Underwater treasure hunting is an exciting and adventurous hobby that combines the thrill of exploration with the potential of discovering valuable treasures hidden beneath the surface of lakes, rivers, and oceans. To increase your chances of success in this pursuit, having the right equipment is crucial, and one of the most important tools you’ll need is a high-quality metal detector.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of underwater metal detectors, providing you with detailed reviews of the best models on the market, as well as invaluable buying advice to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or a novice looking to get started, this article will serve as your ultimate resource for finding the best metal detector for your underwater treasure hunting adventures.
Top 5 Underwater Metal Detectors
Before we dive into the reviews, let’s take a quick look at our top 5 picks for the best underwater metal detectors on the market today:
1. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
2. Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector
3. Fisher F22 Metal Detector
4. Tesoro Tesoro Sand Shark Metal Detector
5. Makro Underwater Metal Detector
Now, let’s dive deeper into each of these models to help you determine which one is the best fit for your underwater treasure hunting needs.
1. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
The Garrett AT Pro is a top-of-the-line metal detector that’s designed to handle a variety of terrain types, including underwater environments. This versatile detector boasts a waterproof housing that can withstand depths of up to 10 feet, making it an excellent choice for shallow water treasure hunting.
Key Features
* Waterproof housing (up to 10 feet)
* High-resolution iron discrimination
* Ground balance with manual override
* High-sensitivity, adjustable stem
* Includes search coil cover, headphones, and search coil protector
Pros
* Highly sensitive and accurate
* Adjustable stem for comfortable use
* Excellent discrimination features
* Rugged and durable design
Cons
* Not suitable for deep diving
* Some users may find it expensive
2. Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector
The Minelab Equinox 800 is another top-performing underwater metal detector that offers exceptional performance and versatility. This detector is waterproof up to 10 feet, making it suitable for shallow water treasure hunting and beachcombing.
Key Features
* Waterproof housing (up to 10 feet)
* Multi-frequency technology (5 kHz, 10 kHz, 15 kHz, and 20 kHz)
* High-resolution color display
* Minelab’s proprietary Target ID technology
* Includes 8″ and 11″ search coils, headphones, and search coil covers
Pros
* Multi-frequency technology for improved target detection
* High-resolution display for easy target identification
* Excellent discrimination capabilities
* Comfortable and ergonomic design
Cons
* Some users may find it heavy
* More expensive than some other options
3. Fisher F22 Metal Detector
The Fisher F22 is a budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance. This entry-level underwater metal detector is waterproof up to 9 feet, making it ideal for shallow water treasure hunting and beachcombing.
Key Features
* Waterproof housing (up to 9 feet)
* 9-segment target ID
* Adjustable sensitivity and discrimination controls
* Comfortable, lightweight design
* Includes 9″ search coil, headphones, and search coil cover
Pros
* Affordable price point
* Waterproof up to 9 feet
* Easy to use with intuitive controls
* Lightweight and comfortable design
Cons
* Not suitable for deep diving
* Some users may find the depth detection lacking compared to more expensive models
4. Tesoro Tesoro Sand Shark Metal Detector
The Tesoro Sand Shark is a specialized underwater metal detector designed specifically for beachcombing and shallow water treasure hunting. With a waterproof housing up to 10 feet, this detector is built to handle the challenging conditions found at the beach.
Key Features
* Waterproof housing (up to 10 feet)
* Pulse induction technology
* Salt/freshwater switch
* Adjustable sensitivity control
* Includes 10″ search coil, headphones, and search coil cover
Pros
* Designed specifically for beach and shallow water hunting
* Pulse induction technology for improved performance in mineralized soil
* Adjustable sensitivity for customized performance
* Affordable price point
Cons
* Not suitable for deep diving
* Some users may find the lack of discrimination features limiting
5. Makro Underwater Metal Detector
The Makro Underwater Metal Detector is a high-performance underwater detector designed for serious treasure hunters. This detector boasts an impressive depth rating of 30 meters (98 feet), making it the ideal choice for those looking to explore deeper underwater sites.
