Saltwater detector for shallow water

[Delduck]

Trying to buy my wife a metal detector that she can use when she takes the boat out to the sandbars the water is salt and we’re only in 6”-3’ of water. We have never had one before but prefer not to buy junk. I was told to get a garret AT max, then on a fishing forum someone suggested I ask here. I read a little about how someone said the minelab fbs was better than the Garret so now I don’t know which way to buy. Looking on line the reviews are good for the garret, but they tell me this forum is people that will know. not run of the mill people. So if I can get some help I would appreciate it. Trying to buy something within 10 days. Her birthday is coming up. Newcomer to the site so if I put this in the wrong place then I apologize. Thank you in advance.

 

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[Terry Soloman]

Welcome! Garrett AT Max is HORRIBLE in saltwater or wet saltwater sand because it is a single-frequency machine. Look at the Minelab Equinox 600

 

[ColonelDan]

Welcome! Garrett AT Max is HORRIBLE in saltwater or wet saltwater sand because it is a single-frequency machine. Look at the Minelab Equinox 600

I agree with Terry 100%. Saltwater hunting is my life and I wouldn't think of using the AT Max in such environments. I've tested Garret machines at the beach for Kellyco and yes, although they are waterproof, in order to stabilize them in saltwater, the sensitivity must be reduced to such an extent that depth is severely limited.

Set your sights on Minelab multi-frequency machines or a Pulse Induction detector. I would suggest you take a hard look at the Equinox as Terry recommends. It's very affordable, easy to use for a beginner, very well suited to saltwater environments, waterproof to 10 ft. and comes with a 3 year warranty.

Just the salty view from my foxhole....

 

[CASPER-2]

Beach and Shallow Water
THIS IS WHERE YOU WANT TO ASK

 

[islamoradamark]

MINELAB THE TOP OF THE LINE ONE WOULD be a x-cal 100% WATERPROOF

 

[RustyGold]

Welcome to TreasureNet.
I think the Minelab 600 or 800 Equinox series would be just about perfect. I would not get the Simplex as it is a single tone setting (all targets sound the same) detector in the salt and on the beach.
Here’s a link comparing the 600 vs the 800:
https://www.minelab.com/community/treasure-talk/equinox-600-vs-equinox-800

 

[Delduck]

Thank you for your quick responses. So I’m going to order the 600 as suggested is there a package that I should get and do you have a recommendation on who or where to buy from. I see it on amazon but if you guys say I should order threw a metal detector supply company than Please let me know. It doesn’t bother me from whom I buy from just trying to get the best product. Thanks again I’m amazed at the quick responses.

 

[xr7ator]

I agree with the EQ600 and call supporting vendors on this site. CALL, don't just go to their website, for the BEST deal.

 

[teleprospector]

Thank you for your quick responses. So I’m going to order the 600 as suggested is there a package that I should get and do you have a recommendation on who or where to buy from. I see it on amazon but if you guys say I should order threw a metal detector supply company than Please let me know. It doesn’t bother me from whom I buy from just trying to get the best product. Thanks again I’m amazed at the quick responses.

If you can go to the nearest dealer. Equinox 600 is a great all purpose machine you and the family will really enjoy it. BUY the underwater headphones even if they don't come with the machine, you're gonna want those even if you are not totally underwater, even the 3' depth you are saying you are at will ruin the normal phones if they get wet. Your gonna want a pinpointer too for land hunting. Buy a sand scoop with long handle. The Garret AT series are good but not for saltwater/salt sand, but the dry sand on a saltwater beach they are ok, fresh water they are ok but under the water they are terribly buoyant, I have to have small weights on them. I've heard dicey reports of the whites mx sport doing ok in the salt.
Jon

 

[CASPER-2]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/casper-2/

if you need to inspire her...have read some of these
articles I wrote - pages can be enlarged for easier reading