Need help choosing a new detector

[DangerDude]

So I recently bought a Ace 250 and still learning the little things it takes to get comfortable. I started 4 years ago with a BH tracker IV ,I believe . I already want to upgrade again. I have a friend that has a 3030 and loves it but it is surely out of my price range at this point. I'm looking at spending around $600 to $700 on a new one. I've been strongly thinking of a AT pro or AT gold. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of other similar detectors in that range that are both good for coin and nugget hunting ?

 

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[DizzyDigger]

So I recently bought a Ace 250 and still learning the little things it takes to get comfortable. I started 4 years ago with a BH tracker IV ,I believe . I already want to upgrade again. I have a friend that has a 3030 and loves it but it is surely out of my price range at this point. I'm looking at spending around $600 to $700 on a new one. I've been strongly thinking of a AT pro or AT gold. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of other similar detectors in that range that are both good for coin and nugget hunting ?

I've recently done a whole lot of on-line research + getting good info from the
knowledgeable members here. I settled on the Gold Bug Pro, it is one of the
gold/relic arena of machines that will do both, but the GBP's performance is heavily
weighted to the nugget hunting side as 90%+ of my detecting will be nugget shooting.

From what I've read and learned, the Minelab X-Terra 705 seems to fit the bill
nicely, and you change the operating freq. by changing coils. This gives you the
chance to use the 18.75kz coil for nuggets, and the larger, lower freq. coils for
coin and relic hunting.

The AT Pro seems to be very well thought of, as well, but may not be as good on
the small gold due to it's lower freq.

I have no hand's-on experience with either, but those two seem to fit your needs,
your price range and are known to be quality performers.

Good luck in your search, and be sure to work with one of the good dealers that are
supporters of the site. I do know that Bart at Big Boys Hobbies will take good care of you.

 

[Terry Soloman]

So I recently bought a Ace 250 and still learning the little things it takes to get comfortable. I started 4 years ago with a BH tracker IV ,I believe . I already want to upgrade again. I have a friend that has a 3030 and loves it but it is surely out of my price range at this point. I'm looking at spending around $600 to $700 on a new one. I've been strongly thinking of a AT pro or AT gold. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of other similar detectors in that range that are both good for coin and nugget hunting ?

Gold nugget hunting machines are specialized, and run at least 17.8kHz. That makes them very sensitive to iron - even when discriminating! You need to decide what you are going to hunt 90-percent of the time and go that way. The Tesoro Vaquero (14.2kHz) is a good go-between, but is still sensitive to big, deep iron. The AT Pro (15kHz) falls into the same boat. I have used the Tesoro Lobo Super Traq in Discriminate mode very successfully for coinshooting, but it lacks the depth that my Vaquero gives me in "Discriminate Mode," because the LST switches to a factory preset ground balance as soon as you switch out of All Metal (which it was designed for finding gold nuggets). No one machine does it all - not one.

Honestly, my best advice is to WAIT, and learn your Ace 250 better. Spend the money on a 9" x 12" coil for it, slow down, and take the time to learn. Research better PLACES to detect, rather than a "better" detector. Most newbies are WAY too impatient. You need at least 200-hours on the headphones to really know your machine (that averages out to about 50 four-hour hunts. Relax, learn, and do some research on some better locations to hunt.

 

[Metal Detecting Stuff]

You have received some great input form Dizzy and Terry. I like the AT Gold because it is waterproof, picks up sub-gram gold, and does well on silver coins and relics in the field. Give me a call if I can help you in your decision.

Wayne

(832) 928-9135

Metal Detector Sales and Rentals | Fisher, Garrett, Minelab, Lesche and DetectorPro

 

[DangerDude]

Thanks for all the advice everyone! I this site and all the minds I am able to pick. I live in Wisconsin so most of my detecting is for coins. I'm planning a trip to Arizona in the fall to look for nuggets so the help is much appreciated. Terry it seems like you are knowledgable on Tesoro. Tesoros have really interested me as another detector too, they are priced well and seem to be a good quality machine. I seem to get distracted with the LCD and I don't think Tesoro really adds any to their machines. I've seen a few YouTube videos of guys using the lobo for nuggets. I know you answer a lot of my questions but I love talking hunting when I can't be in the field. Also, I'm being patient with my 250 and still digging some junk but I'm learning its little quirks. Thanks again and will be using your advice on who to purchase my next machine from.

 

[heathgeo]

Yep I'd stick with the Ace250 for now...
Perfect your hunting technique and research...
But when your ready.. Its hard to beat a Tesoro in my opinion...
The vaquero is a well tested, reliable and proven detector..
I have an Outlaw and love it...
My next purchase will be a pi water machine... Which will probably be the Tesoro Sandshark ...

 

[DangerDude]

I've been researching the Tesoro models and I think I might by a lower cost one, maybe a silver max. I figure it won't hurt to expand my knowledge and at the price they cost, as well as the warranty you can't beat it. There is so many different makers and models out there it's hard to choose.

 

[heathgeo]

I've been researching the Tesoro models and I think I might by a lower cost one, maybe a silver max. I figure it won't hurt to expand my knowledge and at the price they cost, as well as the warranty you can't beat it. There is so many different makers and models out there it's hard to choose.

The silvers umax good but id throw in another $100 and get the Cibola...

The thing about Tesoros is their all great machines....
Even the lil Compadre... :-)
BUT
If I had to choose just 1... Its a toss up between the Vaquero and Outlaw...
I love my outlaw... I just wish it had the vaqueros coil... lol
Maybe they can make me one huh :-D

 

[DangerDude]

Thanks for the tips! I'm glad to hear from someone that has experience with the Tesoros. I wish I was rich, that way I could buy whatever I want. These higher priced machines you really have to research if your gonna spend that kind of money.

 

[heathgeo]

Thanks for the tips! I'm glad to hear from someone that has experience with the Tesoros. I wish I was rich, that way I could buy whatever I want. These higher priced machines you really have to research if your gonna spend that kind of money.

Yeah I'd love to test a couple of the higher priced machines like the Deus, Etrek & 3030 but who has $1500-$2500 to drop on a detector...
Especially with the way the economy's going..
Hell.. Dropping $550 on the outlaw was a just close your eyes and hit the damn button moment lol !!!!
But yeah you can't go wrong with Tesoro...
Their great machines and they back it up with a lifetime warranty..

 

[christo000]

Thanks for the tips! I'm glad to hear from someone that has experience with the Tesoros. I wish I was rich, that way I could buy whatever I want. These higher priced machines you really have to research if your gonna spend that kind of money.

Ya u also mayb able to get a rather better deal if u check old eBay out there are people on there who decide they'd like to detect & after first time out if they find not what there looking for they sell it not thinkin it takes time with the hobby to learn.it anyway u mayb able to pick.up a higher end tesoro never know might be worth a shot

 

[HDRK11]

I really like the Tejon myself for over all performance and love the dual disc.. I had the Vaquero wich was ok. and currently have the Silver Umax and that is a great little detector for what it is. Tesoro is rock solid in durability and performance.