Key Features
* Waterproof housing (up to 30 meters)
* Dual frequency technology (5 kHz and 10 kHz)
* Large LCD display with target ID
* Adjustable sensitivity and discrimination controls
* Includes 10″ search coil, headphones, and search coil cover
Pros
* Waterproof up to 30 meters (98 feet)
* Dual frequency technology for improved target detection
* Large LCD display for easy target identification
* Adjustable sensitivity and discrimination controls
Cons
* More expensive than some other options
* Some users may find it heavy
Buying Advice
Now that you’ve seen our top picks for the best underwater metal detectors, it’s time to consider what factors are most important to you when making your final decision. Here are some key factors to keep in mind when shopping for an underwater metal detector:
1. Waterproofing and Depth Rating
One of the most critical factors to consider when buying an underwater metal detector is its waterproofing and depth rating. Make sure to choose a detector with a depth rating that matches your intended diving depth to ensure safe and effective treasure hunting.
2. Frequency and Technology
Underwater metal detectors use either single frequency or multi-frequency technology to detect targets. Single frequency detectors are simpler and often more affordable, while multi-frequency detectors offer improved target detection and discrimination. Consider the type of targets you’re most likely to encounter and your budget to determine which frequency and technology are right for you.
3. Discrimination Capabilities
Underwater metal detectors with advanced discrimination capabilities can help you focus on valuable targets by ignoring junk metals and other unwanted items. If you plan on hunting in areas with a lot of trash or debris, look for a detector with high-performance discrimination features.
4. Sensitivity Adjustment
Adjustable sensitivity is another important feature to consider in an underwater metal detector. This feature allows you to fine-tune your detector’s sensitivity to match the conditions you’re hunting in, improving your chances of finding small or deeply buried targets.
5. Ergonomics and Comfort
Underwater treasure hunting can be a physically demanding activity, so it’s important to choose a metal detector that’s comfortable to use for extended periods. Look for a detector with an ergonomic design, adjustable stem, and lightweight construction to minimize fatigue and maximize your hunting time.
6. Price and Warranty
Underwater metal detectors can vary widely in price, from budget-friendly models to high-end, professional-grade units. Determine your budget and consider what features are most important to you before making your final decision. Additionally, pay attention to the manufacturer’s warranty, as this can give you peace of mind and protection against defects or malfunctions.
Conclusion
Underwater metal detecting can be an exciting and rewarding hobby, but it’s essential to have the right equipment to maximize your chances of success. With so many great underwater metal detectors on the market, it’s important to consider factors like waterproofing, frequency and technology, discrimination capabilities, sensitivity adjustment, ergonomics, and price when making your decision.
By carefully evaluating your specific needs and preferences, you can confidently choose the best underwater metal detector for your treasure hunting adventures. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned treasure hunter looking to upgrade your equipment, one of the detectors reviewed in this guide is sure to meet your needs and help you uncover the hidden treasures waiting beneath the surface.
FAQs
1. What is the best frequency for underwater metal detecting?
The best frequency for underwater metal detecting depends on the type of targets you’re searching for and the conditions you’ll be hunting in. For general-purpose underwater treasure hunting, a single frequency of 5 kHz or 10 kHz is usually sufficient. However, if you’re searching for small or deeply buried targets, a multi-frequency detector may offer better performance.
2. How deep can a metal detector detect underwater?
The maximum depth at which a metal detector can detect underwater targets depends on the specific detector’s design and technology. Some entry-level models may have a maximum depth rating of just a few feet, while high-end models can detect targets at depths of up to 30 meters (98 feet) or more.
3. Can any metal detector be used underwater?
Not all metal detectors are designed for underwater use. While some high-end models may be waterproof or water-resistant, most entry-level and mid-range detectors are not suitable for underwater use. It’s important to choose a detector specifically designed for underwater use to ensure safe and effective treasure hunting.
4. How do I care for my underwater metal detector?
Proper care and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your underwater metal detector. After each use, be sure to rinse your detector in fresh water to remove any salt or debris. Dry the detector thoroughly before storing it in a dry, protected area. Additionally, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for regular maintenance and cleaning to keep your detector in top condition.
5. Can I use headphones with my underwater metal detector?
Yes, many underwater metal detectors come with or are compatible with waterproof headphones. Using headphones while treasure hunting can help you better hear the detector’s audio signals and cancel out external noise, improving your chances of finding underwater targets.