend for many of us older diggers to rely greatly on Tesoro's well established stable of older tech machines. This does not always mean you can save some $, but there are certainly times when when you can, With your mineralized ground you may want to look for an older Tesoro more geared to your mineralization. Study up on Tesoro's older, favored/proven,, lower Freq. machines and see if there may be one to consider. Also consider the coil compatability between many/most all of Tesoro's older and newer Machines. You can save some Big $ in that department. Tesoro checks all their machines out (old and new, no mater how many different owners) and keeps them in shape for us at little or no cost.They are just amazing and known to stand by their Warranty! And,Tesoro was the first also as I recall to give us the "featherweight" version of a metal detector.Man, what a lifesaver(literally) that turned out to be! Just some more for you to study on.Lol, I'll hush now! HH, Charlie

 

[Krazyglue]

nice chattin' with ya fowler"C" and thanks for all your input. I'll be thinking for the next few days or a week, and then I decide. When i do i will post my result to the forum.

 

[scdirtsquid]

johnnywayne I believe you just made a sell for Tesoro. I have been thinking about getting a simpler metal detector and you just nailed it.thanks

If money is no object get Tejon and you can set each dial seperate meaning set the Dial as your main at ((Foil or 5cent)) and the other dial at ((1cent)) and then if you want to check to see if target is possible a Dime or Quarter just switch to your second dial and see if it still beeps if so and its a small target you might have a coin unless you have your main dial set to iron your not going to have a iron issue, if you want to look for Iron just set your main dial to iron and you can set your secondary to 5cent or 1 cent to check coins, your choice really.

I'm just going to make a comment on your TID machines (regardless who makes it) and that is.......your looking for a beep dig machine are you not??? Enuff said!!!

Vaq. is nice but trust me you will wish you got the dual dials over time, not to knock the Vaq, just saying why not get something that will make coin shooting alot easier rather then thumb a dial non stop.

 

[:Left4Dead]

johnnywayne I believe you just made a sell for Tesoro. I have been thinking about getting a simpler metal detector and you just nailed it.thanks

If money is no object get Tejon and you can set each dial seperate meaning set the Dial as your main at ((Foil or 5cent)) and the other dial at ((1cent)) and then if you want to check to see if target is possible a Dime or Quarter just switch to your second dial and see if it still beeps if so and its a small target you might have a coin unless you have your main dial set to iron your not going to have a iron issue, if you want to look for Iron just set your main dial to iron and you can set your secondary to 5cent or 1 cent to check coins, your choice really.

I'm just going to make a comment on your TID machines (regardless who makes it) and that is.......your looking for a beep dig machine are you not??? Enuff said!!!

Vaq. is nice but trust me you will wish you got the dual dials over time, not to knock the Vaq, just saying why not get something that will make coin shooting alot easier rather then thumb a dial non stop.

The other good point I wanted to make is with the cibola I use, when I'm hunting in areas I know could have good coin targets, like private properties I dig every good beep over iron.

Why even bother to thumb the dial , just dig. If I go to a public and just want to coin shoot, just set right below 5c... And dig all.

I don't care if it's a nickel, zinc, dime or q I just want them all. Plus it's great exercise to dig more.

 

[Woodchuck]

I have owned plenty of TID machines I'm sorry but they by their nature are more noisy and chatty Than a Beep and dig detector. I wlll never go back to a TID type detector again. Beep and dig is either a good signal or not. No jumping numbers VDI ,no reading the screen info.You waste more time looking at screen ,when you can be digging a target...IMHO.As for Tesoro detectors the Vaq or Tejon they are both exellant detectors. The Vaq if you have no soil issues,Tejon if you do have soil issues.

 

[fwcrawford]

I have a Vaquero and it is great for hunting around old home sites out in the middle of the woods.
It is equally at home in many other surrondings and the lightweight design is a great asset when venturing out on long trips through the woods.
I can't comment on the comparison between it and the T2, but I bought a Sovereign GT a couple of years ago and I have been more impressed with this detector than all the others I have tried.
I have used it at sites long written off as hunted out and I have made some very nice finds and surprisingly, they were not all that deep, but masked by iron in almost every case.
Now this detector is somewhat heavy and you have to slow way down, but I like to hunt slow anyhow and don't have a problem with this.
I have seen the results of slowing down and it equates to making finds passed over by many other detectors.
You may want to do some research on this detector if you haven't done so yet.
Not trying to sway you away from Tesoros... very fine detectors,but the Sovereign is in a leaque all to itself as far as I am concerned.