If you plan to diversify your scuba diving experience by bringing an element of fun, consider underwater metal detecting. With the best waterproof underwater metal detector, it will quickly alert you to metal items at the bottom of the ocean.
It doesn’t matter whether you want to invest in a Very-Low-Frequency or Pulse detector. All you can expect is to deliver an exceptional and memorable experience and possibly a new hobby to engage in. Regardless, underwater metal detectors have the same functionality, but they differ in the following:
- Size of the search coil
- Type of detection; can either be Pulse Induction or Very Low-Frequency detection.
- Availability of extra underwater audio support
- Depth of water the metal detector can detect without stopping to work.
Since there are plenty of underwater metal detectors flooded in the market, getting the best one for your scuba diving can be difficult. So, to point you in the right direction, we reviewed the 10 best underwater metal detectors that you can consider when buying your underwater metal detector.
Moreover, we provide you with a buyer guide to guide you through your buying experience. We recommend that you carefully read through this review to find the best underwater metal detector for your needs.
IN THIS POST
- 1 Best Underwater Metal Detectors
- 1.1 1. XP DEUS Metal Detector
- 1.2 2. Nokta Makro 11000611 Anfibio 14 CoinHunter Metal Detector
- 1.3 3. Minelab Equinox 600 Multi-IQ Metal Detector
- 1.4 4. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
- 1.5 5. Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II w/ Underwater Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
- 1.6 6. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector
- 1.7 7. Nokta Makro Simplex+ WHP Waterproof Detector
- 1.8 8. Wedigout Metal Detector MD-4030 Pro Waterproof
- 1.9 9. Fisher 1280-X Aquanaut
- 1.10 10. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV
- 2 What to Consider When Buying Underwater Metal Detector
- 3 FAQs
- 4 Conclusion
Best Underwater Metal Detectors
1. XP DEUS Metal Detector
The detector comes with an 11-inch DD Waterproof Wireless Search Coil. It is equipped with essential components for processing the signals that are relayed wirelessly to the ultra-miniature digital circuit. The circuit, which is integrated into the detection head, processes the detection information and relays it to the headphones and remote control in real-time through a radio link.
The DEUS is considered as one of the most expensive models but has a lot to offer. The search coil is a 20ft rated detector. Although it an underwater detector, it comes with a remote control that is not waterproof. As such, you must separately buy the underwater kit for the DEUS to provide submersible protection for the delicate electric components.
The XP metal detector has smart coils that offer multiple frequencies from 4-80 kHz. You can select the frequency of this detector concerning the ground you are hunting. Only a single frequency can be in operation at a time.
This is multiple user settings, and the Expert Mode allows the professional and advanced detectorists to make the most out of this detector in achieving their treasure hunting goals. Since it offers a lot in terms of underwater treasure hunting, there is equally much to learn about how it works.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Search Coil: 11-Inch DD Waterproof Searchcoil
- Volume: Adjustable volume
- Battery: 4x AA Batteries
- Weight: 5.35 Pounds
What We Like
- Waterproof
- Selectable frequency
- TX power adjustment for all frequencies and offsets
- Precise audio and visual discrimination
- Extended iron discrimination
What We Don’t Like
- Steep learning curve
2. Nokta Makro 11000611 Anfibio 14 CoinHunter Metal Detector
The detector features three single frequencies including 5, 14, 20 kHz. Each of these frequencies will come in handy when hunting coins, gold nuggets, fine jewelry underwater. It is submersible up to 16.4 feet. With nine preset search modes and an expert user-adjustable setting, you will detect seamlessly.
It features an 11-Inch Waterproof DD search coil that is wide enough to allow quick sweeping underwater for precious metals and treasure. Better still, it has 7 optional coils to choose from so that you can search for the best coils possible.
The detector has a single menu display that offers convenience and easy to use features. The intuitive interface allows you to see and access all the features on the main screen. As such, you will eliminate the hassle of flipping through multiple screens.
Although the display may look a bit cluttered, settings such as Target ID, Options and Ground Balance, Warning Messages, Depth Meter, Battery Level Indicator, Magnetic Mineralization Meter, and Search Modes, among others will display.
The Extreme Underground Depth – EUD feature allows you to detect targets often masked by high mineralization ground conditions, gold, or hot rocks. In this case, all targets have the same tone with no discrimination. This feature allows you to continuously maintain maximum depth penetration to find a target that could often go undiscovered in these kinds of soil conditions. However, the EUD can only be used in the Tone and Deep modes.
