Freshwater, this is easy. The 1280 by Fisher is a good detector and built like a tank. However Fisher is now owned by First Texas and service has been questionable for many. Also nice are the Whites BeachHunter ID and the Tiger Shark. The Tiger is my second choice and my back up.
The one I like is the Excal, course it is the top of the heap for metal detecting fresh or saltwater and it's price shows it. But is is worth every extra penny. There are a lot of reasons and I'll let others respond.