Ready to spend your hard-earned cash on the best underwater metal detector?

Before we even get into discussing and reviewing the underwater detectors themselves it’s important you understand this device will be a sizable investment, often costing upwards of $1,000. The detectors are generally pro level, so if you are a newbie it might be an idea to consider an entry-level machine and digging on different terrain.

Underwater metal detecting can be undertaken with two types of technology:

(VLF) Very Low-Frequency metal detectors

These detectors operate within the 3 to 30 kHz frequency range and are sensitive to a variety of precious metals. VLF devices have the ability to recognize the good from the bad and have the functionality to adjust the sensitivity.

(PI) Pulse Induction Underwater Metal Detectors

Transmitting electronic pulses to the ground PI underwater metal detectors are highly sensitive to coins, jewelry and relics but yet not affected by ground minerals or wet sand. These devices are perfect for beaches and diving.

10 Of The Best Undersea & Submerged Metal Detectors Reviewed: MUST READ 

Are you planning to go for a treasure hunt underwater? If yes, then you will need an underwater metal detector.  But before we get down to listing the best underwater metal detectors for your expedition, you need to understand what this device is.

So, what is an underwater metal detector? This is basically a device that operates using specific frequencies to detect specific metals. Thankfully, with the latest improvement in technology, you are now able to carry this device as you deep dive into the sea.

However, the only problem, that you might encounter when trying to buy this device is the current flood of goods in the market. Now, there are different types of underwater metal detectors from different companies. That’s makes it hard to find the right product for your trip.

That is why this article is at your best interest. Here, I will give you a list of not only 10 of the best underwater metal detectors, but also an honest opinion on each item. In the end, this article will help you make an informed opinion about which item to buy. So, shall we get started?

1. Garret Infinium Waterproof Metal Detector

If you are into underwater metal detecting, without a doubt you need a waterproof metal detecting device. Garret is one of the best brands in the market that will provide you with just the device you are looking for. To start with, this metal detector from Garret is ideal for shallow waters as well as beaches. This means that the metal detector works perfectly well in a depth of up to 200ft. However, you may have to use submersible earphones in such a case.

More to that, this metal detector comes with a 10×14 inches submersible search coil. In addition, it comes also with two alkaline batteries that are good to go as well as a pair of headphones that come in handy during on-land operations. If you are a beginner, you don’t have to worry as the device has an instructional DVD. This helps the learning process for beginners easier.

You will also love the fact that this metal detector has a metal deep detecting mode. This is a very vital feature that guarantees the user identification of every metal in the surrounding as a possible target. This comes along with an audio tone ID that helps you to determine the specific metal to go after. The good thing is that the audio tone can be adjusted when necessary too.

Pros

• This metal detector uses the Garret PI technology which is ideal for helping the user to determine the bad and good alerting hence the user knows what they should start digging for
• This metal detector is highly reliable
• Also, it has been praised by many of its amazing accuracies
• The device is fully waterproof hence ideal for underwater operations
• It comes with adjustable frequency

Cons

• Some users have had issues with getting the device to work under salty water conditions

 

2.     Garret Sea Hunter Mark II Underwater Metal Detector

Are you in need of a great metal detector ideal for diving? Well, you are in the right place. This Garret Sea Hunter Mark II metal detector comes with a pulse induction feature hence just what you need for underwater metal detecting. In fact, the device works in up to 200 feet underwater while still keeping is sensitivity levels at best. More to that, it comes with submersible headphones that come in handy during underwater metal detecting.

Also, the Garret Sea Hunter comes with Discrete Trash Elimination mode. With the PI detectors, they are unable to discriminate between metal and trash. But with this feature, you are able to enjoy trash elimination that you will not find in the PI detectors. This means that underwater metal detecting will no longer be a nightmare. That is because you will spend less time digging some trash targets and more time digging some valuable targets.

Aside from that, this Garret Sea Hunter comes with a couple of other search modes. This includes; the Standard PI Discrimination as well as the Non-Motion All-Metal which increases the accuracy of this metal detector. More to that, it has settings that focus on audio threshold and elimination. The good thing with the Garret Sea Hunter is that it has been designed for both underwater hunting and beach hunting.

Pros

• The metal detector gives you great value for your money
• The Trash discrimination is a bonus feature that you won’t find in most underwater metal detectors
• It is reliable and accurate
• It features the PI technology that generates automatic cancellation of ground mineralization and salt

Cons

• The metal detector doesn’t have a pinpointer mode hence it can be hard to get the accurate location
• Also, it lacks a visual identification

 

3.    Tesoro Sand Shark Underwater Metal Detector

This underwater metal detector is a great deal for the money yet still a beast. To start with, this device is ideal for metal hunting both on land and underwater, thanks to its microprocessor. Also, it’s the perfect device for relic hunting, gold prospecting among other uses. The good thing with this metal detector is that it adapts just well therefore, you will not have any issues during your underwater metal detecting errands.

More to that, this metal detector works in depths of up to 200 feet. In addition, it comes with four incredible control settings hence you get to easily adjust the device to work in any kinds of terrain or conditions. Also, it comes with the Normal and VCO search modes. The VCO means Voltage Controlled Oscillator meaning that the tone and pitch of the audio tones increase the more you approach the target.

