What exactly is the Tiger Shark connector issue about?

[dan b]

I'm just about to purchase a used Tiger Shark locally, but I keep reading about a connector issue. What exactly is the issue? Does it leak? Does it false? Will I need to send the TS in for repairs? I don't want to pull the trigger on this if the machine is going to sit on the shelf indefinitely waiting for a fix. Some insight into the problem would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Sven]

Tesoro was attempting to machine and manufacture their own connector as a direct replacement that will retrofit
if the current ones become defective.

 

[ToniSteve]

Tesoro actually chimed in on another forum on this issue recently. They are working on it, and will resolve it. I have 2 Tigers and they are built like battle ships. I would not hesitate to purchase one that has not been abused.

By the way gossip is just that gossip. (There seems to be a lot of it in other threads) My dad used to call us "Polish wash women" when we repeated gossip. Not to demean women at all, but he made his point back then. Better to go hunting then to sit around passing around stories that have been manipulated along the way some how. This is a general post not meant for any one person in particular.

The Tiger Shark is an excellent detector. I cannot say that for their other units because I have not tried one, but I have hunted with people that use them and they do well.

By the way here is the fairly recent quote from Tesoro:

"Posted by From tesoro [Email User] on 9/24/2010, 10:35 am, in reply to "Tesoro's water detectors are no more"
69.63.35.68

From tesoro:

"That should have said temporarily out of production. It is not a permanent thing. We are still trying to final test the new mold.
Thank you for your continued patience."

Best Regards,"

 

[dan b]

So there isn't anything wrong with the Tiger Sharks that are out there? It's just a possible issue if _________ happens to the connector? What has gone wrong with the connectors in the past? Or is it strictly an issue for new production?

Thanks,

Dan

 

[downeaster]

We should be glad that Tesoro is taking the time to make sure that consumers will be getting a high quality part for their water machine instead of just rushing a quick fix it on the market .Quality is spelled Tesoro which is why they can guarantee their products for life. I'm willing to wait as long as it takes because I know that when Tesoro water machines become available again, they'll be right.

 

[downeaster]

Dan,
It's just an issue with new production as their former supplier no longer makes the connector. Tesoro decided to make the part themselves to insure the quality they wanted and are just working out the production bugs. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Tesoro water machines made before this issue and I have never heard of one of the connectors failing. If you find a good used Tiger Shark ,Sand Shark, or Stingray, don't be afraid to buy it.

 

[ToniSteve]

I have never heard of a problem on the Tiger Shark with the connectors.

Steve

 

[dan b]

Thanks guys. I will be picking one up tomorrow. It's had 2 weeks of use for 2 summers, and comes with 2 long handled scoops for $500. One of the scoops alone is worth $140. Seems like a good deal.

Dan

 

[Sven]

Thanks guys. I will be picking one up tomorrow. It's had 2 weeks of use for 2 summers, and comes with 2 long handled scoops for $500. One of the scoops alone is worth $140. Seems like a good deal.

Dan

I saw the listing.......................the smaller scoop is good for dry sand hunting. Sounds like a good deal.

 

[dan b]

Hi Sven,

It's a bit of a drive up to Hamilton from Windsor, but my wife's brother lives 5 minutes from where I'm picking up the TS, so we'll make an evening out of it.

Dan

 

[downeaster]

Sounds like a great buy Dan, congratulations.!! I'm sure you'll enjoy it.

 

[Willee - Texas]

So there isn't anything wrong with the Tiger Sharks that are out there? It's just a possible issue if _________ happens to the connector? What has gone wrong with the connectors in the past? Or is it strictly an issue for new production?
Thanks,
Dan

Dan, there is nothing "wrong" with the existing Tiger and Sand Shark detectors out there.
They are a quality product and work just fine..

The problem is this ...
The company that made the waterproof coil connectors for Tesoro stopped making them.
That left Tesoro high and dry ... (excuse the pun).
Tesoro stopped selling the water detectors until they could set up and make their own connectors.

There always has been a small issue with the connectors in that they would give a false signal when water hit the connector.
Was not a big thing as you could position your arm so the connector was either in or out of the water.

Tesoro could have used a waterproof seal like Fisher and Minelab uses but that would prevent any coil changes.
Instead Tesoro stopped making any new water detectors until they could make their own connectors.
IMHO ... this was a very bad decision as it has taken their engineers way too long to get them up and running.
Many people would have bought a new Tiger Shark with a solid coil cable seal.
And an option to replace it at a later time could have been offered by Tesoro for those that felt the need.
This would have allowed them to continue selling them all last summer.

So you see there is nothing really wrong with the detectors and if you can find a used one you shouldn't fear buying it.
Tesoro can still repair it if ever needed and their service is top notch.
BTW ... I have never heard of anyone ever needing the connector repaired.
I am sure Tesoro will someday start selling the water detectors again with new and improved waterproof coil cable connectors.
At least I hope they will as I would most likely buy a new one.

 

[dan b]

I did end up buying that Tiger Shark. It was in good shape once I cleaned it up, but it didn't work right at all. The best I could get in an air test in fast all metal was 4", and that we just a slight rise in the threshold. The sensitivity was maxed out, and turning the GB knob negative made the machine squeal.

I boxed it up and sent it to Tesoro. It should be there in a couple of days.

Dan