Newbie w/Tesoro Compadre, considering Minelab 340/440/Xterra Pro?

[deeboSC]

Hey guys, im in coastal SC and ive owned my Compadre for a few years. Been happy with it but its also the only detector ive ever owned or used. It does great but obviously has limitations on the beach so thinking of getting another so I can hunt wet sand . Doesnt necessarily have to be waterproof.. Id like to stay under $300 and prefer something from Minelab so wondering with the 340 if id really be selling myself short compared to the other 2 options? Would I be foolish to buy the 340 when the other 2 are less than $100 more? I have never used another machine so the thought of having a readout with better idea of what im digging sounds amazing. Greatly appreciate any advice you can give, thanks!

** i also prefer something pretty user friendly which is why i initially bought the Compadre, no major learning curve

 

[jmaclen]

Personally, I would get the Vanquish 440. It has simple, 3 tone operation and the excellent 10" coil like the 340 but it also has the all metal button that lets you hear and see iron responses instantly if you are hunting with iron discriminated and want to quickly interrogate a target, it has an onboard pinpoint function and it has the accept/reject target IDs that make setting up a custom program really easy. Those features are worth the price difference.

I would not get the Vanquish control box wet. Use an environmental cover at the beach. Make sure you have extra batteries too, since the Vanquish models are battery hogs. I used rechargeable with mine.

 

[deeboSC]

Personally, I would get the Vanquish 440. It has simple, 3 tone operation and the excellent 10" coil like the 340 but it also has the all metal button that lets you hear and see iron responses instantly if you are hunting with iron discriminated and want to quickly interrogate a target, it has an onboard pinpoint function and it has the accept/reject target IDs that make setting up a custom program really easy. Those features are worth the price difference.

I would not get the Vanquish control box wet. Use an environmental cover at the beach. Make sure you have extra batteries too, since the Vanquish models are battery hogs. I used rechargeable with mine.

Thank you for the reply, I keep coming back to the 440 and so far leaning that direction

 

[Cherry Picker]

I hear the X-Terra Pro does quite well on the beach in Beach mode. I really liked how sensitive it was to gold in my tot lots, but if you rely on the VDI much it isn't very accurate. Tends to jump around a lot.

 

[deeboSC]

I hear the X-Terra Pro does quite well on the beach in Beach mode. I really liked how sensitive it was to gold in my tot lots, but if you rely on the VDI much it isn't very accurate. Tends to jump around a lot.

thats another thing im wondering, Compadre does great especially at tot lots but aside from wet sand im not sure if its
going to be as much of an upgrade as I think it will be going to a Vanquish or Pro

 

[jmaclen]

thats another thing im wondering, Compadre does great especially at tot lots but aside from wet sand im not sure if its
going to be as much of an upgrade as I think it will be going to a Vanquish or Pro

Target ID accuracy on the Vanquish models is outstanding even on 8" coin sized targets with the 10" coil. The Vanquish models have built in "beach advantage" which is what Minelab calls it on each of its search modes. They will all work on wet and dry salt beaches.

 

[woodbutcher]

Vanquish machines love iron, old bolts,,nuts,etc will sound like the best silver coin you've ever heard..I like the Vanquish, and I've tried to figure out a way to tell a coin from old rusty bolts,nuts etc...Speaking for myself I couldn't do it anymore, dug way to much junk and as much as I liked everything about the Machine i had to throw the towell in...Get the xtera pro, ID might be a little flakey for some but you'll not dig all the iron the Vanquish will Have you digging

 

[metaladdict]

I'm going to buy a vanquish 540 for saltwater backup when funds are available, IF ever!

 

[deeboSC]

Thanks for the replies- still not sure what im going to do, went out the last 2 days with the old Compadre and found a nice $50 necklace, first time finding any jewelry. So you guys think any of the Vanquish will be a big upgrade from the Tesoro? I think ive built this up in my head that with target ID im going to dig less junk but might not necessarily be the case. Mainly want the ability to search wet beach sand but again.. never used anything besides what I have so dont know what im missing

 

[IDXMonster]

How much junk do you dig with the Compadre?

 

[deeboSC]

How much junk do you dig with the Compadre?

A fair amount I guess but I dig pretty much all signals that give a good sound with discrimination set on pull tabs. I feel like you are about to tell me to be prepared to dig more junk lol

 

[deeboSC]

Just pulled the trigger on the vanquish 340, cant wait to test it out

 

[Beachhunter]

Just pulled the trigger on the vanquish 340, cant wait to test it out

Best of luck!

 

[MuddyMo]

I've been occasionally using a 340 on the beach. It's by far the best low cost beach detector. Light, deep, quiet, simple and productive. The only improvements would be waterproof and pinpoint. The 440's upgrades (like pp) while not necessary are worth the extra $.

 

[deeboSC]

I did snag a 340 and ive been pretty happy with it. Unfortunately not had enough time to test it on the beach yet but I do like it alot. Ive taken them both at the same time to a few search areas and the little Compadre did just as well as the Vanquish. I agree, wanted the 340 for the simplicity and pinpointing feature doesnt sway me at all. Thanks for the reply

 

[Rob183]

I have a Legend and a Compadre, the Compadre bangs on every signal that I planted to learn the Legend which includes a silver dollar at 9". Fantastic little machine.

 

[John Madill]

Pinpointing is important in parks and lawns where you want to dig a small plug. Not so important at the beach when you are carrying a big scoop.
You made a good choice and I second the motion on batteries, carry extras!

 

[vincev]

Personally, I would get the Vanquish 440. It has simple, 3 tone operation and the excellent 10" coil like the 340 but it also has the all metal button that lets you hear and see iron responses instantly if you are hunting with iron discriminated and want to quickly interrogate a target, it has an onboard pinpoint function and it has the accept/reject target IDs that make setting up a custom program really easy. Those features are worth the price difference.

I would not get the Vanquish control box wet. Use an environmental cover at the beach. Make sure you have extra batteries too, since the Vanquish models are battery hogs. I used rechargeable with mine.

how many hours do you get out of batteries compared to rechargeable ?? Thanks