Newbie From Montana

[dkrob]

I have spent numerous hours researching the web and still have not come up with a solid choice for my first metal detector. Initially I thought the Ace 250 would be a good go but have been told by numerous detectors that I may have troubles with the mineralization of the soils in Montana. It was also mentioned that I could out grow the Ace 250 rather quickly. Suggestions that have been made are the MiniLab Musketeer or the Tesoro Vaquero. Can I get some feedback from you folks on these two units and what some of your thoughts may be??? How easy are these units to learn and how important is target ID??? I know whatever I choose won't be my last metal detector purchase, yet would still like to make a good first choice. Thanks everyone for your help and look forward to posting my finds!!!

[PAPPY]

I have had an ACE250 for several months now and really enjoy it being light weight and dependable. It is Power on and go with numerous settings for coins, relics, all metal, jewlery. Has a GREAT discriminator level and is 99% target I.D. all of the time. Have had a little trouble with the pinpointing however that comes with use on any detector. The Tesoro brands are also Fine detectors. I have had numerous Tesoro detectors and have been pleased with all of them. I have no trouble with the soil causing problems with my 250 but as you know each location can be very much different. Wish I could help more....PAPPY

[dkrob]

Still trying to figure out if Target ID is really important for a new person to the hobby and if adjustable ground balance is another important feature. If you read this thread your input would be greatly appreciated!!!
Dkrob

[PAPPY]

YES, Adjustable Ground Balance is a GREAT advantage. Most all Tesoro products have the adjustable ground balance. I don't really need it for the type hunting situations I find myself in but I always enjoyed the feature with the Tesoros....PAPPY

[dkrob]

What are your thoughts on Target ID and the learning curve of a Tesoro for a beginner???

[PAPPY]

In my Humble opinion...NO PROBLEM....PAPPY

[NB Digger]

First of all welcome to the forum! I think for someone new to metal detecting that the simplest features the better. I started out with an old, old Whites then graduated to a Fisher 1235. The 1235 was by far the easiest detector I have ever used. Since then I have gone up to the Fisher 1270 and still find it easy and simple to use. I do not like taking time to fool with programing a detector. I want to turn it on and go. I have never been disappointed with the Fishers. It is time, since I relic hunt, to go to a more sophisticated discriminating machine as relics are deeper and more scarce. As with any detector you get it is all in how much you use it, ie; field time. The more you use it the more you "know" the machine and its workings. Hope to see ya here posting a lot of finds.
Travis

[dkrob]

Thank you for the welcome!!! Your insight is very refreshing. Is your thought that a Fisher would be a good start for a beginner??? I keep wondering about sound detectors versus Target ID detectors, any thoughts??? And again, as I had mentioned earlier in my questions is the concern of ground mineralization here in Montana. Your response is greatly appreciated for this metal detector. This is a wonderful forum to learn from, I thank you.
dkrob

[NB Digger]

Well, my opinion only comes from detectors I have used. I suppose the true test is how much time you want to spend "learning" your machine. And all machines will take some time to learn. I am not familiar with Montana mineralization so I can not begin to help you with that issue. Many detectors will automatically ground balance themselves as does my Fisher. You are doing the right thing by asking questions and getting an informed opinion. My next step would be to decide what I could spend and also think about what i am hunting for. There are detectors that are good for relics, coins, and gold/silver. So... where in Montana will you be hunting. My family has a ranch outside Dillon. It is, unfortunatly, for sale and I only got out there a couple of times. There is an Indian burial ground behind the property that I climbed up to at my first visit. Wish I had been able to visit more. Beautiful country there. Great conversation about detectors. Happy hunting.
Travis

[dkrob]

Montana is definitely a beautiful place!!! We will have the opportunity to detect in all your usual places like schools, parks, etc., but we will also get to detect some very secluded ghost towns that very few people know about as they are difficult to get to or not much if anything remains of them accept the knowledge of thosee who know. It's exciting just thinking of the prospects!!! On ground balancing, does it not give you more flexiblility if you are able to manually adjust your ground balance??? I to wish you had more time to visit our great state NB Digger, there is a lot of detecting to do in the huge state!!! Great chatting!!!