The main drawback is that this metal requires a long learning curve, especially if you are a beginner. The unique features require a lot of practice to understand how to maximize them in full potential.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 11-Inch DD Search Coil
- Volume: Adjustable volume
- Battery: 1 Lithium Polymer
- Weight: 3.7 Pounds
What We Like
- Single menu display
- Impressive 16.4ft submersion
- Extreme Underground Detection
- Excellent multi-frequency capability
What We Don’t Like
- Expensive
3. Minelab Equinox 600 Multi-IQ Metal Detector
It has 6 Custom Search Mode that allows for an efficient search for your desired metal with great hopes of finding treasures while switching between regimes. Each detect mode has 2 custom search profiles, which allows you to save your preferred settings in each mode. To top it off, it is compatible with wireless audio that uses Bluetooth headphones. As such, you will be able to cancel out all outside noise for better target sound hearing.
It features a sleek and lightweight design. However, rugged allows you to enjoy longer detecting sessions regardless of the hunting terrain. The intuitive LCD screen will enable you to see all the current settings you engage in treasure hunting.
If you are looking for an excellent underwater detector that allows you a quick search through your hunting ground with multiple frequencies at your disposal, the Minelab Equinox 600 could be your ideal detector.
Manufacturer Specification
- Searchcoil: 11-Inch Waterproof Search coil
- Volume: No volume control
- Battery: 1 Lithium-ion battery (In-built)
- Weight: 6.44 Pounds
What We Like
- Multi-frequency operation
- 6 custom search mode
- Lightweight and ergonomic
- Wireless audio compatible with Bluetooth headphones
- Waterproof design that is fully submersible
What Don’t Like
- High price point
4. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
The AT Pro is fitted with both auto and manual ground balance. The manual ground balance is great for beach detecting, especially when detecting underneath the waves. The ground balance feature helps you cancel false ground signals that may distract you from focusing on the real treasure.
It has an electronic Pin Pointer pushbutton that enables you to locate the precise location of a target. So, if you detect treasure among trash with so much distraction, the PinPointer will come in handy to find the exact location of the detected metal. On the display, a scale will indicate the signal strength. And the nearer you get to the target, the stronger the strength.
The detector has iron audio that helps in differentiate between trash such as bottle caps and washers from coins. While the audible sound of coin shooter will remain in high tone, the bottle caps will produce low-high-low tones. Besides, the iron audio feature will allow you to take advantage of notch discrimination, thus you can detect items beyond the discrimination threshold and those below the threshold with unique tones to find target information.
Nonetheless, the AT Pro doesn’t come without drawbacks. The main limitation is that it is not back-lit, hence will limit visibility in poorly lit conditions.
Manufacturer Specification
- Searchcoil: 8.5×11” PRoformance DD Search Coil
- Volume: No volume control
- Battery: 4 AA Batteries
- Weight: 3 Pounds
What We Like
- Interchangeable Headphone
- Bluetooth compatible
- Adjustable discrimination
- All-terrain versatility
What We Don’t Like
- No back-lit display
5. Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II w/ Underwater Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
The detector comes with PI technology, which is one of the best detecting technology. This owes to its deep ground penetration and ability to detect even the smallest metal object buried deep within mineralized terrain. If you are searching for gold or other precious metal in underwater or high-salt grounds, the Sea Hunter will deliver the best results.
It comes with standard trash elimination and discrete trash elimination that help you discriminate unwanted trash without losing depth and sensitivity. The standard model is search mode found in a PI detector that allows you to eliminate the poor conductive objects, relics, jewelry, and small coins but still produces a strong enough signal to be detected.
The Discrete Trash Elimination mode comes in handy in areas with excessive trash. It discriminates precisely against unwanted targets like pull tabs minus affecting detection response against good targets such as thin gold rings.
The detector has multiple adjustable frequencies operating at 7.5 kHz. This is equivalent to 750 pulses per second. The 22 frequencies are manually adjustable, thus allows you to fine-tune the metal detector to provide excellent sensitivity and depth trade-offs for your underwater hunting.
