Waterproof detector options

[AugustMoose87]

So I've been swinging my X-terra 705 for a few years, and while really like it, there are a handful of places I'd like to detect which really require more than just a waterproof coil. So I'm considering options and looking for input on a fully waterproof detector.

I'd honestly prefer to try and modify my 705 to make it waterproof, but I'm hesitant to start playing chop shop with my primary/most expensive unit. In an ideal world, I'd like to just jump to a CTX and be done, but I'm not sure that's in my budget - I'm hoping to stay around $500. Because of the areas I'm looking at, discrimination is pretty important, so I'm leaning away from a PI. I've debated an equinox, but it being a new unit makes my favorite purchasing option (finding a great deal on a broke one I can fix, though I'm still keeping an eye for a CTX this way). The majority of my detecting will be freshwater, but I would like to be able to use it at saltwater beaches when I'm on vacation.

AT Pro? Sandshark?

 

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[ZR2guy]

White's MX Sport?

 

[BrettCo124]

Tesoro sand shark. Can’t go wrong. Inexpensive and lifetime warranty. Amazing reviews and I️ own it and can say it’s great.

 

[Tired Rooster]

The Sand Shark is a PI machine, so based on your needs I wouldn't go with the Sand Shark. I just bought a Tiger Shark about a week ago. It's a VLF machine so really geared toward fresh water. I haven't had the chance to put mine in the water yet, but I have used it 2-3 times on land. I have been very pleased with it so far.

 

[BrettCo124]

Very true. I️ jumped the gun and realized you said fresh water. Sounds like you’d be set with the tiger shark, OR you can search for a used minelab Excalibur and it’ll do the trick with discrimination and falling within your budget. Forget what the model number is but it’s the older blue Excalibur that I’m speaking of. Tesoro will give you that guaranteed lifetime warranty though.

 

[AugustMoose87]

Thanks, didn't realize the sandshark was PI....

 

[CASPER-2]

get an AT PRO ---if you are just going to dabble in the water - I always recommend - you try others if you know guys in your area that will let you
or buy good used - don't go new if you are just going to take it out a few times a year

 

[CASPER-2]

you should go to the beach forum instead of asking here only

 

[sprailroad]

I would agree with Casper, the AT Pro, I believe it will be going lower in price now with the AT Max being out, and the pending Minelab 600 & 800.

 

[Indian Steve]

I LOVE My Tiger Shark! I used it for 3 years in the water and out hunted everybody that hunted with me. Set your discrimination and dig every repeatable signal. No WASTING TIME looking at a screen that will lie to you. Last summer, I bought an Excal because of a site with lots of iron. In fresh water, I can't see that the Excal is any better than the Tiger Shark. Any problems with the Excal cost hundreds of dollars to repair. Tiger Shark has LIFETIME WARRANTY !!!!!!! $650 Tiger Shark.... $1500 Excal + $100 for Straight Shaft

 

[DeepseekerADS]

I LOVE My Tiger Shark! I used it for 3 years in the water and out hunted everybody that hunted with me.

Errrr...... That would be me!

And he also kicks my butt on land with his Tejon compared to my CTX.....

 

[AugustMoose87]

So then would a tiger shark be any good near saltwater? I know people have said my 705 is something that in theory CAN run around salt, but in practice isn't so great. Oh course I'm stubborn, and am not going to believe anything until I take it to Florida with me in a week and see for myself.

 

[The Urban Prospector]

AT Pro or possibly the new Equinox.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

So then would a tiger shark be any good near saltwater? I know people have said my 705 is something that in theory CAN run around salt, but in practice isn't so great. Oh course I'm stubborn, and am not going to believe anything until I take it to Florida with me in a week and see for myself.

Tiger Shark is for fresh water, Sand Shark is salt water.

705 is a single freq detector, it is good detector (I own one) but not designed for salt beaches, it can not punch through the salt minerals, to get it to work at all you have to turn sensitivity down, means extreme loss of depth and our sand is very fine, clad coins, gold and silver is denser and sinks quickly once dropped.

I know where a customized Minelab Excalibur is for sale, comes with grey ghost amphibian headphones, reverse pinpoint mod, Anderson knobs, new o-rings and full 1 year warranty just like new excal.$1600.00, almost $500 in custom mod work.


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[AugustMoose87]

705 is a single freq detector, it is good detector (I own one) but not designed for salt beaches, it can not punch through the salt minerals, to get it to work at all you have to turn sensitivity down, means extreme loss of depth and our sand is very fine, clad coins, gold and silver is denser and sinks quickly once dropped.

I know where a customized Minelab Excalibur is for sale, comes with grey ghost amphibian headphones, reverse pinpoint mod, Anderson knobs, new o-rings and full 1 year warranty just like new excal.$1600.00, almost $500 in custom mod work

Bummer, that's kinda what I thought, but it's also my only option for this trip, since I can't seem to find anyone who rents a more suitable detector.

Thanks for the offer, but that definately isn't in the budget.

 

[RustyGold]

For a waterproof detector suitable for Saltwater it would not be an AT Pro. Wait a little longer and investigate the Equinox 600 which is close to your price point. Good luck!

 

[cudamark]

Fully waterproof and discrimination (as in not a PI) narrows your search to just a few machines. You basically need one with more than one operating frequency. Of the name brands, I know of the following.....Fisher CZ21, White's Beachhunter 300, Minelab Excalibur, and the CTX. The upcoming Equinox will be added to the list when it's available. Regardless of what the manufacturer says, single frequency machines are not the optimum ticket when hunting in salt water environs. Will some of them work there? Sure, but, at reduced settings which kills depth. Good luck in your search with your $500 budget. Sometimes you can get lucky however. I found a working Excal in a pawn shop for $250, so, it can be done if you're patient resourceful, and/or not in a hurry.

 

[AugustMoose87]

Alright, thanks Cuda (and everyone else). On a positive note, I found a guy out of Russia who started a business making waterproof housings for non-waterproof detectors. Looks pretty slick. Of course he only speaks Russian, so thank God for Google translate, haha