White's TDI vs Garrett Sea Hunter MK II vs NOX 800

[wmerrill]

I am trying to decide which detector is best for in the water beach hunting. I have the Garrett AT MAX and the White's VX3. Neither work well in salt water. Thanks for your help.

 

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[Calabash Digger]

Equinox 800 seems to be the consensus these days.

 

[wmerrill]

Thanks, the nox seems to require a lot of setting adjustment, but it has VDI numbers. The PI machines aren't affected by salt, but you have to dig everything. Any idea on depth comparisons? The PI's seem to be more stable. Thanks again.

 

[gunsil]

Any multi frequency VLF such as the Minelab Excaliber, CTX, or Nox will do better in salt water than any other single or dual frequency VLF. Right now, the Nox seems to be giving the most bang for the buck although it only runs five frequencies compared to the 18 of the Excaliber or the 28 of the CTX 3030. The Nox does not require a lot of adjustments unless you wish to make them, it has a set and go beach mode. I think the VX3 likely needs more tuning than the Nox and the Max has a lot of adjustment capabilities also. You can read the Nox manual for free on Minelab's site and maybe get a better idea of whether it is something you may wish to invest in. Many serious salt water hunters still consider the Excaliber to be the best salt beach machine even without a meter. The Nox will definitely outperform your Whites and Garrett on the salt beach. A good PI will still be the deepest but some folks really dislike digging a foot down for a rusted bobby pin. Garrett Infinium runs 96 frequencies, and PIs do have adjustments too. Remember too, that digging in the water is problematic in itself and a target over a foot deep in underwater sand will be tough to recover especially if there is current or tide running. Like Calabash says, Nox seems to be getting high grades for salt water capability.