It has an adjustable length from 28 to 52 inches, which will allow you to adjust to the length of your comfort for searching underwater or hunting along the shoreline for a long. Unfortunately, when it comes with a 1-year warranty, which is way below what most brands offer.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 8-Inch Search Coil
- Volume: No volume control
- Battery: 8 AA Batteries
- Weight: 3.2 Pounds
What We Like
- Pulse induction technology
- Affordable price
- Adjustable length
- Excellent control knobs
What We Don’t Like
- 1-Year warranty
6. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector
It is fitted with an easy to navigate LCD that allows you to access almost all features. The LCD can be easily understood by detectorists of all ages regardless of their experience. It can detect metals up to 12 inches deep with its 4 sensitivity levels, while you discriminate between trash and undesirable objects with the 3 detection modes. The Pinpoint features will kick in to find the precise location of the treasure.
It is fitted with a 10-inch waterproof search coil that is large yet lightweight. Moreover, the collapsible design makes this detector easy to transport and store. Since the search coil is waterproof, you can fully submerge it underwater for successful treasure hunting. You can also use it along the beach and on land.
Once you detect a metal object, you will get an audio alert with volume adjustment and headphone jack features to get the best sound signal. You can adjust the volume to the level you want for clear hearing of the target sound signal.
Manufacturer Specification
Searchcoil: 10-Inch Waterproof Search coil
Volume: Adjustable volume
Battery: 4x AA Batteries
Weight: 2.3 Pounds
What We Like
- Easy to understand LCD
- Simple operation
- Pinpoint function for added accuracy
- 3 detection modes
- Audio alert detection with volume adjustment
What We Don’t Like
- No so accurate discrimination feature
7. Nokta Makro Simplex+ WHP Waterproof Detector
The detector is completely waterproof with a design to improve hunting for all weather conditions of bright sunlight and inclement weather on land. It also handles well in poor visibility and leaks while underwater. The LCD screen is back-lit to offer visibility while underwater. Moreover, the vibration feature comes in handy to alert you when a metal or precious item. It also comes with a LED flashlight on the control box, which can help you during hunting in the dark.
It comes with an iron volume feature that comes in handy when discriminating iron metals from detection. With the iron audio feature, you won’t have to compromise on depth. The iron audio allows you to decrease the signal volume on iron metal or silence them without having using notch discrimination. As such, you will maintain maximum depth perception without hearing iron signals in trashy areas.
It comes with 4 search modes with All Metal, Field, Park, and Beach. All Metal modes don’t discriminate and provide the same tone for all types of metals. Therefore, you will have to rely on the Target ID scale to know the kind of metal you detected. Besides, the pitch will increase as you get the search coil nearer to the target.
However, the main drawback of this detector is that it only detects up to 10 feet underwater. Therefore, if you intend to dive deeper to hunt for precious items on the floor of the ocean, then you might think of a different detector option.
Manufacturer Specification
- Searchcoil: 11-Inch Search Coil
- Volume: Adjustable volume
- Battery: 1x Lithium Polymer Batteries
- Weight: 2.87 Pounds
What We Like
- Dual-purpose detector
- Iron audio features
- Notch Discrimination
- Backlit for underwater and night use
What We Don’t Like
- Short battery life
8. Wedigout Metal Detector MD-4030 Pro Waterproof
It features a 6.5-inches waterproof search coil, that is fitted with an inbuilt sensor that enables you to find treasure buried up to 5 inches deep into the ground. It excellent particularly useful when hunting small treasures hidden deep into the ground. For better detection of small or deep items, use higher frequency levels.
It comes with a headphone jack for installing headphones that help improve battery life. Better yet, it will allow you to hear even the subtlest changes in the sound or more clearly, especially when hunting in a noisy environment.
It features a discrimination mode that helps you discriminate through trash to focus on your intended target. You can switch through the various modes of metals you want to eliminate. With the low battery indicator, you can get alerts whenever it gets low. However, to get the best battery performance, replace the older batteries with 2 standard 9V batteries.
Manufacturer Specification
- Searchcoil: 6.5 –Inch Waterproof Search Coil
- Volume: Adjustable volume
- Battery: 2x 9V batteries
- Weight: 5.51 Pounds
What We Like
- Affordable price point
- Headphone and shovel included
- Discrimination modes
- Audio alerts and volume adjustment
What We Don’t Like
- Small search coil to cover large hunting ground
9. Fisher 1280-X Aquanaut
Unlike most underwater detector metals, the 1280-X Aquanaut is a VLF detector that operates at a low 2.4kHz frequency. As such, it is prone to interference from wet sand, but you can take advantage of the manual ground balance and the discrimination to counter trash and mineralization.