The VCO is the ideal model for pinpointing metals in tidal sands that keep on shifting. On the other hand, all-metal Normal Mode tends to increase the volume of the audio tones as you approach the target. However, in the normal mode, the pitch doesn’t change. You also have the chance to adjust the pulse induction for greater sensitivity.

Pros

• The device is very light in weight hence easily portable
• It has great depth and sensitivity
• It comes with a pulse induction
• The device is quite easy to use hence ideal for beginners

Cons

• It doesn’t have a great on-land discrimination feature

 

4.Garret AT Pro Underwater Metal Detector

The Garret AT is one of my best choice all round metal detectors. The device is ideal for hunting relics, jewelry, coins and at the same time, it is submersible up to 10 feet. To start with, this is a great choice of metal detector that will handle most of your metal detecting tasks aside from diving. The fact that it comes with an operating frequency of 15kHz, that means that the device is ideal for detecting jewelry and small coins too.

Also, the metal detector comes with a manual ground balance that makes it possible to use it across a variety of environments. It comes with two modes which are the Pro and Standard. With the Pro, you get more detailed audio feedback, the target size as well as the estimated depth. On the other hand, the Standard Mode gives you much simpler audio signals making it ideal for beginners.

Some of the other incredible features in this metal detector include; custom search modes, a pinpointer, an indicator for target depth as well as notch discrimination. Hence, this metal detector is one of the best you can find in the market that works well for both land and water detecting

Pros

• It has a fast response time
• Also, it comes with a wide range of settings that can be easily adjusted
• The metal detector has a waterproof design
• It has great notch discrimination and manual ground balance

Cons

• It is only ideal for shallow water detecting
• It is not the best choice for salty water detecting
• It doesn’t come with waterproof headphones

 

5.   XLounger Underwater Metal Detector

This is a unique metal detector from XLounger that’s ideal for underwater metal detecting operations. To start with, the metal detector comes in an ergonomic handled design meaning that you can carry it around with ease. More to that, the device comes with a side scanner which is just what you need in order to be able to detect the small items too. That is because the side scanner gives the user a much higher precision.

The device though waterproof, it can only be used in shallow waters as it is only partially waterproof. More to that, it has a high level of sensitivity. And that gets even better with the 360 degrees scan that makes it possible to quickly cover large areas. Also, with the pinpoint tip, it makes metal detecting even easier as you get to locate the target accurately.

Pros

• The devices come with an accurate 360 degrees scan
• It is easily portable
• It comes with useful accessories including a waterproof bag, elastic string, and a holster
• The device is waterproof
• The metal detector is easy to operate

Cons

• The metal detector is only partially waterproof therefore cannot be used for diving

 

6.Garret ATX Deepseeker Underwater Metal Detector

Among the Garret’s Arsenal, this is one of the topmost machines. The fact that is a PI machine, it means that it does better in salty water as compared to the Garret AT. To start with, this metal detector comes with a large search coil that will pick up even the tiniest finds without delaying you.

More to that, the device comes with a LED screen and has no frills. This means that the indicators on the metal detector will show you the strength of the signal of the target as well as all the current settings. Also, it has some large raised buttons which are just what you need when underwater. That is because you will easily feel them even with your fingers frozen. In addition, you will love the auto function that helps to minimize any interference.

The ATX also has the notch discrimination which can be easily adjusted to target a wide variety of metal on various terrains. You can play around with the settings as much as possible until you get things to fit your needs. However, even if you are the person who just gets up and goes, there is no need to worry. The device will automatically adjust itself in order to target the nearby treasure.

Pros

• With this device, you will be able to detect all targets at the same time. You don’t have to worry about switching the modes while the other target degrades. The device will automatically detect all targets at once.
• This device features waterproof speakers hence making it the ideal scuba diving metal detector. You also don’t need headphones since the built-in speakers work incredibly well underwater.
• The volume control in this device lets you control the audio so you can better hear faint signals.
• Additionally, this device is capable of working effectively in both salt and freshwater conditions.

Cons

• This device will require you to dig a little deeper in your pocket. However, it’s worth every penny as you’ve seen above.

 

7.Fisher Underwater Metal Detector-CZ21-8

Starting off this list is the Fisher Underwater metal detector. With this device, you will be able to explore the world under the deep blue sea. This device can be submerged underwater up to 250 feet. Additionally, you can also use this device in salty or freshwaters.

That’s not all! The Fisher underwater metal detector is a pulse induced device. That means it can effectively work on two frequencies. These frequencies are 5kHz and 15 kHz. On top of that, it also features a Fourier domain signal which makes it easy to use.

The best part about this device is that it has an audio control which you can use to boost the audio whenever the signal is weak. Add that to the control box and you have a device that’s effectively useful and easy to operate.

Furthermore, this underwater metal detector also has 7 different settings that you can use to filter your search and get what exactly you are looking for. The fact that you are not able to hear underwater shouldn’t limit you from using this device. That’s because it also comes with a powerful waterproof headphone.

