Tesoro's DeLeon, Cortes, & Tejon
Comments: All three share Tesoro's lightning fast discriminator target sampling and lifetime warranty. The DeLeon and Cortes (top dog in Tesoro's line-up) have visual target ID, but the display is very small compared to other visual discriminators. The Cortes also has a feature similar to White's Signagraph system, but again, the visual lacks resolution, so dimes, quarters, halves, and dollars read as 'COINS'. Tesoro's real strong point as always been its analog audio response. Smooth targets that are coin size are always worth digging and broken and/or harsh sounding targets are worth avoiding.
The Tesoro Tejon is Tesoro's deepest detector, operating at a 17.5 kHz. This is a bit on the high side for silver hunting, but reports from the field say that the Tejon is bringing in a lot of silver normally masked by trash targets and unseen by the competition. The Tejon uses a twin level discriminator that can be set in a variety of ways. I set the higher level to barely pop on a zinc penny so I don't have to dig them. Last time out with the Tejon, my associate dealer, Greg @ Trans Bay Metal Detectors, scored a beautiful white gold wedding band in the bark and is one of my favorites. Because of its higher frequency, the Tejon is a bit more reactive over the small iron, but that can be a positive as far as seeing through the nails etc. The all metal modes on both the Vaquero and Tejon have a preset gain level, so the sensitivity is really a stability gain control in the discrimination mode.


White's M6 and MXT
Comments: With its 14.7 kHz frequency, and sharing the same horsepower as MXT, the M6 adds seven tones of target ID in addition to the highest visual resolution you can find in a metal detector, 190 segments. The MXT, considered by many as the BEST HYBRID for serious electronic prospecting, relic hunting or coin and jewelry hunting, offers additional features like separate programs that change the visual display. The 3rd generation Dave Johnson engineered ground tracking system is considered by many to be the best on the market. My buddy Greg was given the assignment to test the prototype MXT with various prototype chips in cooperation with White's technical engineering staff. This culminated in a ground tracking system that set the standard from 2004 to date. White's MXT continues to be one of the most popular sellers at Big Valley Metal Detectors because of its ability to tackle virtually ever surf and turf situation. The only drawback is that it isn't is submersible, like some of the specialty detectors.


Minelab Sovereign GT
Comments: In 1990, Minelab, an Australian based metal detecting company specializing in mine detecting technology, came out with the first multi-frequency detector, the Sovereign. Rather than a more traditional ground balance control, the Sovereign used BBS or broad band multi-frequencies to filter out the ground reactivity noise including hot rocks that could mimic targets. The Sovereign enjoyed improvements in the Sovereign XS, the XSII, XS2a and Sovereign Elite. In 2005, the Sovereign GT was introduced. It incorporated an all metal mode with auto tune assist to extend deeper into the ground when prospecting for gold nuggets. The Sovereign GT's active frequency is approx. 7 kHz and is designed like the top of the line Explorer to be capable of being swept ultra-slow without losing any of its maximum depth potential. A visual 3 digit numerical display is a $100.00 option and compliments the subtle target tone ID. Note: The submersible variant is the Excalibur 1000/II @ $1399.95.


White's XLT
Comments: The XLT operates at White's traditional 6.59 kHz for very good response on silver conductive targets and good response on most gold jewelry but it is not up to the performance of the MXT on the lower conductors. The XLT shines in its Signagraph technology and smooth operation as it is a full filtered detector. On a dime at 8" the XLT can deliver a better target signal than the MXT or M6, but it requires a faster sweep speed to do so. The Signagraph technology will not only read out the target ID but it will deliver 1 bar up on round targets within 6" to surface. The XLT has been in the White's line-up for over 10 years and was preceded by the Eagle Spectrum and Eagle series (White's first digital detectors).No matter what you own, the XLT can complement your collection.

Price Range from about $1000.00

Fisher F75
Comments: The Fisher F75, like the F4 and F2, has outstanding features and performance. Operating at over 13 kHz, and with oodles of sensitivity, it can deliver on both high and low conductors (Silver and Gold).   This detector is like a 327 Chevy engine with a hot cam and just street legal due to its high gain circuit. Its automatic back light system for night time hunting is the BEST I've experienced. Its depth is exceptional, but requires proper tuning to ensure stable hunting. Great light weight and well balanced feell in its category.

Minelab Quattro and Explorer SE
Comments: Both are known as Silver magnets. Both use FBS circuits or full band frequencies (28 actually), Minelab's unique way to filter out negative ground and magnetic interference. The active frequency may be about 3kHz and the other harmonics act in concert to sample and neutralize ground noise and power lines. When the noise is neutralized, your ability to hear the deeper targets is enhanced. The 3 kHz will double the signal on deep silver vs other frequencies. The output is digital, and although it the Explorer and Quattros make it easier to hear that deep silver without having to tweak, your lower conductors, gold and nickels and other jewelry, are usually ignored by most of the Explorer-Quattro users. Foil, shards of aluminum and crown caps sound a little too good, where competitor's circuits chop those targets up. The Explorer has a tad bit more gain over the Quattro and a smart find screen. I really like the Quattro's audio and visual pinpointing system. They are lacking in the SE, which uses a more conventional VCO pinpoint. Andy Sabisch has said that the Quattro seems to sniff out the good targets better amongst the trash. Now this was when the top of the line Explorer was the Explorer II, so most likely any advantage the Quattro enjoyed became a part of the Explorer SE, which is said to do better in trashy areas over the Explorer II. The Explorer series began with the XS in 2000, then the II several years later and toward the end of 2005, the SE. All in all, these are nice, deep metal detectors and are great silver shooters.

White's E Series DFX
Comments: When it comes to a do it all detector, the DFX is one of the top dogs. Not only is it a multi-frequency detector with 3 and 15 kHz, along with 18 other harmonic frequencies, but you can select to operate in 3 kHz for silver or 15 kHz for gold. Along with 55 basic and pro options you're in total control. The DFX, like the XLT, offers Signagraph technology but in addition to that you can adjust the sweep speeds, filters etc. The DFX comes standard with the 950 concentric loop, but my advice is to buy the optional 6x10" Eclipse wide scan, which significantly improves visual target ID in all ground conditions and gives improved target separation.


Garrett GTI 2500
Comments: Bells and whistles, good depth but long in the tooth and on the heavy side. Garrett GTI 2500 offers a wide screen and although not as sophisticated as the other big dog competition, it does offer sizing technology A through E. Most coins and jewelry fall out in the B, with man hole covers in the E size along with some caches, I guess. This detector actually can be programmed to talk to you using a female voice. A poster on one of the the forums, who is a single bachelor, actually put it on voice mode and slept with his GTI 2500... now that's love. Depth is above average for a single frequency detector at approximately 7 kHz and seems sensitive enough for gold rings. Ground tracks in the all metal mode. I suspect that the discrimination mode and ground balance point is automated in the chipand cannot be manually manipulated.

And last, but not least!

White's V3
Comments: over seven years of R&D brings you the industry's most advanced flagship. Unsurpassed in audio, visuals, brute power and selectivity, conceived with advanced circuitry- and wireless headphone technology:

Three active frequencies, analysis mode (shape, size, response), color screen, and many more surprises!!! 30%+ deeper than other E series detectors, taking you to a new level.

Questions?
Call Larry at (916) 225-9150

larry@bigvalleymetaldetectors.com

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Last updated 11 December, 2009 by the rogue webmistress....