The low-frequency operation of the 1280-X provides a greater depth detection than the higher frequency VLF detector models. Its circuitry is designed to ignore small trash items. With the belt mount and the waterproof headphones, your underwater detecting adventure will be seamless.
It features a 10-inch concentric search coil that will enable you to sweep through the ocean bed. Moreover, it is waterproof to make it excellent for beach hunting, underwater detecting, and hunting on different terrains on land. It has adjustable sensitivity control for adjusting the sensitivity of the search coil whenever necessary.
The 1280-X is an affordable cost compared to its competitors. With a 250 ft maximum depth, it means you will get the best from your deep diving. Other features like manual ground balance, sensitivity adjustment, and discrimination features will enable you to fine-tune the performance. As such, the metal detector will work to optimum performance, whether in freshwater and saltwater environments.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 10-Inch Waterproof Search coil
- Volume: No volume control
- Battery: 1x Lithium rechargeable battery
- Weight: 4 Pounds
What We Like
- Adjustable sensitivity
- Manual ground balance
- Long battery life
- 250ft maximum depth detection
What We Don’t Like
- Low operating frequency
10. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV
It comes with easy to use knob control interface that allows you the take control of the detector. The sensitivity control knob will allow you to optimize the depth of detection, while the discriminate control knob will help you eliminate the undesirable target.
Its discrimination circuitry is easy to use and comes with proven treasure performance that makes the detector the preferred choice for most underwater treasure hunters. Also, take advantage of the notch control to distinguish between the unwanted targets.
It comes with a low battery indicator that alerts you whenever the charge on its two 9V alkaline batteries gets to very low levels that require recharging. With the 3-position mode switch knob, you can switch between modes with ease.
The detector comes with an adjustable stem that allows you to extend the length or shorten it to your comfortable length. Moreover, the handgrip is cushioned, while the armrest is padded for comfort when swinging around hunting rounds.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 8-Inch Waterproof Search coil
- Volume: No volume control
- Battery: 2x Alkaline batteries
- Weight: 3.7 Pounds
What We Like
- Target strength meter
- 3-Position mode switch
- The cushioned handgrip and padded armrest for added comfort
- The completely submersible 8-inch search coil
What We Don’t Like
- No accurate
What to Consider When Buying Underwater Metal Detector
An underwater metal detector will come with extra features, which a land-based metal detector doesn’t typically need or have. However, these unique features come at an extra cost. But what can you look for when buying an underwater metal detector? Well, check out the following factors!
- Water Depth
Underwater metal detectors are designed for use up to a certain level of depth. For that reason, it is important to choose a metal detector that can allow you to go deep into the water without stopping working or compromising its major functions.
- Searchcoil size
The rule of thumb is, the large the search coil, the greater the chances of finding underwater treasure. Larger coils have higher sensitivity. This is due to the large dimensions that enabling spending less time to sweep through the bottom of the ocean.
- Type of Underwater Metal Detector
There are two types of underwater metal detectors. Those that use Pulse Induction (PI) detection and others use Very Low Frequency (VLF) detection. Let’s look at each type deeper.
- Pulse Induction detectors: These metal detectors detect by transmitting a series of quick electronic pulses into the ground whenever hunting. The electronic pulses are not affected by salt sand or another ground mineral. However, they are extremely sensitive to precious metals buried in the ground. This makes a pulse induction detector the best in saltwater and beaches.
Moreover, the PI circuit features limit discrimination capabilities. As such, it enables you to dig more trash objects if you detect a high number of precious metals. In the market, you can find excellent metal detectors with PI detection for underwater detection.
- Very Low Frequency (VLF) Metal Detectors: The VLF are typically metal detectors that operate in a frequency range of 3-30 kHz. There are highly sensitive to relics, coins, and jewelry. The best thing about VLF detectors is that they can discriminate junk trash targets while detecting precious metals.
The main drawback is that these detectors are affected by ground mineralization. But most VLF metal detectors come with sensitivity adjustment and ground balance control. So, by adjusting sensitivity or ground balance adjustment control, you can significantly lessen signals caused by ground minerals.