The headphone grants you the opportunity to listen to the different tones. This device has three distinguishing tones: a medium tone that shows you’ve spotted a foil, high tone for coins and jewelry, and low tone when it comes to iron.

Without a doubt, all the features in this device are aimed at giving you the best underwater expedition. In case you are planning to go as low as 250 feet deep underwater, then this might be the best option for you. However, the fisher underwater metal detector might not be the best alternative especially if you are planning to for a hunting trip on land. That’s due to the PI reduced discrimination. It also packs a few extra weight hence it’s not ideal for land use.

Pros

• The device features three different tones which make it easy to differentiate your finds.
• It comes with an easy to use control box
• The device also comes with a powerful waterproof headphone.
• Additional, this underwater metal detector is capable of boosting audio input making it easy to find faint targets.

Cons

• It’s not the ideal device when it comes to using it on land because of its weight.

 

8.White’s Surfmaster Underwater Metal Detector-800-0323

This is also another underwater metal detector that will surely pique your interest. If you are a deep-sea diver, then this section is for you. The white’s Surfmaster underwater metal detector comes with a near-neutral buoyancy coil that makes it easy to dive with it. That’s because this device will not sink or float.

Additionally, this device has a weight of 5 pounds so maneuvering with it underwater won’t be a problem. More to that, this device is waterproof up to 100 feet.  It also comes with a 12-inch dual field coil which makes it quite sensitive to gold. But that’s not all! It also has the ability to detect other types of metals.

The biggest problem when it comes to detecting metals underwater is the fact that you might pick up frequencies from different items such as trash and black sand. The sound of these junks is quite irritating and you might end up missing your find. Fortunately, this device is equipped with an adjustable pulse delay that lets you reduce the noise from all that junk and black sand.

That will give you the chance to concentrate on your find and not the disrupting noise. On top of that, the metal detector device is quite easy to use even if you’ve never had the chance to use any metal detector. It’s also powered up by 8 AA batteries hence making it powerful enough for your expedition.

Pros

• The underwater metal device is quite easy to use
• The device is portable and its weight will not interfere with your maneuverability underwater.
• It features an adjustable pulse delay setting that lets you concentrate on your find.

Cons

• It’s a bit heavy for land use.

 

9.TTLIFE Underwater Metal Detector

If you are planning to go for a hunting trip underwater, then the TTLIFE underwater metal detector will help a lot. On top of that, it can also help you do your research on land which includes any type of soil.

The TTLIFE underwater metal detector has a depth capacity of up to 100 feet hence you can use this device on your scuba diving or snorkeling trip. Additionally, this device works incredibly well in both salt and freshwater.

You don’t have to use your eyes to find what you are looking for. Simply carry this device on your next trip and it will help you locate whatever treasures you need. When the device locates your target, it produces a bright light and vibrations. The vibrations and light will increase as you get closer to your target.

This device also has a frequency of 20.28 kHz which is enough to locate any metal underwater. The best part about this device is the fact that it has a long battery indicator. The system will automatically shut down when the battery is low which is signified by 4 long pulses before shut down.

Pros

• The device is quite easy to use.
• It also has a depth capacity of 100 feet
• This device is able to work well in both salt and fresh water.

Cons

• The vibration in this device is faulty after a few months of use.

 

10.KKmoon Underwater Metal Detector

Searching for metals underwater needs you to have more than just your professional swimming gear. You will need to have an underwater metal detector that will make your work easier. And, the best device you can use is the KKmoon underwater metal detector.

This device is capable of detecting metal in any environment. That includes underwater, dirt, sand and grass. This device is a great addition to your gear and you will love every moment you spend searching for treasures.

On top of that, the KKmoon underwater metal detector is specifically made to search for gold and other metals. You will also get the chance to explore the underwater territory when scuba diving. The KKmoon metal detector has a depth capacity of 98 Feet which is enough for your scuba diving or snorkeling expedition.

With the new and improved pulse induction technology in this device, you will be able to hunt for treasures in any environment. It also works well even on black sand. The KKmoon underwater metal detector also features an audio and vibration system that alerts you in case you come close to your find.

Pros

• The device has a depth capacity of 98 feet.
• It works incredibly well in different environments including black sand.
• Additionally, the device has an automatic tuning system.

Cons

• After a few years of use, the vibration mode is a bit faulty.

A Word Of Advice

It’s important you do your homework when buying a device you wish to take underwater. While many manufacturers and retailers will advertise the device as fully waterproof they sometimes aren’t and tend to be only semi-waterproof at best.

This will generally mean that although the detector contains a waterproof coating, the components that comprise the device can only withstand very shallow water depths and aren’t suitable for diving or digging at sea.

Selecting the best type of device for your needs is also a very important factor. You need to consider where you intend to use the unit – saltwater or fresh? and also if you intend to use the same device on land or whether you have a separate detector for this purpose?

Depth is also an issue and if diving you should consider how deep you intend to go. For snorkeling you should check to see if the device comes with a short dive pole as standard as many do, remember failing to purchase a metal detector for use underwater without all the necessary extras and accessories can prove costly long term.

GL & HH