Need some advice on new detector

[flinch]

Howdy, I have been considering an upgrade from a Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker. I know anything is probably an upgrade for me but it did do its job of getting me hooked in this hobby.

I dont think i really need anything with an LCD display, but like everyone, im just looking to get the best performance and versitility for the money. I would also like something that will hit on a gold nugget, but not necessarily be a nugget only detector as there are a whole lot more pennies, nickels and dimes out there than gold.

I am kinda torn between these so far- MXT, Tesoro Supertraq, and Sovereign GT, I really like this one but im not sure how good it is on gold nuggets. I also considered the Xterra 70 but i dont like the idea of having to buy/change coils to find gold. What do you guys think?

[z118]

I just upgraded from the BH Tracker IV, and I chose the Sovereign. In fact, I just got it today! Like you I wasn't really excited for an LCD display, and I wanted something that would work in a range of places. Can't tell you yet if I made the right choice... maybe ask me in a week or two! Good luck!

[flinch]

Thanks Z.
Another question hopefully someone can answer, I was reading about the Mine lab Eureka Gold, it sounds like a great gold detector, im trying to learn all I can and may be a little confused, but would it be safe to say that since the E G has the ability to switch its frequency to 6.4 that it would also be a decent coin shooter?

[TonyinCT]

Hi there. The EUreka Gold is an excellent detector for all around hunting but is porimarily a gold detector. The Soveriegn has a lot going for it in the way of different coils for different types of hunting. The MXT is a solid performer that can get the coins , relics and gold since it is based on the Gold Master platform. ANy of these would be a great choice. If you need more help or info please let me know.

[silver quarter digger]

Originally Posted by flinch

Howdy, I have been considering an upgrade from a Bounty Hunter Fast Tracker. I know anything is probably an upgrade for me but it did do its job of getting me hooked in this hobby.

I dont think i really need anything with an LCD display, but like everyone, im just looking to get the best performance and versitility for the money. I would also like something that will hit on a gold nugget, but not necessarily be a nugget only detector as there are a whole lot more pennies, nickels and dimes out there than gold.

I am kinda torn between these so far- MXT, Tesoro Supertraq, and Sovereign GT, I really like this one but im not sure how good it is on gold nuggets. I also considered the Xterra 70 but i dont like the idea of having to buy/change coils to find gold. What do you guys think?

Based on what you said, here is what I have to say about the detectors you mentiioned.

#1 - the mxt
Pros- good depth, VCO pinpoint, VDI display, gold nugget capabilities, TRACKING
Cons- only nuggets (no species), a bit heavy, use only a short time before arm cramps up, chattery, expensive

#2 - the Lobo SuperTraq
Pros- hipmountable, nuggets and species, no battery packs, more coils, better depth than mxt, sepcial smooth sound for coins/ rings, very stable, mid-priced, VCO PINPOINT, tracking options, great coin separation, lifetime warranty
Cons- pre-set ground balance in disc mode, shorter battery life

#3 - FLUSH THAT DETECTOR DOWN THE TOILET

#4 - the X-Terra 70
Pros- about same as MXT, less chattery, picks up smaller gold, nuggets and species, very lightweight, detector usually comes coil for gold prospecting
Cons- Memorizing menus, lots of assmbly

What would I choose, the Lobo SuperTraq for the best depth, price value, warranty, features, and can be made lightweight

[flinch]

Thanks silver quarter digger, if you dont mind, what is it that you dont like about the soveriegn?
I hear it has a bit of a learning curve, but other than that I havent heard too much negative.

[ToddB64]

Hi flinch !

Take a look at the Tesoro Vaquero....no LCD (dials), finds coins, jewelry, relics and raw gold, is lightweight at 2.2 lbs, multi-frequency and has a lifetime warranty.

Todd

[TomNWMI]

The X-70 wil eat the LST's lunch on coins!

Tom

PS to S Q D, love that avatar nugget of yours. What is the weight of that thing Its hard to tell with the small pic.
Being from Michigan I can only be a nugget hunting wannabe. LOL

[flinch]

Thanks for the replies. I have been reading alot about these machines.
Currently, Im leaning more toward the sovereign, it seems to me, (someone correct me if im wrong) that with the mulitiple range of frequencies, 1.5-25khz, it is capable of doing everything the others will do, if not better, without the cost of extra coils.
It comes with a 10'' coil but i could also get an 8" if i want and still be into it about the same as an x70 with one coil.
The x70 is a nice machine, its probably my second choice right now do to its versitility, im just not thrilled with the idea of changing coils to get a different frequency. The sovereign also has all the funtions i think i will ever need, which means i wont likely grow out of it anytime soon.
I would still like to hear any and all opinions, as i probably wont buy one for a couple more months. Thanks for all your help.

[Dan B]

I read that the Sovereign takes a while to learn and needs to be swept at a snails pace in high trash areas. Of course, I have no idea how true this is, but it might be something to ask about before you buy.

Dan

[johnnyboy25]

look for a sovereign (any model) with a 180 meter.set on auto it's a turn on and go machine.as your experience grows you can go to manual and fine tune it .deep, built like a tank and can handle any ground conditions....good luck

[TomNWMI]

but I agree they take many hours of use to get the most from them. If you don't spend the time and effort to become "zen" with them you will not be able to take advantage of what they can offer performance wise. I certainly admire those that do have the patience for that machine as they are quite remarkable in the right hands. If you do plan on getting one I suggest trying it out first if possible.

The X-70 really only needs a couple of coils, the stock 9" and one of the smaller coils, to be a very satisfying performer. Its fun and easy to use, lightweight and has very satisfying performance.

My 2 zincs

Tom

[achaios]

Originally Posted by ToddB64

Hi flinch !

Take a look at the Tesoro Vaquero....no LCD (dials), finds coins, jewelry, relics and raw gold, is lightweight at 2.2 lbs, multi-frequency and has a lifetime warranty.

Todd

It's not really multi-frequency, just 3 choices, enough to try to make sure that multiple Vaquero users in the same area don't interfere with each other. All the frequencies are just above 14khz. Everything else you said is correct.

-- Tom

[flinch]

Well im still not 100% sure on the right detector for me yet. I just read somewhere that the Sovereign does not have a non-motion pinpoint feature. I may be somewhat confused still, but to me that means it doesnt have a pinpoint feature at all, just like with my fast tracker, i would be still be making Xs to pinpoint.
I think I want a detector that can switch to non-motion pinpointing, dont ask why, I just think this is cool feature.
What are some models that have this feature, and are of mid to upper end quality?

[z118]

Originally Posted by flinch

Well im still not 100% sure on the right detector for me yet. I just read somewhere that the Sovereign does not have a non-motion pinpoint feature. I may be somewhat confused still, but to me that means it doesnt have a pinpoint feature at all, just like with my fast tracker, i would be still be making Xs to pinpoint.
I think I want a detector that can switch to non-motion pinpointing, dont ask why, I just think this is cool feature.
What are some models that have this feature, and are of mid to upper end quality?

The Sov has a pinpoint feature, but I don't use it at all. I can pinpoint well enough with the "x" method that I just don't need it.

[bobbulge]

Tony sold me on the MXT and its American, made for American soil!!!

[ToddB64]

Originally Posted by achaios

It's not really multi-frequency, just 3 choices, enough to try to make sure that multiple Vaquero users in the same area don't interfere with each other. All the frequencies are just above 14khz. Everything else you said is correct.

-- Tom

Thanks Tom.....I hadn't thought of it that way......glad you made that distinction....that's how us newbies learn !

Todd