New detector for salt water

[OldSean]

OK. I am jealous and a good swimmer. I am ready to buy a second detector for salt water searching. The M6 can only handle 4" of salt water. Looking for advice on buying a water proof detector under $1000. May use it completely under water since I do scuba dive but expect not to go deeper that 20 feet. Does coil size matter? Ideas?

 

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[wetfly]

Living in the keys I too am .... Well, jealous lol! And am anxious to hear what everyone has to say about a completely waterproof machine for salt water for under 1000$ !

 

[beckleeson]

Well, I'm on the Gulf Coast and salt water hunt. Completely submerge my Tesoro Sand Shark but I don't dive. I use the 8" coil and like it, I have no comparison to other machines though. I'm happy with my purchase, will be happier once I wave it in the right place!

 

[Sir Gala Clad]

I prefer the 8 inch coil for hunting in the water.
The small field coil is easier to work with in the through, and easier to pin point with.
It is also more sensitive to smaller objects such as fine gold chain.
You want to be able to retrieve on the first try, before it sinks away!

 

[Terry Soloman]

Get yourself an 8" Tesoro Sand Shark, and you'll NEVER regret it. Mine paid for itself - the first time, in just over 50-hours.

 

[trainer]

Whites P I dual better balanced better service for the money

 

[bigscoop]

Well, my thoughts are this. First you have to decide if you want a "dig it all" machine or if you want the ability to discriminate? That's probably the first decision to be made. Second, there are a lot of good used machines out there so buying new isn't a requirement, which can really allow you to expand upon your choices. Not long ago a friend of mine bought a nice used Excal on ebay for $600 and it purrs like a kitten. I've done the same as have others on this site. As for coil size, if you're not already use to using larger coils then stick to something smaller (8" to 10" range) until you get accustom to the salt environment and its effects.

 

[Jason in Enid]

It all depends on the amount of trash where you plan to hunt. Lots of iron, you need something that will discriminate. Not much iron, you will be better off with a PI. If you plan on hunting the dry, wet and UW beach, then you need something that discriminates. A good, used Excal would probably be best for you in that situation.

 

[dewcon4414]

I opted to put the coin out for an Xcal. I believe for the first machine you need one that you KNOW you can hunt with out there. Once it pays for its self..... which dont take long for most, then look at a PI. Both will do the job.... PIs are less expensive and you may have to work an area as opposed to covering more beach. Fisher makes a good machine as well the CZ which has a concentric as opposed to a DD coil. Coil size..... where im at in Florida i prefer a larger coil .... but some use the smaller coil and does fantastic. I hunt in PP most of the time with the Xcal..... but when a beach starts giving its not all good targets so disc sure helps sift thur it easier.

Dew

 

[OBN]

I know a few who dive, and do well with the excalibur, a few more bucks, but well worth, and money returned in Gold finds. Diggin finds more Gold then anyone I know.....

Digginrings's channel - YouTube

 

[hamiddetecting]

Detecting on the beach you need PI and VLF(BBS).

 

[Sandman]

I have used a CZ-20 and Excal 1000 diving and wading with great results, but that depends where you go. In fresh water the Tiger Shark and 1280 are good, but don't handle saltwater well on the beach but I had no trouble out in deeper water. The Sand Shark is your choice if you don't mind digging lots of trash along with goodies that are real deep. I have only dove with a Sand Shark twice as it was borrowed and had a ball finding stuff that I thought was cleaned out. None of these detectors leaked. The White's Beach Hunter ID is nice, but the coil wants to float to much and one I had leaked with the black O ring.

 

[mikeothmer]

Call some of our Sponsers and find out what a new machine REALLY will cost you. Also check on what they have used. YOU WILL BE VERY SUPRISED !

 

[captaindoug]

started out with a Sand shark and a 10 inch coil. loved it but it needed some repairs which were under warranty, couldn't wait for it to get back so I bought another sand shark, this time with an eight inch coil. N ow that I have both I only hunt with the eight inch./ It is much easier to use in the water and i feel it is a better pin pointer.