I want one!

[gordzilla]

Hi everyone. I really want to get into detecting,but i have absolutely no idea what is what. I need a detector that will get a lot of underwater action up to 130' or so in both fresh and salt water. I also need it to perform well on the surface. I don't know if they are very specialized or not but it needs to find all different types of metal in varying sizes (very tiny up to "was that a car") and depths. So what I guess I'm looking for is the dream machine. Any help or pointers would be awesome and perhaps if I am being to hopeful what I can expect to get that meets as many of my needs as possible and what I may fall short on.
Thanks in advance.
Oh yeah, I live on Vancouver Island B.C. Canada, so if there are any resources you could point me to out this way that would be cool to.

 

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[Sandman]

Hello Gordzilla, You are lucky in that there are many good choices in metal detectors today for the water. You will get posts telling you which detector is the best from everyone, even me. There are two types, a VLF and a PI. The PI is the deepest in the sand and handles saltwater well. It's only disavantage is it has almost no discrimination so you could be digging deep holes for a nail. The VLF detectors aren't quite as deep, but they have great discrimination so you won't have to dig iron unless you want too. I am only talking about water detectors here.

The brands to study are Minelab's Excalibur 1000, MY choice. Tesoro's Tiger Shark or Sand Shark (PI), Fisher's CZ20 or 1280. Whites Surf Master Pro (PI), and Garrett Infinitum LS. There are a few others too. Check out the manufactures web sites for more info on these machines.

Many of us that wade the fresh and saltwaters and dive too like the Minelab Excal. It retails for near $1,095.00 US, but many have paid for themselves quickly. It's waterproof to 250 feet, deeper than I dive. Rechargeable battery pak, and very close to the depth of a PI. However the Excal has IRON MASK which means it won't see iron, and will still find a gold ring under a big nail, something other detectors won't do if the nail is tuned out.

Whites also makes a Beach Hunter ID that lots of guys seem to like, but it is only good down to 25 feet. Which ever one you decide to get, get the bigger coil for it.

Good Luck,
Sandman

 

[gordzilla]

Thanks Sandman. 250 is deeper than I dive as well,(for now) and even if I do I don't think I'll be detecting that deep in my lifetime. I was up most the night looking into info on these things and that Minelab Ex. kept showing up all over the place. It sounds like it might be the machine for me, quite impressive reviews all around. I understand it gives up a little depth, but it seems only just a little, is this true?

 

[Marty-Graw]

i tend to agree with sand man on the excal.... i have only gotten mine in the water a couple times but i use it on dry land all the time works great... little heavy but you will get used to that.....excercise, build up your arms and find treasure to boot lol

 

[Sandman]

In my opinion the only detector that beats the Excal in depth at the beach is a PI. Also most PI's have a rough time with some white gold. If your young or just have a strong back, the PI will get the deepest rings and nails. The time spent recovering another nail could be spent sweeping for the ring.

Course your basically wasting your time talking to the gals in Thongs too. At least I am.......

HH,
Sandman