Input please

[ronbo57]

A friend of mine was looking to get into detecting. I had compiled a list of units I might recommend.

Tesoro: Cibola, Vaquero, Tejon
Fisher: 1280X (Think that's what Steve uses)
Minelab: X-terra 550 0r 750

What do you guys think?

 

[steve in so la]

Presuming I'm the Steve referred to - I use a 1266X. but I did have a 1280 the year we came to your area and hunted with you. I sold it as I never get to water. As for my 1266, I love it and have no experience with any other machine. Dug 217 coins today with it - alas, none old.

Steve in so az

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

Depending what type of detecting he wants to do. The 1280 is a water machine. I always recommend that they get a unit with depth and ID.
They are all good machines, but of the bunch I would go with the Extera 550, or even a 330 to start out.

 

[seeker41]

1280x is a water machine and it is a poor choice for water hunting and a poor choice for land. give us more info......parks, old house sites, playgrounds ??????

 

[ronbo57]

I was confusing the 1280 with Steve's 1266. I know from Steve's visit the 1266 does quite well.

 

[SeniorSeeker]

To be sure, everyone's opinion may be different regarding the ideal metal detector, for those 'New' to the hobby of metal detecting, but there are 4 that outshines the majority when it comes to value, quality, ability, reputation and warranty. It's my opinion the Minelab X-Terra 505, the Fisher F5, the Teknetics Gamma 6000, and the Garrett AT Pro are the best of the starters in that they have better balance making it easier to swing for several hours without arm or shoulder fatigue. These detect deeper than their counter parts, within their price range, and have better ground balance, as well as bigger and brighter digital displays. Chose wisely. Chose Minelab, Fisher, Teknetics or Garrett. For those who prefer quality detectors without digital displays, Tesoro detectors, with a lifetime warranty, would be your best choice. NOTE: The Garrett AT Pro is waterproof to 10 feet!

 

[warthog]

8" coil,GREAT detector!!!-I bought it from big K while there were still lifetime warranties on them.I understand its not too stable around salt water- I dont personally know-,only been in fresh water in the Great Lakes Area...............ONE BIT OF ADVICE:If any of you buy the 1280x;the only weak point I found on it was the TOO SHORT lead for the battery box that takes 8AA batteries-It disconnetcs from the battery box like a 9V.connector,but I found out the hard way if you let the battery pack dangle from the wire connector,it will break off from the terminal(s) inside........ITS AN EASY FIX,THOUGH:just solder on another lead after cleaning the terminals,with another 2-4" of lead wire on it-NO MORE STRAIN on the lead!!!