Decisions, decisions, decisions

[Jack D]

Well, I got very lucky and won the October drawing at John's Detectors. Research time. On John's website, I find three that fit nicely in the $$$$ llimits and each are appealing.

Ace 250
Tesoro Silver u(micro)Max
Fisher 1225 X

In Oregon we have mostly iron rich clay and the beaches (both ocean and rivers) are heavily laden with black sand (magnetite). Because of our heavily mineralized soils and sands, I'm leaning toward the Fisher 1225 X...only because it is the only one that the literature says is designed for mineralized soils AND the lifetime warranty is appealing, too. The other two (in their literature) don't mention mineralized soils performance. In searching this site, I find that, probably, most favor the Ace 250 (in this $$$ range), but many sing the praises of the other two, as well. I have no doubt that they are all good, I'm just not sure which is best for our soil conditions here in Oregon. I'm not a bells and whistles kind of guy, so lack of display is not a problem, I'm looking for the best performance in our soils.

I'm wondering what your thoughts are about the uses of each in mineralized soils.

Thanks for your valuable insights.

[IronClad]

I had a Fisher 1225 X and I loved it. Wish it had a larger loop for a bit more depth. Thing was hot in the soil where I live and was fast on recovery time. I am REALLY thinking of getting another one.

As for the Tesoro Umax., I personally don't know from experience. What I do know is all the great reviews it receives and they are snapped up almost instantly when offered for sale used. I do want to try one out.

I also had an Ace 250 for about a month. It was nice, but the BONG BONG BONG bell tone kept driving me nuts.... It got sold too.

If I were you, if possible, I'd try out the Tesoro and the Fisher and see how each operate in your area. Forget the Ace and go with one of the others that will handle the mineralization better. Good Luck.

[Arkwater]

If you has a little $$ to put with it You would really like the vaquero! Its an awesome machine in mineralized soil!

[Jack D]

Originally Posted by IronClad

I had a Fisher 1225 X and I loved it. Wish it had a larger loop for a bit more depth. Thing was hot in the soil where I live and was fast on recovery time. I am REALLY thinking of getting another one.

As for the Tesoro Umax., I personally don't know from experience. What I do know is all the great reviews it receives and they are snapped up almost instantly when offered for sale used. I do want to try one out.

I also had an Ace 250 for about a month. It was nice, but the BONG BONG BONG bell tone kept driving me nuts.... It got sold too.

If I were you, if possible, I'd try out the Tesoro and the Fisher and see how each operate in your area. Forget the Ace and go with one of the others that will handle the mineralization better. Good Luck.

I just read a review of the 1225 X and it wasn't good...They said it was cheaply and poorly made. Did you find that is the case?

[The TINMAN]

Hey Jack, Nothin like trying to make a decision when it comes to detectors. ! Never used a 250 or the Fisher but am familiar with Tesoro's and if ya want to stay in that certificates range I would go with the Siver UMax. Priced Right, Lightweight, Will handle Your Soil, Easy to Learn & Use, will Go Deep and a Lifetime Warranty. Just my humble opinion.

The TINMAN

[Jack D]

Originally Posted by The TINMAN

Hey Jack, Nothin like trying to make a decision when it comes to detectors. ! Never used a 250 or the Fisher but am familiar with Tesoro's and if ya want to stay in that certificates range I would go with the Siver UMax. Priced Right, Lightweight, Will handle Your Soil, Easy to Learn & Use, will Go Deep and a Lifetime Warranty. Just my humble opinion.

The TINMAN

Your opinions are valuable....and John just confirmed it. I also just read a field report that sounded very good. The Silver microMax is it.

Thanks all for the input.

Off to PM John.

[The TINMAN]

Way To Go Jack. I think you'll be Very Happy with it. You'll also enjoy dealing with John, He's Top Notch !

The TINMAN

[Zman]

Congrats on the win! and the Tesoro. Enjoy.

[Steve in PR]

I think you made the right choice.

[IronClad]

I just read a review of the 1225 X and it wasn't good...They said it was cheaply and poorly made. Did you find that is the case?

NOPE ! I thought it was very well made. Some folks have different perceptions about quality. I had NO problems with mine. Everything is plastic anymore and prone to easy breakage. Trade off for lightweight.

I think you made a wise choice with the TESORO, although the Fisher would have been good also. Good Luck, and keep us posted on how it does.