Everyone's opinions on detectors will vary, some will like digital screen readouts, VDI numbers, and multitones, whilst others will prefer a single tone machine with decent discrimination. For me, the Tesoro Vaquero is a great example of a single tone detector, and very easy to use from get go (latest version apparently has multitones). It may be a single tone machine, but there is a wealth of information from those tones, depending on how scratchy or prominent the signal is and so on. The discrimination is second to none on the tesoros, always seems right on the money, whereas some other detectors can discriminate out good targets. I'd hate to see how many good targets have been missed over time from people relying solely on displayed VDI numbers, and on screen target indicators.
For me, I have found multitone machines are a pain in junk infested areas, trying to decipher a whole raft of good and bad info - information overload if you like, and not always correct. It really can be quite overwhelming for a new detectorist. The Vaquero is easy, simply set discrimination at a minimum to block out iron targets, and simply wind up the discrimination when a target is encountered to knock out any junky targets, and if in doubt, always dig the target, that's how you learn your detector's capabilities.
Tried the x-terra 305 and whites coinmaster gt, but for me, I'd still prefer a Tesoro over both of them.
Not forgetting what you originally posted on the thread, these machines will probably not be considered as affordable, first time detectors, especially if purchasing brand new in Australia. Also have a look for something like the Ace 250 or 350 (Euroace) second hand, and they will serve you well as a starter detector, with plenty of optional coils from Garrett and aftermarket suppliers. Whilst they have digital screens, depth readings and reasonable discrimination, I barely ever use any on screen info, as it is not always accurate or correct. I mainly just go on the high/bell tones for coins, most of the mid and all low tones have been knocked out via the discrimination, depending on what I am targetting.
Personally, If I had the cash handy, I'd go back to a Tesoro in a flash over the Ace. It may be worth your while checking out the Tesoro Silver UMax, I reckon that would be an excellent starting detector, with excellent depth and same discrimination capabilities used across the tesoro range - plus lifetime warranty. Nel also make some excellent coils for this machine should you want to upgrade for increased depth.
If you prefer to have all the bells and whistles with screens, depth readouts etc, other starting detectors worth looking at may include the Fisher F2, Teknetics Alpha 2000, EurotekPro or Delta 4000, and Minelab x-terra 305. The 305 would probably be the best value of this bunch due to the sheer number of coils available for it, plus the added ability to ground balance.
At the end of the day, the only way to find what is right for YOU, is to give a detector a go, you can always sell it if it doesn't float your boat - detectors tend to hold their value pretty well. There is no single detector that is the right or wrong choice, it comes down to what suits you in the long run, what areas you detect in, and what you are ultimately targetting. Hence why I have gone through a few detectors, looking for the one that suits my style of detecting the best.
