Oldschool-
Can't tell ya 100%..but I CAN give ya my personal opinion based on experiance...
I too...am a dedicated freshwater hunter. I hunt the Great lakes and inland lakes here in Wisconsin. I'm also a bit of a gold bug...so wanted a machine that would work in that area as well.
My primary targets while water hunting are rings, chains, and jewelry. So....again...gold was the primary target.
Started with a Garrett Seahunter Mk II...PI machine. Great piece of equipment. A real monster to haul around. Consistant to 6-8 " in freshwater. no real complaints...except...no discrimination. Also...another 100 bucks for a proper dive shaft.
Tried an AT....ummm...no thanks. too many freakin bells and whistles and the visual display?...wtf. I REALLY...don't need all that.
Spent a year researching...reading...asking around..before I made my decision.
Tesoro Tigershark. Hands down. Tough, been around forever, great support...and it just freakin works. No fancy VDI, bells or whistles. The factory shaft system is multi configurable...and did I mention..it just plain freakin WORKS?
You can buy 2 1/2 brand new Tigersharks for the price of a single Excal....don't get me wrong..Excals a GREAT machine..if ya spent 2 years learning its freakin tones. But..truth be told?..The Tiger picks up..I mean SNIFFS...earring backs buried 10" deep ... single tone...but it WILL talk to you if you listen. Buy a Tesoro Tigershark for freshwater precious metals.....you really can't go wrong imo.
BTW..FACT...My Tigershark paid for itself..(650.00)...in 59 minutes ITS FIRST OUTING... Rose gold mens wedding band...hit with AUTHORITY at 9" of marl and silt at 13'.
Yeah..I'm a Tesora fan.
Bubs
(BTW....this evening?...for fun...hit a local town swimming area. 1 womans ring...heart shaped encrusted with small diamonds...not real expensive but so what?...and a womens hoop earring sterling silver. The hoop was at least 8" deep.)