Newbie - Which detector for underwater? Choice of two?

[BVI Hunter]

Hi

All as new member, but very long follower of this great site, I thought it was time to extend my detecting into the ocean! and ask those who know!!

I have read hundreds of posts about which is the best detector etc, so thouight i would throw this out there;

I am lucky enough to now live in the Caribbean, on a group of reletivley undeveloped islands. So, trash is minimal, but possible finds HUGE!


So, for in-water hunting, do I go for a PI (Garrett Sea Hunter??) or something like a Excal
(I will start off wading / snorkelling, then perhaps scuba)

Given the choice, what would you choose??

thanks again all!

 

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[dewcon4414]

You assume there isnt much trash.... every beach is different, remote or not. Logically you cant expect a lot of treasures and there not be a lot of trash to go along with it. When dealing with that unknown you are better to start off with a VLF with disc. Then you will cover a lot of area faster, have a better idea as to whats in the water, and it should pay for its self quickly. Once thats done get a PI to compliment the VLF. Some people dont have patience for a PI and can hardly tolerate the amount of trash they dig with the VLF. You might also consider.... warranty, known issues with the machine, and cost and location for repairs.

Dew

 

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[John (west central FL)]

Why not get a VLF like the Excalibur and dig iron only when you want to? You can use it in the all metal mode or just listen for the threshold to null in discriminate mode. You then have the best of both worlds. The Excalibur will go almost as deep in the all metal (pin point) mode as a PI.

 

[Jolly Mon]

A BBS machine with a WOT in pinpoint will go DEEPER than almost any PI detector in moderately mineralized WET SAND. It will even beat great PI's like the Dual Field sometimes in those conditions.

Take the same two detectors into waist deep, salt water, though, and the Dual Field will destroy the BBS machine. The Sea Hunter probably will, too, although I have not used that detector enough to say for sure.

 

[bigscoop]

A BBS machine with a WOT in pinpoint will go DEEPER than almost any PI detector in moderately mineralized WET SAND. It will even beat great PI's like the Dual Field sometimes in those conditions.

Take the same two detectors into waist deep, salt water, though, and the Dual Field will destroy the BBS machine. The Sea Hunter probably will, too, although I have not used that detector enough to say for sure.

After "a lot" of testing I've settled on the notion of the Excal & WOT (or sef 12x15) for the wet sand on my local beaches, and the Excal with 8 or 10" for the water hunting. There just isn't enough benefit or versatility in a PI to invest in one for all your beach & water hunting. Most PI owners have selected them based on known hunting conditions, or to address certain hunting conditions, VS selecting them for all their possible beach and water hunting needs. Once you know your beaches the choice would be clearer but without actually knowing those conditions first hand a PI as your only option might present you with a lot of difficulties. The CZ-21 fitting nicely between these two options.

 

[Northern Lights]

I like the Pulse dual field, with a lot of experience you get to know the hair pins or bobby pins or wire by the double blip, but this hobby can be so rewarding, that just 2 or 3 14 bands can bring you in $500 to $750 in scrap, can depend on the area, so why limit yourself to just one unit, go for broke, you will get it back in spades. If after a while you prefer one over the other then sell it off.

 

[Jolly Mon]

The OP said he was looking for an "in the water detector" for wading and snorkling. He further stated he would be using it for snorkeling and scuba most of the time. He said he was interested in iron objects as well as non ferrous ones because of their potential historical value. Small iron doesn't last long underwater. Bigger iron objects are usually easy to identify, even with a pulse. Given what he said he wants to use the detector for, he is making a fine choice. An Excalibur would be a poor choice for his conditions and would cost him twice as much money (and a great deal more aggravation in the long run). A CZ 20/21 might be slightly better, but still not nearly as effective in deeper water as almost any PI. The guy will become a much better underwater detectorist by using his ears as his sole discrimination from the very beginning. He will also save himself a substantial amount of money.

 

[bigscoop]

The OP said he was looking for an "in the water detector" for wading and snorkling. He further stated he would be using it for snorkeling and scuba most of the time. He said he was interested in iron objects as well as non ferrous ones because of their potential historical value. Small iron doesn't last long underwater. Bigger iron objects are usually easy to identify, even with a pulse. Given what he said he wants to use the detector for, he is making a fine choice. An Excalibur would be a poor choice for his conditions and would cost him twice as much money (and a great deal more aggravation in the long run). A CZ 20/21 might be slightly better, but still not nearly as effective in deeper water as almost any PI. The guy will become a much better underwater detectorist by using his ears as his sole discrimination from the very beginning. He will also save himself a substantial amount of money.

Was simply agreeing with your earlier assessment of the BBS/WOT and wet sand. As for the water hunting, if he is 100% sure he wants to dig all iron without knowing just how much iron he may actually encounter, then do the PI thing. On the other hand, my beaches are typically clean beaches with not too much iron, "Most of the time". But stir up those outer bars and strip away some of that beach sand and the vast amount of iron can literally drive you nuts, and I mean like every swing or two in many areas.

 

[BVI Hunter]

UPDATE:

went for the SeaHunter 2 and am VERY happy.
I like the simple "if it beeps its a target" with no chatter etc.
in my area i need to dig EVERYTHING, so this works for me.

found a few things on my first outing that I know MUST have some local historical value.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/350767-musket-ball-plus-strange-copper-things.html

thanks again for all your help!!

 

[Terry Soloman]

Congrats on the new machine and Big Gold!

 

[fox]

I love my cz_21 it is a deep seeking unit and can be taken to 250 feet lots of settings and is quiet as a church mouse when set correctly.

Sent from my C5170 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Sir Gala Clad]

Why? JM

 

[dbsmokey]

UPDATE:

went for the SeaHunter 2 and am VERY happy.
I like the simple "if it beeps its a target" with no chatter etc.
in my area i need to dig EVERYTHING, so this works for me.

found a few things on my first outing that I know MUST have some local historical value.

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/what/350767-musket-ball-plus-strange-copper-things.html

thanks again for all your help!!

Congrats on the new machine. Please keep your impressions coming; I am considering this machine as well and would like to hear your thoughts.

 

[BVI Hunter]

OK UPDATE AGAIN!!

went out for only my second outing;

2-4 ft of water
snorkelling
4hr duration

this is the result;

http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/t...ing-seahunter-2-more-results.html#post3347728


as I said, I wanted to dig EVERYHTING!! and evrytime i get a beep i get a find!!
i admit I am luck, these local islands have been unihabited since the 1800's and tourists are few and far between! NOT ONE ring pull yet !!

this machine is great!!

getting my PADI this month as I came across a wreck this week... yipee!!!

 

[mad4wrecks]

You are welcome. :-) Awesome finds. Keep posting your results.