- Metal Detector Features
There are additional features in most underwater detectors that don’t usually come in land-based metal detectors. These extra features are the ones that make the underwater detector special for seamless detection underwater. Here are some of the features to look out for;
- Knob Control: The knobs are usually on metal detectors that lack a digital interface. Most advanced underwater metal detectors come with knobs to improve the user experience. The knob also provides extra protection once submerged in water. If you find an underwater detector with an LCD, it is best to ensure it is fully waterproof, submersible, or whether it needs additional accessories to be used underwater.
- Adjustable User Settings: If you want to have full control over your detector, you should look for one with adjustable user settings. These settings may include manual or automatic ground balance, adjustable threshold, adjustable sensitivity, and improved iron functions, among others. However, these settings are associated with high-end detector models that are designed for advanced users.
- Visual Indicators: If the metal detector lacks the visual information, you will depend on the audio tone. Nonetheless, some detectors come with LED lights that work as visual indicators that make it easier for users when detecting underwater. Moreover, they also help when diving into greater depths where you can hear audio tones.
FAQs
Q: Can Metal Detectors Work Underwater?
A: Absolutely. There are submersible metal detectors that work underwater without any malfunctioning due to water. Essentially, they are designed with waterproof protection elements. These include the control box, search coil, and headphones. The interface, however, will vary from the land-based detectors that often feature digital displays. Underwater metal detectors don’t feature a display interface. However, they come with indicators such as LED lights and vibration to signal positive detection.
Q: How much does an Underwater Metal Detector Cost?
A: The price for underwater metal detectors vary significantly between brands and models. Metal detectors from authoritative brands start with a price point of around $500-$700. Those that work up to 10-20 feet come with a price point of about $1000. However, higher-end models that offer more depth and feature advanced user settings come at a much higher price point.
Q: Can I use Underwater Metal Detector on Land?
A: Yes. Underwater metal detectors can be used on land to hunt for treasure like in water. Since these metal detectors work underwater, they won’t fail to detect on land. However, they are a bit heavier compared to the land-based metal detectors. Manufacturers use heavier components to make the metal detectors resilient underwater. As such, they might be heavier to use on land.
Q: Are Underwater Metal Detectors Suitable for Beginners?
A: If you are skilled in metal detecting and diving, you will benefit the most from an underwater metal detector. You can dive up to 200-ft deep into the water with ease and discover well-hidden treasures beneath the ocean floor.
If you are a beginner at metal detecting, it would be a wise idea to hone your skills to a certain level so that you won’t need supervision to operate the detector individually.
Q: What Kind of Headphones Do I Need for My Underwater Metal Detector?
A: Handheld models are some of the detectors that don’t need headphones to alert you whenever you detect treasure. They use vibrating frequencies or a display to alert you of the various detections.
Regardless, some models come with headphones that will allow you to decipher the detected metals. If you want to use headphones on your metal detector, be sure to check the size of the headphone jack to know the kind you need to purchase.
Q: Is the Weight of the Underwater Metal Detector Important?
A: To a certain extent, the weight of the underwater metal detector matters. It will matter even more if you intend to use the detector on land again. Underwater metal detectors often come heavier compared to ground detectors. It will way you down if you use it on ground detection. As such, the weight of your metal detector is an important consideration when buying a metal detector.
Q: Which is the Best Waterproof Metal Detector?
A: If you define the best waterproof metal detector as one that detects the deepest, then Fisher 1280-X Aquanaut could be the best as it detects the deepest with 250 feet underwater. The XP DEUS comes at affordable with more advanced features and detects up to about 20 feet underwater.
Moreover, the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II comes at a middle-range price point but is equipped with Pulse Induction Technology and a maximum detecting depth of 200 feet. The bottom line is that the best underwater metal detector is one that fits your budget and is equipped with features that you need to fulfill your treasure hunting goals underwater.
Conclusion
Underwater metal detecting can be one of the most rewarding hobbies you can engage in, but it is wise to have the best metal detector. Bear in mind that, because the metal detector is rated waterproof, it isn’t necessarily designed for underwater detecting.
Therefore, it is best to know the underwater environment you’re going to use. Be sure whether the environment is saltwater or freshwater. Know whether you are going to be diving with the detector or not. If so, how deep will you be diving? Don’t forget about your budget. Will you be using the metal detector both underwater and on land?
By considering these questions, you will be in a better position to finding the best underwater metal detector that meets your expectations.
